How Much Does It Actually Cost To Renovate A Large Bathroom?

Think about it; a bathroom is an intimate space that gives us the privacy of getting ready for the day. In this regard, it should feel comfortable and neat. It should not only be functional but also double up as a tranquil place where you can unwind after a long day's work. If the bathroom in your home doesn't give you that, then it is time to consider a renovation. Contrary to popular beliefs, remodeling your restroom is a cost-intensive project that you should prepare well for. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost ranges from $6,610 to $16,614 for a complete overhaul.

There are several things that ramp up the cost of a bathroom renovation, for instance, the size, the quality of materials, and other appliance upgrades as well. It is worth mentioning that while remodeling a bathroom can be expensive, it is a brilliant way of improving your property's value. To get you up to scratch with the intricacies that go into these costs, here is a rundown of the important details you need to be aware of.

There are so many tasks that go into a bathroom renovation. For some homes, the process might mean only the application of paint, while for others, it might mean a complete teardown and full restoration. This makes it relatively difficult to have a conclusive cost breakdown of remodeling a bathroom. It gets even more difficult because of the plenty of materials that are available for the task. Nevertheless, here is a breakdown of the standard factors that apply to most bathroom renovations.

The cost of materials

The cost of materials is relative to the type of renovation you choose to do for your bathroom. Sometimes, the space does not need a complete overhaul and only requires installing a few appliances and minor repair works. The more renovation activities, the more you will have to pay for materials; for instance, the cost of installing fixtures ranges from $200 to $1,800, while new faucets and plumbing costs between $250 and $1,450 (via HomeAdvisor). Also, the quality of the materials you go for will inflate your overall quote significantly. Standard quality materials are often cheaper as compared to high-end luxurious materials that are expensive.

Geographical location

Other than the cost of materials, another aspect that will determine the final price of your renovation is where you are from. If you are lucky enough to be coming from a city with a lower cost of living, you will pay significantly less for the materials and labor. For example, Angi mentions that the expenditure of a bathroom remodel in rural cities falls between $5,500 and over $10,000 while in urban cities, the price sits between $10,000 and over $26,000. While there is nothing much you can do about this unfortunate fact, you can help cut down expenses by requesting several quotes from different contractors for comparison.

Installation and labor costs

In most cases, a major bathroom renovation task is not a DIY project; therefore, you will need a professional to tear down and install the necessary features. In addition, major remodelings might require more than one skilled worker, for example, a plumber and an electrician. However, there are a few simple and quick renovation activities that might not need the expertise of a professional, and you can DIY them to save on unnecessary labor costs. Depending on the scope of your project and the contractor, labor cost ranges between $40 and $100, as noted by 1st Choice Remodel ATL.

Bathroom size

Many contractors calculate the cost of renovations by square feet; therefore, the larger the bathroom, the more pricey it will be to remodel it. On average, the expense of renovating a bathroom in square feet is $125, including labor. However, you should also be aware that larger spaces are often eligible for a discount by virtue of their sheer size. To paint a clear picture of how bathroom size affects the renovation cost, Fixr mentions that an average 35-square-foot bathroom costs between $3,500 and $7,000 for a renovation. In contrast, a larger 80-square-foot bathroom will need $8,000 – $16,000 for a similar job.

Other than the major cost factors that go into renovating a bathroom, here are a few minor cost additions that might come your way.

Permits

A permit might not be necessary for every bathroom renovation project. In fact, simple improvements like giving the space a fresh coat of paint don't require you to have either state or local permits. However, when the remodeling involves other major demolition, electrical, or plumbing tasks, you will need to get a permit. Therefore, it is wise to check with your local building authority whether you will require one before you start mending the place. HomeGuide explains that the cost of a renovation permit ranges between $50 and $2,000 depending on the specific projects for your bathroom.

Repairs

Teardowns often expose damages that were hidden from plain sight. For example, it is common to find mold and mildew growth since there is a lot of moisture in the bathroom. The renovation might also present the perfect opportunity to fix other broken appliances and leaking pipes. According to Fixr, having an additional cash buffer of about 20% of the overall quote for unexpected repairs is wise.

Setting up an alternative bathroom

While the renovation is underway, you should make arrangements for a different bathroom to use. This might not apply to homes with several restrooms because you can use a different one while, let's say, the master bathroom is under renovation. However, if you only have a single bathroom setting up an alternative one will require you to spend an additional amount of money than you had initially planned for.

As mentioned before, you can choose to do different types of home renovations for your bathroom. Some are minor and cheap, while others are major and will need the services of a professional to complete. Let's look at some of the significant types of bathroom remodels that are common for most upgrades.

Plumbing upgrades

If you are considering upgrading your bathroom sinks and faucets, chances are you will need to consider a proper plumbing upgrade to match the new requirements. Depending on the plumbing system in your bathroom, the plumber may need to gain access to the concealed pipes, which is extra work. There is no doubt that plumbing is expensive, averaging at between $2,000 and $10,000, but if done properly, it is a worthy investment after all (via Fixr).

Tiling

This is also a popular upgrade common for most bathroom renovation projects. Retiling a bathroom will depend on the total square feet of the surface that needs this remodel. Tiles go beyond aesthetics; they play a big role in the functionality of a bathroom. These slabs are available in different materials, for example, porcelain, ceramic, or even natural stone. With such variety when it comes to tile material, you can also expect each type to come with a different price tag. Block says that to tile a bathroom, you should expect to pay $2,000 on average.

Painting

Giving your bathroom a fresh coat of paint remains to be the most inexpensive renovation you can do. However, the cost of painting a bathroom depends on the size of the room and the amount of space left after tiling. Some bathroom designs, especially larger spaces, have tiles installed halfway up the walls leaving some space for paint. Other bathrooms, on the other hand, have tiles installed all the way to the ceiling, leaving no space for paint. On average, the cost of painting a bathroom ranges from $500 to $3,000, depending on the size of the bathroom, Tribble Painting Company says.

Shower lighting

While contemporary home design tries to include as much natural light in the bathrooms as possible, traditional designs did not give a lot of consideration to this aspect. To that end, it is common for bathroom renovations to also feature adding enough lighting to this space. The most common types of lighting in a bathroom are the overhead, mirror, and lighting in the shower area. The labor cost of installing new lighting in a bathroom with no pre-existing fixture falls between $75 and $200 per hour. If there is a pre-existing fixture, installation costs range from $50 to $250 for every light, Costowl notes.

There is no arguing that a bathroom renovation is a capital-intensive makeover. For this reason, it is common for homeowners to question whether a bathroom remodel is a worthy investment to pursue. However, here are a few reasons you should consider taking the plunge.

Add luxury

There are several new bathroom appliance technologies with regard to sinks, lighting, and the toilet that you would benefit from. Older bathroom designs might not be able to accommodate some features, making it necessary for you to consider renovation or a complete remodeling.

Improve your home's value

A bathroom renovation is among the few makeovers that will significantly increase the value of your home. This change is a major task, and prospective buyers will be motivated by the aesthetic appeal and also the fact that such a huge renovation has been taken off their chests. According to Moving.com, bathroom renovations offer a return on investment of between 60.2% and 67.2%.

Fix damages

A bathroom renovation project often unearths other deep-seated damages to the bathroom that are often hidden from the eyes. Damages like slow leaking pipes are often not easy to detect and can cause major damage when left unrepaired. One way of getting ahead of both the visible damages and those hidden from sight is through a comprehensive bathroom renovation. This will save you from expensive repairs that would have manifest down the line.

There are plenty of benefits that come with a bathroom renovation, including energy efficiency and improving your home's curb appeal. Let's discuss these advantages.

Energy efficiency

Dated appliances like older water heaters are usually not up to standard as far as energy efficiency is concerned. However, according to The Pink Plumber, the volume of water coming into the bathroom greatly affects this aspect. Less water volume means less energy used in pushing the water around your home. In addition, modern appliances and fixtures are energy efficient; thus, they save you money in terms of monthly utility bills.

Improved curb appeal

You will be pleasantly surprised by how much better your bathroom will look and feel after the renovation. The old boring décor and appliances you were used to will be replaced by beautiful designs and sleek modern devices that will blow you away. You will be able to enjoy this intimate space more thanks to the improved functionality and aesthetic appeal.