Bathroom costs
Small Bathroom Remodel Cost: What You Pay and Where It Goes
A small bathroom remodel cost runs from about $3,000 for a cosmetic refresh to $18,000 or more for a full renovation, according to This Old House, with mid-range updates at $8,000 to $18,000. Moving the toilet or shower drain, tile choices and local labor rates move the number most.
- Low
- $8,000
- Midpoint
- $13,000
- High
- $18,000
Where the Money Goes
The National Kitchen and Bath Association breakdown below, as published by Consumer Reports, is the most complete split we found. It is older (Consumer Reports, Bathroom remodeling guide: trends and costs (2012-03)), so treat it as a planning guide.
| Category | Share of budget |
|---|---|
| Labor | 20% |
| Cabinetry and hardware | 16% |
| Fixtures | 15% |
| Faucets and plumbing | 14% |
| Flooring | 9% |
| Countertop | 7% |
| Walls and ceiling | 5% |
| Lighting and ventilation | 5% |
| Doors and windows | 4% |
| Design fees | 4% |
| Other | 1% |
Labor shares differ a lot between sources: HomeAdvisor puts labor at 40 to 65 percent of a bathroom remodel and Fixr at about 50 percent (HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), Bathroom Remodel Cost (Updated 2026-06-17); Fixr, Bathroom Remodel Cost (Updated 2026-01-27)). Ask each contractor to split labor and materials in the quote.
What Moves the Price
- Moving plumbing. Relocating a toilet, shower or sink means changing drain, vent and water pipes. That needs a plumbing permit almost everywhere and a rough-in inspection before the walls close (City of Benson, Arizona, Work not requiring a Permit, according to the 2024 IRC (undated handout quoting the 2024 IRC); Springville City, Utah, Community Development, Work Exempt From Permits, 2021 IRC (2025-07-21 (file revision date))).
- Tile. Material, size and pattern change both the price and the setting time.
- Shower type. This Old House prices a basic prefabricated walk-in shower at $4,000 to $7,000 and a midrange tiled one at $8,000 to $13,000 (This Old House, Walk-In Shower Cost (Updated 2026-10-07 (shown as 10/07/2026))).
- Ventilation and electrical. The model code needs a fan of at least 50 cfm (on demand) vented outdoors unless the room has an openable window, and new wiring needs a permit (City of Boise, Planning and Development Services, IRC Code Handout Section R303: Light & Ventilation (#433) (2022-01)).
- Region. Labor rates vary by metro. Our city pages show local reference costs.
Cosmetic Refresh vs Full Remodel
| Scope | Typically includes | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | Paint, fixtures, vanity, mirror, lighting | $3,000 to $8,000 |
| Mid-range update | New tile, vanity, toilet, shower or tub, fan | $8,000 to $18,000 |
| Full renovation | All of the above plus moved plumbing and new subfloor | $18,000 or more |
Ranges for a small bathroom of about 40 sq ft. This Old House, Small Bathroom Remodel Cost (2026-06-08)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to remodel a small bathroom?
Keep the layout, reuse the tub if it is sound, choose a stock vanity and standard tile, and spend the savings on waterproofing and ventilation.
How long does a small bathroom remodel take?
Most small bathroom remodels take 1 to 3 weeks once materials are on site (This Old House, Small Bathroom Remodel Cost (2026-06-08)).
Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom?
Usually when plumbing, wiring, ventilation or walls change. The model code exempts finish work such as paint, tile and new cabinets, but some cities require a permit for any bathroom remodel, so check with your building department (City of Benson, Arizona, Work not requiring a Permit, according to the 2024 IRC (undated handout quoting the 2024 IRC); City of Pleasanton, California, Building and Safety Division, Residential Bathroom Alteration Requirements (2026-01 (revision JLA 01.26))).
Is a tub-to-shower conversion worth it?
It suits households that never use the tub. See our tub to shower conversion cost guide.
How much contingency should I add?
This Old House recommends setting aside 20% of a bathroom budget for surprises, and Fixr suggests about 5% (This Old House, Bathroom Remodel Cost (2026) (2026-07-02); Fixr, Bathroom Remodel Cost (Updated 2026-01-27)). Older homes need the larger reserve.
Does a bathroom remodel add home value?
Partly. The 2025 NAR Remodeling Impact Report puts the cost recovered for a bathroom renovation at 50%, and HomeAdvisor cites 70% (National Association of REALTORS (with NARI cost survey), 2025 Remodeling Impact Report (April 2025 (released 2025-04-09)); HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), Bathroom Remodel Cost (Updated 2026-06-17)).
Next: Try the calculator with your size and finish level · How we priced this · Find bathroom remodelers near you
Sources
- This Old House, Small Bathroom Remodel Cost (2026-06-08)
- This Old House, Walk-In Shower Cost (Updated 2026-10-07 (shown as 10/07/2026))
- This Old House, Bathroom Remodel Cost (2026) (2026-07-02)
- Consumer Reports, Bathroom remodeling guide: trends and costs (2012-03)
- HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), Bathroom Remodel Cost (Updated 2026-06-17)
- Fixr, Bathroom Remodel Cost (Updated 2026-01-27)
- National Association of REALTORS (with NARI cost survey), 2025 Remodeling Impact Report (April 2025 (released 2025-04-09))
- City of Benson, Arizona, Work not requiring a Permit, according to the 2024 IRC (undated handout quoting the 2024 IRC)
- Springville City, Utah, Community Development, Work Exempt From Permits, 2021 IRC (2025-07-21 (file revision date))
- City of Pleasanton, California, Building and Safety Division, Residential Bathroom Alteration Requirements (2026-01 (revision JLA 01.26))
- City of Boise, Planning and Development Services, IRC Code Handout Section R303: Light & Ventilation (#433) (2022-01)