Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator 2026

The national average bathroom remodel cost is $12,000, ranging from $4,500 for a basic half bath update to $40,000+ for a full master bath renovation. A mid-range full bathroom remodel — new tile, vanity, tub/shower, fixtures — typically costs $10,000–$22,000.

A cosmetic refresh (new fixtures, vanity, paint) takes 3–7 days. A full bathroom remodel with new tile and plumbing takes 2–4 weeks. A master bath gut renovation can take 4–8 weeks.

Walk-in showers are popular and can add value, but if you have only one bathroom, keeping a tub is recommended — buyers with young children strongly prefer a tub. In master baths, a wet room or large walk-in shower often adds more value than a tub.

The cheapest effective bathroom updates: (1) Replace toilet — $150–$400 for fixture + $150–$250 labor. (2) New vanity and faucet — $400–$1,500 installed. (3) Reglazing tub/tile — $400–$900 vs. $3,000–$8,000 for full replacement. (4) New light fixtures — $100–$400. (5) Fresh caulk and grout cleaning — $100–$300. A complete cosmetic refresh without moving plumbing: $2,000–$5,000. Compare to a full gut renovation at $12,000–$35,000.

Adding a new bathroom costs $15,000–$50,000 depending on where it's added and whether plumbing already exists. If the new bathroom can tie into existing drain lines without breaking concrete, costs run $15,000–$25,000. Breaking through concrete slab for new drain lines adds $3,000–$8,000. Converting a closet to a half bath: $5,000–$10,000. Adding above an existing bath (stacked plumbing) is cheapest. A full bath add-on to a home addition costs $150–$300/sqft.

Permits are required for: moving plumbing (changing toilet/shower location), adding electrical circuits (GFCI required within 60 inches of water), and structural changes. Cosmetic work (new vanity, paint, mirror, fixtures in the same location) typically does not require permits. Permit costs: $150–$500 for bathroom work. Always pull permits for plumbing moves — unpermitted work must be disclosed at sale and can void insurance claims. Skipping permits is one of the biggest bathroom renovation mistakes.

Labor is the largest cost at 40–50% of total (tile setting, plumbing, electrical). Tile and materials are second at 25–30% — natural stone can push costs significantly higher. For a $15,000 bathroom remodel: $6,000–$7,500 labor, $3,750–$4,500 tile/flooring, $3,000 fixtures/vanity/hardware. The biggest cost drivers: moving plumbing ($2,000–$5,000 extra), natural stone tile ($15–$50/sqft vs $3–$8 for ceramic), and custom shower ($5,000–$15,000 vs $1,500 for a prefab kit).

Bathroom tile installation costs $7–$20/sqft for labor depending on tile size and pattern complexity. Large format tiles (24x24) and herringbone/diagonal patterns cost more. Material costs: ceramic $0.50–$8/sqft, porcelain $3–$15/sqft, natural stone $8–$50/sqft. For a 50 sqft bathroom floor + 80 sqft of wall tile: ceramic total $1,500–$3,500, porcelain $2,500–$6,000, marble $5,000–$12,000+. Always add 10–15% for cuts and waste. Tile labor is one area where hiring a specialist (not a general contractor) often gets better results.

Yes — the 2026 Cost vs. Value Report shows a mid-range bathroom remodel returns 56–66% of its cost. A $12,000 remodel adds roughly $7,000–$8,000 in home value. Bathroom additions return even more in smaller homes — adding a second bathroom to a 1-bath house can return 80%+ in many markets. The best ROI upgrades: new vanity, tile flooring, toilet replacement, and updated lighting/fixtures. Avoid over-customizing with niche finishes that won't appeal to future buyers.

Converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower costs $2,500–$8,000 on average. A basic prefab shower pan runs $1,500–$3,000; custom tile showers cost $5,000–$15,000+. Cost includes removing the tub, waterproofing, new shower valve, glass enclosure, and tile work. If you have only one bathroom, consider keeping the tub — buyers with children strongly prefer a full tub/shower combo. Converting back (shower to tub) runs $1,500–$5,000.