How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

A bathroom remodel typically ranges from about $6,600 to $18,000 ($70-$250 per square foot), and an extensive high-end remodel can cost over $100,000. Your cost will depend on the extent of the work, your square footage and whether you choose high-end, mid-range or basic materials.

Factors that influence bathroom remodel costs

Seven things largely determine the final cost of a bathroom remodel.

Square footage of your bathroom. The larger your bathroom, the more it will probably cost to remodel it.
Amount and type of labor required. Labor costs can make up 40% to 65% of your total bathroom remodel price tag. If your remodel requires specific professionals such as plumbers, electricians, HVAC specialists or designers, expect to pay more than if your job just involves basic carpentry and installation.
Permits. Depending on the type and extent of work, expect to pay $100 to $1,500 in total for plumbing, construction and electrical permits.
Demolition. If your old bathroom needs to be demolished and prepped before beginning the remodel, this could add $1,000 to $2,300 to your cost.
New floor plan. If you’re changing your bathroom’s floor plan, reworking the plumbing and electric to fit the new plan will likely add an extra $5,000.
Water damage repairs. If leaking pipes, condensation or bad drainage appear during your remodel, expect to pay an additional $3.75 to $7 per square foot to fix it.
Materials. Whether you opt for low-end, mid-range or high-end shower/tubs, sinks, toilets, flooring, tiles, countertops is a significant cost factor. Adding accessibility or smart features will also increase costs.

Can you redo a bathroom for $5,000?

Although you can make noticeable improvements to a bathroom with a $5,000 budget, that kind of project will likely be a renovation rather than a true remodel. Here’s the difference:

Renovations in general are projects that update and improve the existing space or floor plan.
Remodeling projects change the layout or function of the space.

A bathroom renovation project that costs at $5,000 or less may include one or a combination of some of these popular upgrades.

Replacing a vanity, mirror or medicine cabinet.
Replacing faucets and shower heads.
Adding storage cabinets or shelving.
Replacing rugs and shower mats.
Reglazing or replacing a bathtub or shower.
Putting new artwork on walls.
Adding a minor luxury feature, such as a heated towel rack.
Adding a minor accessibility feature, such as grab bars.

Is remodeling a bathroom worth the money?

Major bathroom remodels are often worth the money because they tend to add to the home’s value.

Bathroom remodels often recoup at least 45% of their costs, and mid-range bathroom remodels may recoup up to 75% of their costs via increased home value
Be aware, however, that when you make home improvements that increase your home value, your property taxes may increase, so factor that into your calculations. Your local property tax assessor’s office should be able to give a rough estimate of how much your property taxes may increase based on your specific project

Remodeling your bathroom has a number of benefits.

Increased home value. You can expect to recoup up to about 75% of the money you put into a bathroom remodel via an increase home value.
Improved functionality. Remodeling is an opportunity to reconfigure the space in a way that has better flow, has more storage space and is more convenient.
Better hygiene. Replacing old, difficult-to-clean fixtures and features with new, modern ones creates a cleaner, more hygienic space.
A more beautiful, luxurious space. You can update style and color, as well as add luxury features, such as rain shower heads, in-shower steam saunas, heated floors and towel racks or a bidet.
Improved eco-friendliness. Opting for low-flow toilets, LED lighting, sustainable materials, and water-saving faucets and shower heads can make your bathroom kinder to the planet.
A safer space. Remodeling is the perfect time to install accessibility features such as grab bars, brighter lighting, slip-resistant flooring, walk-in showers or tubs, and bathing seats or benches to help keep you safe if you’re facing physical challenges.

There are also some drawbacks to remodeling a bathroom. These include:

Increased property taxes. When you make an improvement to your home that adds to its value, this can mean a new property tax assessment

For example, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Capital Improvements. Accessed Jan 2, 2025.

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Expense. Remodeling a bathroom could easily run five or six figures if you’re doing extensive work and/or choosing high-end materials. You may need to find financing to complete your project.

Disruption of your routine. You may not be able to use your bathroom during demolition and construction, which can be stressful and inconvenient, as well as noisy, dusty and messy. Having contractors in your home all day can make you feel like you and your family have no personal space.
Surprise issues. Remodeling a bathroom can reveal all sorts of unpleasant and unexpected plumbing, structural, mold and electrical issues that add to the overall time and expense of the project.

Can I get financing for a home repair or improvement?

Your contractor may offer some financing options (either through a partner or a payment plan), but there are other — any maybe better — financing options available.

Home equity loan or HELOC

Home equity loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOC) may have lower interest rates than financing with an installer, as well as future opportunities for refinancing and possible tax benefits.

With a home equity loan, you receive a lump-sum payment and then pay it back at a fixed interest rate over an agreed period of time, typically five to 30 years. HELOCs are more akin to a credit card, something you use as needed. You’ll usually have 10 years to draw from the line of credit, during which time you only have to pay interest, and after that you pay both the principal and interest. HELOC interest rates typically are variable, meaning your monthly payment could rise or fall over time. And with each of these options, you’re using your home as collateral.

Many banks, credit unions and online lenders offer personal loans, with amounts typically from $1,000 to $100,000 and with fixed annual percentage rates. You receive a lump sum and repay it in equal monthly installments over a set period, typically two to seven years. Unlike with home equity financing, there is no collateral. This means your home isn’t at risk if you miss payments, but you’ll still have to pay late fees and the late payments can negatively impact your credit.

Credit cards are an option for lower cost repairs or renovations. That’s because credit cards typically charge higher interest rates than home equity loans, HELOCs and personal loans. When used responsibly, credit cards can come with great benefits, such as 0% introductory APR periods that allow you to avoid interest for a set number of months; rewards so you can earn cash back, travel or points; and sign-up bonuses that can give you some extra cash back or rewards for a larger purchase. If you go this route, you’ll want to make sure you pick one of the best credit cards for home improvements.

Which financing option is best for me?

The best financing option for you will depend on how much money you need, when you need the money, what project you’re doing and how long you need to pay the money back. If it’s something that’ll add value to your home, a HELOC or home equity loan may be your best option because the value of your house could increase by more than the amount of the loan.

On the flip side, if it’s a less expensive repair, a credit card is probably your best option if you want to pay no interest or earn rewards. Personal loans can apply to both small and large repairs or renovations, and they may make sense if you don’t have much equity in your home.

Some home improvement contractors offer their own financing options. Before taking this option, shop around and see how their offer compares with other loans.

Regardless of what you choose, make sure you compare interest rates, terms and fees with any financing options you’re considering. This will ensure you get the best deal.