Home & Garden
How Much Does It Really Cost to Remodel Your Bathroom?
Dreaming of fancy faucets and bubbling Jacuzzis? Revamping your bathroom might be more affordable than you think.
In every home makeover show, there’s one room that gets the most “oohs” and “aahs.” It’s frequently the master bathroom, magically transformed from a cramped and dingy space into an oasis of gleaming tile. Just add water (like, say, a nice luxurious bath) and you’ve got the perfect place to relax.
Renovating your bathroom can feel like a pie-in-the-sky dream — with a really big price tag. But don’t doom yourself to bad lighting and leaky faucets before doing the research. While bathroom remodels typically cost between $2,600-$20,000, you can keep costs down by making smart choices about what (and how) you choose to change. Rainfall showerheads and “his and hers” sinks might not be as far out of reach as you think.
First Things First
Before you start pricing things out, it’s important to get your priorities right. Make sure to ask yourself the following questions:
What does your dream bathroom look like? Is it a modern marvel of sparkling chrome, a just-for-you spa in relaxing pastels, or a dark-wood oasis for that rainforest vibe? Think about what you want this room to be before you start making decisions.
Should you go big or go small? The average cost of remodeling a bathroom is around $9,000, but you can spend a lot less to just fix up the essentials. If money is tight, focus on small stuff that will have a big impact. New fixtures and faucets cost less than replacing bathtubs and showers, but will still make your room shine like a (functional) diamond.
How does your location stack up? Keep in mind that your spend will vary based on geographic location—gutting a bathroom in a Brooklyn brownstone will probably cost more than a Scottsdale split-level. A good place to start is to get a free estimate from screened and approved pros in your area.
Do you really want to DIY? Those home-improvement marathons may have you thinking you’re a grout expert, but bathroom remodeling can involve plumbing and electrical work, large appliance installation, or even harsh chemicals—all stuff that can end up costing an arm and a leg (literally) if not handled properly. Hiring a professional can do more than save you time and headache: It can also save you money in the end.
Getting Started
Now that you have the big picture in mind you can turn to the fun stuff: the appliances and décor that will turn your bathroom into an aquatic wonderland. Here’s a breakdown of how much each fabulous detail might cost:
Shower & Bathtubs:
To shower or bathe: That is the question. Maybe you like a nice long soak with a good book and some scented candles. Or maybe you don’t care for pruney fingers and toes, and would rather splurge on a high-end showerhead.
On average, installing a shower costs about $3100, but those costs will vary depending on setup. When it comes to bathtubs there are plenty of bells and whistles — whether you prefer a spa experience with whirlpools and jets or a vintage clawfoot to make you feel like a Victorian heiress. Installing a bathtub generally runs about $2,900, but you can save a couple thousand by refinishing your tub instead. This gets rid of all the nicks and cracks, and leaves your tub looking glossy and oh-so-new.
Whether you go tub or shower, replacing or refinishing, it makes sense to hire a pro to handle the unstable chemicals involved (think hydrofluoric acid and epoxy, not to mention hours of sanding). This will run you a few hundred dollars, but it can ultimately help you save by preventing leaks and loose tiles.
Find a Local Bathtub or Shower Installer
Cabinets:
Storage is key in a bathroom: Where else are you going to put all those tiny bottles of shampoo and conditioner you collect from hotels? Installing new cabinets can get pricey (the average is $4,500) but choosing stock cabinets over custom cabinets, or laminate over wood, can lower your cost.
Refinishing cabinets is also a great way to teach an old bathroom new tricks, and it can be done for half the price. The process isn’t complicated but does require precision (it can look embarrassingly bad if you mess up), so it’s a good idea to hire a pro. And don’t forget your hinges and hardware. Basic models are only a few bucks each, but they can quickly take your bathroom from “yawn” to “yeehaw!”
Find a Local Cabinet Contractor
Toilets & Sinks:
The shower and tub may be the stars of the bathroom, but let’s not forget our functional friends the toilet and sink, which tend to be cheaper and easier to replace. Whether you’re updating your faucet or swapping out your porcelain throne, there are plenty of upgrade options that won’t break the bank. Installing a toilet typically costs between $220 and $530, and a new sink can cost around $224 and $588. Consider going the high-efficiency route —you’ll love the lower utility bills!
Flooring:
You may not be in love with your tiny bathroom, but it has one key advantage: flooring (which sells by the square foot) will cost a lot less. Ceramic is generally the least expensive option, followed by linoleum, porcelain and marble. And while those DIY shows make tiling look like a breeze, it’s actually pretty tricky getting the edges and corners to look clean. Your best bet is contracting a seasoned pro, which, depending on the size of your bathroom, will run you about $500.
Find a Local Flooring Contractor
All in all, your bathroom may not be the biggest room in your house, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve a little TLC (Tender Love and Clawfoot Tubs, that is.)
Find a Pre-Screened Bathroom Remodeler in Your Area
All photo credits: HomeAdvisor
