Bathroom Remodeling Quotes & Costs

What bathroom remodeling actually costs

Bathroom remodels cover a huge range of work. Swapping out a vanity and mirror in a half bath is a weekend project. Gutting a master bathroom down to the studs and rebuilding with heated floors and a frameless glass shower, that's a different conversation entirely.

Here's how costs typically break down by the type of bathroom and scope of work:

Based on 138 real bathroom remodeling quotes in our database. Median project cost: $13,000.

Our median of $13,000 suggests most homeowners are tackling full bath remodels, replacing tile, updating fixtures, and refreshing the vanity, without going all-in on a luxury build. That sweet spot between "looks dated" and "feels like a spa" is where most of the action is.

What drives the price

Bathrooms are small rooms with a lot of expensive work packed into them. Tile, plumbing, waterproofing, and electrical all converge in a tight space, which is why the per-square-foot cost of a bathroom remodel is typically higher than any other room in the house.

• Tile work: Tile is often the most visible part of a bathroom remodel and one of the most labor-intensive. Basic ceramic tile runs $5–$15 per square foot for materials, but labor for skilled installation adds $8–$25 per square foot on top of that. Large-format tiles, intricate patterns, and natural stone all push costs higher. A fully tiled shower alone can run $2,500–$7,000.
• Plumbing relocation:If you're keeping fixtures where they are, plumbing costs stay reasonable, maybe $500–$1,500 for new supply lines and drain connections. But moving a toilet, shower, or tub to a new location means rerouting drain lines, which can cost $2,000–$5,000+ depending on accessibility and whether you're on a slab foundation.
• Fixtures: The range here is staggering. A perfectly good toilet costs $150–$400. A wall-hung toilet with concealed tank runs $800–$2,000. Faucets go from $50 basic to $600+ designer. Showerheads, body sprays, and rain heads add up fast once you start building a custom shower system.
• Waterproofing:This is the behind-the-scenes work that doesn't get the attention it deserves. Proper waterproofing membranes, shower pan liners, and moisture barriers typically add $1,000–$3,000 to a project, and skipping or cheapening this step is the single most common cause of expensive bathroom failures down the road.

How to compare bathroom remodeling quotes

Bathroom remodeling quotes can be tricky to compare because so much of the work is hidden behind walls. Two quotes might look similar on price but differ dramatically in what's actually included. Here's how to cut through the noise:

• Waterproofing method: Does the quote specify a waterproofing system by name? Contractors who detail their waterproofing approach are typically more thorough overall.
• Tile specifics:Look for the type of tile, size, layout pattern, and whether the quote includes accent tiles or niches. "Tile shower surround" without specifics could mean anything.
• Fixture brands and models:A quote that lists "Kohler Cimarron toilet" is far more useful than one that says "new toilet." Specific models let you verify pricing and quality independently.
• Demolition and prep work:Who handles demo? Is haul-away included? What about repairing subfloor or addressing existing water damage? These items can add $1,000–$3,000 if they're not in the original quote.
• Ventilation:Proper bathroom ventilation (exhaust fan vented to the exterior) is code in most areas and critical for preventing moisture damage. Make sure it's included.