Bathroom Remodel Cost Estimator
Enter your bathroom size and finish level for a realistic cost breakdown — tile, fixtures, and labor.
Runs entirely in your browser — your numbers never leave this page.
How it works
Bathrooms run higher per square foot than kitchens — every fixture needs plumbing in a tiny space:
- Budget refresh (~$150/sq ft): reglaze tub, new toilet/vanity top, paint, fixtures — same footprint.
- Mid-range (~$350/sq ft): new tile, vanity, toilet, lighting — the standard full remodel.
- High-end (~$650/sq ft): walk-in shower, stone tile, heated floors, custom vanity.
- Labor leads: ~28% — tile setters and plumbers are the expensive trades here.
- Tile is the swing factor: $2/sq ft ceramic vs $15+/sq ft stone changes the budget more than any fixture.
- ROI: mid-range bath remodels recoup ~60% at resale — second only to kitchens among interior projects.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bathroom remodel cost?
Roughly $150/sq ft (refresh), $350/sq ft (mid-range), or $650/sq ft (high-end). A 60 sq ft mid-range bath ≈ $21,000.
Why are bathrooms so expensive to remodel?
Plumbing density — toilet, sink, shower, and tub all need water and drain lines in a small space, plus waterproofing that kitchens skip.
What is the cheapest way to update a bathroom?
Reglaze instead of replacing the tub, keep the layout, paint, new mirror/lighting/fixtures. Under $3,000 is doable.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
Refresh: 1–2 weeks. Full mid-range: 3–5 weeks. High-end with layout changes: 2–3 months.
Should I keep the tub or go walk-in shower?
Walk-in showers are the trend and cheaper to tile than a tub surround — but families with small kids still want at least one tub in the house.
What tile is best for bathrooms?
Porcelain — waterproof, tough, and cheap to mid-price. Natural stone looks premium but needs sealing and costs 3–5x more.
Do I need a permit?
Yes for plumbing moves, electrical changes, or structural work. Simple fixture swaps usually don't. Check locally.
What surprises blow the budget?
Water damage and rot behind old tile/showers — found in a large share of tear-outs. This is what the 15% contingency is for.
Heated floors — worth it?
Electric radiant mats add ~$8–15/sq ft. Cheap luxury that owners consistently say they'd do again.
What ROI does a bath remodel give?
Mid-range remodels recoup about 60% at resale. Like kitchens, remodel for your own enjoyment first.