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PROJECT GUIDE · UPDATED JUNE 2026

Bathroom Remodel Cost & Project Guide

Everything for your Bathroom Remodel in one place: cost by state, DIY vs. hire, the tools and materials, and a local pro if you want one.

NATIONAL AVERAGE · UPDATED JUNE 2026

HIRE A PRO

$6,500$18,000

DIY COST

$2,500$7,500

Typical project: 5×8 ft full bathroom, mid-range finishes, no layout change

Skill levelDoable with careAnyone can take this on. The Blueprint walks you through it, step by step.
Get the Bathroom Remodel Blueprint →

Source: 3+ benchmark aggregations (RSMeans, Angi, Fixr, HomeGuide) plus Submitted Quotes data

Plan your Bathroom Remodel

A quick checklist to get from idea to done. Want it as a printable PDF? Grab the full free version, emailed to you.

  • 1Set a realistic budget using the cost range above.
  • 2Check whether your project needs a permit in your state.
  • 3Decide DIY or hire (see the breakdown below).
  • 4Make your materials and tools list.
  • 5If hiring, get three quotes and compare them like-for-like.
  • 6Plan the timeline and order materials with a 10 percent buffer.

Tools and materials for a Bathroom Remodel

What you will actually buy. We flag what to rent versus own so you do not overspend on a one-time tool.

Materials

  • Vanity with sink (30 in) · 1
  • Vanity faucet · 1
  • Toilet (comfort height, dual flush) · 1
  • Shower tile (12×24 in porcelain) · 80 sq ft
  • Floor tile (12×12 in mosaic) · 45 sq ft
  • Cement board (3×5 ft sheets) · 10
  • Tile adhesive + unsanded grout · 2 sets
  • Shower valve + trim kit · 1
  • Shower door (frameless 36 in) · 1
  • Exhaust fan (110 CFM) · 1
  • Paint + primer (moisture-resistant) · 1 gallon

Tools

  • Tile saw (wet saw) · rent or buy
  • Notched trowel (1/4×3/8 in) · you likely own
  • Grout float · you likely own
  • Level (4 ft) · you likely own
  • Drill / impact driver · you likely own
  • Oscillating multi-tool · you likely own
  • Caulk gun · you likely own
  • Pipe wrench · you likely own

Pro tips for your Bathroom Remodel

The mistakes that cost DIYers the most, and how to stay ahead of them.

Skipping waterproofing membrane behind shower tile

Using drywall instead of cement board in wet areas

Grouting too soon, adhesive needs 24 hours minimum to cure

Forgetting to seal natural stone or unglazed tile

Not checking floor level before setting tile, lippage is permanent

Should you DIY or hire for Bathroom Remodel?

It depends on three things: your skill level, your time, and your tolerance for the riskiest parts of the project.

When DIY makes sense

  • You have prior experience with similar home improvement projects
  • The scope is well-defined and doesn't involve hidden structural work
  • You can dedicate multiple days without rushing the job
  • You're comfortable pulling a permit and scheduling inspections

When to hire

  • The project involves electrical, plumbing, or structural elements
  • You're on a hard deadline (sale, rental, weather window)
  • Mistakes would be expensive or dangerous to fix
  • Your jurisdiction requires a licensed contractor for permit sign-off
  • You haven't done this type of work before
DifficultyModerate

Doable with some project experience and comfort handling permits and inspections.

Not planning to DIY? Find a local Bathroom Remodel pro →

What drives the cost of Bathroom Remodel

Materials

The single biggest material variable is your product choice. Cosmetic refresh (paint, fixtures, hardware) and Tub-to-shower conversion sit at opposite ends of the price spectrum, a decision that can shift your materials budget by 40–60%. Key line items include vanity with sink, vanity faucet, toilet, each priced per unit and sensitive to regional supply-chain conditions. Bulk purchasing and timing your order outside peak season (spring and early summer) can reduce material costs by 10–15%.

Labor

BLS occupational wage data shows interior-trade crews earn $28–$52/hour depending on metro area, and most bathroom remodel jobs require a two- to three-person crew for at least one full day. Labor typically accounts for 40–60% of the total project cost. Project complexity, custom details, tight access, or non-standard configurations, adds crew time and can push labor costs well above the national average.

Site conditions

Slope, soil type, and existing-structure condition are the three site factors contractors price most aggressively. Demolition or removal of old materials adds dumpster and disposal fees that rarely appear in online estimates. Local code requirements, permit fees, required inspections, and jurisdiction-specific material standards, can add $200–$1,500 to any project before a single tool is lifted.

Rather hire it out?

Find a vetted Bathroom Remodel pro near you. We never sell your info and never take kickbacks.

Find a Bathroom Remodel pro →

Frequently asked questions

Get the Bathroom Remodel Blueprint →

Bathroom Remodelers near you

All bathroom remodelers citiesBathroom Remodelers in New York City, NYBathroom Remodelers in Los Angeles, CABathroom Remodelers in Brooklyn, NYBathroom Remodelers in Chicago, ILBathroom Remodelers in Queens, NYBathroom Remodelers in Houston, TXBathroom Remodelers in Phoenix, AZBathroom Remodelers in Philadelphia, PABathroom Remodelers in San Antonio, TXBathroom Remodelers in Manhattan, NYBathroom Remodelers in San Diego, CABathroom Remodelers in The Bronx, NYBathroom Remodelers in Dallas, TXBathroom Remodelers in Jacksonville, FLBathroom Remodelers in Fort Worth, TXBathroom Remodelers in San Jose, CABathroom Remodelers in Austin, TXBathroom Remodelers in Columbus, OH