Bathroom remodeling costs vary based on style preferences, existing conditions, and the size of your bathroom(s).

For many families, the bathroom is where we start and finish each day, making it one of the most important spaces in our lives. Whether your family needs better functionality or a style upgrade, you may need a bathroom remodel. But how much is this going to cost?

It’s like asking, “What does a house cost?” or “What does a car cost?” The answer is, “It depends!”

Just like all home renovations, pinpointing the exact price of a bathroom remodel isn’t straightforward. In fact, similar projects can vary dramatically in cost. The variables that drive total investment include the age of your home, your bathroom’s existing condition and construction, its size, and the materials you select.

Your project will likely fall into one of three types of renovations: a cosmetic update, a full remodel, or a custom redesign/remodel. Read on to learn what each type of remodeling entails.

What kind of bathroom remodel do I need?

· A cosmetic update is sure to leave your space looking fresh. This might include some or all of the following: a new faucet or fixtures, mirror, toilet, towel bars and robe hooks. This type of renovation can also involve drywall repairs, paint, a new bath fan, a new vanity, counters, or lighting. Depending on how much of this you choose to do and how big the space is, this type of update can have a wide range of costs. It can run anywhere from a few thousand, up to the cost of a full remodel, if you choose to do everything.

· A full remodel includes removal of all the existing fixtures and finishes, and could include a new bathtub/shower, faucets/fixtures, vanity/cabinetry, countertops, sink, toilet, flooring, and upgraded electrical/lighting. For a typical hall bath with one sink, a project like this could run from $22,000 to
$35,000. On the other hand, a master bath with two sinks and a separate tub and shower could be from $40,000 to $80,000.

·  A custom redesign/remodel may include relocation of plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling systems, as well as relocating walls and other major elements of your bathroom. Given the many different design choices with this sort of renovation, costs here can vary widely. For a typical hall bath with one sink, a project like this could run from $32,000 to $45,000. On the other hand, a master bath with two sinks and a separate tub and shower could be from $55,000 to $100,000.

How do I know these prices are realistic?

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misleading information out there regarding remodeling costs. Zillow, Home Advisor, HGTV, and others can at times portray unrealistic costs for professional remodels. Their pricing often includes an assumption that you will provide a significant amount of the design and labor.

Fortunately, Remodeling Magazine publishes a report, the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report* every year that details likely investment values for many professional home improvement projects. Their estimates are based on actual industry data and are separated by project type and area of the country. At DreamMaker, we find that some of these price ranges are a little high and some are a little low; however, they are very useful as a benchmark.

The report states that in the Ann Arbor area, a ‘midrange bathroom remodel’ will average $22,918. Its description of what is included in this remodel is realistic, but what we would typically find on the lower end of the range of projects we see in the Ann Arbor area. Most clients have a larger space and typically select higher end materials. 

The report also states that an ‘upscale bathroom remodel’ project could include  complete reconfiguration and remodeling of a larger room. This is much closer to the type of custom redesign/remodels we see.  According to Remodeling Magazine, such a remodel in the Ann Arbor area will average $70,772, which is also very realistic.

* © 2020 Hanley Wood,LLC. Complete data from the Remodeling 2020 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com. In order to download the report, you will be asked to provide Hanley Wood with your name, address, email, and phone.

What should we do next to move our bathroom remodel forward?

If you are considering any type of bathroom remodel, contact us and let us see how we can help you!