What Is the Cost of Remodeling a Bathroom?

by Tracy E Dickinson

Overview

An updated bathroom adds value and beauty.

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As with any remodeling project, costs to renovate a bathroom can vary widely. Flexibility in three key areas can help you keep your budget in line: scale of the project, quality of materials, and amount of professional help.
Scale

A basic update--simply replacing fixtures, flooring and paint--generally starts around $10,000. Once you start moving fixtures, replacing plumbing or electrical lines and tearing out walls, your budget climbs dramatically--costs at this level range from $15,000 to 30,000 or more.

Materials

Obviously, higher quality materials cost more; but simply buying cheap products is not necessarily the best way to cut your expenses. Your dollars may be more wisely invested in mid-range or higher quality fixtures and faucets (which experience the most wear and tear) with costs cut on lighting or flooring.
Expert Assistance

For a basic upgrade, you might be able to do the majority of the work yourself, since no plumbing or electrical lines are involved. But unless you're an expert plumber or electrician, this expense could save you both headaches and money in the long run.
Location

Keep in mind that your budget will be determined in part by the part of the country you live in. The Northeast and West regions of the U.S. generally see higher costs for remodeling. Projects in the Midwest and the South usually are less expensive; metropolitan areas see slightly higher rates than rural areas.
Considerations

Although renovating a bathroom can be a significant investment, most homeowners and real estate professionals agree that the effort pays off. Determine your budget ahead of time and adjust your project accordingly. By trimming wisely, you can get both a beautiful new bath and stay within your budget, too.

Overview