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Bathroom Remodel Cost in 2026: Is It Worth It?
Bathroom remodels typically cost thousands of dollars, but they can significantly increase the value of your home.
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A bathroom remodel typically costs around $6,600 to $18,000, though an extensive high-end remodel can cost over $100,000. Your cost will depend on the extent of the work, your square footage and the materials you choose.
Major bathroom remodels are often worth the money because they tend to add to the home’s value. Bathroom remodels often recoup at least 45% of their costs, and mid-range bathroom remodels may recoup up to 75% of their costs via increased home value, according to the Remodeling 2024 Cost vs. Value Report
Be aware that when you make home improvements that increase your home value, your property taxes may increase, so factor that into your calculations. Your local property tax assessor’s office should be able to give a rough estimate of how much your property taxes may increase based on your specific project.
Remodeling your bathroom may be worth the investment in your home, especially if you’re also aiming to make the space more accessible, functional, hygienic or just aesthetically pleasing.
You can recoup up to about 75% of the money you put into a bathroom remodel via an increase in home value. Here are a few other benefits to remodeling:
Improved functionality. Remodeling is an opportunity to reconfigure the space in a way that improves flow, provides more storage space and is more convenient.
Better hygiene. Replacing old, difficult-to-clean fixtures and features with new, modern ones creates a cleaner, more hygienic space.
A more beautiful, luxurious space. You can update style and color, as well as add luxury features, such as rain shower heads, in-shower steam saunas, heated floors and towel racks, and a bidet.
Improved eco-friendliness. Opting for low-flow toilets, LED lighting, sustainable materials, and water-saving faucets and shower heads can make your bathroom kinder to the planet and reduce your energy bills.
A safer space. Remodeling is the perfect time to install accessibility features such as grab bars, brighter lighting, slip-resistant flooring, walk-in showers or tubs, and bathing seats or benches to help keep you safe if you’re facing physical challenges.
Remodeling a bathroom can easily run five or six figures if you’re doing extensive work with high-end materials, and you may need to find financing to complete your project. For some homeowners, that price tag isn’t worth the inconvenience or risk.
Here are some drawbacks that may make you think twice before investing in a major remodel:
Increased property taxes. When you make an improvement to your home that adds to its value, this can mean a new property tax assessment. For some homeowners, this tax hike isn’t worth the increase in home value.
Disruption of your routine. You may not be able to use your bathroom during demolition and construction, which can be stressful and inconvenient, as well as noisy, dusty and messy. Having contractors in your home all day can make you feel like you and your family have no personal space.
Surprise issues. Remodeling a bathroom can reveal all sorts of unpleasant and unexpected plumbing, structural, mold and electrical issues that add to the overall time and expense of the project.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account loan types and loan products offered, online conveniences, online mortgage rate information, and the rate spread and origination fee lenders reported in the latest available HMDA data.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account loan types and loan products offered, online conveniences, online mortgage rate information, and the rate spread and origination fee lenders reported in the latest available HMDA data.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account loan types and loan products offered, online conveniences, online mortgage rate information, and the rate spread and origination fee lenders reported in the latest available HMDA data.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account loan types and loan products offered, online conveniences, online mortgage rate information, and the rate spread and origination fee lenders reported in the latest available HMDA data.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account loan types and loan products offered, online conveniences, online mortgage rate information, and the rate spread and origination fee lenders reported in the latest available HMDA data.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account loan types and loan products offered, online conveniences, online mortgage rate information, and the rate spread and origination fee lenders reported in the latest available HMDA data.
Bathroom remodels combine several projects, which can include plumbing, fixture replacement, flooring, lighting and more.
Here are the main factors to add up when budgeting for a bathroom remodel:
Square footage of your bathroom. The larger your bathroom, the more it will cost to remodel it. Expect to pay around $70 to $250 per square foot.
Amount and type of labor required. Labor costs can make up 40% to 65% of your total bathroom remodel price tag. If your remodel requires specific professionals such as plumbers, electricians, HVAC specialists or designers, expect to pay more than if your job just involves basic carpentry and installation.
Permits. Depending on the type and extent of work, expect to pay $100 to $1,500 in total for plumbing, construction and electrical permits.
Demolition. If your old bathroom needs to be demolished and prepped before beginning the remodel, this could add $1,000 to $2,300 to your cost.
New floor plan. If you’re changing your bathroom's floor plan, reworking the plumbing and electric to fit the new plan will likely add an extra $5,000.
Water damage repairs. If leaking pipes, condensation or bad drainage appear during your remodel, expect to pay an additional $3.75 to $7 per square foot to fix it.
Materials. Whether you opt for low-end, mid-range or high-end shower/tubs, sinks, toilets, flooring, tiles and countertops is a significant cost factor. Adding accessibility or smart features will also increase costs.
Although you can make noticeable improvements to a bathroom with a smaller budget, that kind of project will likely be a renovation rather than a true remodel. Here's the difference:
Renovations, in general, are projects that update and improve the existing space or floor plan.
Remodeling projects change the layout or function of the space.
A bathroom renovation project can cost less than $5,000 and include one or a combination of some of these popular upgrades:
Painting.
Replacing a vanity, mirror or medicine cabinet.
Replacing faucets and shower heads.
Adding storage cabinets or shelving.
Replacing rugs and shower mats.
Replacing a toilet.
Reglazing or replacing a bathtub or shower.
Retiling.
Putting new artwork on walls.
Adding a minor luxury feature, such as a heated towel rack.
Adding a minor accessibility feature, such as grab bars.
NerdWallet's Best Bathroom Remodel LoansAffordable APRs for loan amounts up to $100,000.
What Reddit users say about bathroom remodels
Reddit is an online forum where users share their thoughts in “threads” on various topics. The popular site includes plenty of discussion on financial subjects like home improvement, so we sifted through Reddit forums to get a pulse check on how users feel about whether a bathroom remodel is worth it. People post anonymously, so we cannot confirm their individual experiences or circumstances.
Reddit users who have remodeled their bathrooms suggest investing in robust waterproofing and leak checks for all fixtures from professionals, and sometimes from a separate plumber who’s not your general contractor. Users also suggest planning out everything in advance, down to the tiling and grout, for example. Many users have attempted DIY bathroom remodels, installing elements such as cabinets and light fixtures themselves, but tend to recommend leaving plumbing and layout changes to the pros.
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