Bathroom Remodeling Costs

You’ve finally saved enough to remodel your bathroom — or you think you have. If you’re still a bit uncertain about the costs, you’re not alone. Bathrooms are typically the smallest room in the house, but renovations are highly labor-intensive.

According to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide, the national average cost to remodel a bathroom is $9,725. But you can spend less, depending on the size of the bathroom. Most homeowners spend between $5,928 and $14,137. The good news is that bathroom remodels provide some of the highest resale returns.

When it comes to remodeling a bathroom, a large chunk of the cost is labor. So, it’s important to find a reputable contractor. Be sure to meet with at least three contractors — and to thoroughly check their online reviews and references — before making a hiring decision.

Before interviewing contractors, write a detailed plan for your renovation — including all of your ideas and a rough budget estimate. It pays to plan in advance because one of the top budget busters in remodeling is making changes during the renovation. Another is changing the layout of your existing plumbing, which can cost thousands of dollars.

Here’s a breakdown of installation costs and a look at how to save money on some bigger-ticket items.

Cabinets

Cabinet installation can cost $1,200 to $13,000.

Don’t skimp on cabinet quality. Cabinets made of cheap particle board don’t last long in a wet environment. Some ways to save:

• Save by doing the shopping yourself instead of having the contractor shop for you. Look for sales at home improvement stores and online.
• If the cabinets in your bathroom are solid but outdated, consider having them refinished. They’ll look brand new but cost far less.
• Check out your local Habitat for Humanity Restore for solid, previously owned cabinets at rock-bottom prices.

Countertops

Plan on spending $900 to $6,500 to install countertops.

Countertops make a statement but can be expensive. The good news is there are many quality options at every price level.

• Granite is the luxury choice but is most expensive. Check your local granite shops, which often have smaller slabs of leftover granite from other jobs that they’ll sell at a discount.

If you like the look of marble, save by buying cultured marble instead. Cultured marble is a blend of stone particles and resins that resembles marble but offers greater durability and resistance to stains and abrasion, as well as a lower price point.

• Laminate gives the look of expensive finishes like granite, marble and concrete at a fraction of the cost. Laminate also holds up well and is easy to clean.

Fixtures

Plan on spending $1,170 to $25,280 to install the toilet, sink, bathtub and shower.

To save $1,000 or more, find your own deals online or at home improvement stores.

If your toilet is old, replace it. Today’s low-flow toilets have a tremendous flush, making them less likely to clog and saving plumbing costs down the road. They also come in taller heights for the comfort of adults and those who use a walker or wheelchair. A modern toilet doesn’t have to be expensive. Many can be found in the $200-$300 range.

If you have a dingy cast-iron tub, having it reglazed will only cost a couple hundred dollars.

If you’re installing a shower, consider an ADA-compliant walk-in shower. These showers are becoming more popular as people consider aging in place.

Flooring

Flooring installation can cost anywhere from $800 to $7,000.

Ceramic tiling is most popular, but high-quality vinyl flooring is emerging, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA).

Opting for a simple tile design instead of a more complex layout can save as much as $1,000 in tile and labor. A good compromise is to buy ceramic or porcelain tile for about $5 a square foot and use higher-priced glass or metal tiles as accents. Some things to keep in mind:

• For the floor, choose less slippery tiles that are textured or that have matte finishes or sand-containing glazes.
• Consider adding electric radiant flooring, which is a surprisingly affordable luxury at roughly $11 per square foot of open flooring.
• What about heated flooring? Are there good options that aren’t really costly? It might save on heating bills?

Lighting & Hardware

Installing lighting fixtures costs anywhere from $120 to $4,000.

Adding lots of light to the bathroom is one of the most valuable changes a homeowner can make, and it doesn’t have to be expensive if you shop during clearance sales or online.

The latest trend in lighting is LEDs, according to NKBA, and using pendants or chandeliers for ceiling lights.

Finally, splurge on higher-quality faucets and showerheads because they last longer—and also because they can transform your bathroom into something extraordinary.