Bathroom Remodeling

A bathroom remodel ranges from new fixtures and finishes in the same layout to a full gut that moves plumbing, swaps a tub for a walk-in shower or adds a second sink. Bathrooms pack plumbing, wiring, ventilation and waterproofing into a small room, so the scope you choose, and especially whether pipes move, shapes the cost and schedule more than any single finish. This page walks through what's usually involved, the decisions to make in order, and where to find our cost guides, design ideas and step-by-step guides.

What a Bathroom Remodel Usually Involves

Bathroom projects tend to fall into three levels:

• Refresh: a new vanity, toilet, faucet, mirror, lighting and paint, perhaps new flooring. The tub or shower stays.
• Mid-range remodel: a new tub or shower, wall and floor tile, vanity, toilet, fan and lighting in the existing layout.
• Full remodel: everything above plus moving fixtures, converting a tub to a shower, building a curbless shower or enlarging the room.

Behind the finishes, two things deserve the most attention: waterproofing in the shower and an exhaust fan ducted outdoors. Neither shows in photos, and both protect everything else. Plumbing and electrical work usually needs licensed trades and a permit; our guide to remodeling permits explains what's typical.

The Main Decisions, in Order

Making these choices in sequence saves money, because each one depends on the one before it.

1. Budget and scope. Decide what you can spend and set aside a contingency for surprises like rotted subfloor. Our guide to building a remodeling budget with a contingency shows how.
2. Layout and plumbing. Keeping the toilet, sink and shower where they are is the biggest money saver. Our small bathroom ideas show how to gain space without moving everything.
3. Tub, shower or both. Browse our walk-in shower ideas, and if you're replacing a tub, our tub-to-shower conversion cost guide.
4. Shower walls and tile. Compare shower wall options and read our guide to porcelain, ceramic and stone bathroom tile.
5. Vanity, toilet and storage. Our bathroom vanity ideas cover heights, widths and single vs. double sinks.
6. Lighting, ventilation and outlets. Plan these while the walls are open, when changes cost the least.
7. Long-term safety. Grab bar backing, a low shower threshold and a handheld shower cost little now and help later. See planning an aging-in-place bathroom.
8. The contractor. Our guides to choosing a remodeling contractor and comparing remodeling estimates explain what to ask and how to read a bid.

What a Bathroom Remodel Costs

Cost depends on the size of the room, the scope, the tile and fixtures you choose, and local labor rates. Tile work and moving plumbing tend to drive the price the most. Our bathroom remodel cost guide gives national ranges, and our small bathroom remodel cost guide covers hall baths and powder rooms. If resale value matters to you, read which kitchen and bath remodels pay back.

How Long It Takes

A bathroom remodel runs in phases: design and selections, ordering, demolition, plumbing and electrical rough-in with inspections, waterproofing and tile, then fixtures and finishes. Your schedule depends on the scope, permit review, tile work and how long the vanity and glass take to arrive. Our guide to bathroom remodel steps and timeline walks through each phase. If it's the only bathroom in the house, plan ahead for where everyone will shower.

How to Get Started

Measure the room, list what bothers you about it today, and save photos of bathrooms you like. Then have a contractor look at it in person, since what's behind the walls and under the floor decides what's practical. Request a free estimate and we'll introduce a remodeling contractor who serves your area. It's free for homeowners, there's no obligation, and your name and contact details go only to a contractor you approve.

Before you sign a contract, check the contractor's license with your state licensing board and ask for a current certificate of insurance.