Bathroom Remodel Costs in 2026, Line by Line
Bathroom remodel quotes are hard to compare because contractors bundle differently. Here's the same project broken into its parts, so you can see what you're actually paying for — and where the swing factors are.
Where the money goes: a midrange 5x8 bathroom
| Line item | Typical range | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition & disposal | $500 – $1,500 | ~5% |
| Plumbing labor & rough-in | $1,500 – $5,000 | ~15% |
| Electrical (GFCI, lighting, fan) | $600 – $2,000 | ~6% |
| Waterproofing & shower pan | $800 – $2,500 | ~8% |
| Tile material & installation | $2,000 – $8,000 | ~25% |
| Vanity, top & sink | $600 – $3,500 | ~10% |
| Toilet | $250 – $900 | ~3% |
| Tub or shower unit | $700 – $4,000 | ~12% |
| Fixtures & trim (valve, faucet, glass) | $800 – $3,500 | ~10% |
| Paint, trim & finish carpentry | $400 – $1,200 | ~4% |
| Permits | $150 – $600 | ~2% |
Typical totals: $12,000–$20,000 for a straightforward midrange remodel; $20,000–$35,000 when layout changes, custom tile work, or premium fixtures are involved; $35,000+ for primary suites with double vanities, freestanding tubs, and frameless glass.
The three decisions that swing the budget most
- Whether plumbing moves. Keeping the toilet, tub, and sink in their existing positions is the single biggest cost control available. Relocating a toilet drain — especially on a slab — can add $1,500–$4,000 by itself.
- Tile scope. Tile is priced by area and complexity. A tub surround tiled to 6 feet is a fraction of a floor-to-ceiling wet room with a niche, bench, mosaic floor, and mitered edges. Large-format tile also demands flatter substrate prep than most people expect.
- Tub-to-shower conversion vs. full remodel. Conversions run $5,000–$15,000 and deliver most of the visible improvement for a fraction of a gut. If your budget is tight and the layout works, this is usually the best value in the category.
Where to save without regret
- Keep the layout; spend the savings on waterproofing and a good valve
- Choose a quality standard-size vanity over custom cabinetry
- Use one striking accent tile against a simple field tile rather than premium tile everywhere
- Do your own painting and hardware installation at the end
- Buy fixtures from a reputable supplier during sale periods — but confirm the contractor will install owner-supplied items and how warranty is handled
Where not to save
Waterproofing, the shower pan, and the mixing valve behind the wall. These are invisible when finished and catastrophic when wrong — a failed pan means demolishing the finished bathroom you just paid for. Ask which waterproofing system is being used by name, and get it in the written scope.
Realistic timeline
Three to five days for a tub-to-shower conversion. Two to four weeks for a full remodel, with the middle week largely invisible (rough-in inspections, waterproofing cure, tile set and grout). Order fixtures before demolition begins — waiting on a back-ordered vanity with a gutted bathroom is the most common source of delay.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in 2026?
Midrange full remodels typically run $12,000–$20,000, rising to $20,000–$35,000 when the layout changes or finishes are premium. A tub-to-shower conversion that keeps existing plumbing generally costs $5,000–$15,000.
What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?
Tile work and plumbing labor are usually the two largest line items, together often approaching 40% of the budget. Moving plumbing fixtures from their existing locations is the change that most reliably increases cost.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
Roughly two to four weeks for a full remodel and three to five days for a tub-to-shower conversion. Inspections, waterproofing cure time, and material lead times account for much of the calendar.
Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom?
Cosmetic work such as paint and fixture swaps usually does not require one, but moving plumbing or electrical, altering walls, or replacing a shower pan typically does. The contractor should pull the permit as part of the job.