Follow our helpful bathroom remodeling ideas to get started on your project to prepare properly. Giving your bathroom a boost doesn’t require a boatload of cash or space — just a little planning and creativity before you get started. Refresh your bath’s look with a wow-worthy makeover that improves its style and function.
Whether you’re planning a to design your dream bath or simply update your existing one, start with these inspiring ideas to transform an ordinary bathroom into a relaxing retreat. Enhance your bathroom with impactful updates to add lasting value to your home. Get a fresh start by revising a layout, remodeling to add storage, or replacing fixtures. From hiring a professional to discovering projects you can do, our inspirational ideas, ultimate planning guide, and expert advice will guide you through the bathroom remodel process. If cost is a concern, try one of our budget updates to spruce up your space without breaking the bank. Keep these smart tips and ideas in mind for your bath projects, big or small.
Homeowners have many important questions about their Bathroom Remodeling Project. How much will it cost? How long will it take? What problem areas do I need to watch out for? Can I recover my Bathroom Remodeling investment when I sell? Can I do some of the work myself? What can I do to make sure that the work is done right?
Costs, materials and best practices for the example Bathroom Remodeling project will help you answer these questions. Use this information to develop a budget, bid requirements, hiring contracts and a project plan.
Use the following information to understand your options, make good decisions and get quality work at a fair price.
Bathroom Remodeling – Project Overview
The approximate costs and value of a typical Bathroom Remodeling project are summarized below. Use higher estimates for larger metropolitan areas and the lower estimates where home prices are below the national average. Adjust costs for substitutions or refinements in the last section. For size differences of up to 25%, scale total costs in direct proportion to the size of your project. Use the adjusted costs as a basis for setting a material budget and for comparing contractor bids (if you choose to have a professional perform the work).
| Project description | Replace bathtub, cabinet, sink and fixtures. Add granite countertop. Install new tile surround and floor. Paint walls. Refinish bathtub and sink. Update lighting and electrical. Use above average quality materials and finishing detail. |
| Project size | 75 square feet |
| Material and labor cost | $14,711 – $17,162 |
| Material cost | $8,325 – $9,713 |
| Do-it-yourself assessment | The typical Bathroom Remodeling project involves tasks that are best performed by experienced professionals. Good quality Bathroom Remodeling requires considerable experience, skill and attention to detail. Do it yourself mistakes are noticeable, may be difficulty to remedy and may actually reduce the market value of the project and your home. |
| First year Return on Investment – ROI | Returns vary widely and are affected by the range of home prices in your neighborhood, the overall condition of your home and sensible design choices. A high quality Bathroom Remodeling project in an appropriate neighborhood can return as much as 77% – 91% of its initial cost. |
| Long term Return on Investment – ROI | Returns will be impacted by the range of home prices in your neighborhood, the overall condition of your home and sensible design choices. A high quality Bathroom Remodeling project can return as much as 67% – 78% of its initial cost |
| Green rating | Bathroom Remodeling projects can employ renewable resources and environmentally friendly construction materials. Efficient lighting, HVAC, insulation and appliance choices can significantly reduce the energy footprint of your home. |
Bathroom Remodeling – Proven Ideas and Project Tips
Review these tips, design suggestions, options and lessons learned before finalizing your Bathroom Remodeling project plan.
- To maximize return on the Bathroom Remodeling project, limit cost to no more than 5.5% of home’s total, post project value
- For best resale value, select a taste neutral design for your Bathroom Remodeling
- For best home resale value, follow a consistent design and decorating theme throughout the home
- For best resale value, select components, appliances, finishes and fixtures of comparable quality
- Match appliances and fixtures to electrical circuit, hot water and gas capacities
- To minimize risk of electrical shock, have all circuits protected by GFCI
- Update or restore electrical switches, receptacles and switch plates
- Perform major Bathroom Remodeling work with permits to help protect value at resale time
- Avoid costly surprises – before purchase, be sure that all appliances and components can be moved to their final location through existing doorways / passageways
- Install electrical receptacles inside cabinet where electrical devices are stored
Bathroom Remodeling – Project Plan and Details
The following list includes major work tasks commonly performed during Bathroom Remodeling. Use this list to understand the timing and sequence of different steps in the Bathroom Remodeling project. Click any Task name for a complete written specifications, FAQs and quality checklist for the task – this essential information will help you control Bathroom Remodeling project cost and quality.
| Task | Service Provider | Duration | Do-it-yourself difficulty | Target cost |
| Develop Project Budget | General Contractor | 2 to 15 d | Level 2 – Challenging | $140 – $234 |
| Specify Materials | Interior Designer | 2 to 15 d | Level 2 – Challenging | $190 – $317 |
| Specify Finishes | Interior Designer | 1 to 2 d | Level 3 – Complex, Difficult | $190 – $317 |
| Remove Bathroom Tile | Demolition Laborer | 1 d | Level 1 – Basic | $1.25 – $2.09 per square foot |
| Remove Bathtub | Demolition Laborer | 1 d | Level 1 – Basic | $18.75 – $31.31 |
| Install Bathtub Faucet | Plumber | 1 d | Level 2 – Challenging | $255 – $453 |
| Install GFCI Outlet | Electrician | 1 d | Level 2 – Challenging | $65 – $114 per outlet |
| Install Molding | Finish Carpenter | 1 to 2 d | Level 2 – Challenging | $2.75 – $4.77 per linear foot |
| Install Recessed Lighting | Electrician | 1 to 3 d | Level 2 – Challenging | $163 – $285 |
| Install Bathroom Cabinet | Finish Carpenter | 1 to 2 d | Level 2 – Challenging | $345 – $626 per linear foot |
| Paint Wall | Painting Contractor | 1 to 3 d | Level 2 – Challenging | $0.55 – $0.95 per square foot |
| Paint Molding | Painting Contractor | 1 to 3 d | Level 2 – Challenging | $1.95 – $3.29 per linear foot |
| Install Granite Countertops | Installer | 5 d | Level 4 – Pros Only | $60 – $110 per square foot |
| Install Mortar Bed | Tile Contractor | 1 d | Level 3 – Complex, Difficult | $5.95 – $10.25 per square foot |
| Install Tile Floor | Tile Contractor | 1 d | Level 2 – Challenging | $10.70 – $18.72 per square foot |
| Install Shower Enclosures | Handyman | 1 d | Level 3 – Complex, Difficult | $686 – $1,259 |
| Install Bathroom Fan | Electrician | 1 to 2 d | Level 2 – Challenging | $307 – $524 |
| Install Bathtub | Plumber | 2 to 5 d | Level 4 – Pros Only | $415 – $743 |
| Replace Switch Plates | Electrician | 1 d | Level 1 – Basic | $15.50 – $26.79 |