If you're planning a bathroom remodel, the budget is probably one of your first questions. Bathroom costs can vary a lot, even between two rooms that are about the same size.
So what does it cost?
If you're keeping things simple (replacing the vanity, leaving the floor alone, adding fresh paint and new fixtures), a bathroom refresh can come in around $7,000.
For a full remodel, you can get a bathroom done for around $20,000, or you can spend a lot more than that. The biggest things that move the number are:
- The size of the bathroom
- Layout changes, like moving walls, plumbing, or the shower
- Material choices, since premium tile, fixtures, and glass add up quickly
- What we find behind the walls once demo starts
A refresh: vanity, countertop, mirrors, and lighting
We recently refreshed a bathroom in Miramar Ranch North. We removed the old vanities and installed new RTA cabinets with prefabricated countertops. We also set the new sinks, prepped the work area, and installed new mirrors and light fixtures. The floor and layout stayed the same, which kept the project around $7,000.
A full remodel: bigger shower, premium finishes
On the other end of the range, we completed a full bathroom remodel in Ocean View Hills. We removed one wall and modified another to make the shower much bigger. The homeowner chose premium tile and added a shower bench and a lighted niche. Our work came to about $45,000, and the homeowner bought the tile separately, so the bathroom was closer to $50,000 all in.
Keeping the layout helps control costs
Leaving the toilet, sink, shower, and tub where they are is usually less expensive than moving them. Relocating a fixture can mean changes to drain lines, water lines, vents, framing, and the finishes around them. Sometimes a new layout is worth it, especially when the bathroom feels cramped. It just needs to be planned and priced correctly from the start.
Tile and shower decisions add up
A standard tub surround and a custom tiled shower are very different projects. Niches, benches, mosaics, large-format tile, custom glass, and extra shower fixtures all add labor and material costs. Proper prep and waterproofing matter too. They aren't the exciting part, but they're what prevents leaks and expensive repairs later.
Older bathrooms can hide surprises
San Diego has plenty of older homes, and bathrooms can hide moisture damage, rotted framing, corroded pipes, or outdated electrical. These aren't always visible before demo. A good estimate should explain up front how hidden conditions will be handled, rather than showing a low starting price and adding everything else later.
What about permits?
It depends on the project. A cosmetic update is treated differently than a remodel that involves plumbing, electrical, structural, or layout changes. We look at the actual scope and help figure out what's needed. You can find answers to other common questions on our bathroom remodeling page.
Get a realistic number for your bathroom
The best estimate is one based on your bathroom, your priorities, and the materials you want. Get a quick ballpark with our online estimator at hugehome.pro/estimate-your-project, or call us at 858-800-4843, and HUGE Home Pros can help you build a realistic budget.