If you’re a homeowner, no doubt you’ve wondered what bathroom renovation costs might look like for your specific house. The answer to that question depends on so many factors, which is why it can feel complicated to come up with a good estimate. The size of your space, the quality of supplies, and electrical and plumbing changes all significantly affect pricing. Continue reading, and we’ll give you basic cost breakdowns, tips to save money, and special considerations you might not have thought about. If you need bathroom remodeling at your home, we serve the entire Sacramento area, including Rocklin and Roseville, with home remodeling, general contracting, and painting.
How Much Does It Cost To Renovate a Bathroom?
Your typical bathroom renovation costs will generally land around $25,000, but the range is pretty wide. Labor costs are higher in California, which pushes the average up compared to other states. A simple update with basic finishes stays on the lower end while a full remodel with custom tile, upgraded fixtures, or layout changes can climb well past $50,000.
Here’s a rough idea of what people usually spend on the main parts of a bathroom remodel:
- Cabinets and vanities often range from $1,000 to $6,000, depending on size and style
- Flooring typically costs $800 to $3,000, depending on tile choice and square footage
- Paint usually falls between $200 and $600 for materials and labor
- Lighting upgrades often run $150 to $1,500, depending on fixtures and wiring needs
- Plumbing fixtures like faucets, toilets, and shower hardware often total $500 to $4,000
- Labor is the biggest portion for many homeowners and often runs 40% to 60% of the total remodel cost
Small Bathroom Renovation Cost
Small bathroom renovations usually stay on the lower end of the price range because there is less square footage to cover and fewer materials to buy. Even then, the cost can vary a lot based on the finishes you choose. Most homeowners spend between $8,000 and $20,000 for a smaller space, especially if they update the vanity, replace tile, and add new fixtures. The tight layout can make labor more detailed, which raises the cost a bit, but the overall project stays manageable because every change affects a smaller area.
Large Bathroom Renovation Cost
As you might expect, larger bathrooms typically come with a bigger price tag simply because there is more room to update. Bigger spaces usually mean more tile, a larger vanity, more lighting, and sometimes even separate tubs and showers. It’s common for these remodels to fall between $25,000 and $60,000, and they can go even higher if you choose custom work or luxury fixtures.
Things To Consider When Remodeling a Bathroom
Beyond choosing materials and setting a budget, there are some details that can easily be overlooked but can affect how the space functions long term. These are things you might not know to plan for, especially if it’s your first bathroom remodel.
- How long the remodel will take and whether you’ll need a backup bathroom
- Whether permits are required for certain parts of the project
- How the remodel will impact resale value in your specific area
- Storage needs and how to add more without crowding the space
- The long-term durability of each material you choose
- How easy the new layout will be to clean and maintain
- Ventilation quality to prevent future moisture problems
- Lighting placement to avoid shadows at the mirror
- Accessibility features you might want now or later
- How well your design choices will age over time
Things That Affect The Cost
A few factors can push a bathroom remodel higher or keep it more affordable. These usually come into play no matter the size of the space. Some choices have a much bigger impact than others, especially when you start getting into materials or layout changes. Here are the things that tend to influence the final price the most.
- Custom features like built-in shelving or niche work
- High-end tile choices or intricate tile patterns
- Upgrading to premium fixtures or specialty finishes
- Expanding the bathroom footprint or adding square footage
- Structural repairs discovered during demolition
- Installing luxury add-ons like heated floors or high-tech showers
- Replacing windows or adding new ventilation systems
Ways To Save On Costs
Nobody wants to spend more than they need to during a bathroom remodel. Keeping costs down is usually a top priority. Making sure that your budget stays in check usually comes down to making smart choices early on. If you can keep your layout the same, it will save a significant amount, as moving plumbing can add up quickly. A lot of people will also reuse items that still work, such as a vanity that only needs new paint or updated hardware. Small swaps like new lights or a fresh faucet can make the room feel new without blowing your budget.
Shopping around helps a ton. It will take some extra time, but it is usually well worth it. Prices on tile and fixtures vary more than most people expect. Clearance sections often have great finds that still look modern. If you have your eye on something pricey, you can often use it as an accent instead of covering the whole space.
DIY Bathroom Renovation Costs
Doing some of the work yourself can definitely save you money, but the final price really depends on just how much you can handle on your own. When you skip professional labor, you usually save the biggest chunk of the budget. A light DIY refresh where you paint, swap hardware, replace a faucet, or install peel-and-stick flooring might land between $500 and $3,000. These smaller projects still make the space feel new without requiring advanced skills.
A more involved DIY remodel where you install new tile, update the vanity, or replace the toilet can fall anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on materials and tools. The savings are real, but the time and learning curve are bigger too. It’s also important to know your limits because plumbing and electrical work can get complicated fast and mistakes can cost more to fix than hiring a pro in the first place. DIY can be a great option if you want to stretch your budget, as long as you’re comfortable with the work and understand it’s a huge time commitment.
How To Plan Your Budget
You’ll want to start your planning by deciding what you actually want from the space. It helps to list your must-haves and your nice-to-haves so you know where to spend and where to hold back. Once you have that list you can start matching it to real numbers by getting a few estimates or pricing materials online. This gives you a realistic view of what your project will cost instead of guessing and getting unpleasantly surprised later.
It’s also a good idea to set aside a small cushion for unexpected issues. They’re almost always unavoidable. Old bathrooms often hide things like water damage or outdated wiring, and setting aside an extra 10%- 20% keeps those surprises from derailing the whole project. Prioritize the upgrades that matter most to you and stay flexible with the rest.
Bathroom Renovation Costs Conclusion
A bathroom remodel is really about creating a space that works for your daily life while staying mindful of the budget and choices that shape the final outcome. When you approach the project with clear priorities and realistic expectations, the entire process becomes far less overwhelming and a lot more rewarding.
And if you’ve got a bathroom or kitchen renovation in your sights, reach out to our team at LNL Construction. We handle everything from upgrades and remodels to full home improvements, ongoing maintenance, and general contractor services. Our crew is known for quality work, honest communication, and reliable results throughout the Sacramento and Elk Grove area. There’s a reason so many homeowners trust us, and we’d love to help bring your project to life.
