An 8×10 bathroom remodel typically costs $10,000-$30,000, with many midrange projects landing near $19,000. The final price depends on whether the existing layout stays, the quality of tile and fixtures, local labor rates, and hidden plumbing or water damage.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete remodel | $10,000 | $19,000 | $30,000 | Existing layout, standard finishes |
| Cost per square foot | $125 | $238 | $375 | Based on 80 sq ft |
| Labor share | $4,000 | $8,000 | $14,000 | Depends on trades and scope |
| Fixtures and finishes | $3,000 | $6,000 | $10,000 | Includes typical materials |
What an 8×10 bathroom remodel typically costs
For an 80-square-foot bathroom, a basic renovation with retained plumbing, a prefabricated shower or tub, stock vanity, and economical flooring often runs $10,000-$15,000. A midrange remodel with tiled wet-area surfaces, a new vanity, updated lighting, and standard-quality fixtures commonly costs $16,000-$24,000. Higher-end materials, custom cabinetry, or layout changes can take the total to $25,000-$40,000 or more.
Keeping the toilet, tub, and shower in their current locations is one of the strongest ways to stay near the lower end. These ranges assume professional installation, ordinary access, no major structural repairs, and no unusually expensive finishes. Assumptions: 80 sq ft, U.S. average labor conditions, standard-to-midrange materials, existing layout retained.
What goes into an 8×10 bathroom quote
Contractors may combine work into a single price, so a written estimate should clarify what is included. The following ranges are typical portions of a midrange project and can shift with finish selection and site conditions.
| Quote item | Typical range | Unit or scope | Price note | Often includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demolition and disposal | $800-$2,000 | 80 sq ft room | $10-$25 per sq ft | Removal and haul-away |
| Labor and installation | $5,000-$11,000 | Project total | $50-$125 per hour | Trade work and coordination |
| Tile and flooring materials | $1,000-$4,000 | Floor and wet area | $3-$25 per sq ft | Tile, setting materials, grout |
| Vanity and fixtures | $1,500-$5,000 | One vanity and fixture set | $500-$3,500 per vanity | Cabinet, sink, faucet, toilet allowance |
| Permits and inspections | $100-$1,000 | Local jurisdiction | Varies by scope | Required approvals where applicable |
Labor may be estimated by task or time, and hourly rates vary by trade and market. helps compare a time-and-materials quote with a fixed-price bid, but the estimate should also state whether cleanup, delivery, and disposal are included.
Which room conditions change the final price
Square footage alone does not determine the estimate. An 8×10 room with a large tiled shower, separate tub, and double vanity can cost more than the same-size room with a tub-shower combination and single vanity. Moving a toilet or shower drain often adds $1,000-$4,000, while relocating multiple plumbing lines can add more.
Water damage and surface choices can turn a straightforward update into a substantially larger project. Replacing a few damaged subfloor panels may add $300-$1,200; extensive rot or framing repairs can exceed $2,000. Floor tile installed over 80 square feet may cost $800-$2,000 for standard material and installation, while intricate patterns or premium stone can raise that amount.
Shower size and tile coverage matter as well. A basic prefabricated surround may cost $700-$2,000 installed, while a custom tiled shower often runs $3,000-$8,000. Glass enclosures, niches, benches, waterproofing upgrades, and specialty drains add separate charges.
How labor hours shape the remodel schedule
A typical full remodel takes about 2-4 weeks of on-site work, although ordering materials, inspections, and subcontractor scheduling can extend the calendar to 4-8 weeks. A small crew may include a general contractor plus plumbers, electricians, tile installers, and painters, with each trade arriving for a distinct phase.
More tile work and plumbing changes generally mean more labor days, not just higher material bills. Ask whether the estimate includes project management, protection of nearby rooms, daily cleanup, and coordination of inspections. A low bid that excludes these tasks may not represent the final expense.
Where U.S. location changes 8×10 bathroom prices
Labor markets can produce meaningful regional differences. Large coastal cities and high-cost metro areas may run roughly 15%-30% above a national midrange estimate, while some rural and lower-cost markets may come in 10%-20% below it. Local permit fees, contractor availability, and delivery distance can widen or narrow those gaps.
Compare quotes from contractors serving the same area and using similar finish allowances. A bid with a $2,000 vanity allowance is not directly comparable to one that budgets $700, even if both list the same total. Check whether each estimate includes sales tax, disposal, and permit charges.
What add-ons push an 8×10 project over budget
Removal of an old tub or heavy tile can increase disposal costs, particularly when stairs, narrow access, or distant dumpsters complicate hauling. Common extras include a new exhaust fan at $250-$700 installed, upgraded lighting at $150-$600 per fixture, and a glass shower door at $600-$1,800. Waterproofing repairs or code-required electrical work may be discovered only after demolition.
Set aside 10%-15% of the planned budget for concealed damage and necessary corrections. Before work begins, ask how the contractor prices change orders and whether a written approval is required. That helps distinguish necessary repairs from optional upgrades.
Remodel or refresh the existing 80-square-foot bath
A full replacement is not always necessary. Replacing a vanity, faucet, toilet, mirror, and light while keeping the tub and tile can cost about $3,000-$8,000, depending on materials and labor. Refinishing a sound bathtub often costs $350-$800, and regrouting or recaulking may run $300-$1,000 when the underlying surfaces remain in good condition.
Choose targeted repairs when the layout works and the waterproofing, subfloor, and plumbing are sound. A refresh will not solve leaks, failing tile backer, or recurring moisture damage, so those conditions should be assessed before covering or refinishing surfaces.
How to lower the price without cutting essential work
Retain plumbing locations, choose stock or semi-custom cabinetry, and limit tile to the shower walls or floor rather than extending it across every surface. Select standard-size fixtures and compare material allowances before accepting a bid. Homeowners can sometimes handle painting or accessory installation, but should leave plumbing, wiring, waterproofing, and structural repairs to qualified trades.
Compare at least three itemized quotes with the same scope and finish level. Ask contractors to price optional upgrades separately, confirm disposal and permit costs, and schedule around reasonable lead times rather than requesting rush work. Avoid reducing waterproofing or ventilation to meet a budget; correcting moisture damage later can cost more than doing that work properly during the remodel.