Bathroom Remodel Costs: Budget, Mid-Range, and Luxury Breakdowns

A bathroom remodel is one of the best ROI home improvements, returning 60-70% of costs at resale. But costs vary wildly depending on scope, and understanding budget tiers helps you plan realistically.

Budget remodels ($3,000-$7,000) focus on cosmetic updates: new paint, updated fixtures, a modern vanity, new mirror and lighting, and fresh caulk and grout. You keep the existing layout and plumbing locations.

Mid-range remodels ($10,000-$25,000) involve replacing most surfaces: new tile floor and shower surround, new vanity with stone countertop, modern toilet, updated plumbing fixtures, improved lighting, glass shower door, and fresh paint.

Luxury remodels ($30,000-$50,000+) are full gut-and-rebuild projects: layout changes, premium tile (marble, large format), frameless glass shower, freestanding soaking tub, heated floors, double vanity, custom cabinetry, and high-end fixtures.

Labor is typically 40-50% of a bathroom remodel budget. Tile work is the most labor-intensive component. A skilled tile installer charges $10-$25 per square foot, and a shower alone can require 60-100 square feet of tile.

The biggest hidden costs are what's behind the walls. Water damage, mold, outdated plumbing, and code violations are only discovered during demolition. Budget an additional 15-20% contingency for surprises.

Vanities range from $200 for a basic stock unit to $3,000+ for custom. The sweet spot for most remodels is a semi-custom vanity ($500-$1,500) that looks high-end without the custom price tag.

Tile selection drives cost dramatically. Ceramic tile starts at $1-$3/sqft, porcelain runs $3-$8/sqft, natural stone (marble, slate) costs $10-$30/sqft. Large format tiles look premium but require flatter substrate preparation.

Consider aging-in-place features even if you're young. Curbless showers, grab bars, comfort-height toilets, and wider doorways add minimal cost during a remodel but are extremely expensive to retrofit later.

Timeline expectations: a budget cosmetic refresh takes 1-2 weeks, a mid-range remodel takes 3-6 weeks, and a luxury gut renovation takes 6-12 weeks. Add 20% buffer for delays, especially for custom-ordered materials.