Your bathroom is the hub of activity in the mornings. The kids are arguing over who gets in first and even jumping over to your master bath to get showered and ready for school. Bathrooms receive a lot of wear and tear, not to mention the water and dampness that can easily lead to the development of mold or mildew.
Even so, when it comes to renovations, the bathroom often takes a back seat to a kitchen remodel. This is, in part, because brisk real estate markets like Colorado tend to increase the value of a home more for a kitchen than for a bathroom.
Here, we’ll examine the actual cost of a bathroom renovation, using a Littleton bathroom remodel as a real-world example to help ground the numbers and expectations.
Who Benefits from Knowing the True Cost of a Bathroom Remodel?
Anyone considering a bathroom renovation can benefit from understanding the basic breakdown of labor and material costs. Homeowners have many different reasons for remodeling their bathroom, including the following:
- Homeowners frustrated by cramped mornings and outdated layouts.
- People overwhelmed by conflicting remodeling advice and are looking for clear, trustworthy numbers.
- Families planning to stay in their home long-term who want a bathroom that works better every day.
If any of these scenarios sound like you, you can benefit from the article. But first, let’s start with a reference point so we are comparing apples to apples.
Example: Mid-Range Bathroom Makeover in Littleton, CO
Before breaking down actual numbers, let’s set a baseline and location, both of which affect the cost of materials and labor. Our example renovation takes place in the Denver suburb of Littleton, CO, using an average-sized, professionally renovated bathroom as the reference point. From there, you can factor in your own vision and priorities as they relate to cost.
Here’s what this example includes:
- 60–80 square foot bathroom
- Tile walk-in shower
- Soaker tub
- Double-sink vanity
- Professional design and installation
- Mid-range to high-quality finishes
Now that we have our reference point, let’s get into some real-world numbers.
What Goes Into a Professional Bathroom Renovation?
There are many decisions to consider when renovating your bathroom. The following is a comprehensive breakdown using our Littleton example as our guide.
Design & Planning Costs
Professional bathroom renovations typically include both design and installation services. They may be listed as a separate line item in your proposal or simply baked into materials and other services. This phase encompasses the layout, materials, labor costs, and installations. Working with a professional helps with permitting and staying on schedule, and ultimately, is worth the expense.
For an average to high-end bathroom renovation, design and planning typically account for 5–10% of the total project cost.
Labor & Installation
Labor is usually the most costly part of a professional bathroom renovation. This includes demolition, removal, framing, plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, and tile and finish work. The licensed tradespeople, schedulers, and quality control all factor into the final budget.
In established Denver suburbs like Littleton, labor and installation can represent 35–45% of the total renovation cost.
Materials & Fixtures
Materials and fixtures are the things you can visibly see in your bathroom. For example, they include vanities, countertops, tile, plumbing fixtures, toilets, tubs, lighting, and the shower parts. There is a wide variation in cost, depending on the quality and level of customization.
For mid-range to high-end finishes, materials, and fixtures typically make up 25–35% of the overall budget.
Plumbing & Electrical Upgrades
Older homes, in particular, often require plumbing and electrical upgrades to support modern fixtures and comply with current building codes in your town. These upgrades can be substantial, including rerouting supply lines, improving ventilation, and rewiring the electrics.
These upgrades typically account for 5–10% of the total project cost, depending on the age and condition of the home.
Permits, Inspections & Code Compliance
Most bathroom renovations will require permits and inspections. Your remodel must be up to code for safety reasons, and in the event you sell the home, they won’t be recognized as a genuine upgrade. In fact, unpermitted changes can stall a potential sale and ultimately result in higher costs in the end.
Permit and inspection costs typically account for 1–3% of the overall budget.
Structural or Subfloor Repairs (If Needed)
Once demolition is underway, you may find water damage, rot, and uneven subfloors. If this is the case, you’ll need to do some structural work. Addressing these problems early prevents more costly repairs later.
When required, structural repairs can add 5–10% or more to a renovation budget.
Waterproofing & Moisture Control
Moisture control is crucial for a bath renovation, where the risk of water damage or mold buildup is significantly higher than in your kitchen, for example. This includes shower systems, waterproof membranes, sealing, and upgraded ventilation to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Waterproofing and moisture control typically account for 3–6% of the total cost.
Contingency Budget
A contingency budget allows room for unexpected discoveries or changes once work is underway. Most professionals recommend setting aside 10–20% of the total renovation budget for this purpose.
Snapshot of the True Cost of a Bathroom Renovation
Based on our Littleton example bathroom, the following table outlines typical cost ranges for a professionally renovated, mid-range to high-end bathroom.
| Cost Category | Est. Cost Range |
| Design & Planning | $2,000–$4,500 |
| Labor & Installation | $14,000–$22,000 |
| Materials & Fixtures | $10,000–$18,000 |
| Plumbing & Electrical Upgrades | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Permits & Inspections | $500–$1,500 |
| Structural or Subfloor Repairs (if needed) | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Waterproofing & Moisture Control | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Custom Features & Upgrades | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Contingency Budget (10–20%) | $4,000–$8,000 |
Premier Bathroom Renovation Services in Littleton and Arvada
Renovating your bathroom is an exciting project that not only adds value to your home but also enhances your overall experience. However, it’s also an extensive undertaking, and depending on the project’s scope, it can be a substantial investment.
Kitchen and Bath by Design specializes in bathroom renovations and remodels in Arvada and Littleton. Our teams work with you from the design phase through to the final reveal.
Get started by booking a free consultation or calling us directly at (720) 571-8586 to begin building your dream bathroom today.
Family-owned for 20+ years offering high-quality, in-house fabricated marble and granite countertops and offer a wide array of comprehensive full remodeling services tailored to meet your diverse renovation needs. Visit our showroom for full-service remodeling. Fully insured, bilingual, and committed to excellence.