A bathroom remodel is one of the best ways to add comfort, function, and value to your home. Whether you’re refreshing surfaces, upgrading fixtures, or building a spa-like retreat, the big question in every homeowner’s mind is: how much should I budget for my bathroom remodel?
Planning a bathroom remodel is exciting, but figuring out your budget can be overwhelming. If you’ve been researching online, you’ve probably seen cost estimates online that range from “simple updates” to “full luxury makeovers,” but those numbers are rarely accurate. Don’t fall for clickbait that lures you in with a fixed price, only to reveal the real estimate later after you’ve already invested time in meetings. Or worse, as infield change orders.
Every bathroom is unique, and your total investment depends on factors like scope of work, whether plumbing is moved, and the quality of materials all play a big role. And unlike other rooms, bathrooms are labor-intensive — waterproofing, plumbing, tile work, and electrical updates can push labor and construction to 60–70% of the total investment on larger projects.
This guide will walk you through:
- The major cost categories that impact bathroom remodel investment.
- How budgets typically break down, and how much homeowners typically invest in each.
- Four sample budgets to help you visualize different levels of investment.
Why Bathroom Remodel Costs Vary
We are here to tell you that every choice—from tile selection to plumbing upgrades—affects your overall price. You have control over how much your remodel will cost you. Educating yourself on how to make choices and decisions is the best way to know “how much will my bathroom remodel cost”.
Costs are shaped by:
- Scope of work: A simple cosmetic refresh vs. full gut and rebuild are two very different projects
- Layout changes: Moving plumbing or walls will increase costs. In Florida, this often requires trenching concrete to reroute pipes — since homes here are typically built on slab foundations, unlike northern homes where plumbing can run under a subfloor.
- Material choices: Your selections can dramatically affect cost. The options are endless - from affordable ceramic tile to high-end natural stone or imported marble. Premium materials not only cost more but often require specialized installation, adding to the overall investment.
- Custom features: Steam showers, saunas, cold plunges, body spray showers, and built-in vanities.
- Labor intensity: Bathrooms are labor-heavy spaces that require skilled trades like plumbers, tile setters, and electricians. Your most expensive areas will be tile and plumbing for bathrooms.
Average Investment by Category
Here’s how bathroom remodel budgets are typically allocated:
* Percentages are based on national averages and 3rd party sources for full bathroom remodels. Again, everything we do is custom so your allocations and categories may look different on your priorities, materials, and project scope.
category | % of Total INVESTMENT |
|---|---|
Cabinetry & Vanity | 10% - 15% |
Countertops | 5% - 10% |
Plumbing Fixtures & Lighting, Electrical | 25% - 30% |
Shower, Tub, Tile | 10% - 15% |
Flooring | 5% - 10% |
Design, Labor and Installation | 40% - 70% |
One Space, Four Sample Bathroom Remodel Budgets
Now, let’s turn those percentages into real numbers so you can better visualize how a budget comes together. Here are 4 examples based on typical scopes of work we see with our clients.
Note: We are basing these examples off of an average master bathroom size for Central Florida – 180-250 sq ft.
Option 1: $100K Luxury Spa Bathroom
Includes: Full gut, layout changes, custom features, premium materials, extensive labor
category | % of Total INVESTMENT |
|---|---|
Cabinetry & Vanity | $12,000 |
Countertops | $7,500 |
Plumbing Fixtures & Lighting, Electrical | $25,500 |
Shower, Tub, Tile & Glass Enclosure | $20,000 |
Flooring | $7,000 |
Design, Labor and Installation | $28,000+ |
TOTAL INVESTMENT: $100,000
Option 2: $70K Major Remodel
Includes: New layout, high-quality materials, custom vanity, luxury shower upgrade
category | % of Total INVESTMENT |
|---|---|
Cabinetry & Vanity | $9,000 |
Countertops | $5,000 |
Plumbing Fixtures & Lighting, Electrical | $16,500 |
Shower, Tub, Tile & Glass Enclosure | $14,000 |
Flooring | $5,000 |
Design, Labor and Installation | $20,500 |
TOTAL INVESTMENT: $70,000
Option 3: $50K+ Refresh “Remove and Replace” Remodel
Includes: Keep existing layout, update all surfaces, add some custom elements
category | % of Total INVESTMENT |
|---|---|
Cabinetry & Vanity | $6,000 |
Countertops | $3,500 |
Plumbing Fixtures & Lighting, Electrical | $10,000 |
Shower, Tub, Tile & Glass Enclosure | $8,500 |
Flooring | $3,500 |
Design, Labor and Installation | $13,500 |
TOTAL INVESTMENT: $50,000
Option 4: $30K Basic “Partial” Remodel
Includes: Keeping some elements as-is such as the vanity or flooring, while other areas such as shower, fixtures or lighting are replaced for a fresh, updated look without a full remodel. Minimal labor
category | % of Total INVESTMENT |
|---|---|
Cabinetry & Vanity | $3,000 |
Countertops | $1,500 |
Plumbing Fixtures & Lighting, Electrical | $6,000 |
Shower, Tub, Tile & Glass Enclosure | $6,000 |
Flooring | $2,000 |
Design, Labor and Installation | $11,500 |
TOTAL INVESTMENT: $30,000
How to Set Your Bathroom Remodel Budget
Every homeowner’s needs are different when it comes to a bath remodel, but here’s how to start:
1. Define Your Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves
Start by asking yourself what matters most in your new bathroom. Must-haves may include a larger shower, double vanity, or improved storage. Nice-to-haves could be upgrades like a steam shower, a freestanding tub, or statement lighting. Defining your priorities makes it easier to manage costs without sacrificing comfort.
Tampa Designer Larissa Hicks advises, “Be open to guidance, don’t get stuck on matching the Pinterest photo or finishes in your inspiration photos”
2. Know Where Labor Dominates
Plumbing and tile work make up the largest share of a bathroom remodel budget — important to remember if you need to make budget adjustments.
3. Consider Your Home’s Value
A remodel that’s in proportion to your home’s value helps protect your investment. Spending too much may make it harder to recoup costs if you sell, while spending too little might not deliver the transformation you want.
A bathroom remodel typically falls in the 10-15% of your home’s value range.
Krista Agapito, Winter Park Designer, explains: “For a full bathroom remodel, I often recommend 5–10% of a home’s value. Higher-end homes should plan toward the upper end, especially if buyers in your market expect spa-like master baths.”
3. Plan for the Long Term
Bathrooms are high-use, high-moisture spaces, so materials need to be both beautiful and durable. Investing in quality waterproofing and long-lasting finishes helps protect your home and your investment.
Designer Lindsey Schwartz adds: “We do a lot of aging-in-place design, so it’s worth thinking about where you’ll be 10–15 years from now. Features like shower seats, detachable showerheads, grab bars, or washlet toilets are all great additions — they’re stylish, functional, and don’t take away from the overall look of the space.”
4. Consult Early
An early design consultation can help you avoid costly surprises. A professional can provide realistic numbers for your goals and layout, suggest smart product alternatives, and make sure your bathroom design is both functional and stylish.
5. Think About How Long You’ll Stay
If you plan to sell your home within 1–5 years, it may make sense to choose upgrades that appeal to buyers, like a clean, modern shower and vanity. If this is your forever home, investing in features like radiant heated floors, luxury fixtures, or a steam shower may be worth the splurge.
“How long you plan to stay in your home can really shape the design and the budget,” says Melbourne designer, Lindsey Schwartz. “If you’re planning to move in the next few years, it makes sense to prioritize updates that will appeal to future buyers and boost resale value. But if this is your ‘forever home,’ investing in aging in place design, luxury finishes, and higher-end materials can be well worth it for years of everyday enjoyment. The neighborhood also plays a role — buyers in certain areas have specific expectations when it comes to quality and style. A design plan for someone selling in three years looks very different from a plan for someone settling in for the long haul. That’s why understanding your goals upfront helps us create a design that fits your life, your timeline, and your investment.”
Let’s Build Your Dream Bathroom
Every bathroom remodel starts with a vision and a conversation. Our designers would love to chat with you about your project. Whether you’re planning a refresh or a spa retreat, our design team can help you understand costs, weigh your options, and create a bathroom that blends beauty and function.
Schedule your design consultation or visit one our our seven showrooms near you and let’s bring your dream bathroom to life.
Article contributors: S&W designers Krista Agapito, Larissa Hicks and Lindsey Schwartz
