How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost?
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The price for a bathroom renovation project ranges from $70 to $250 per square foot. The average total bathroom renovation cost varies depending on the size and scope of the project.
- Typical Range: $70 to $250 per square foot
Remodeling a bathroom is a great way to get a fresh new look and feel for the space. It’s also an opportunity to make a bathroom more functional, efficient, and safe. But the cost of a bathroom remodel can quickly go over budget. To save money and get a refreshed bathroom on a budget, some homeowners are choosing bathroom renovations over remodels.
How much does a bathroom renovation cost? Several variables affect the final cost, including the size of the bathroom, the fixtures being renovated, and labor costs. But on average, bathroom renovation costs fall within a range of $70 to $250 per square foot, according to Angi.
Before breaking down average bathroom renovation cost by factor, it’s important for homeowners to understand the difference between a renovation and a remodel to determine which option to choose.
Renovation vs. Remodel
Contractors, interior designers, and even homeowners often use the terms “renovation” and “remodel” interchangeably. But the truth is that there are subtle differences between remodeling and renovating that have a major impact on the final cost of a bathroom upgrade. The following explanations highlight the differences between each project type and its unique benefits.
Renovation
In its simplest definition, a renovation updates the look and feel of a room without changing its intended purpose. This can include painting, updating hardware, installing new flooring, or replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones. A renovation can also include structural rebuilding. As long as the room type remains the same, it’s likely undergone a renovation.
Renovating is more DIY-friendly for homeowners than remodeling. Adding a new coat of paint or switching out an old bathroom vanity for a new, modern model can transform a bathroom in just a few hours and with minimal home improvement skills required. Renovating also tends to offer a better return on investment (ROI), making it a great option for homeowners who know they want to sell soon for top dollar.
Remodel
During a remodel, the purpose of a room or area is changed. A bathroom remodel may include expanding the space by knocking down a wall or building an addition. A remodel could also apply to a garage converted to a living space or even a kitchen where the entire layout is reimagined. A remodel doesn’t have to involve any demolition. Simply changing the function of a room, like a bedroom into a play space, is considered a remodel rather than a renovation, since the function of the space has been modified.
Homeowners will want to be aware that a remodel is typically costlier than a renovation, especially when the physical structure of the space is altered. Remodeling will almost always require a permit, whereas renovating may not.
Factors in Calculating Bathroom Renovation Cost
The average cost of a bathroom renovation depends on the size of the bathroom, the fixtures and other elements that are being renovated, and any necessary plumbing or electrical work. Even the home’s geographic location can affect how much it will cost to renovate a bathroom. Homeowners can use the following variables as a guide to help estimate the average cost for bathroom renovation.
Bathroom Size
The size of a bathroom greatly affects the overall renovation cost. Generally speaking, the larger the bathroom, the higher the number of desired changes and potential issues. A large primary bathroom is more likely to have double sinks and a separate bathtub and shower stall, while a small powder room may need only a few large tiles to replace the original laminate flooring.
Homeowners can expect to pay $70 per square foot on the low end for a bathroom renovation and up to $250 per square foot if the focus is on upscale fixtures and high-end hardware. Certain upgrades can surpass these estimates, which is another reason it’s crucial to price out every element of a bathroom renovation before starting the work to make sure the project doesn’t go over budget.
For a small powder room measuring 15 square feet, homeowners can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,250 for a quick refresh. A bathroom with 40 square feet of workable space can cost between $4,000 and $6,000 to renovate, while a bathroom renovation of 90 square feet can cost between $9,000 and $13,500.
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Fixtures
The cost for bathroom renovation depends heavily on the number of fixtures a homeowner wants (or needs) to tackle. For example, replacing a toilet is likely to cost less than renovating a bathtub, toilet, sink, and mirrors all at the same time.
One option instead of purchasing a new bathtub is to refinish this existing one. On average, bathtub refinishing costs $480, with a typical range of $330 to $630. This includes materials and labor. This process is also known as reglazing or resurfacing and can make an old, worn-out bathtub look brand new at a fraction of the cost of a replacement.
A new toilet can cost anywhere from $90 for a simple model to as much as $1,500 for a high-end brand with all the bells and whistles. The cost to renovate a shower depends on several variables, but updating a shower with a simple fiberglass insert costs around $400, with upgraded models approaching the $2,000 mark.
When it comes to sinks and mirrors, it all depends on whether they’re part of a vanity set or not. If a homeowner is removing an existing sink and replacing it with an updated model, they can expect to pay between $215 and $611 for sink installation.
Vanity and Countertop
For a quick renovation with big impact, replacing an outdated vanity and countertop is an affordable transformation most homeowners can handle. The cost of a new bathroom vanity has a wide range, from $300 and $3,800. Several variables like size, materials, storage, and number of sinks affect the total price of a new vanity.
A quick way to save on a bathroom renovation is to upgrade a vanity base with new paint and simply replace the countertop. On average, this costs between $200 and $1,000, depending on the material and style of the new countertop. A simple solid-surface countertop is the most affordable option, followed by tile. Manufactured quartz offers more elegance but costs a bit more. Finally, a bathroom countertop made from granite is likely to cost the most.
Faucets and Plumbing
Water is a major feature in every bathroom, and so it only makes sense to showcase it with modern faucets that match a bathroom’s style. To improve both safety and longevity, plumbing should always be up to code and in good working order in a bathroom as well.
During a bathroom renovation, faucets and any associated plumbing may need an upgrade or repair. Both bump up the total renovation cost. Homeowners can expect to pay between $250 and $1,450 for faucet and plumbing materials for their bathroom renovation. Where costs fall within that range is highly dependent on whether homeowners choose standard or high-end features and whether their plumbing needs a slight upgrade or a total overhaul.
Lighting
Updating light fixtures is almost always on the to-do list when it comes to renovating a bathroom. It’s a simple way to change both the look and feel of the room, especially if it’s on the smaller side.
Replacement light fixtures typically fall in a price range between $100 and $400. If wiring needs to be added, updated, or moved, the cost could be higher for both the electrical work and any necessary wall repair. For homeowners who are eager to boost the lighting in their bathrooms, adding a skylight is always an option. The typical range for adding this custom lighting feature is between $1,017 and $2,632.
Walls and Flooring
Updating the walls and flooring can really help take a bathroom renovation to the next level. As long as the flooring is level and not showing any signs of mold or mildew, it can be updated with simple peel-and-stick tiles. Walls can be brightened with a can of paint or upgraded with a textured wallpaper. These are simple renovations that are typically quite affordable.
If peel-and-stick tiles don’t fit the bathroom’s aesthetic, removing and replacing the existing flooring is always an option as well. Upgrading from laminate flooring to waterproof-engineered hardwood flooring may cost a bit more but can visibly transform the space. If hardwood isn’t an option, porcelain tile flooring runs from $860 to $2,600, while stone flooring is a bit more, with a range between $900 and $2,800.
Sometimes replacing flooring or walls isn’t a matter of preference but a requirement. Mold found on the walls or the ceiling should be removed, but without proper preventative measures it will likely come back. Depending on the severity of the mold, homeowners may need to replace walls in addition to making sure the bathroom is properly ventilated to prevent further mold growth.
Labor
Hiring professionals to tackle a bathroom renovation can ensure the job is completed properly and on time. But there are a variety of labor costs a homeowner may incur in this scenario. On average, the cost of bathroom remodeling makes up 40 percent to 65 percent of the total renovation budget, with homeowners paying between $50 and $75 per hour in labor fees.
To get a bit more specific, general contractors may charge between $300 and $400 per day, while plumbers charge an average of $1,000 to $2,000 in total labor fees depending on the extent of the plumbing work. Electricians tend to charge between $50 and $100 per hour. Painters are more affordable, charging $20 to $50 per hour or $1 to $6 per square foot. Interior designers, while well worth the investment for an in-depth renovation, can charge between $150 and $500 total for their bathroom renovation planning services.
Geographic Location
Materials and labor costs vary by location, which means that two identical bathroom renovations can have two very different costs depending on their location. For example, some of the more expensive areas of the country when it comes to the cost of bathroom remodels and renovations include Los Angeles, California, and Birmingham, Alabama. Cities that come with lower bathroom renovation price tags include Cincinnati, Ohio, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The city with the lowest bathroom renovation cost is Jacksonville, Florida. Generally speaking, the higher cost of living a city has, the more it will cost to renovate a bathroom there.
Additional Costs and Considerations
The following considerations may not apply to every bathroom renovation. However, homeowners should still be aware of how they may affect the final total of a bath renovation. Outlined below are some of the most common additional price considerations to keep in mind.
Permits
A permit helps to ensure construction work complies with the minimum standards of safety established by a local municipality. Not all types of bathroom renovations require a permit, but completing work without one when it is required can result in serious consequences.
A permit isn’t needed to switch out a vanity or add a new coat of paint to the walls. But when changes are made to the plumbing, electrical, or structural components of a home, a permit is typically required. Homeowners can contact their local municipality to determine whether or not their bathroom renovation project requires a permit. The cost of a permit depends on the location of the home but can range from $175 to $2,000. The good news is that in most cases, securing and displaying a permit are handled by a contractor, with the price built into the overall cost of the project.
Additional Plumbing or Electrical Work
An intermediate-level bathroom renovation will likely require additional plumbing or electrical work. Whether it’s to accommodate a second sink or to install a new light fixture, both of these tasks are best left to the pros.
The cost for additional plumbing or electrical work varies by job, but homeowners can expect to pay an average of $530 for an electrical update during a bathroom renovation. If a plumbing update is required, homeowners will typically pay around $770, depending on the scope of the plumbing work required. A general rule is that the larger the project, the more money it will cost to complete. Installing an additional outlet is likely to be more affordable than replacing electrical wiring that’s not up to code, and replacing a few old pipes won’t cost nearly as much as rerouting plumbing to switch the layout of a bathroom.
Universal Design
Universal design means a space is accessible to everyone. This is important for families currently living with disabilities or for those who want to age in place. Renovating a bathroom into a universal design could simply involve adding a few grab bars in the shower or installing a comfort-height toilet. Other renovations may involve a complete demo and new layout. The difference between the two scenarios when it comes to cost can be quite dramatic.
Not only does a universal design enhance safety, it can also boost home value. By renovating a bathroom to appeal to buyers in all stages of life and with varied abilities, a homeowner is growing their pool of potential buyers. It’s also beneficial to have a bathroom space that helps make a home comfortable for its owners and their friends and family. Homeowners will find that universal design in their bathroom has around a 68.6 percent return on investment.
But how much does a bathroom renovation cost when creating a universal design? Again, it really depends on the scope of the renovation. On average, building an accessible bathroom from scratch costs around $9,000. Homeowners who only need to install a few grab bars are looking at a price range between $100 and $500 each.
Customization
A bathroom is a great space for customization; homeowners are limited only by their imaginations and budget. But just how much is bathroom renovation in terms of customization? It depends on how unique each customization is. For example, bathrooms can be customized for height. This could mean installing a custom-built vanity at a lower-than-average height for shorter residents or making sure there’s plenty of overhead space in a shower stall for taller residents.
Bathrooms can also be customized with technology such as automated fixtures. Adding this kind of technology will cost homeowners between $2,500 and $7,000 on average. Other upgrades could include radiant-heat flooring at $16 to $25 per square foot or heated towel rails at a total cost of $500 to $5,000. Adding a bidet will cost between $500 and $1,500, while choosing a hot tub will set homeowners back $4,000 to $8,500. In other words, a customized bathroom will almost always cost more than one with a standard design; how much more depends on the type of customizations and size of the bathroom.
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Types of Bathroom Renovations
There are several different types of bathroom renovations, all with their own unique specifications and associated prices. When trying to estimate a bath renovation cost, homeowners can benefit from knowing which of the following renovation types theirs falls under.
Cosmetic Updates
Updating a bathroom cosmetically is one of the most common renovations. Cosmetic updates tend to be simple, conducted at surface level, and DIY-friendly for homeowners who have some background knowledge, though many others will prefer to leave these updates to a professional. Cosmetic updates could include a new coat of paint, updated hardware on vanity cabinets and drawers, or updated shelving and decor.
Such simple updates can be very affordable, especially since existing fixtures are rarely replaced in this type of renovation. Most bathrooms can be transformed with just a gallon of paint and a single piece of wall art. Such simple updates are perfect for homeowners looking to sell their home for top dollar or those who want a completely new look but feel limited by a tight budget. Just a few visual changes can be all it takes to make a bathroom feel clean, new, and stylish.
Aging in Place
When a homeowner loves their home, the idea of downsizing or moving to a location that’s safer as they age can be devastating. That’s why aging in place is so popular in the renovation space right now. Aging in place improves quality of life and encourages senior citizens to remain independent. But in order for aging in place to be successful, homeowners will need to make updates to be sure their homes are safe.
That’s where an aging-in-place renovation comes in handy. This type of remodel is different from one based on aesthetics or home value. It’s also a type of renovation that may need slight modifications as time goes on. But for homeowners who wish to stay in their homes, the added cost exchanged for safety is well worth it.
The cost of an aging-in-place renovation depends on the amount of work that needs to be done. The main focus of the renovation is getting rid of accidents waiting to happen, such as removing shower curbs or tall tubs. A one-level shower is a safe replacement. Remodeling a shower costs an average of $6,576.
Other smart changes involve adding more lighting, building custom cabinetry, and designing with low maintenance in mind (like using grout-free shower wall panels).
Bathtub Refinishing
Refinishing, or reglazing, a bathtub can give it a fresh and clean appearance, even if it’s original to an older home. Compared to replacing a bathtub with a new model, this is a quick and affordable way not just to extend the lifespan of the tub but also to spruce up an entire bathroom with a fairly simple job.
The average cost to refinish a bathtub is $480, though it depends on what material the bathtub is made from. Completing renovation projects simultaneously can also help reduce costs. Many homeowners decide to install new tiling or update faucets while reglazing their bathtub.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Homeowners can expect to pay at least $1,000 when converting a bathtub to a shower, and the cost could rocket to $15,000 depending on the amount of work needed. Although a bathtub is a feature many people appreciate for relaxation, a shower is usually the quickest way to get ready and out of the house in the morning. By converting a tub to a shower, a homeowner may find that their home offers more usable space.
The final cost to convert a tub to a shower depends heavily on how big the shower is, what materials are being used, and whether or not the old bathtub is being removed or worked into the design. If the tub is being removed, the difficulty of the removal will also add to the cost. Single-piece tubs come out much more easily than tubs surrounded by tile.
Vanity and Sink Replacement
Updating a bathroom’s vanity and sink can instantly transform the space without the need for demolition. There are a couple of ways this can be accomplished. The first is to update the existing vanity and sink. The second option—and