Bathroom Remodel Average Costs Vanities, Plumbing & More

Have you been thinking about making some changes to your bathroom? Are you looking to upgrade the space and have some concerns about the costs and the type of work that will need to be done.

One of the first things you’ll need to do is know the difference between renovating and remodeling. Although they are similar, most agree that a renovation means you are updating with some cosmetic changes, whereas a remodel will change the structure of the property. Of course, the definition can vary slightly depending on the contractor.

Whether you call it a renovation or a remodel, it matters less than knowing the types of changes you want to make. Knowing what needs to be changed will give you a better idea of how much you’ll end up spending on different facets of the changes.

What Is the Average Price of a Bathroom Remodel?

Today, the average price of a bathroom model tends to come in at around $10,750. Of course, you have to remember that this is just the average. It’s entirely possible to spend far more on the remodel depending on the types of materials you are choosing. On the other hand, it’s also possible to lower your cost with other materials and by handling much of the work on your own.

Everyone’s bathroom is different and will need to have different types of fixtures and features. Below are some of the most common types of items often found in a typical bathroom remodel.

Bathroom Cabinets

Do you need to have some new cabinets? The average cost of a bathroom vanity tends to be around $150/linear foot. Of course, there are cheaper options that are $75/linear foot and high-end options upwards of $250/linear foot. The cost of finishing could be an added $100/linear foot for high-quality cabinets.

When you are choosing the bathroom vanity, you will want to be sure that it matches your overall design for the rest of the bathroom.

72 Inch Double Sink Bathroom Vanity with Choice of Top

Countertops

Natural stone countertops look beautiful and tend to be long-lasting. The cost of a granite or marble stone countertop could cost an average of $65 per square foot. This will typically include the material, fabrication, and installation. Opting for prefabricated countertops can be cheaper in some cases. You will want to consider all of the options available and find the one that suits your bathroom design idea the best.

30 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity in Bright White with Choice of Top

Flooring

Flooring is one of the other areas that can make or break your bathroom in terms of looks, as well as cost. You have a range of materials from which you can choose including tile and natural stone. Wood, concrete, and vinyl are some of the other options.

The cost of the material and installation will vary, but it tends to cost between $2 and $20 per square foot for the materials and between $4 and $6 per square foot for the labor to install it.

Drywall and Painting

For simple, textured walls, you’ll find that the cost tends to be only around $600 for the labor and materials. However, depending on the type of materials used and the size of the bathroom, this can be substantially higher. An artistic finish on the walls, for example, could cost upwards of $2,500.

Shower and Toilet

The average cost of having a toilet installed is $372, although it can range from the low $200s to more than $500 depending on your location. You also have to consider that different types of toilets can cost more than others. The more features the toilet has, the more expensive it will be.

The cost of a one-piece shower will be around $400. If you are going to add a tile shower, it will be about the same price as tiling the floor per square foot of the shower. The cost will always depend on the materials you choose. Keep in mind that if you opt to add a frameless shower door, it will add an average of $1,000 to the cost.

Related: Benefits of a Curbless Shower

One Piece Dual Flush Toilet with Soft Close Seat

Lighting and Electrical

What type of lighting and electrical work will you need to do to the bathroom, if any? Changing out the light fixtures will typically start at around $100 each, but it will go up from there. If you need to change the entire layout of your existing lighting, install quiet exhaust fans, and add recessed can lights, the costs go up from there. It could cost $1,500 or more depending on what you need to have done.

3 Light Vanity Strip Lighting in Oil Rubbed Bronze

Plumbing

The cost of plumbing can vary as well because it will depend on what you need to have done. It could cost anywhere between a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. You will need to determine whether you are simply replacing the old plumbing in the bathroom—which is the cheapest option in most cases - or if you are moving the current plumbing so it works better with your new bathroom layout. As you can imagine, the latter option can be more costly.

Three Hole Waterfall Bathroom Vanity Faucet

Accessories

For things like your bathroom mirrors, you will typically pay between $200 and $500. Again, this could be higher for larger bathrooms that have more mirrors, or when you want to have fancier mirrors, such as those that don’t fog up. You have a wealth of options for mirrors, as well as other accessories, such as toilet paper holders, hooks, towel bars, etc. For all of those other accessories, you will want to have between $100 and $500 in your budget in addition to what you have for the mirrors.

Related: How to Decorate with Mirrors

Margutta Heavily Antiqued Gold Leaf Unique Mirror

Should You DIY the Bathroom Project?

If you want to save some money on the bathroom remodel, you should consider handling some of the work of installation on your own. This will save you on the cost of the install, which can vary substantially based on the upgrades you choose. It’s often possible to handle at least some of the work on your own.

Of course, you will have to be careful with other types of jobs that need to be done for the remodel. If you need to have plumbing work, electrical work, or any changes that require a skilled trade, it’s best to hire professionals.