7 Min. Read

Bathroom Remodeling Estimate Cost Calculator

April 10, 2024

Before you begin any project, it’s important to estimate the costs. As a business owner, this is a key part of deciding whether or not a project is worth taking. As a homeowner, it’s part of deciding whether a remodel is worth the investment.

A good bathroom remodeling estimate needs to take into account a number of factors. You need to consider the type of materials, as well as the cost of labor. You’ll also need to take into account the size of the space. These factors will all affect the cost of the average bathroom remodel.

This guide isn’t gospel. There will be regional factors and other variables that affect your final price. That said, many costs will be consistent no matter where you are. At the very least, these simple tips will help you determine a ballpark figure for how much your remodel will cost.

Here’s What We’ll Cover:

Average Bathroom Remodeling Cost

Bathroom Remodeling Cost Breakdown

How Much Will I Pay for Labor?

How to Save Money on Your Bathroom Remodel

Key Takeaways

Average Bathroom Remodeling Cost

The first thing you need to consider when estimating your bathroom remodel cost is the size. It goes without saying that the larger the room, the more it will cost. As a basic example, take a small 5’ x 8’ powder room. Depending on the extent of the work and the quality of the materials, that will cost you between $3,000 and $13,000.

On the other end of the spectrum, you might have a very large bathroom. If your bathroom size is 100 square feet, you could end up paying upwards of $60,000. Then again, you can get away with spending less for a more basic remodel. A contractor can use estimating software to provide a more accurate number.

Bathroom Remodeling Cost Breakdown

If you’re going to go beyond the average cost for a given number of square feet, you need to dig a little deeper. Thankfully, this isn’t too difficult. If you hire a contractor, they’ll provide you with an itemized list when they give you their estimate. Here’s the average cost for several common projects:

New countertops: $250-$1,000, depending on size and material.
Major fixtures: Variable. Toilets can run from $100 to over $1,000. Sinks can start as low as $300 or as much as several thousands. Tubs and showers will cost between $1,000 and $10,000.
Small fixtures: Also variable, depending on quality. Faucets and showerheads can run from $150 to over $1,000. Medicine cabinets can cost over $2,000 if they are very large.
Bathroom vanities and shelving: $250 to $3,000 or more, depending on the size and construction. More for a double vanity.
Tiling: $7 to $25 per square foot, depending on the type of tile. More for stone, less for porcelain, even less for ceramic tiles. A heated floor will cost you double. Shower tiles and wall tiles will also cost more.
Refitting with disability features: $1,500 to $10,000, depending on features. Grab bars are cheaper than a brand new tub.
Mold and mildew-resistant paint: $50 to $200.
Demolition: Varies widely depending on the scope. More for a major renovation.
Extending bathroom or moving fixtures: Varies widely. Costs go up faster when plumbing and electrical lines need to be rerouted.

How Much Will I Pay for Labor?

The cost of labor will vary widely depending on who is involved. In the course of a full remodel, you’ll end up hiring a number of different tradespeople, each with their own labor rates. Ultimately, how much you spend will be up to you. Many of the tasks involved can be performed by any handy homeowner. At the very least, just about anyone can save money by doing their own demolition work. That said, unless you’re an expert, it’s best to hire a professional for your plumbing and electrical work.

For a general contractor, your rates will fall between $65 and $95 per hour. Electricians charge about the same rate, while plumbers are a bit cheaper, at $60 to $85 per hour.

Tile work is a bit of an anomaly. For basic tiling, you can pay as little as $35 per hour – or do the job yourself over the course of a weekend. That said, complex mosaic work is a skilled craft, and you can expect to pay more. The most experienced artisans can charge over $200 per hour.

For windows, contractors usually charge by the piece. The rate can be anywhere from $150 to $400 per window, not including the cost of the actual window. You’ll pay significantly more for a complex bay window than a small casement window.

If you’re gutting and performing a complete bathroom remodel, you’ll need to hire a designer. This professional will draw up a design for your new bathroom and help you choose fixtures. They’ll also coordinate with your contractor to make sure they’re using the proper supplies. Depending on the scope of work, bathroom designers charge between $350 and $750.

There are also special cases where you’ll need to pay more. For example, attic bathrooms require roofing work and extra insulation. Roofers will charge between $60 and $100 per hour. Basement bathrooms, meanwhile, will require special pumps for wastewater disposal.

If that all sounds too complicated, here’s a simpler way to think about it. Labor costs will usually be between 50 and 60 percent of the total job. If you know your cost of materials, double it and add 10 percent for safety. The number won’t be exactly accurate, but it’s an easy way to get a back-of-the-napkin estimate. To get a more accurate figure, consider investing in some accounting software.

How to Save Money on Your Bathroom Remodel

The cost of a bathroom remodeling project depends mostly on the scope of the work. This much is a no brainer. Replacing a shower, even with an upscale model, can be cheaper than moving it to the other side of the room. The same goes for knocking out walls and other major alterations. If you’re going to do any of those things, your costs will go up.

That said, it’s sometimes necessary to rearrange the room. You may want to install a walk-in shower instead of a bathtub, or upgrade to a double sink. In that case, it’s important to work closely with your designer from the get-go. Check and double-check all the designs to make sure everything is the way you want it. If you have to go back later and move a wall a second time, your costs can skyrocket.

Another way to save money is to keep your fixture and accessory costs low. Consider whether you need that high-end light fixture or those granite bathroom countertops. By opting for a more affordable alternative, you’ll spend less on your total project.

Along the same lines, luxury brands tend to charge a lot more than the average cost for the same fixture. You could buy a $200 toilet or a $1,500 toilet, and nobody would ever know the difference. Unless you really need high-end fixtures, it’s best to avoid them.

You can also save money by purchasing from an outlet store. There are plenty of retailers who offer fixtures, tile, and other construction materials for a fraction of the going rate. Of course, you can’t always be picky when you shop from this kind of store. You might have to choose a slightly different tile than you’d prefer, for instance.

Finally, there are plenty of jobs you can do for yourself. Anybody can paint a bathroom, and caulking is also straightforward. Hang your mirrors and medicine cabinet by yourself, and do your own demolition. This way, you can save a significant amount of money.

Key Takeaways

As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into estimating the cost of your bathroom repair. This includes everything from basic factors such as square footage. It also includes more complex questions such as the types of materials and quality of the plumbing fixtures.

Did you find this article helpful? If so, check out our article on Home Repair Estimating Software to discover more valuable insights and tools for your home improvement projects.