Bathroom Remodel Costs by Project Scope
Bathroom remodel cost is primarily driven by scope and whether you're moving plumbing. Here's what to expect across different project levels:
| Project Scope | Typical Cost Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Powder Room Refresh | $2,000 – $6,000 | New fixtures, paint, vanity, accessories |
| Full Bathroom Remodel | $8,000 – $22,000 | New tile, vanity, toilet, tub or shower — same layout |
| Master Bath Renovation | $18,000 – $40,000 | Luxury tile, walk-in shower, double vanity, soaking tub |
| Full Gut + Layout Change | $25,000 – $55,000 | New plumbing runs, expanded footprint, full custom finish |
Walk-in shower conversions now account for 41% of bathroom remodel projects — up from 28% in 2020. Labor for custom tile work carries the highest per-hour premium in this category.
National averages. Local labor costs vary 15–25% by city. Moving plumbing adds $1,500–$5,000+ regardless of scope.
Where the Money Goes in a Bathroom Remodel
- Labor (40–50% of budget): Tile installation, plumbing, drywall, and finish work are labor-intensive. This is where city-to-city price differences are most pronounced.
- Tile and flooring (15–25%): Standard ceramic tile runs $5–$12/sq ft installed. Natural stone and large-format tile run $15–$30/sq ft installed. Shower tile typically requires twice as much labor as floor tile due to layout complexity.
- Vanity and fixtures (15–20%): A solid vanity with countertop runs $800–$2,500. Freestanding soaking tubs run $1,500–$5,000+. Quality fixtures (Kohler, Moen, Delta) run $500–$1,500 for a complete set.
- Shower or tub enclosure (10–20%): A standard tub/shower combo runs $1,500–$4,000. A custom tile shower runs $3,000–$8,000+. A frameless glass enclosure adds $1,500–$4,000 to any shower.
- Permits (<5%): Permit requirements vary by scope and jurisdiction. Structural changes, new electrical circuits, and plumbing moves almost always require permits.
Bathroom Remodel Full Guide
Bathroom Remodel Costs by City
Labor rates are the primary driver of city-to-city cost differences. Select your city for a complete local breakdown:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in 2026?
A full bathroom remodel (new tile, vanity, toilet, tub or shower — same layout) runs $8,000–$22,000 nationally. A powder room refresh runs $2,000–$6,000. A master bath renovation runs $18,000–$40,000. A full gut renovation with layout changes runs $25,000–$55,000+. Local labor rates vary the total cost 15–25% by city.
Can keeping the same layout save money?
Yes — significantly. Moving plumbing adds $1,500–$5,000+ to any project. Keeping the toilet, shower, and sink in their existing locations and just replacing tile, fixtures, and finishes can cut your total project cost by 20–40%. The highest-cost move in any bathroom remodel is relocating the shower or tub — avoid it unless the layout is truly non-functional.
What's the best ROI on a bathroom remodel?
Adding a full bathroom where there wasn't one before returns 80–130% of cost in home value — the highest ROI of any bathroom project. A mid-range full bathroom remodel returns 60–70%. Master bath overhauls return 50–65% but improve quality of life significantly. Cosmetic updates (new vanity, fixtures, paint, tile refresh) return the most per dollar spent.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A cosmetic refresh takes 1–2 weeks. A full bathroom remodel takes 3–5 weeks. A master bath gut renovation takes 6–10 weeks. Tile work, custom vanities, and glass enclosures have lead times that affect the schedule. Plan for the bathroom to be unavailable during active construction — critical if it's your only full bathroom.