What does a bathroom remodel cost in 

#Json=Label_Lookup|Brand=citizensbank|ApplyToParentElement=|TargetElementType=span|TargetElementId=dropdown|Key=Current Year#

By Citizens Staff

A bathroom remodel can transform a bland and dated space into a warm and cozy retreat. While the cost of fixtures, flooring and materials can feel overwhelming, the investment is often worth it. Not only does a bathroom remodel create a more enjoyable space for your daily routine, it can also increase the value of your home.

Before you dive into a bathroom remodeling project, it's important to understand the costs involved to ensure your vision aligns with your budget. Let's break down the bathroom remodel cost so you'll have a clear picture of what to expect. We'll also address an affordable and flexible financing option that can help you pay for your project.

What influences your bathroom remodel cost?

Bathrooms range from small and simple to large and luxurious. Just as there are many bathroom sizes, shapes and styles, the remodeling costs can also vary. Your expenses will largely depend on where you live, the size of the space and the materials and finishes you select. If you reside in an area with a higher cost of living, you may face steeper prices for labor and materials.

You will also have to comply with local building codes and permit requirements. For example, a municipality could require the installation of a ventilation system or updated plumbing, which can drive up the cost.

A small powder room will typically necessitate fewer materials and less labor than a guest bathroom or a larger primary bathroom. If you live in an older home, extra work may be needed to repair water damage or reinforce floors, with larger rooms requiring more time and labor to finish the updates.

The materials you select also affect the cost. High-end options like heated floors, marble countertops and custom vanities can quickly drive up the price, while budget-friendly options like vinyl flooring, prefab vanities and standard fixtures can help you keep costs in check.

Bathroom remodel cost based on size

The size of your space is one of the most important factors that affect your bathroom renovation costs. Let's take a look at the average cost of bathroom remodels for projects of different sizes so you know what to expect.

Primary bathroom

The average cost to remodel a primary bathroom is $30,000 or more. This is nearly twice the average of a guest bathroom remodel. Homeowners spend a lot of time in their primary bathrooms, and upgrading them is often more important than bathrooms that are used less frequently.

Guest bathroom

The average cost to remodel a guest bathroom is $14,000 to $20,000. Guest bathrooms are usually smaller with fewer features than primary bathrooms. They may have a single vanity instead of a double, for example.

Powder room

Powder rooms are also known as half-baths. The average cost to remodel a powder room is $2,500 to $10,000. With only a toilet and a sink, powder rooms require fewer materials and less labor, which greatly reduces the cost.

What to include in your bathroom remodel cost

Creating a budget for your bathroom remodel can help you prioritize expenses. For example, you may prefer a high-end sink and faucet to make that area the focal point of the room, with the shower being less important. Identifying what's most important to you can help you allocate funds effectively to create your dream bathroom. Let's take a look at some common costs to see how they impact your budget.

Plumbing: Plumbing costs typically range from $2,000 to $10,000. Simple updates, like fixing minor leaks, fall on the lower end, while relocating plumbing lines for a new layout or adding features will be higher.

Toilet: The average cost to replace a toilet is $375 to $500. However, a basic toilet can be purchased for as little as $125. Prices for toilets with high-end features, like a heated seat, a bidet or touchless flushing can be up to $2,000.

Vanity or cabinetry: Vanities and cabinetry typically range from $700 to $2,200, depending on the size, materials and style you select. Whether you go with prefab products or prefer a custom build is another important cost factor.

Sink and faucet: A large part of the cost for your sink and faucet depends on whether you need a single or double sink setup. The typical cost for a single sink is $400 to $1,000. Basic sink options, like drop-in sinks, are most affordable. High-end options, like vessel sinks and undermount designs, are significantly more.

Tile and flooring: Vinyl is typically the most affordable option, while porcelain and ceramic are mid-priced. Although natural stone is beautiful, it's also the most expensive. Wall tile is typically $0.50 to $15 per square foot, and flooring is $2 to $22 per square foot.

Bath or shower: Standard prefab bathtubs and showers are typically the most cost-effective. Luxury features, like frameless glass enclosures and freestanding bathtubs, are significantly more expensive. Bathtubs can range anywhere from $300 to $8,500 and showers $1,000 to $15,000.

Lighting: Basic light fixtures, like flush mounts or standard vanity fixtures, are most affordable, while decorative sconces, pendant lights and chandeliers are more expensive. The cost of lighting is typically $150 to $500.

Paint, wallpaper and other decor: Painting your bathroom walls is usually the most budget-friendly option. A fresh coat of paint is typically $150 to $400, and it may be something you can do yourself to save on labor costs. The cost of wallpaper varies depending on the material and is $20 to as much as $300 per roll plus installation if you're not doing it yourself. Additional decor elements, like shelving, mirrors, towel bars or artwork, range from $100 to $500 or more.

How to pay for a bathroom remodel

Many homeowners don't have enough saved to cover the cost of a bathroom remodel. Personal loans can be used, but they require you to borrow the full amount up front, which leaves little room for unexpected expenses or cost overruns. Although credit cards are convenient, they often have higher interest rates, which can increase the total cost.

For homeowners who need a flexible and affordable way to finance a bathroom remodel, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) can be a great option. A HELOC is a revolving line of credit that lets you borrow against the equity in your home. It works similar to a credit card, but it often has a lower interest rate. It allows you to borrow funds as often as you need up to your credit limit.

For example, you could borrow funds to replace your bathroom flooring and then later borrow again to replace the vanity, cabinetry, sink and faucet. This process can be repeated until the project is finished. A HELOC loan also allows you to make interest-only payments during the draw period, which can help you keep your monthly payments low while you focus on completing the remodel.

Creating the bathroom you've always wanted

The average cost to remodel a bathroom can vary significantly based on the size of the space, local labor costs and the materials and finishes you choose. To ensure a smooth remodeling experience, set a realistic budget and don't forget to plan for unexpected expenses that may arise along the way.

Ready to transform your bathroom into a space you'll love? With a lower interest rate than a credit card or personal loan and the ability to draw funds as needed, a HELOC could be the perfect financing solution.