Quick answer: The average bathroom remodel costs about $15,586, and most projects fall between $6,456 and $24,715, according to This Old House’s 2026 survey. A small 50 sq ft bathroom costs about $8,500–$10,900 for a basic refresh and $14,600–$19,000 for a midrange remodel.
Bathrooms are small, but they pack plumbing, waterproofing, tile and fixtures into a tight space, so costs per square foot are high. Here is what to expect.
Cost by Bathroom Size
| Bathroom size | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 40–60 sq ft | $12,695–$14,845 |
| 70–90 sq ft | $15,920–$18,070 |
| 100–120 sq ft | $19,166–$21,295 |
| 130+ sq ft | $22,370–$24,715 |
Cost by Finish Level (50 sq ft bathroom)
| Finish level | Cost | Typical work |
|---|---|---|
| Basic refresh | $8,478–$10,883 | New vanity, toilet, fixtures, paint, possibly flooring |
| Midrange | $14,609–$19,040 | New tub or shower, tile, vanity, lighting |
| High-end | $27,492–$35,808 | Custom tiled shower, premium fixtures, heated floor, layout changes |
Skip the math: enter your bathroom size and finish level to scale these numbers to your room. Open the free Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator →
What Drives the Price
- Moving plumbing: relocating the toilet or shower drain adds a lot of labor.
- Shower type: a custom tiled walk-in costs much more than a prefab unit.
- Tile: large-format, natural stone and intricate patterns cost more to buy and install.
- Hidden damage: rot or mold behind old tile is common in older homes.
Where to Save
- Keep fixtures in their current locations.
- Refinish a sound cast-iron tub instead of replacing it.
- Use porcelain tile that looks like stone.
- Estimate tile and grout yourself with the tile calculator and grout calculator.
Does a Bathroom Remodel Add Value?
Updated bathrooms help homes sell, but like kitchens, modest midrange updates usually return more of their cost than luxury remodels. Focus on fixing leaks, ventilation and dated finishes first.
Typical Costs by Bathroom Type
Bathroom type changes the scope as much as size does. Powder rooms have no shower, while primary bathrooms often have double vanities and larger showers. Costs rise with the number of fixtures and the amount of tile.
- Half bath or powder room: toilet, sink and vanity only, usually the cheapest to remodel.
- Guest or hall bathroom: tub/shower combination, single vanity.
- Primary bathroom: separate shower and tub, double vanity, higher-end finishes, usually the most expensive.
Step-by-Step Budget Plan
- Measure the room and decide which fixtures stay in place.
- Pick a finish level: basic, midrange or high-end.
- Estimate the base cost with the calculator.
- Add 10–20% for surprises behind walls.
- Get three itemized quotes for the same scope.
DIY vs Hiring a Pro
Painting, installing a vanity, swapping a toilet and changing light fixtures are realistic DIY jobs. Waterproofing a tiled shower, moving drains and electrical work near water are best left to licensed professionals, because mistakes can cause hidden water damage.
Timeline
A basic refresh often takes one to two weeks. A full midrange remodel typically takes three to six weeks, longer if custom vanities, glass or tile have long lead times.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a small bathroom remodel cost?
A 40–60 sq ft bathroom typically costs $12,700–$14,800, or about $8,500–$10,900 for a basic refresh.
How much does it cost to redo a shower?
Replacing a tub with a tiled walk-in shower is often a large part of a midrange bathroom budget; get quotes, since tile and waterproofing labor vary widely.
What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?
Labor, especially plumbing and tile work.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
About one to two weeks for a refresh and three to six weeks for a full remodel.
Is it cheaper to replace a tub with a shower?
Not always. Removing a tub and building a tiled walk-in shower involves new waterproofing and drains, which can cost more than replacing the tub.
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Try the free Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator or browse all home improvement calculators.