How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?
By the HomeLintel Editorial Team · Reviewed 2026-08-24
A full remodel of a typical 5×8 foot bathroom — new tub or shower, vanity, toilet, tile, lighting, and paint, keeping plumbing where it is — usually lands between $6,000 and $28,000, with most homeowners spending around $13,500.
The single biggest cost decision is whether anything moves. Keeping the toilet, sink, and shower in their current positions keeps plumbing labor modest; relocating fixtures adds demolition, rough plumbing, and inspection costs that can add 30–50% to the project before you've upgraded a single finish.
Cost breakdown: standard 5×8 full remodel
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Labor (all trades) | $3,000 – $9,000 | Typically 40–60% of the total: plumber, electrician, tile setter, GC. |
| Tub/shower & surround | $800 – $5,000 | Prefab acrylic on the low end; custom tiled walk-in on the high. |
| Tile & flooring | $800 – $3,500 | Porcelain is the value pick; natural stone raises material and labor. |
| Vanity, sink & faucet | $500 – $3,000 | Stock vanity vs custom cabinetry is a $2,000+ swing. |
| Toilet | $200 – $800 | Installed. Wall-hung units cost multiples of floor-mount. |
| Lighting & electrical | $300 – $1,500 | GFCI updates, exhaust fan, vanity lighting. |
| Permit & inspection | $100 – $600 | Required in most jurisdictions when plumbing or wiring changes. |
Small bathroom remodel costs
A small or half bathroom (under about 40 sq ft) runs meaningfully cheaper: $3,500–$10,000 for a full renovation, and $1,500–$4,000 for a cosmetic refresh of paint, vanity, mirror, lighting, and hardware. The savings come mostly from tile area and fewer fixtures — labor minimums mean a half bath is never half the price of a full bath.
The three project tiers
Quotes make sense once you know which tier you're actually buying:
- Refresh ($2,500–$7,000): paint, vanity, toilet, lighting, hardware, maybe a tub reglaze. No tile demolition, no plumbing moves.
- Midrange full remodel ($10,000–$18,000): everything replaced in place — new tub/shower, tile, vanity, toilet, fan, lighting. This is the tier most 'bathroom remodel cost' averages describe.
- Upscale / layout change ($25,000–$50,000+): moved fixtures, walk-in shower conversion, double vanity, heated floors, custom tile and glass. Plumbing relocation and waterproofing drive the jump.
What raises the price
Beyond finish choices, the common budget-breakers are hidden water damage discovered at demolition (rotted subfloor or studs — budget a 10–15% contingency), moving the drain lines, upgrading an old electrical panel to support new circuits, and glass: frameless shower enclosures alone run $1,000–$3,000 installed.
Do you need a permit?
Cosmetic work — paint, vanity swap, faucet, flooring laid over existing — generally needs no permit. Once you alter plumbing, move fixtures, add circuits, or change venting, most US jurisdictions require permits and inspection. Unpermitted plumbing and electrical work is a classic home-sale problem, so confirm with your local building department and make sure your contractor's quote states who pulls the permit.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a bathroom remodel cost?
For a standard 5×8 bathroom remodeled in place with midrange finishes, expect roughly $10,000–$18,000 all-in. Under $7,000 usually means a cosmetic refresh rather than a full remodel; over $25,000 usually means layout changes, custom tile work, or upscale fixtures.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A full in-place remodel typically takes 2–4 weeks of active work once materials are on hand. Layout changes, custom glass (often a 2-week fabrication wait), and inspection scheduling can stretch a project to 6+ weeks.
Can you remodel a bathroom for $5,000?
Yes — as a refresh: paint, new vanity and top, toilet, lighting, mirror, and hardware with existing tile and tub kept or reglazed. A full remodel including tile and tub replacement at $5,000 requires substantial DIY labor.
What adds the most value in a bathroom remodel?
Mid-range remodels recoup more of their cost at resale than upscale ones. Functional upgrades — a clean walk-in shower, good lighting, modern vanity, effective ventilation — return more than luxury materials.
Is a bathroom remodel worth it?
Financially you typically recoup a portion of the cost at sale (industry remodeling-value studies put midrange bath remodels well above upscale ones on percentage recouped), but the stronger case is daily use plus eliminating water-damage risks from failing tile, grout, or fixtures.
Related resources
Sources & methodology
- US EPA WaterSense — Bathroom Fixtures — fixture efficiency standards referenced for upgrades
- US CPSC — GFCI Requirements — bathroom electrical safety context
Cost ranges are HomeLintel editorial estimates built from the listed sources and our published assumptions — they are not quotes. Last reviewed 2026-08-24. See how we estimate costs.