How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost ?

When homeowners start to picture how much better their bathroom could look or function with a few upgrades, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “how much will it cost?”

Ultimately, every home improvement project, including bathroom remodeling, is an investment, and it’s normal to wonder if it’s a worthwhile one. By understanding the costs associated with renovating a bathroom you can establish realistic expectations and feasible project goals as you plan and prepare to enhance the comfort, function, and aesthetic appeal of the space.

Bathroom Remodel Cost

Researching the average bathroom remodel cost can be a bit tricky, as the answer depends on several factors, including the size of the space, the age of your home, and the scope of work to be completed. For example, the price tag for a small bathroom upgrade is vastly different from that of an upscale master bath renovation. Additionally, the type and quality of materials, fixtures, and finishes you choose greatly influences the overall project price. Unless you plan to simply paint your bathroom or switch out a few decorative elements, you also should factor in the cost of professional services provided by a remodeling firm.

Although you won’t definitively know your exact bathroom remodeling cost until your schematic drawings are finished and you’ve made all your selections, it's imperative to do some research and develop a preliminary budget. Based on recent Remodeling Magazine’s here is a look at the average bathroom remodel cost for differing levels of projects:

Midrange Bathroom Remodel Cost

A midrange remodel for a 5-by-7-foot bathroom costs approximately $18,700. The estimated resale value for this type of project is $10,600, or about 56%. A project of this scope generally includes replacing all fixtures with new basic models, such as a porcelain-on-steel tub with a ceramic tile surround and a standard white toilet. Other project tasks include replacing the floor, updating your shower control, and giving the walls a fresh coat of paint or wallpaper.

Upscale Bathroom Remodel Cost

For an upscale bathroom remodel, you should expect to pay closer to $60,000, although the estimated return on investment (ROI) is a noteworthy 81%, or approximately $48,000. This price covers expanding an existing 35-square-foot bathroom within the established footprint of your house, creating a compartmentalized commode area, and relocating fixtures if you want to. Rather than basic grade bathroom components, your upscale bathroom remodel includes high-end options, such as a freestanding soaker tub, stone countertop, and custom cabinetry. You can also add general and task light and extend your plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems to include an exhaust fan and in-floor heating.

Midrange Universal Design Bathroom

As the name implies, a universal design bathroom revolves around making the space accessible and functional for household members of varying ages. If you expect to age in place in your current home or you want to make your bathroom more comfortable for older family members, remodeling your bathroom to encompass a universal design is a good investment. The average cost for this type of bathroom renovation is approximately $16,100. You can potentially recoup about 52% of the cost based on a projected resale value of $8,400.

Bathroom Addition Cost

Bathroom additions on average, between $43,800 for a midrange project and $82,000 for an upscale addition. For both types of project, the estimated ROI is about 55%. The difference between the two types of bathroom additions is not only size—a standard 6-by-8-foot bathroom versus a 100-square-foot space—but also the quality of materials and special features included.

Can You Remodel a Bathroom for $5,000?

When it comes to home improvement projects, you basically have three options: not remodeling, just painting a space, or hiring a professional. If you simply want to change the color palette and general design style of your bathroom with new decorative elements, you can keep your DIY bathroom renovation to $5,000 or less. For that price, you can also do maintenance on your existing shower and/or bathtub and refinish your vanity.

If you want to significantly remodel and upgrade your bathroom to add value to your home and make the space feel like new without cutting corners, it’s difficult to accomplish that for $5,000. Once you've decided to invest the time and effort to improve your bathroom, it makes financial sense to ensure it’s done right the first time with minimal waste. Hiring a professional contractor is an additional cost to your project, but in the end, you get what you pay for: a professional-looking bathroom renovation that effectively improves the space without workmanship compromises.

Adding Value to Your Home

As noted above, a bathroom remodel or addition in your area adds tangible value to your home's resale potential. However, financial benefits are only part of the picture. Renovating your bathroom is a way to extend the lifespan of your home, as well as your quality of life during the years you spend there. As part of our design-build process we will collaborate with you to develop a bathroom renovation that not only fits within your budget, but also makes the most of it. Here are some companies who provide affordable remodeling service in their local area:

• Luxury Bath by Innovative Restorations - Bathroom Remodeling in Knoxille & Crossville, TN

• Great Lakes Home Renovations - Home Remodeling in Apple Valley and the Greater Twin Cities Area

• Mt. Pleasant Window and Remodeling Company - Bathroom Remodeling in Pittsburgh