01
Cosmetic refresh
New vanity, faucet, lighting, mirror, paint and sometimes flooring, with the plumbing left where it is. The fastest and least expensive option, often done in about a week.
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Bathroom remodeling
Bathroom remodeling: what it costs and who to hire.
A bathroom remodel is one of the most expensive rooms per square foot in the house, and quotes for the same job can differ by thousands. Here's what refreshes, full remodels and tub-to-shower conversions really cost, what drives the price, and how to hire a remodeler who puts the scope and payment schedule in writing.
Bathrooms pack plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, tile and cabinetry into a small room, so labor and coordination make up a big share of the price. Two quotes for the "same" remodel often differ because one includes moving the drain or replacing the subfloor and the other doesn't.
The way to compare is scope first, price second: list every fixture, surface and trade involved, then ask each remodeler to price that list. Allowances for tile, vanity and fixtures should be written as dollar amounts so you know what's included.
This page covers national cost ranges, the main project types, what pushes the price up, permits, how to compare three quotes, and the red flags to watch for. City pages linked below carry local pricing and licensing for your market.
The work
Types of bathroom remodels
02
Full remodel
Everything comes out down to the studs: new tile, shower or tub, vanity, toilet, lighting, ventilation and often new waterproofing and subfloor. Expect several weeks and a permit in most places.
03
Tub-to-shower conversion
The tub is removed and replaced with a walk-in shower, either tiled or a solid-surface pan and walls. Drain location, curb height and waterproofing are the parts to get in writing.
04
Walk-in and accessible showers
Low or zero-threshold entries, grab bars with proper blocking, a bench and handheld shower. Useful for aging in place; ask whether the remodeler has done curbless showers before.
05
Primary bath remodel
Larger rooms with double vanities, separate tub and shower, and upgraded finishes. Layout changes and custom glass push these to the top of the price range.
Plan the budget
What a bathroom remodel costs
National ranges for typical projects, installed. Your price depends on room size, finishes and local labor rates, so use these to check whether a quote is in the right range, not as a bid.
| Scope | Planning range | What changes it |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh (small bath) | $6,000 – $15,000 | Vanity, fixtures, lighting, paint; plumbing stays put |
| Mid-range full remodel | $15,000 – $30,000 | Gut to studs, new tile, shower or tub, vanity, toilet |
| Upscale or primary bath remodel | $30,000 – $60,000+ | Larger room, custom tile and glass, layout changes |
| Tub-to-shower conversion | $8,000 – $20,000 | Depends on tiled vs. prefab walls and drain changes |
| Walk-in / curbless shower | $10,000 – $25,000 | Floor recessing and waterproofing add cost |
Moving the toilet, drain or shower valve: the biggest single cost jump in most remodels
Tile choice and how much of the room is tiled, plus the pattern complexity
Subfloor or wall rot discovered after demolition
Custom vanity and frameless glass vs. stock options
Electrical upgrades: GFCI circuits, a new vent fan, heated floors
Local labor rates and permit requirements
Know the signs
Signs it's time to remodel
Some bathrooms just look dated. Others have problems that get more expensive the longer they wait.
Soft spots in the floor around the toilet or tub
Loose or cracked tile, or grout that keeps failing
Mold that returns after cleaning, or no working vent fan
Leaks showing on the ceiling below
A tub nobody uses, or a shower that's hard to step into
Fixtures and finishes from several decades ago
No pressure
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How to hire a bathroom remodeler
Get three written quotes on the same scope. That's the only way the numbers mean anything.
1
A written scope that lists every fixture, surface and trade
2
Allowances for tile, vanity and fixtures written as dollar amounts
3
Who pulls the permit, and whether licensed plumbers and electricians do that work
4
The waterproofing method for the shower, by name
5
A payment schedule tied to finished milestones, not dates
6
How change orders are priced and approved, in writing before work happens
7
A start date, a realistic finish window, and the workmanship warranty
Walk away when you see these
A large deposit before any work or materials are scheduled
One lump-sum price with no line items or allowances
"No permit needed" for a job that moves plumbing or wiring
Pressure to sign the same day for a discount
Vague answers about who actually does the plumbing and electrical
Questions homeowners ask
Bathroom remodeling, answered plainly.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A cosmetic refresh can take about a week. A full remodel usually takes several weeks once work starts, longer if custom items or inspections add wait time. Ask each remodeler for a written schedule.
Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom?
Usually when plumbing, electrical or walls change, and sometimes for any remodel. Rules vary by city, so check with your local building department and ask who pulls the permit.
How much deposit should a remodeler ask for?
Deposit rules vary by state, and some states cap them. A deposit covering materials and scheduling is normal; paying most of the job before work starts is not. Tie later payments to finished milestones.
Is a tub-to-shower conversion a good idea?
It's popular for accessibility and everyday use. If it's the only tub in the house, some families with small kids prefer to keep one. Decide based on how you use the room.
Why do quotes differ so much?
Usually scope: one includes drain changes, new subfloor or better waterproofing and the other doesn't. Compare line items and allowances, not just the total.
Local market guides
Find your city and see what the work costs there.
Each city page covers local labor pricing, weather, permits, licensing, neighborhoods and the contractors Henry can match in that market.
California
Florida
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Texas
Wisconsin
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Sources: U.S. EPA: Mold cleanup in your home · U.S. EPA WaterSense: bathroom products · FTC: Hiring a contractor
The Henry Standard
Every bathroom remodeler in our network agrees to three things.
Show up
Call back. Keep appointments. And if something changes, communicate it.
Quote honestly
Scope, allowances and a milestone payment schedule in writing — no vague lump sum.
Finish the work
Complete every item on the scope and clean up before calling it finished.
Nothing revolutionary. Just the way we believe doing business should still be done.