Master Bathroom Remodeling Cost Guide 2024

Are you interested in remodeling your master bathroom but don’t know how much it will cost or where to start? Remodeling your master bathroom is important compared to other bathrooms as the master bathroom is the statement piece for your home. There is more space available, and you have more freedom to add any aesthetic flourishes that exist purely for function. Today, we will break down all the costs of your bathroom remodel and show you the most expensive aspects to help you plan your project better.

Reasons to Remodel a Bathroom

The master bathroom is a focal point of any home as it provides the greatest available space for any bathroom in your home. A remodel is targeted towards either improving the comfort of the space, upgrading an outdated space, or addressing the needs of the family. Comfort is generally the focus as there is more space available, so a larger bathtub can be placed alongside other useful features such as a larger vanity, multiple sinks, and toilets to accommodate the entire household. Because of this, most improvements to your master bathroom will boost the resale value of your home. 

Factors that Impact Your Bathroom Remodeling

There are many factors that will impact your remodeling project, costing either time or money. Here are the factors that you should always consider at every step:

Bathroom size

Your bathroom’s size is the largest factor to consider, and this accounts for both the size of your initial bathroom in addition to your desired or final size. Your bathroom’s size will affect your installation costs, your installation time and what options you have available. If your space is smaller, installation costs will increase as it will be much more difficult to maneuver and install fixtures compared to a larger space. However, the tradeoff is that a larger space will have a higher initial cost and will require more maintenance. 

Scope

Similar to the size of your space, the scope determines the length of your project and the complexity you are trying to reach. A remodel can be as simple as replacing fixtures or extending the size of the space by removing walls, raising the ceiling, etc. The scope of your project will drastically alter how much time and money it will cost, so plan accordingly.

Services

Services will refer to outside contractors or professionals you will need to contact in order to complete your project. Plumbers, electricians, architects, and general contractors will be needed throughout this process and your remodel should account for their needs as well, because the more difficult it is for these workers to complete their tasks, the higher the end cost will be to you. 

Finish level

Your finish level refers to both aesthetic improvements and overall maintenance you will perform on your bathroom. The materials you select will ultimately decide how often you will need to care for and maintain your space to your visual standard. Bathroom finishes range from basic to mid-range and high-range, with basic finishes having the cheapest initial cost but the more expensive maintenance. High-end materials will cost significantly more initially but have cheaper maintenance. 

Master Bathroom Remodeling Costs

1. Bathtub or shower replacement

When calculating costs, remember that you are balancing two costs: the cost to purchase the fixture and your installation costs. Every remodeling project is unique because every home layout is unique, so it’s important to remember that these prices are broad estimates and your location, contractor prices, and the factors above will ultimately alter your end price. 

Average cost: $659-2,105 

Bathtub and shower replacements are the most straightforward remodel projects. They result from people wanting a functional upgrade to their current bathtub or shower. You will pay primarily for the installation cost, including removal and the initial cost of the new tub. While you can attempt to DIY any part of this process, it is strongly advised that you do not, as bathtubs can be quite heavy, and you will risk damaging your home.

2. Tub-to-shower conversion

Average cost: $1,800-4,430

This project will convert your bathtub to a shower, requiring the removal of your existing tub and converting the surrounding space to accommodate your shower. This is generally a functional change as most homes don’t end up using their bathtubs and would prefer a larger or more practical shower space. You will need to hire a plumber to sort out your plumbing along with general contractors to ensure that you select the right material and that the surrounding material is sealed for water and humidity. Failure to do so will cause leaks which can lead to water damage or mold. Your price point will depend heavily on how large your conversion space is and the quality of the material you select. 

3. Retiling a shower

Average cost: $1800-4,000

Retiling your shower requires removing the existing material, ensuring its structural integrity, and reapplying a new tile material. Retiling your shower results from wear and tear of the existing material, or a visual and functional upgrade to the existing space. Since this project is very straightforward and much of its cost is dependent on tile material costs, you can lay the tile yourself, which will save a significant amount of money. However, keep in mind that the DIY route is very labor-intensive, so the ultimate cost is up to you. 

4. Shower glass door replacement

Average cost: $480-882

Replacing a glass door requires the removal and disposal of the existing glass door and the installation of the new door. This is generally due to a faulty or broken door, or resizing issues. Most of the cost associated with this project will be centered on removal and installation costs, as labor will charge you fees for disposal and installation of your new door. You can DIY all the steps, charging you just the cost of the door itself, which will range from $300-500 and can save you up to $300 in labor costs. 

5. New cabinets or vanity

Average cost: $736-2,177

Installing new cabinets or vanities requires measuring out your existing space, cleaning and prepping the area, and installing them. The purpose of this project is to add more storage space or to provide an aesthetic upgrade for your bathroom. Most of the cost for this project will come down to labor, as you want to hire someone who will understand the material of your bathroom and your new cabinets. Cabinets range in material, meaning that over time, some will require more maintenance than others, so you want to choose a sturdy material, especially with a high resistance to water or moisture to prevent rot or degradation. If you can help it, hire someone who is able to construct your vanity or cabinets from scratch rather than prefabricated items. While there is nothing wrong with prefab constructions, custom jobs will give you greater control over what materials you select and the overall quality of the cabinet, preventing more maintenance and issues in the future.  

6. New sink

Average cost: $460-1,475

A new sink installation requires sizing up the existing area and deciding on installation type and installation. This is typically done to upgrade the existing aesthetics of your bathroom or to upgrade an existing sink for better functionality. This project is straightforward, making it quite easy to DIY, removing your installation costs. The brunt of your expenses will mostly come down to the price of the sink materials and labor costs.

7. Flooring replacement

Average cost: $6-75 per square feet or $500-3,000

New flooring requires removing the existing flooring and replacing it. This can either be because the old flooring is starting to wear, or you simply want an aesthetic facelift to your old floor. While this job is incredibly straightforward, it is incredibly labor intensive, depending on the size of your bathroom. Price discrepancies will depend on the material you select, with cheaper materials such as vinyl or ceramic tile costing between $6-10 per square foot, and more expensive materials such as natural stone and wood costing between $30-75 per square foot. If you don’t DIY this project, you can expect labor costs between $6-14 per square foot, which can easily double or equal the cost of the materials themselves. If you want to save a decent amount of money, you can redo as much of the project yourself and hire a contractor to finish up and ensure everything is in working order. 

8. New toilet

Average cost: $527-835

The purpose of a new toilet is to either add to or upgrade an existing toilet. Toilets come in many different configurations with many functional upgrades and water-saving models. When installing a new toilet, your costs will depend largely on your existing plumbing configuration, removal costs, and installation costs. When selecting a new toilet, it’s important to consider your whole space, as your plumbing will affect not only your toilet, but your sink and shower, so it is critical to measure out your space and understand how much space your new toilet can and will take. Otherwise, you may install a toilet that prevents your door from opening or ends up making the space feel cramped/claustrophobic.  

9. New light fixtures

Average cost: $46-126

Adding new light fixtures to your bathroom can elevate the mood and change the intensity of your current lights which may interfere with your bathing or nighttime routines. While you can handle simple aspects of this project yourself, an electrician needs to sort out your electrical configurations and outlets before you can proceed. Electrical components in the bathroom can be dangerous, so always consult a professional before you continue. Before you hire an electrician, be sure to plan out your space completely as it is cheaper to install your wiring and outlets all at once as opposed to piecemeal or when you need it. 

10 Paint

Average cost: $1-6 per square foot or $56-1,503

Paint provides an inexpensive means of upgrading the look and feel of your bathroom without altering any physical aspects of your bathroom. Most of the cost of this project will come down to hiring a painter, so you can DIY this step to save yourself a good bit of money, just keep in mind that your end product can look a bit visually off compared to a professional. Also, check that your paint is waterproof and follow the proper steps to ensure that the paint properly adheres to your desired surface to prevent chipping, flaking, or peeling. 

Other Factors to Consider 

In addition to the factors mentioned previously, you should also consider these elements when looking at your master bath remodeling cost: 

The location of your house and the cost of labor locally

Your home’s location will greatly impact the general contractor price in the area. Contractors are priced based on their demand in a given area, and this can make certain DIY projects drastically more expensive than others.

The size and design of the master bathroom

Your layout will affect your final cost only in terms of how difficult it is to maneuver and position fixtures. Generally, the more difficult it is for a contractor to position or move items in your space, the more expensive it will be for you in the long run.

Which materials are selected for refurbishment 

Materials will always affect your final end price as they help to determine the quality, demand, and future maintenance costs. If you select a highly desirable material, you can expect to pay a heavy premium for it, especially if you choose to commit to your project during a busy season. Conversely, the quality of your material will also affect how expensive future maintenance on your space will be.

Any renovations to bathrooms or wall demolitions

As a general rule of thumb, avoid demolition in your remodel. If you can make it work without removing a wall or destroying an element of your bathroom, do it. Otherwise, be prepared to pay a significant amount to accommodate your desired changes. 

Prefabricated fixtures and features vs custom ones

When it comes to choosing fixtures and features, there is a balance between prefabricated and custom. Prefabricated will be significantly cheaper, and easier to replace and install. Custom fixtures will be more expensive, but they will be of higher quality, and they can be tailored to suit your home’s needs.  

Adjustments for home accessibility

When remodeling your home, keep accessibility in mind. More accessibility is always a good thing, so try to plan out additional features throughout the remodel, such as handrails, gripped steps, or height accommodations. 

Unexpected crises and maintenance following demolition

No job is free from emergencies or unexpected issues. Remember that any downtime during projects will cost you a fair bit, so be sure to leave room in your budget to accommodate these emergencies.  

Budget-Friendly Tips for Master Bathroom Remodeling

To assist with your project, here are some tips for you to consider:

Provide a list of tips and explain each of them briefly:

Determine your budget

Always plan out your budget ahead of time. This will allow you to pinpoint crucial or essential elements of the project and determine what you need or don’t need as you move along. 

Prioritize certain bathroom features

Similar to your budget, prioritizing certain bathroom features will help you determine what are essential elements and what can be overlooked. 

Consider maximum ROI on your new bathroom

Determine what your best ROI or return on your bathroom will be. Generally, the best candidates are large fixtures such as bathtubs, storage space, and material investments such as countertops. 

Compare different product or contractor prices

Always haggle or compare prices on both products and services. Nothing is ever final, so don’t be afraid to shop around. 

Negotiate 

Negotiate price points and ensure that everything you discuss with contractors is always in writing. 

Explore bathroom warranties

Your bathroom fixtures will always wear or degrade over time, so it’s important to pursue warranties whenever available. Just keep in mind that many storefronts do not provide an extensive warranty. 

Check financing options 

Financing is a great way to experience luxury without paying a high premium. You can see how a fixture works in your home without paying an exorbitant initial cost. 

Give Yourself the Bathroom You Deserve

At the end of the day, the space is yours to experiment and play with. We have broken down the price points of the remodel, but even at the low end, you can expect to pay around $8,000, so plan out as much of the remodel as possible before starting. Find reliable contractors, and do your own research about what is necessary for your space. If you ever need inspiration for your remodel or simply want to browse our high-quality bathtubs, come visit us at Badeloft.com

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