What Kind of Costs Go Into Remodeling a Bathroom?
At Cornerstone Builders, we’ve been remodeling bathrooms in Beaverton and the west side of Portland since 2003. Over the years, we’ve worked with clients on projects ranging from simple updates to luxury spa-like transformations and accessible aging-in-place renovations. One of the most common questions we get is: What does it actually cost to remodel a bathroom?
The answer depends on many factors, from the size of your bathroom to the materials you choose and whether you’re changing the layout. Let’s break down the typical cost components of a bathroom remodel so you can understand where your money goes and how to plan for your project.
1. Design and Planning Costs
Before a single tile is laid, a successful remodel starts with thoughtful design and planning. At Cornerstone Builders, we’re a design/build firm, which means we manage your project from initial concept through final construction. Our in-house design services ensure that your bathroom is not only beautiful but also functional for your lifestyle, whether you’re creating a luxury retreat or planning for aging in place.
Typical design-related costs:
Professional design and drafting: $1,500 – $5,000
Permit fees (varies by city): $250 – $1,000+
Design costs may be higher if you’re reconfiguring plumbing, removing walls, or integrating accessibility features like a curbless shower or widened doorways.
2. Demolition and Prep Work
Removing existing fixtures, cabinetry, flooring, and walls requires labor and proper disposal. In older homes, demolition can uncover surprises such as water damage, mold, or outdated electrical work—adding to the cost.
Demolition costs:
Light demo (surfaces only): $500 – $2,000
Full gut and haul-away: $2,000 – $4,000
If your home is more than a few decades old, we’ll evaluate hidden systems like plumbing and electrical to ensure everything is brought up to code and won’t cause future problems.
3. Plumbing and Electrical Upgrades
Any time you move a shower, tub, toilet, or sink, plumbing work is required. In many bathroom remodels, it’s also necessary to upgrade lighting, add GFCI outlets, or improve ventilation systems.
Plumbing and electrical estimates:
Plumbing rough-ins and fixtures: $2,500 – $15,000+
Electrical upgrades and lighting: $1,500 – $5,000+
Adding features like heated floors, recessed lighting, or smart mirrors can increase costs but also enhance comfort and value.
4. Fixtures and Finishes
Fixtures and finishes are where your personality shines through—and where costs can vary dramatically. Whether you prefer budget-friendly products or luxury finishes, there’s a wide range to choose from.
Common fixture costs:
Bathtub: $500 – $5,000
Shower system (tile walls, glass door, waterproofing): $3,000 – $10,000
Toilet: $300 – $3,000
Vanity: $500 – $10,000
Faucets and hardware: $500 – $15,000
At Cornerstone Builders, we help you select durable, stylish fixtures that align with your goals and budget. If aging in place is a priority, we can integrate safety features like grab bars, non-slip flooring, handheld showerheads, and ADA-height toilets.
5. Cabinetry and Storage
Bathroom storage is often overlooked, but quality cabinetry can improve functionality and design. Whether it’s a custom-built vanity, linen cabinet, or floating shelves, storage solutions should fit your daily routine and available space.
Cabinetry costs:
Stock or semi-custom vanity: $800 – $2,500
Custom cabinetry: $3,000 – $10,000+
Custom cabinets are ideal if you have an unusual layout or want to maximize every inch of space.
6. Flooring and Wall Surfaces
Tile is a popular and durable choice for bathrooms, but labor costs for installation can add up, especially with intricate patterns or larger spaces.
Surface material costs:
Tile flooring: $1,000 – $10,000+
Tile shower walls: $4,000 – $15,000+
Waterproof wall panels (alternative to tile): $3,000 – $10,000+
Paint and drywall: $500 – $5,000+
We often recommend slip-resistant flooring and low-maintenance finishes, especially for households planning to age in place.
7. Labor Costs
Labor is typically the single largest portion of any bathroom remodel, reflecting the skilled work of licensed professionals. At Cornerstone Builders, we employ experienced craftsmen and manage subcontractors to ensure your remodel meets high-quality standards and stays on schedule.
Labor cost range:
Total labor (all trades): $8,000 – $20,000+ depending on scope
Hiring a professional, licensed contractor also helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures compliance with local building codes.
8. Unexpected Costs and Contingency
It’s smart to include a contingency in your budget—usually 10–20%—to handle surprises like water damage, structural issues, or code upgrades.
Contingency amount:
10–20% of total project cost
Having a design/build team like Cornerstone Builders reduces the chance of surprises, but we always plan for the unexpected so your project doesn’t stall.
So, What’s the Total Cost of a Bathroom Remodel?
Here’s a rough breakdown of total project ranges for a bathroom remodel in the Beaverton and greater west Portland area:
Basic remodel (cosmetic updates, same layout): $10,000 – $50,000
Mid-range remodel (new fixtures, some layout changes): $30,000 – $75,000
High-end or custom remodel (luxury finishes, major layout changes, aging-in-place features): $50,000 – $80,000+
Every project is unique. That’s why we work closely with homeowners to understand your goals, lifestyle needs, and investment comfort level. Whether you're planning to age in place, maximize resale value, or create a personal sanctuary, we’ll help you make informed decisions every step of the way.