A bathroom remodel costs between $6,456 and $24,715, with the national average hovering around $15,586. The final bill depends on the room’s size, the project’s scope, materials, and labor. According to our 2026 survey of 1,000 homeowners, nearly a third spent more than they budgeted, often due to plumbing upgrades, water damage, or hidden structural repairs.
Despite the sticker shock, 95% of respondents said they were happy with the results.
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What Most Homeowners Spend
ROI Varies by Project Type
Mid-range remodels average an 80% return on investment, per the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report. Universal or accessible upgrades see about 61% ROI, while high-end projects return roughly 36%.
Survey data shows most homeowners also gained non-financial benefits: 55% cited increased home value, 41% reported better functionality, and 28% saw lower energy or water bills.
Where the Money Goes
Materials eat up the largest share of expenses, with 74% of respondents naming them the biggest cost driver. Labor follows, especially for plumbing, tile, and electrical work. The wet area—shower, tub, waterproofing—is usually the priciest part, with a full shower remodel averaging $8,044.
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Plumbing alone can cost $5,545. A new bathtub runs about $1,123, while a tub-and-shower combo averages $1,258. Cabinetry and countertops add another $3,261 combined. Even smaller items add up: tiling averages $1,326, flooring $1,114, and painting $1,145.
San Diego designer Corine Maggio notes that 100 square feet is a practical sweet spot for a primary bath, fitting a double vanity, tub, shower, and toilet with minimum clearance standards. But she cautions that layout and existing features—like windows or doors—can complicate the math.
Hidden Costs and Surprises
About 24% of homeowners in the survey discovered water damage during their renovation. Another 22% found structural issues with walls, subfloors, or framing. Mold remediation hit 19%, while 27% faced unexpected expenses from design upgrades or custom features.
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Jim Fuson, owner of 21st Century Home Inspections, says complex designs—like adding a two-person shower with dual heads—can trigger additional costs, such as upgrading to a tankless water heater or installing radiant floor heating.
For most, the process stays under $20,000. Only 11% of surveyed homeowners spent between $20,000 and $30,000.
