How Much Does Bathroom Design Cost? [2025 Data]
Discover the cost to design a bathroom, including key price factors, to help you plan your remodel with confidence and avoid budget surprises.
Bathroom design cost varies by size, materials, and complexity.
Hiring a professional designer ensures optimal layout and style.
Material choices and custom features can significantly impact price.
Investing in bathroom design can enhance both the value and comfort of your home.
Planning ahead helps avoid costly changes during the construction process.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
Bathroom design costs average $8,000, with most projects ranging from $3,000 to $12,000 depending on project scope and finishes. Homeowners may pay as little as $500 for basic design services or up to $25,000 or more for luxury, custom bathrooms. Costs are often calculated on a per-project basis, but some designers charge between $50 and $250 per hour or $10 to $50 per square foot.
A well-designed bathroom improves daily comfort and increases home value. This guide explains everything you need to know about bathroom design cost, helping you budget confidently for your project.
Bathroom Design Cost Factors
Understanding what drives bathroom design cost helps you make informed decisions. Several factors, from bathroom type to add-ons, influence your final price.
Types
The type of bathroom you are designing makes a big difference in both complexity and cost. A powder room requires less planning and fewer features than a primary bath or luxury spa bath. Remodels may involve more constraints than new construction, affecting design needs and price.
| Bathroom Type | Average Design Cost Range | Description of Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Powder room | $1,000–$3,000 | Small bath, basic fixtures, limited storage |
| Guest bath | $2,000–$6,000 | Standard size, moderate fixtures, some storage |
| Primary/master bath | $4,000–$12,000 | Larger, double vanity, custom storage, upgraded finishes |
| Luxury spa bath | $10,000–$25,000+ | High-end materials, custom features, advanced amenities |
The scope of your project, such as adding a walk-in shower or heated floors, will also affect the bottom line.
Size
Bathroom size is a key driver of bathroom design cost. Larger bathrooms require more planning, materials, and time to complete. Designers often charge by the square foot, so knowing your space helps estimate your investment.
| Bathroom Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Design Cost | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
| 20–40 | $1,000–$3,000 | Compact layout, pedestal sink, minimal storage |
| 40–80 | $3,000–$7,000 | Double vanity, standard shower, built-in storage |
| 80–150+ | $7,000–$20,000+ | Soaking tub, walk-in shower, custom cabinetry |
Smaller bathrooms are less expensive to design, while larger or specialty spaces require more detailed planning and features.
Materials
Material selection has a significant impact on your bathroom design cost. Standard finishes keep costs lower, while high-end or custom materials increase your budget. Designers can recommend and source materials, sometimes accessing trade discounts.
| Material Type | Cost Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $2,000–$5,000 | Basic tile, laminate counters, simple fixtures |
| Mid-range | $5,000–$10,000 | Porcelain tile, quartz counters, quality fixtures |
| High-end | $10,000–$25,000+ | Natural stone, custom cabinetry, luxury fixtures |
Upgrading to premium tile, imported stone, or designer fixtures will raise your overall cost. Your designer’s recommendations and sourcing can also affect what you spend.
Labor
Labor is another major part of the bathroom design cost. Interior designers, architects, and design-build firms all set their own rates. Designers may charge by the hour, per square foot, or a flat project fee. Expect to pay between $50 and $250 per hour or $10 and $50 per square foot.
Labor costs vary by region and project complexity. More involved projects may also require engineers or specialty consultants. A standard design project requires 10 to 40 hours of professional time, depending on the level of detail and number of revisions.
Prep
Design prep includes initial consultations, site measurements, and planning sessions. Most designers charge a fee for the first meeting, which ranges from $100 to $500. Additional costs may include:
Fees for design revisions or extra meetings are $50 to $200 per session
Expenses for 3D renderings or mood boards, from $100 to $1,000
Procuring samples, which may cost $50 to $300
Permit research and code compliance checks, often $100 to $500
These upfront steps help ensure your design meets your needs and local regulations.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected for bathroom designers or design teams. If your designer provided exceptional service or met an expedited deadline, a gratuity of 5% to 10% of the design fee is a thoughtful gesture. However, most industry professionals do not anticipate tips, and a sincere thank you or positive review is often appreciated.
Additional Cost Factors
Several other factors can increase your bathroom design cost:
Demolition planning and coordination, if part of the design scope
Project management or oversight fees after design completion
Permit application and inspection costs related to design plans
Structural or systems planning for plumbing, electrical, or ventilation upgrades
Custom features like built-in storage, heated floors, or specialty lighting
Decorative add-ons, such as accent walls, luxury fixtures, or smart technology
Accessibility or universal design, including grab bars and curbless showers
Rush fees for tight deadlines or phased construction schedules
Each of these elements adds to your overall investment, especially if your project includes custom or specialty work.
Bathroom Design Ongoing Costs
Once your bathroom is designed and built, a few ongoing costs help maintain its beauty and function.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance for designer-recommended materials protects your investment. Natural stone surfaces may need periodic sealing, while specialty tiles or fixtures might require specific cleaning products. Regular upkeep, such as caulking and grout sealing, keeps your bathroom looking fresh and prevents water damage. Expect to spend $100 to $300 per year on basic maintenance.
Repairs
Repairs for designer-installed features vary by material and complexity. Tile repairs or fixture replacements are straightforward. Custom or high-end installations, such as bespoke vanities or imported tile, may be more expensive to fix—sometimes $500 to $2,000—due to specialized labor or hard-to-source parts. The frequency of repairs depends on use and material durability.
Insurance
Major bathroom design projects can affect your homeowner’s insurance. A significant remodel may increase your home’s value, leading to slightly higher premiums. Some policies offer coverage for design errors or construction defects, especially if your designer or contractor is licensed and insured. Check with your carrier to ensure your new bathroom is fully protected.
DIY Bathroom Design Cost vs. Hiring a Pro
You have two main options for bathroom design: doing it yourself or hiring a professional. Each approach has distinct costs, risks, and benefits.
DIY design can save you money on labor, but you’ll need to invest in design software, materials, and your own time. Expect to spend between $100 and $1,000 on digital tools, samples, and reference materials. DIY projects may lead to higher costs if mistakes occur, such as code violations or design errors that require costly fixes.
Professional designers bring expertise, access to trade discounts, and project management skills. Their fees are higher, but you benefit from a polished result and fewer headaches. DIY requires a strong understanding of layout, building codes, and material selection. Without this knowledge, you risk lower resale value or expensive corrections.
Hiring a professional local bathroom designer saves time and reduces stress, especially for complex or high-end projects. DIY makes sense for small cosmetic updates or if you have design experience, but larger remodels are best left to professionals.
Cost of Common Bathroom Design Cost Add-Ons
Many homeowners choose to enhance their bathroom with popular add-ons. Here’s what you can expect to pay for these upgrades:
Custom vanities or cabinetry: $2,000 to $7,000
Heated bathroom flooring systems: $1,000 to $4,000
Luxury shower enclosures or steam showers: $2,500 to $10,000
Freestanding tubs or spa features: $1,500 to $8,000
Smart mirrors and integrated lighting: $500 to $2,500
High-end tile patterns or accent walls: $1,000 to $5,000
Built-in storage solutions: $800 to $3,000
Accessibility upgrades (grab bars, curbless showers): $500 to $6,000
Specialty ventilation or sound systems: $500 to $3,000
These add-ons can increase comfort, style, and accessibility, but will also add to your overall bathroom design cost.
Tips to Reduce the Cost of Bathroom Design
Smart planning and creative choices help keep your bathroom design costs manageable. Consider these money-saving strategies:
Choose cost-effective materials that mimic high-end looks
Limit custom features to essential areas
Reuse or refinish existing fixtures and cabinetry where possible
Get multiple quotes from designers and contractors
Bundle design and construction services for potential discounts
Plan layout changes carefully to avoid moving plumbing or electrical
Shop sales and clearance for materials and fixtures
Consider phased upgrades instead of investing in a full remodel
Use digital design tools to visualize changes before committing
These steps can help you achieve your dream bathroom without overspending.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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