How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Really Cost?

If you’ve been daydreaming about a bathroom refresh, you’ve probably asked the big question: How much does a bathroom remodel actually cost? The honest answer is: it depends. Bathrooms are one of the most high-impact spaces in your home, and costs can swing dramatically depending on the size of the room, the finishes you choose, and how prepared you are before calling in contractors.

As an interior designer who specializes in remodels, here’s what I tell every client: the smartest money you’ll spend on a remodel is finishing the design before you start collecting quotes. When you go to contractors with a completed design in hand—layouts, fixtures, finishes—you’re getting bids based on the actual pro

ject, not guesses. That one step can save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches.

Why Budgeting Matters

A bathroom remodel without a clear budget is like flying without a flight plan—you’ll probably land somewhere, but not necessarily where you hoped. Having a solid budget upfront keeps expectations realistic and helps you make confident decisions as you go. Without it, you risk overspending, stalling halfway through, or cutting corners where it really matters (like waterproofing).

Wish List vs. Must-Haves

Every bathroom project should start with two lists: your must-haves (the things you can’t live without) and your wish list (the nice-to-haves). Ranking your wish list is especially helpful because when it comes time to make tradeoffs, you already know which upgrades matter most.

What Impacts the Cost?

Bathroom remodel costs vary a lot based on:

• Materials: Tile, stone, quartz, plumbing fixtures—all come in a huge range of price points.

• Labor: Skilled trades like plumbing, tile, and electrical add up quickly.

• Permits and codes: These vary by city but are non-negotiable.

• Design clarity: The more decisions you make up front, the fewer change orders (and surprise costs) you’ll face.

Here’s a snapshot of 2025 average installed costs:

Item	Estimated Cost
New sink	$300 – $1,500
Toilet	$400 – $1,000
Shower installation	$4,000 – $10,000+
Bathtub replacement	$2,000 – $5,000
Bathroom door installation	$500 – $1,200
Painting	$300 – $800
Ventilation system	$500 – $1,500
Faucet replacement	$150 – $500
Cabinets/vanity	$1,500 – $5,000+
Re-tiling floor	$2,000 – $7,000

DIY or Hire a Pro?

There are definitely a few bathroom updates that make great DIY projects—painting, swapping out hardware, or even clicking together luxury vinyl planks if you’ve got the patience. But when it comes to plumbing, electrical work, ventilation, or anything involving waterproofing, I always recommend hiring a professional. The upfront investment is worth avoiding the expensive damage that can come from a leak or faulty wiring.

For the in-between projects—like installing a toilet, faucet, or cabinets—it really depends on your skill level and time. If you enjoy hands-on work and have some experience, you might take these on. If not, a pro can usually get them done quickly and correctly, which saves you stress in the long run. My rule of thumb: if you’re short on time or energy, bring in the professionals no matter the task—it’ll make the process smoother and far less overwhelming.

The Payoff

The good news? Bathroom remodels tend to pay you back in more ways than one. On average, you can expect to recoup about 60–65% of the cost at resale. But honestly, the daily ROI might matter even more—an updated bathroom adds comfort, functionality, and a little bit of joy every single day. Buyers pick up on that, too; a fresh, well-designed bathroom signals that a home has been thoughtfully cared for and often helps it sell faster.

Final Thought

If you’re planning a remodel, remember this: design first, quotes second. It’s the easiest way to protect your budget, cut down on stress, and end up with a bathroom you’ll truly love for years to come.

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