Homeowners typically spend a wide range on bathroom fitting, from cosmetic updates to full gut remodels. The price is driven by labor, fixtures, finishes, and whether walls or plumbing are relocated. This guide breaks down the current cost landscape in the United States with practical ranges to help plan a project.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor | $2,000 | $6,000 | $12,000 | Installation, plumbing tweaks, and trades. |
| Materials & Fixtures | $1,500 | $4,500 | $10,000 | Vanity, toilet, faucets, shower kit, etc. |
| Tile & Surrounds | $2,000 | $5,000 | $15,000 | Floor and wall tile, surrounds, backsplashes. |
| Permits & Inspections | $0 | $400 | $1,500 | Depends on jurisdiction and scope. |
| Demolition & Disposal | $0 | $1,000 | $3,000 | Old fixtures removal and waste. |
| Contingency | $800 | $4,000 | $8,000 | Typically 5–15% of total project. |
Assumptions: region, scope (cosmetic vs full gut), tile area, fixture quality, and labor hours vary by project.
Overview Of Costs
Total project ranges for a typical 40-square-foot bathroom vary with scope. A cosmetic refresh may land in the low end, around $6,000-$12,000. A mid-range remodel with new fixtures, modest tile, and minor plumbing changes commonly falls in the $12,000-$25,000 band. A full gut remodel that relocates plumbing, reconfigures layout, and uses premium finishes can run from $25,000 up to $60,000 or more.
Per-unit ranges help with budgeting. Tile installation commonly costs $8-$22 per square foot installed, depending on tile type and pattern. A new vanity can range from $300-$1,000 installed, a toilet from $180-$450, faucets from $80-$350 each, and a shower system (including enclosure) from $700-$2,500. Labor rates typically run $60-$120 per hour for general contracting, with plumbers $80-$150 per hour and electricians $65-$120 per hour. These figures illustrate how small changes in tile quality or fixture choice can produce meaningful price swings for the project total. Choosing tile and fixtures often drives the largest cost differences.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Breakdown
The breakdown below shows how a typical bathroom fitting budget might be distributed, using four to six cost categories and ranges for low, average, and high scenarios. This is designed to let buyers compare where money goes and how a change in scope affects the bill.
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Contingency | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | $1,500 | $2,000 | $0-$1,000 | $0 | $0-$500 | $800 |
| Average | $4,500 | $6,000 | $1,000 | $400 | $500 | $4,000 |
| High | $10,000 | $12,000 | $3,000 | $1,500 | $2,000 | $8,000 |
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Factors That Affect Price
Key price drivers include tile area, fixture quality, and plumbing moves. Larger tile areas increase material and labor costs, while moving plumbing or walls adds significant labor and sometimes additional drywall, waterproofing, and permit complexity.
- Tile area and complexity: 40-60 sq ft is common; 60-120 sq ft or intricate patterns can add $8-$15 per sq ft installed.
- Plumbing relocations: Moving a toilet or shower line can add $1,000-$4,000 to the project.
- Fixture quality: Mid-range fixtures are typically $300-$900 for a vanity, $180-$450 for a toilet, and $100-$350 per faucet; premium fixtures push costs higher.
- Ventilation and waterproofing: Proper ventilation plus water-proofing membranes can add $200-$600 for a fan and waterproofing materials, plus labor.
- Permits and inspections: Local requirements vary; residential permits often range from $50-$1,500 depending on jurisdiction and scope.
Regional and trade differences amplify or moderate these costs. Labor intensity, material choices, and permit rules differ by city and state, influencing the final tally beyond product prices.
Ways To Save
Smart planning and scope discipline can noticeably trim a bathroom project budget.
- Keep the same footprint: Avoid moving walls or plumbing runs to reduce labor and permit complexity.
- Choose standard sizes and store-brand fixtures when possible to lower fixture costs.
- Shop during sales and use vendor discounts for tile and fixtures; consider mid-range tile options with large formats to reduce joint labor.
- Do some prep work yourself, such as demolition or surface prep, if safety and code allow.
- Schedule off-peak or in-season, and obtain multiple bids from licensed pros to compare pricing.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary regionally due to labor, freight, and permit costs.
- Northeast: typically 5%–15% higher than national baselines due to higher labor costs and urban density.
- Midwest: often near baseline with regional variations; expect -5% to +5% depending on city and trade availability.
- Southwest and West Coast: can be 0%–10% higher in coastal metro areas, with inland markets diverging more.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor hours and crew composition drive both total time and cost. Typical ranges reflect scope, tile complexity, and whether plumbing or electrical work is involved.
- Cosmetic refresh (new fixtures, paint, basic tile): about 2–4 weeks with a small crew.
- Mid-range remodel (new tile, shower, vanity, minor plumbing): about 3–5 weeks.
- Full gut remodel (reconfigured layout, premium finishes): 4–8+ weeks depending on trades and inspections.
Rates by trade commonly fall in these bands: plumber $80-$150/hour, electrician $65-$120/hour, carpenter/installer $60-$110/hour. Time and labor pricing impact both the bottom line and the scheduling window.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs often appear as the scope expands or as trades uncover issues.
- Mold or water damage discovery requiring repair and extra waterproofing.
- Low-water pressure upgrades or pipe replacement when aging lines are found.
- Specialty finishes (natural stone, custom glass, or radiant floor heating) add substantial premiums.
- Change orders due to design decisions after demolition begins.
- Delivery charges, disposal fees, and temporary relocation of fixtures during work.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic Scenario
Scope: Cosmetic update in a standard 40 sq ft bath; new toilet, vanity, faucet set; no wall relocation; basic ceramic tile; standard paint and lighting.
- Specs: 40 sq ft tile, standard vanity, basic fixture set, no moving walls.
- Labor hours: 40–60 hours
- Tile: $8-$12 per sq ft installed
- Fixtures: Vanity $350-$700, Toilet $180-$350, Faucets $80-$200
- Totals: $6,000-$12,000
Mid-Range Scenario
Scope: Moderate remodel with new tile on floors and walls, reconfigured vanity location, mid-range fixtures, improved lighting, and a new shower enclosure.
- Specs: 40–60 sq ft tile area, relocated vanity, standard shower kit.
- Labor hours: 80–140 hours
- Tile: $10-$18 per sq ft installed
- Fixtures: Vanity $500-$900, Toilet $200-$450, Faucets $120-$300, Shower kit $1,000-$2,000
- Totals: $12,000-$25,000
Premium Scenario
Scope: Full gut with layout change, premium tile, high-end fixtures, custom shower, new ventilation, and enhanced waterproofing.
- Specs: 40–60 sq ft tile area, moved plumbing, premium surfaces.
- Labor hours: 150–250 hours
- Tile: $14-$22 per sq ft installed
- Fixtures: Vanity $1,000-$2,500, Toilet $250-$450, Faucets $200-$500, Shower enclosure $2,000-$4,000
- Totals: $25,000-$60,000