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Bathroom remodel cost in 2026: prices by size, item and scope
A bathroom remodel averages about $15,600; most cost $6,500–$24,700. Small baths $12,700–$14,800, primary suites $22,400+. Item costs, timelines, ROI and ways to save.
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Quick answer: A bathroom remodel costs about $15,600 on average, with most projects between $6,500 and $24,700. A small 40–60 sq ft bathroom typically runs $12,700–$14,800; a primary suite of 130+ sq ft runs $22,400–$24,700 or more with luxury finishes. Plumbing changes and tile are the biggest swing factors — keeping fixtures in place saves the most money.
Key takeaways
- Labor is often 40–60% of a bathroom remodel because so many trades are involved.
- Moving the toilet or shower drain can add $1,000–$5,000+.
- A tub-to-shower conversion is one of the most popular upgrades at $3,000–$12,000+.
- A midrange bath remodel recoups around two-thirds to three-quarters of its cost at resale.
- Budget a 10–20% contingency for hidden water damage and old plumbing.
Bathrooms pack a lot of work into a small space: plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, tile, ventilation and finishes. This guide breaks down 2026 costs by size and item, shows example budgets, explains where to spend and save, and gives a realistic timeline.
Bathroom remodel cost by size
| Size | Typical room | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (40–60 sq ft) | Half bath, small hall bath | $12,700–$14,800 |
| Medium (70–90 sq ft) | Standard full bath | $15,900–$18,100 |
| Large (100–120 sq ft) | Large guest or family bath | $19,200–$21,300 |
| Primary suite (130+ sq ft) | Primary bath with double vanity, separate shower | $22,400–$24,700+ |
High-end primary baths with heated floors, frameless glass and custom vanities often reach $40,000–$80,000+.
Cost by scope
| Scope | What it includes | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | Paint, mirror, lighting, hardware, faucet, toilet | $2,500–$6,500 |
| Midrange remodel | New tub/shower, tile, vanity, toilet, flooring, lighting, fan; same layout | $12,000–$25,000 |
| Full gut and layout change | Move fixtures, new plumbing and wiring, custom shower | $25,000–$50,000+ |
| Accessible / aging-in-place | Curbless shower, grab bars, comfort-height toilet, wider door | $10,000–$30,000 |
Cost by item
| Item | Typical cost (installed unless noted) |
|---|---|
| Full shower remodel (tile, valve, glass) | ~$8,000 (range $5,000–$15,000) |
| Plumbing work | ~$5,500 (more if relocating) |
| Vanity (incl. removal) | ~$2,900 (stock $500–$2,000; custom $3,000–$8,000+) |
| Tile installation | ~$1,300 for a small floor; $10–$25+/sq ft |
| Tub (alcove, installed) | $1,500–$5,000; freestanding $3,000–$10,000+ |
| Tub-to-shower conversion | $3,000–$12,000+ |
| Toilet | $300–$1,500 |
| Frameless glass shower door | $1,000–$3,500 |
| Exhaust fan (vented outside) | $300–$900 |
| Lighting and electrical | $500–$3,000 |
| Heated floor | $600–$2,500 |
| Flooring (tile or LVP) | $800–$3,500 |
| Permits | $150–$1,500 |
Return on investment
From the national Remodeling Cost vs. Value report (2024), a midrange bathroom remodel recouped roughly 70–74% of its cost at resale, while an upscale bath recouped about 45–50%. Updated, clean bathrooms help homes sell faster — but luxury finishes rarely pay for themselves.
Example budgets
Example: $14,000 small hall bath (5×8 ft)
- Demo and disposal: $1,000
- New acrylic tub + tiled surround: $4,500
- Vanity, top, faucet: $1,600
- Toilet: $500
- Porcelain floor tile: $1,300
- Exhaust fan + lighting: $900
- Plumbing (same locations): $1,800
- Paint, mirror, accessories: $700
- Permit + contingency: $1,700
Example: $24,000 primary bath (10×12 ft)
- Walk-in tiled shower with glass: $9,000
- Double vanity with quartz top: $4,500
- Comfort-height toilet: $700
- Tile floor with heated mat: $3,000
- Plumbing and electrical updates: $3,500
- Lighting, fan, mirrors: $1,500
- Contingency: $1,800
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
| Project | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | 2–5 days |
| Midrange remodel (same layout) | 2–4 weeks |
| Full gut or layout change | 4–8 weeks |
| Custom primary bath | 6–12 weeks |
Ordering tile, vanities and glass can add weeks — order before demo starts.
Where to spend — and where to save
Spend on:
- Waterproofing (a proper membrane behind shower tile) — fixing leaks later is very expensive.
- A quality shower valve (pressure-balanced or thermostatic).
- Ventilation — a quiet fan vented outdoors prevents mold. See mold removal cost.
- Good lighting around the mirror.
Save on:
- Keep the layout — leave the toilet, sink and shower where they are.
- Porcelain tile that looks like stone or wood.
- Stock vanities with an upgraded faucet and hardware.
- Refinish a good cast-iron tub instead of replacing it ($400–$900).
- Large-format tiles on walls mean fewer grout lines and faster installation.
Planning tips
- Measure carefully — standard alcove tubs are 60" long; doors and vanities must clear.
- Choose a WaterSense toilet and showerhead to save water.
- Add blocking for grab bars during the remodel, even if you don't install them now.
- Consider a curbless shower for safety and resale.
- Plan outlets near the vanity (GFCI required) for hair dryers and electric toothbrushes.
Common mistakes
- Skipping the exhaust fan or venting it into the attic.
- Cheap waterproofing behind tile.
- Too little storage — plan medicine cabinets, niches and vanity drawers.
- Wrong tile on the shower floor — use slip-resistant tile.
- Not checking for hidden rot under the toilet and tub before finalising the budget.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in 2026?
About $15,600 on average, with most projects between $6,500 and $24,700.
How much does a small bathroom remodel cost?
Typically $12,700–$14,800 for a 40–60 sq ft bathroom with mid-range finishes.
What's the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?
Labor and the shower/tub area — especially tile work and any plumbing changes.
Does a bathroom remodel increase home value?
Yes, partly. A midrange remodel recoups roughly 70% of its cost at resale, and updated bathrooms help homes sell.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
Usually 2–4 weeks for a midrange remodel that keeps the same layout.
Is a tub-to-shower conversion worth it?
Often, especially for primary baths and aging-in-place. Keep at least one tub in the house if you expect buyers with young children.
Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom?
Usually for plumbing, electrical or structural changes. Simple cosmetic updates often don't need one.