How Much Does It Cost To Build A Bathroom From Scratch?

Starting a new home project and building something from scratch is definitely not for the light-hearted. For each room, there is quite a lot to factor in, but building a bathroom from scratch is on a whole other different level. According to Homes To Love, there are many decisions to make, including paint color, floor, counter and shower material, lighting, and, most importantly, your bathroom layout. Not only that, but interior design trends change quickly, so you'll want to create a timeless look.

But before jumbling all of that information in your head, the cost of building a bathroom from scratch is something you should look into first. HomeGuide says the price for completing a bathroom project varies. When working with an existing room in your house, the price can range from $2,500 to $12,500, with an average cost of $7,500. However, if you're planning on adding a whole new bath space to your house, the expenses can go over $47,000, with an average price of $22,000. But, on average, typical homeowners pay $7,600 for an 800 by 100 square foot room.

When creating their bathroom, each homeowner has a different style, need, and wants. As a result, there is a disparity between costs. Marcum also says that prices for materials keep increasing, with an average of 0.5% and 12.8% per year. Either way, here are all the cost factors you need to consider when starting your bathroom design project.

Layout

Sometimes when you buy a new home, the layout of your bathroom may not always be ideal. So when breaking it down and starting from scratch, this is the first thing you should figure out. The cost to change the bathroom's layout by moving a fixture can reach up to $2,500 to $3,500, according to Eco1 Plumbing.

Materials

Not only should you be looking at the design elements, but also the basics, which include shower tiles, countertop marble, and perhaps laminate. According to Bob Vila, demolition of shower tiles can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $2,300, and then a couple thousand more — between $1,000 and $3,000 — to install new tiles. Keep in mind that, as with every project of this sort, the cost for bathroom tiles varies depending on the style and color you're looking for. HGTV says tiles typically cost between $1 to $20 per square foot. Porcelain tiles are typically the most desired due to their durability, but they will usually be on the more expensive side, with prices averaging $2 to $4 per square foot. The price of a marble countertop will vary from $40 to $200 per square foot, and they typically cost $65 to $95 per square foot to install, Countertop Speciality notes. On the other hand, laminate costs $91 per linear foot on average, or $1,000 to $3,000 altogether, a guide from Bob Vila explains.

Appliances

There are several options available when it comes to building a new bathroom. This might be done piece by piece, with a new or replacement suite. As per Plumbworld, baths start at roughly $200 for single-ended baths and go up to $3,600 or even $14,000 (per HomeAdvisor) for double-ended baths, while bathroom suites start at $170 and can go up to $1,200. Taps are available in various shapes and costs, with prices ranging from roughly $30 to $350 for a standalone bath shower mixer tap. Luckily on the lower side, toilets can cost as low as $90, says HomeAdvisor. Bathroom sinks can also be difficult to choose. There are so many styles: drop-in, under-mount, vessel, pedestal, and more. Since there are quite a few to choose from, the price can range from $50 to $500, depending on the style you want, HomeGuide notes.

Labor

After buying everything you want to install, you'll have to pay someone to do it (unless, of course, you are a DIY expert). Per HomeGuide, labor costs for bathroom vanities installation can be around $45 an hour, while plumbing and sink installation can get to $120 or more an hour. Electricians also charge up to $120 an hour per labor only.

Unfortunately, the costs don't end there. When building a bathroom from scratch, additional costs are necessary to complete your project and succeed in your overall design. Those who would like to be able to implement the following items at a lower cost can search for them on clearance and discount websites.

Paint and wallpaper

For those wanting to stay on the low end of costs, Homewyse says it's possible to have your bathroom painted for about $450 if it's around 120 square feet. If you have a certain expensive color in mind, costs can also go up to $900 for the same square footage. But if you want to spice up your bathroom with some wallpaper, HomeAdvisor says that for a bathroom that is 260 square feet, the cost could range from $1,040 to $2,600.

Lighting

The amount of lights you have depends on your needs. For example, do you want a vanity light as well as an overhead light? What about light in your shower or over your bathtub? CostOwl says that depending on what you want, lights can cost anywhere between $30 to more than $1,000. The installation cost can also reach $50 to $250 for each light.

Window treatment

Many might not think of this, but having a window treatment in your bathroom is not only a necessity for design purposes but also a privacy need. Depending on the style you choose, a window treatment can cost between $143 to $1,501, according to HomeAdvisor.

There are definitely certain bathroom styles and designs you can save money on, but it all rests on what you desire to accomplish. Here are the main types of bathrooms you can build, depending on your needs.

Master bathroom

The master bathroom is typically considered the most important bathroom in the house. Usually, it gets the most attention due to its convenience of being attached to the master bedroom of the homeowners. Forbes says that, on average, homeowners pay $32,000 to create their dream bathroom. But, again, prices may vary depending on your needs and wants.

Full bathroom

A full bathroom is usually used by children or those residing in your guest room. HomeAdvisor says that costs can start at $4,190 and go upward, depending on how luxurious you want it.

Half bathroom

Half bathrooms only have a sink and toilet and are usually located on the first floor of a house for guests to use. These bathrooms are generally 18 to 30 square feet, according to HomeGuide, and due to their size, homeowners can sometimes get away with paying only $2,500 — but it can also be $5,000 or even $15,000 depending on the materials used.

It may be discouraging to look at all these options and prices. However, there are some important reasons why you should build your bathroom from scratch. Some aspects can pertain to safety issues, while others can be for aesthetic purposes.

Mold and mildew

Bob Vila says that mold and mildew can be a serious reason to want to start all over. When a bathroom suffers from water damage and high-level moisture, it can be pretty difficult to repair the issues unless building it all over again. So in certain situations, it may be best to tear it all down and start from scratch.

Add energy-efficient devices

As climate change becomes a more serious issue of discussion, it may be a good idea to create a more eco-friendly bathroom. When designing your bathroom, you can add new devices that help you save water and electricity, Caccia Plumbing advises. These devices range from low-flow showerheads and toilets as well as ventilation that works more efficiently.

Updating the old style

For those who have moved into homes that were built in the early '90s, you understand what it's like dealing with interior design trends of the past. So after living in that home for a few months or years, Caccia Plumbing says that it may be time to start over. This will give you a reason to update that plastic and yellow bathtub with something new and ageless.

Building your bathroom from scratch can have many benefits besides just creating the style and look you desire. The overall feeling of completing a large project like this is not only a major accomplishment but a relief on multiple levels.

Spend money to make money

Yes, building a bathroom can get expensive; however, if you are planning on selling your home, you can actually make that money back, Zillow notes. This is because when you spend a dollar, $1.71 is added to your home price at sale. So just imagine if you were to spend $20,000 to build your bathroom, how much more you can get when selling!

Creating the lifestyle you deserve

Experts In Your Home says that a bathroom can be the relaxing space you need in your home. Unfortunately, having an old bathroom that isn't quite in tune with your style can create some stress. On the other hand, when rebuilding your home from scratch, you can add a jacuzzi, a more relaxing shower head, and whatever else you need to feel at peace.