Bathroom cost guide 2026
Remodel, reface or walk-in tub, side by side: price, time on site and who each one suits.
| Project | Typical cost | Time on site | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom remodel (mid-range) | $15,000 – $32,000 | 3–6 weeks | Damage, layout change, long-term value |
| Bath refacing (liner + walls) | $4,500 – $9,500 | 1–2 days | Sound tub, fast modern look |
| Tub-to-shower conversion | $7,000 – $16,000 | 1–5 days | Easier entry, more space |
| Walk-in tub | $6,000 – $15,000 | 1–3 days | Limited mobility, aging in place |
Bathroom Remodeling
A bathroom remodel replaces some or all of the room down to the studs: tile, tub or shower, vanity, toilet, lighting, ventilation and often the plumbing behind the walls. You get to change anything, and it does the most for resale. It is also the job with the most ways to go wrong, so the contractor, the permit and a written scope matter more than which faucet you pick.
- Refresh: $6,500 – $14,000. Same layout. New vanity, toilet, fixtures, lighting, paint and a tub or shower surround.
- Mid-range remodel: $15,000 – $32,000. Down to studs. New tile floor and shower walls, tub-to-shower conversion, fan, updated supply lines.
- Upscale primary bath: $35,000 – $80,000. Layout changes, curbless shower, double vanity, heated floor, custom glass and stone.
Bathroom Refacing
Bathroom refacing (you will also hear bath liner, tub liner or one-day bath) covers your existing tub, shower base and walls with custom-molded acrylic or solid-surface panels. It costs less than tearing out tile, makes far less dust, and you can usually shower again the next day. It works best when the tub and subfloor are sound and you like the current layout.
- Wall surround only: $2,800 – $5,500. New acrylic or solid-surface walls over the existing tile, new trim and caulk.
- Tub liner + walls: $4,500 – $9,500. Custom-fit tub liner and wall system, new faucet trim, shelves and grab bar.
- Tub-to-shower conversion: $7,000 – $14,000. Tub removed, low-threshold shower base, walls, glass or curtain, seat and bars.
Walk-in Tubs
A walk-in tub has a watertight door, a step-in height of a few inches, a molded seat at chair height and controls within reach. You sit down to bathe and never climb over a tub wall, which is exactly where a lot of bathroom falls happen. Installed cost depends mostly on the model, the water heater capacity and how much the surrounding wall and plumbing need to change.
- Soaker model: $6,000 – $10,000. Basic walk-in soaker, door, seat, grab bars, standard faucet and hand shower.
- Air or whirlpool jets: $9,000 – $15,000. Air or water jets, heated seat or backrest, quick-drain pump, wall surround.
- Premium / bariatric: $14,000 – $22,000. Wider or bariatric tub, combination jets, inline heater, full wall system and electrical.
Not sure which project fits?
A local specialist can look at your bathroom and quote all options for free.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to update a bathroom?
Paint, new lighting, a new vanity top and faucet, and a regrouted or refaced tub surround. Bath refacing is the cheapest way to replace the look of a tub and shower without demolition.
Is it cheaper to reface or retile a shower?
Refacing a tub and shower with an acrylic or solid-surface system usually costs about half of a new tiled shower because there is little demolition and no tile labor or cure time.
What raises the cost of a bathroom project most?
Moving plumbing, fixing hidden water damage, custom glass, large or natural-stone tile and premium fixtures. Layout changes add both plumbing and permit costs.