Bathroom remodel cost overview

Depending on how large or small you want your upgrade to be, the cost to remodel a modest 5×7 bathroom can vary. The market can fluctuate, and the pricing will depend on how the market is. To remodel your bathroom in San Diego, CA may be more expensive than remodeling a bathroom in Lancaster, Pa. even if the same work is being completed. The national average of a small bathroom remodel is approximately $8,500. Although, some homeowners can find that they can remodel their small bathroom for the price around $2,500. Most remodels that require plumbing, rewiring electric, and for those that want the most high-end products, the cost could total as high as $18,000 or more. 

Do not forget to include the price of labor for a professional. Majority of the time, labor will cost anywhere from $50-$80 an hour. If your remodel is bigger and is more complex, it can cost more for labor. Reach out to a contractor to get an accurate estimate. 

Variable Costs

Always keep in mind that not every house is the same and there can be several reasons as to why your final total may be more than you expected. Here are a few things that might affect the total of your remodel:

• Location– If your bathroom is on a higher level, it may cost more than a bathroom on the first floor. Bathrooms in a Basement where your main drain is higher than your floor drains can get significantly higher. 

• Pre-existing damage– water damage, mold, asbestos or other problems may be a shock to see once demolition begins. These problems will need to be addressed during your remodel and may increase the cost. Contractors cannot predict these, but a good contractor offers a demolition and discovery agreement that gives you a rough idea of what could happen.

• Structural issues– need to knock down a wall? Interested in moving a wall? You might find that the wall you selected to move or knock down is load bearing. If this is the case, adding a new support system is in your future. 

• Moving plumbing or electricity– Changing the complete layout of your bathroom may require a consultation with a plumber and electrician to reroute the utilities. This is not always possible. These changes may also require inspections that your county officials require therefore also requiring permits to ensure all work is up to code.

• Obtaining a permit– Depending on the location of your home, they may require a permit before beginning your remodel. The cost of a permit can range from $50-$200 depending on the size of the project. It’s important to acquire the proper documentation because you may not be interested in selling your home today, one day you may and showing that a permit was pulled, and proper inspections were taken will complement the fact that you took pride in your home. 

The listed conditions above are examples of issues you can run into when remodeling your bathroom and can potentially increase the final cost. If you are to run into any of these problems, you can always find alternate ways to save money or cut costs somewhere else to help you stay within your budget. Below will be listed the average cost for some bathroom remodel items. 

   Materials   –    Average cost    –   Range 

Toilet                $500          $90-$1,500

Flooring   $2.10 per square foot        $1.82-$2.39 per square foot

       Sink                $178              $100-$250

Lighting    $150 per fixture    $50-$600 per fixture 

Shower         $1,000                 $300-$4,000

   Vanity         $1,500           $300-$3,800

Countertops   $25 per square foot            $5-$100 per square foot 

• All costs are materials only and does not include cost of install 

Where Homeowners could save and where they should spend.

It is important to know the ins and outs of your remodel. You will see where to save money and where you can spend a little extra to make it look and feel better. Listed below are a few ideas that are great, high-quality, affordable options that you can splurge and spend to ensure you are getting the best bang for your buck!

Save

• Vanity– spending money on a high-end vanity may sound perfect, everyone has that neighbor/ friend who just got a “custom vanity” but don’t be fooled!  Since it is an essential part of your bathroom, it’s easy to think you should splurge. Reality there are plenty of semi-custom to completely stock vanities that would be just as nice and efficient. 

• Decor– too much decor on the walls in your bathroom may make it feel cluttered and a mess. A small hanging picture and a decorative soap dish will keep it feeling clean and decorated all while saving you money. 

• Flooring– affordable flooring has become the new trend. There are many peel and stick tile options that even you can install! The tiles are just as durable and look just as great as the real tiles. Laminate vinyl planks are trending today and come completely waterproof for bathroom spaces allowing you to pick from a handful of design and color schemes.

• Countertops– marble countertops can cost an arm and a leg. Quartz or even Laminate can make your bathroom feel luxurious without costing you to break the bank. Most stock vanities come with a top and could save you hundreds in materials alone.

       Spend

• Remodeling Professionals– the more you pay, the better the work you will receive. Hiring a trusted and experienced professional will make sure that the remodel is stress-free and will guarantee high-quality work to be done the correct way. 

• Toilets– you always want a reliable toilet. You don’t want to find yourself in a year with a broken toilet. Save the hassle and spend a few extra bucks on a high-quality toilet.

• Lighting– you don’t want your bathroom to be dark and feel smaller than it already is with poor lighting. Add a recessed light or a larger light fixture to make your bathroom feel more bright and bigger. 

Shower– adding a high-quality shower to your bathroom will make it feel more luxurious. Showers are an essential to any home and spending the extra money on your shower will make it worth it.