How much does a bathroom remodel cost?

By scope: cosmetic refresh: $1,000-$5,000. Mid-range remodel: $10,000-$25,000. Full remodel: $25,000-$50,000+. Master bathroom: $30,000-$75,000+. By bathroom type: half bath: $5,000-$15,000. Guest bath: $10,000-$25,000. Master bath: $25,000-$50,000+. National average: about $12,000-$15,000 for a mid-range guest bath remodel. Labor is typically 40-50% of total cost. The biggest cost driver: whether you move plumbing (staying in the same layout saves thousands).

How long does a bathroom remodel take?

Cosmetic refresh: 1-3 days. Mid-range remodel: 2-4 weeks. Full remodel: 4-8 weeks. Master bathroom: 6-10 weeks. By phase: demolition: 1-2 days. Rough plumbing and electrical: 2-5 days. Waterproofing and tile prep: 1-2 days. Tile installation: 3-7 days. Vanity and fixture installation: 1-2 days. Painting and trim: 1-2 days. Final connections and cleanup: 1-2 days. The biggest delays: tile (takes time to set and grout). Custom vanity or fixtures (lead times of 4-8 weeks). Unexpected issues (water damage, mold, outdated plumbing behind walls).

Does a bathroom remodel add home value?

Yes, bathrooms are one of the highest-ROI remodels. Mid-range bathroom remodel ROI: 60-70%. Upscale bathroom remodel ROI: 50-60%. Best value-adds: replacing a tub with a walk-in shower (most desired feature). Adding a bathroom where there is not one. Updating a dated bathroom to modern finishes. Double vanity in a master bathroom. The rule: keep your remodel in line with neighborhood expectations. A $75,000 bathroom in a $250,000 house will not return its cost. A $15,000 bathroom in the same house likely will.

Should I replace the tub with a walk-in shower?

For a master bathroom: yes, in most cases. Walk-in showers are the most desired feature in master bathrooms. Aging-in-place benefit (easier access). Modern, open feel. But keep at least one bathtub in the house (in a hall or guest bathroom). Buyers with young children want a bathtub. Homes with zero bathtubs can be harder to sell. Cost to convert tub to walk-in shower: $3,000-$10,000 (depending on size and tile). Curbless (zero-entry) shower: add $500-$2,000 for waterproofing and floor reconfiguration.

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Flooring

Bathroom Remodel Guide: Cost, Ideas & What to Expect

Lumberama Editorial Team, Bathroom Remodeling Specialists Nov 4, 2026 10 min read

Scope and Budget Levels

Cosmetic refresh ($1,000-$5,000): Paint, new hardware, new light fixtures, new mirror. Replace toilet seat and shower head. New accessories (towel bars, hooks). Keeps existing layout and fixtures.

Mid-range remodel ($10,000-$25,000): New vanity and countertop. New tile floor and shower/tub surround. New toilet. New fixtures (faucets, shower valve). New lighting. Fresh paint. Keeps existing layout (no moving plumbing).

Full remodel ($25,000-$50,000+): Gut to studs and rebuild. New layout (moving plumbing). New everything: vanity, countertop, tile, fixtures, toilet, tub/shower. Custom tile work. Heated floors. Glass shower enclosure. Premium fixtures and finishes.

Master bathroom remodel ($30,000-$75,000+): Larger space with premium finishes. Walk-in shower with bench. Freestanding tub. Double vanity. Custom cabinetry. High-end tile (large format, natural stone). Radiant floor heating.

Cost Breakdown

By component (percentage of total): Labor: 40-50%. Tile: 10-20%. Vanity and countertop: 10-15%. Fixtures (faucet, shower, toilet): 10-15%. Flooring: 5-10%. Plumbing: 5-10%. Electrical: 3-5%. Drywall, paint, misc: 5-10%.

Individual costs: Vanity: $200-$3,000+. Countertop (granite/quartz): $500-$2,000. Toilet: $150-$800. Tile (per sq ft): $2-$20 (material). $5-$15 (labor). Shower glass enclosure: $800-$3,000. Freestanding tub: $500-$5,000+. Faucets: $50-$500 each. Lighting: $100-$500 per fixture. Heated floor: $6-$12 per sq ft. Exhaust fan: $150-$400.

Average costs by bathroom type: Half bath (powder room): $5,000-$15,000. Hall/guest bathroom: $10,000-$25,000. Master bathroom: $25,000-$50,000+. Small bathroom: $8,000-$20,000.

Popular Design Ideas

Walk-in shower (replacing tub): The biggest trend in bathroom remodeling. Curbless (zero entry) for accessibility and modern look. Large-format tile (less grout, cleaner look). Glass enclosure (frameless is most popular). Built-in niche and bench. Cost: $3,000-$10,000 (shower only).

Large-format tile: 12x24, 24x24, or larger. Fewer grout lines. Modern, clean appearance. Use on floors and walls.

Floating vanity: Mounted to the wall, no legs. Makes the room look larger. Easier to clean underneath. Modern aesthetic.

Heated floors: Electric radiant heating under tile. Luxury feel, especially in cold climates. Cost: $6-$12 per sq ft (installed). Operating cost: $0.25-$0.50 per day per bathroom.