You’ve probably been there. Staring at your outdated bathroom, mentally replacing that chipped tub, those yellowing tiles, and that vanity that’s seen better days. Then comes the big question: how much is this going to cost me?
Bathroom renovations can run anywhere from $5,000 to over $50,000. The difference? It all depends on your bathroom size, what exactly you’re changing, the quality of materials you pick, and whether any surprises pop up once the walls come down.
Roughly Cost to Renovate a Bathroom
Let’s tackle this head-on. The national average for a bathroom remodel sits around $10,000 to $15,000. But that number can be misleading because so many factors push it up or down.
Think of bathroom renovation costs like buying a car. You can get a basic model that gets you from point A to B, or you can add leather seats, premium sound systems, and all the bells and whistles. Your bathroom is no different.
Bathroom Size
Size matters when it comes to bathroom renovation costs. It’s pretty simple math – more square footage means more materials and more labor.
A tiny powder room might cost $5,000-$10,000 to renovate. These small spaces (usually 15-40 square feet) have less tile, fewer fixtures, and typically no shower or tub to worry about.
A standard full bathroom (about 40-100 square feet) with a tub/shower combo will typically run $10,000-$15,000 to completely renovate.
Master bathrooms are the big league players. These larger spaces (100-200+ square feet) often include double vanities, separate showers, soaking tubs, and more premium finishes. Expect to pay $20,000-$30,000 at minimum, with luxury versions easily pushing $50,000 or more.
When considering expert bathroom renovation in Bellevue, remember that labor costs tend to be higher than the national average, which affects these ranges.
Scope of Renovation
Not all bathroom renovations are created equal. The scope of what you’re doing dramatically affects the price tag.
A surface-level refresh might include a new vanity, toilet, paint, and maybe some lighting fixtures. This cosmetic update could cost as little as $3,000-$7,000.
A mid-level remodel typically involves replacing all fixtures, adding new tile, updating lighting, and perhaps some minor layout adjustments. This falls in the $10,000-$20,000 range.
A major renovation or complete gut job is where costs really climb. Moving plumbing lines, relocating toilets or showers, taking everything down to the studs, and rebuilding from scratch will push you into the $20,000-$50,000+ territory.
If you’re changing the layout, you’re also likely dealing with permits, possible structural modifications, and much more complex plumbing and electrical work. These changes add thousands to your bottom line.
Material Quality
The materials you choose can easily double or triple your renovation budget without changing a single square foot of your bathroom.
Basic fixtures and materials (think big box store options) will keep costs lower. Standard porcelain tiles might cost $1-3 per square foot, while basic toilets and vanities might run $200-400 each.
Mid-range options step up the quality and style. Ceramic or porcelain tiles in the $5-10 per square foot range, solid-surface countertops, and better quality fixtures might add several thousand to your budget.
High-end materials take your budget to new heights. Natural stone like marble ($15-50 per square foot), custom cabinetry, designer fixtures, and premium features like heated floors can push material costs alone into the tens of thousands.
The shower is often where material costs vary most wildly. A prefab fiberglass shower unit might cost $400-600, while a custom tile shower floor with high-end fixtures could easily run $4,000-$10,000 or more.
Labor Costs
Labor typically accounts for about 40-65% of your bathroom renovation budget. This includes demolition, plumbing, electrical, tile work, carpentry, painting, and project management.
Plumbers charge $45-200 per hour depending on your location, and bathroom renovations typically need 10-20 hours of plumbing work. Electricians run similar rates.
Tile setters might charge $5-10 per square foot for installation, not including the tiles themselves.
General contractors typically add 10-20% to the total project cost for management and coordination.
Some homeowners try to save by acting as their own general contractor, but unless you have experience managing renovation projects, this can actually cost more in the long run through mistakes and delays.
Unexpected Expenses
Almost every bathroom renovation has some surprise costs. Smart homeowners budget an extra 10-20% for these unexpected issues.
Water damage is probably the most common surprise. Once your contractor removes old tile or flooring, they might find rotted subfloors or moldy drywall that needs to be replaced.
Outdated plumbing is another common issue, especially in older homes. Discovering corroded pipes, non-compliant wiring, or inadequate ventilation can add significant costs.
Structural issues sometimes appear too. Finding out your floor joists need reinforcement to support that new jetted tub isn’t something you want to hear mid-project.
Permit requirements can also throw a wrench in your budget. Some municipalities have strict codes that may require unexpected updates to bring everything up to current standards.
Budget Renovation
A budget bathroom renovation ($5,000-$10,000) focuses on cosmetic changes while keeping the existing layout and most of the plumbing intact.
You’ll be looking at:
- Standard white toilet ($100-250)
- Basic vanity with top ($200-600)
- Wall-mounted mirror ($50-150)
- Basic shower/tub combo ($400-700)
- Simple ceramic tile ($1-3 per square foot)
- Basic lighting and hardware ($200-400)
- Paint and minor fixes ($200-500)
- Labor ($3,000-6,000)
Budget renovations work best in bathrooms with good bones—no major simple plumbing issues, decent ventilation, and a functional layout that you’re happy keeping.
You’ll save by keeping things simple, choosing standard sizes and finishes, and possibly doing some work yourself, like painting or simple installations.
Mid-Range Renovation
Mid-range bathroom renovations ($10,000-$20,000) offer significant upgrades without going fully custom.
These typically include:
- Better quality toilet ($250-400)
- Solid wood or quality vanity with stone top ($800-1,500)
- Framed mirror or medicine cabinet ($200-500)
- New acrylic or upgraded tub ($700-2,000)
- Upgraded shower with better fixtures ($1,000-3,500)
- Better quality tile with some accent pieces ($5-10 per square foot)
- Better lighting, vent fans, and hardware ($400-800)
- Fresh paint and trim ($300-600)
- Labor ($6,000-10,000)
At this price point, you might make some minor layout adjustments, upgrade to a comfort-height toilet, install a larger vanity, or add a glass shower door instead of a curtain.
The mid-range bathroom feels like a significant upgrade but still relies on mass-produced fixtures and materials rather than custom elements.
High-End Renovation
High-end bathroom renovations ($20,000-$50,000+) transform your bathroom into a personal spa retreat with premium everything.
You’re looking at:
- High-efficiency, modern toilet ($400-800)
- Custom vanity with stone countertop ($1,500-4,000)
- Designer or backlit mirror ($500-1,000)
- Soaking tub or jetted tub ($1,500-5,000+)
- Custom tiled shower with high-end fixtures ($3,500-10,000+)
- Premium tile work with custom patterns ($10-50 per square foot)
- Excellent lighting, quiet vent fans ($800-1,500)
- Heated floors ($1,600-2,400)
- Smart features like digital controls ($1,000-2,000)
- Custom storage solutions ($1,000-3,000)
- Labor ($10,000-20,000+)
High-end renovations often involve significant layout changes, possibly even expanding the bathroom by taking space from adjacent rooms.
The materials are top-tier, installations are perfect, and custom touches abound. These bathrooms feel like luxury hotel experiences with every convenience considered.
Cost-Saving Tips
Want to keep costs down without sacrificing quality? Try these approaches:
Keep the same layout. Moving plumbing and electrical is expensive, so work with what you have when possible.
Refinish rather than replace. Sometimes your tub can be professionally refinished for $400-800 instead of spending $1,500+ on a new one.
Focus your splurges. Pick one or two statement pieces (like a stunning vanity or rainfall shower) and keep everything else more budget-friendly.
Shop floor models and remnants. Tile shops often have leftover pieces from large jobs that they’ll sell at a discount.
Time your renovation. Contractors might offer better rates during their slow seasons (typically winter).
Get multiple bids. Always get at least three quotes for your project to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
Do careful demolition yourself. If you’re handy, removing old fixtures and tile can save labor costs.
Keep some original features. That vintage cast iron tub might be worth keeping and building your new design around it.
Buy fixtures yourself. Sometimes you can find better deals than your contractor, especially during sales.
Conclusion
Bathroom renovations can cost anywhere from $5,000 for basic updates to $50,000+ for luxury transformations. Most homeowners end up spending between $10,000-$20,000 for a full renovation.
Your final price tag depends on your bathroom size, how much you’re changing, the quality of durable materials you choose, labor costs in your area, and any surprise issues that pop up during construction.
The most important thing? Plan thoroughly before you start. Get detailed quotes, choose your materials early, build in that 10-20% contingency fund, and work with reputable professionals.
A well-planned bathroom renovation not only makes your daily routine more pleasant but also adds significant value to your home. Just be realistic about your budget from the start, and you’ll avoid the renovation horror stories that happen when costs spiral out of control.
