The cost of a bathroom remodel is never a single number—it’s a sum of dozens of decisions, each with its own price tag.
Let’s walk through the entire range of cost factors, from modest upgrades to top-tier luxury renovations, so you can build your budget with clarity and confidence.
The most affordable, focusing on the visual appeal rather than underlying systems. This might include repainting, swapping out hardware, changing light fixtures, or replacing the vanity without disturbing plumbing or layout. These types of updates typically start around $3,000 to $7,000 for a small bathroom and up to $15,000 for a full-size guest bath.
These projects often include new fixtures, upgraded tile, flooring, lighting, and perhaps a new shower or tub. Layout usually stays the same, but materials and systems get modernized. You’re looking at a starting point of $12,000–$30,000, depending on the quality of materials and size of the space.
These remodels involve stripping everything down to the studs and rebuilding. Plumbing may be relocated, walls reconfigured, and the space entirely reimagined. These are high-end jobs that often begin at $35,000 and can exceed $75,000 or more for large, customized primary bathrooms.
Smaller spaces require fewer materials, but they don’t always cost dramatically less. Why? Labor doesn’t scale down at the same rate. Whether a room is 40 square feet or 100, you still need plumbing, waterproofing, tile, cabinetry, and electrical work. A powder room with high-end tile and designer finishes can cost as much as a standard-size bathroom with builder-grade materials.
Layout also matters. If the new design maintains existing plumbing and electrical locations, you’ll avoid substantial costs. Move a toilet or shift the shower to the opposite wall, and you’re suddenly dealing with permits, new lines, and added labor—easily adding to the total.
Vanities and built-ins play a major role in both form and function. Stock vanities (available off the shelf) offer a streamlined look and run as low as $300 to $900, depending on size. Semi-custom models with upgraded materials and finishes generally cost $1,200 to $3,500, while fully custom cabinetry with interior organizers, premium hardwoods, and specialty finishes can climb beyond $8,000.
Storage upgrades like recessed niches, linen towers, or medicine cabinets also factor into the cost—especially if they require drywall work or framing adjustments.
This is one category where pricing varies significantly. A basic chrome faucet can cost under $100, while a designer model in brushed brass or matte black can cost $500 to $1,000. Multiply that by three or four fixtures per bath, and it adds up fast.
Toilets range from $150 to $2,000, with added features like bidets, heated seats, or smart technology driving the cost upward. Freestanding tubs start around $800 but high-end cast iron or stone models can easily top $5,000, not including the additional labor and structural reinforcement sometimes needed to install them.
Shower remodels are one of the most significant budget line items. A prefabricated shower insert might cost as little as $1,000 to $2,000 installed, but a custom-tiled walk-in shower with frameless glass doors and a rain head can reach $10,000 to $20,000, depending on size, tile type, and complexity.
Don’t forget: building a proper shower isn’t just about good looks. Waterproofing, slope, and drainage systems must be executed perfectly to prevent long-term damage—making labor costs higher in this category than many homeowners expect.
From flooring to backsplashes and shower surrounds, tile is both a practical and design-forward surface choice—but it’s labor-intensive. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are typically more affordable and run around $5 to $10 per square foot installed. Natural stone, mosaic patterns, or large-format tiles can double that cost—or more—when accounting for labor and specialty cuts.
Floor heating systems are increasingly common in luxury baths and add comfort, especially in colder climates. Expect an additional $800 to $2,500, depending on square footage and electrical setup.
Countertops run the gamut in pricing. Laminate is the most affordable, often under $500 for a single vanity. Solid surface materials like quartz, granite, and marble are more popular and range from $1,200 to $3,500+, based on the size and stone selected.
Undermount or vessel sinks add visual interest, with pricing that starts around $100 but can jump to $700 or more for designer or artisan-made options.
Lighting can dramatically change how a bathroom feels—and how usable it is. A basic overhead fixture may only cost a few hundred dollars, but integrated lighting schemes (task lighting, sconces, under-cabinet LEDs) may require electrical upgrades and detailed planning.
Expect to spend $500 to $2,000 on lighting components, plus another $1,000 to $3,000 if wiring needs to be modified, especially in older homes.
You might not see it in the final photos, but permits and prep work carry real costs. Most mid- to large-scale remodels require plumbing, electrical, or building permits—especially when moving fixtures or opening walls. Fees vary by location but are usually $300 to $1,000.
Demolition and debris removal are often built into contractor estimates, but not always. Expect to pay $500 to $2,000 if you’re hiring this out separately.
Don’t overlook unexpected issues like water damage, mold behind tile, or non-code plumbing. These surprises can add $1,000 to $5,000+, and they’re not uncommon in homes more than 20 years old.
While materials get the spotlight, labor is often the biggest single line item in your remodel budget. Licensed professionals—plumbers, electricians, tile setters, and general contractors—come at a premium for good reason. Bathrooms are complex spaces that require precision and knowledge of code.
Depending on where you live and who you hire, labor will make up 40% to 60% of your total remodel cost. A $25,000 remodel might break down to $10,000 to $15,000 in labor alone.
Once the essentials are covered, here are some splurge-worthy options that elevate a bathroom into a high-end retreat:
Heated floors
Smart mirrors with built-in lighting and defogging
Steam showers or aromatherapy units
Custom millwork or integrated vanities
Skylights or expanded windows
Integrated audio systems
Dedicated dressing or makeup area
These features aren’t essential, but they’re increasingly common in luxury homes and can push total costs to $75,000 and beyond, depending on how many you include.
While every remodel is unique, here’s a rough guideline based on overall investment levels:
Modest Update: $5,000 – $15,000
Mid-Range Remodel: $15,000 – $35,000
Full Redesign: $35,000 – $60,000
High-End Luxury Remodel: $60,000 – $100,000+
The most important thing isn’t just the number—it’s understanding what goes into that number. That’s how you stay in control, avoid costly surprises, and get the space you truly want.
At Precision Heritage, we offer a complete design-build experience that goes far beyond what a typical general contractor can provide. With our in-house custom cabinetry, skilled craftsmanship, and a dedicated design team, we manage every aspect of your project from start to finish, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
504 Main Street Gaithersburg, MD 20878
(240) 686-5099 [email protected]