How much does a bathroom remodel cost?

Eager for a bathroom refresh? Dreaming of a walk-in shower, double vanity, re-tiled floor, or an entirely new bathroom layout? The good news is this renovation project provides a relatively high return on investment and should increase the appeal of your home to prospective buyers when it’s time to sell. According to Redfin.com, bathroom remodels increase resale value, with updated cabinets and vanities and accessibility features having the most impact.

Before embarking on a redo of your master, secondary, or guest bathroom, it’s smart to forecast bathroom makeover costs and know how to estimate a bathroom remodel. This handy article can guide you through what to expect.

Key takeaways

• Bathroom remodels remain one of the top home upgrades, delivering strong buyer appeal and as much as a 74% return on investment.
• Remodel costs vary widely, averaging $2,500 to $30,000 or more, with luxury renovations starting at around $10,000 and ranging to many tens of thousands upward.
• Creating a list of must-haves helps homeowners prioritize upgrades and manage remodeling budgets effectively.
• Financing options like home equity loans, HELOCs, personal loans, and credit cards can make the costs of bathroom renovations more manageable.

Budgeting for a bathroom remodel

As is true of any major home renovation project, it’s crucial to create a realistic budget for your bathroom remodel.

Fact is, the average cost for a bath redo today spans from $6,639 to $17,620, according to Angi. Some luxury renovations even soar beyond $80,000. A mid-range bathroom model could set you back about $25,000, per ThisOldHouse.com.

Create a wish list and a must-have list

It’s easy to have grand plans for a space. But even for a small space like a bathroom, grand plans can cost grand dollars. On the other hand, just adding some new countertops, tiling, and fixtures can make an old bathroom feel new. This type of renovation should cost substantially less. Doing at least some parts of the renovation yourself can save you a large portion of these expenses.

The experts recommend creating a wish list and a must-have list to help you better understand your bathroom priorities when you are devising a budget. Try to rank each must-have and wish item by preference.

“A wish list is essential, especially when you are going through your budget. Material costs fluctuate frequently, so if you are willing to opt for a less expensive floor in exchange for a nicer vanity, for example, that will help your contractor identify areas where you should focus on spending money and where you should focus on saving money,” says Mike Smyth, owner of Smyth Design and Remodeling.

The budget breaker: Changing your bathroom’s footprint

Yearning to move walls, rip out cabinets, or transform a small shower into a luxury spa retreat? A full bathroom renovation will be the most expensive option and a significant financial investment. Consider that extensively modifying a bathroom and changing its floor plan and footprint will likely range from $25,000 to $80,000, per Angi.com.

But this is where your must-have and wish lists can come in handy. Scrutinize these lists to determine bathroom areas and components that are most important. Doing so empowers you to manage upgrades à la carte while adhering to your predetermined budget.

To more accurately determine how much a major remodel will set you back, it’s best to meet with a contractor. This expert can review your home and its plumbing and give you an estimate of the ultimate cost.

How to estimate costs for a bathroom remodel

Keep in mind that the cost of a bathroom remodel will vary considerably based on several different factors, among them:

• Materials
• Labor
• Geographic location (some areas charge more than others)
• Permits (some work requires a city permit)
• Scope of the project

According to Angi, materials for your bathroom renovation run about 50% of your total budget, with labor comprising the other 50%. It’s wise to estimate your total remodeling costs well ahead of beginning the project.

Materials and installation costs

You’ll need to carefully assess the total cost of your project, including both labor and materials, ensuring that you focus on a project scope that’s within your budget.

“To better understand how much material costs are, do your homework. That often means calling suppliers and picking out materials yourself or with your contractor present, Smyth says. “Material costs are relatively easy because they are based on the square footage of the space you are working on. Labor is more difficult to account for, but contractors can estimate the time it will take to complete the project and compare bids from different subcontractors.”

The following table can help you better forecast common renovation costs. All expenses in the chart below were sourced from Angi and Fixr and include labor and material costs combined. Note that these costs can vary based on several different factors (as noted earlier).

Of course, if you choose custom materials, the prices will tend toward the higher end, while choosing your materials from a big box store will keep you on the lower end of the price range.

Should homeowners choose DIY to save on labor costs?

Think you can do most of the work yourself? If so, you’ll save a ton of money, but you should know your limitations. Skilled labor costs more because the finished product is superior to most DIY efforts. And opting for DIY installation can often lead to higher costs and future problems that you may have overlooked.

Particularly in the bathroom, you don’t want to skimp on plumbing or tile installation if you aren’t already skilled at this work. If done incorrectly, bad plumbing will haunt you in the form of water damage for years to come. Looking to scratch a DIY itch? You can certainly paint or do some demo work to reduce costs. Let’s take a closer look at different renovation to-dos and when it’s recommended to hire a pro versus DIY:

“DIY demolition is where you can save the most money. Anyone with a standard competency could demo their bathroom. You could also patch the walls and paint yourself,” says Smyth. “The two factors to consider when deciding whether to DIY or not are: Do you have experience doing handiwork around the house? And how expensive will the repair be if you screw up your DIY project? If the answer is little to none or too much, then you should not do the project yourself.”

Interior designer Brandi Oldham says DIY is best for home improvement ideas that involve cosmetic updates like painting. But for faucets, plumbing, electrical, or waterproofing, cutting corners with DIY can lead to costly damage later if you’re not skilled in these areas.

“Also, new toilet installation can be a do-it-yourself project with basic skills, but hiring an expert will ensure proper sealing and avoid leaks,” she says. “For new fan ventilation systems, always hire a pro for electrical and code compliance. Bathtub insulation is also a pro job, as tubs are heavy and complex and require waterproofing. New fixtures like faucets can be DIY projects, but hire a pro if it involves plumbing changes.”

Meanwhile, Oldham advises recruiting a professional remodeler for cabinet installation to ensure secure anchoring and alignment. New flooring/tiling is also best done by a pro, “as it requires precision and waterproofing expertise.”

Truth is, very few homeowners have the know-how to tackle more challenging tasks like installing cabinets or toilets. Contractors experienced with plumbing and electric hookups are worth every penny, and there’s no shame in turning to an expert for complex jobs like these.

How to pay for a bathroom remodel

Fortunately, there are several financing options you can choose from to pay for your renovation project. Let’s explore each, including a home equity loan, home equity line of credit, personal loan, and credit card, and their advantages and disadvantages.

Home equity loan

Using a home equity loan to finace a remodel may be right for you, depending on your unique financial situation. A home equity loan gives you access to a lump sum of money that you repay in equal installments over a set timeframe, typically at a fixed interest rate. While lenders may approve you for more than you actually need, it’s important to borrow only what fits your household budget and goals. Choosing the right loan term is just as important when choosing to use a home equity loan to pay for home improvements. A shorter option, like 10 years, means higher monthly payments but a faster payoff, while stretching it to 20 or 30 years lowers each payment but extends the debt.

Banks, online lenders, and credit unions are the most common sources of these loans. To apply for a home equity loan, lenders will look at three main factors: how much equity you have in your home (determined through an appraisal), your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, and your credit score. Typically, you’ll need at least 15% to 20% equity in your home, a DTI under about 43%, and a credit score of 620 or higher (though higher scores unlock better rates and borrowing limits). Once approved, you can complete an online application, review loan terms, and choose the repayment schedule that best fits your budget.

Home equity line of credit (HELOC)

If you’re considering a HELOC versus a home equity loan to pay for a bathroom remodel, it’s important to consider the different aspects of each type of financing. A HELOC is like a home equity loan in that it lets you utilize equity in your property to fund home renovations. But unlike a home equity loan, a HELOC is a revolving line of credit secured by your home that works much like a credit card: You can borrow funds as needed during the “draw period” and then repay both principal and interest once the repayment phase begins. To qualify, lenders typically require at least 15% to 20% equity in your home, a solid credit score (mid-600s or higher, with 700 or higher preferred), a manageable debt-to-income ratio, proof of stable income, and a strong payment history.

While Rocket Mortgage does not currently offer HELOCs, many banks, credit unions, and other mortgage lenders do; it’s important to shop around and compare terms and rates across providers before applying.

Home improvement personal loans

Don’t want to tap into your home equity, or lack sufficient equity for your project? Consider a home improvement personal loan to finance your bathroom redo. Personal home improvement loans are unsecured, fixed-rate loans, meaning you borrow a lump sum (typically between $2,000 and $45,000), and repay it over a relatively short period (usually three to five years). Because they’re based solely on your credit history rather than collateral, they come with higher interest rates compared to secured loans.

To apply, you’ll need to demonstrate solid credit, income, and responsible financial behavior, as lenders evaluate your ability to repay. Rocket Loans offers fixed-rate personal loans with a fast and straightforward application process. Funding can be available as quickly as the same day.

Credit cards

Credit cards may offer another way to pay for a bathroom remodel. You might already have one or more cards you can use, or you can apply for a credit card that offers generous rewards for making large purchases on your card. Some cards even offer a 0% promotional rate on new purchases for an introductory period that usually runs from 6 to 21 months, making this an interest-free option for a limited time. But it’s crucial to set a repayment schedule well ahead of any charges, which ensures that you can pay down the balance before the rate resets higher and accrues on your balance.

Weighing project cost vs. value (ROI)

It’s easy to focus on the costs of a project you’re thinking of undertaking. But it’s important to remember that home remodeling can add to the value of your home. An increase in resale value attributed to the renovation is what’s known as the return on your investment, or ROI. The good news is that Redfin reports that bathroom remodels have an ROI of approximately 66%.

It’s smart to learn more about how updating and renovating your bathroom can lead to a higher resale value and possible tax benefits.

Resale value

Our homes are generally our biggest financial asset, and it’s important to maintain and improve them to protect the value of that asset. Redfin Agents find that upgraded bathrooms and kitchens are one of the top features buyers are looking for.

Achieving a 50% or greater ROI via a bathroom remodel can pay off when it’s time to list your home for sale. Consider how a new or renovated bath can improve the appeal of your home to prospective purchasers, giving you a possible edge in a competitive market. In the meantime, you get to enjoy your investment.

While renovations possibly increase your home’s value, they don’t impact how much you can deduct on your tax return, unless they fall into a specific cateory. If you substantially increase the value of your property, it’s possible the assessed value of your home could increase, which could lead to a higher property tax bill. If you make upgrades that can be categorized as capital improvements by the IRS, you may be able to use them to reduce your capital gains tax when you sell your home. Reach out to a tax professional for more information.

The bottom line: Choose the bathroom makeover that fits your budget

Home renovation projects can be costly, but you may get a return on your investment when you sell your home later. Take the time to create a list of must-haves as well as wish list items for your bathroom remodel, and carefully prioritize the different upgrades you value most. Be sure to thoroughly explore different financing options to fund your bathroom project, including a home equity loan, HELOC, credit card, or personal loan.

Ready to get started? If you’re ready to apply for a personal loan today, you can contact Rocket Loans for more information.

This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any service mentioned will meet their needs.