Who to Hire for a Bathroom Remodel Project

Wash away your worries about finding the best bathroom contractor

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  • Hiring a bathroom remodeler requires thorough research across design expertise, licensed trades, and project management to ensure your renovation stays on schedule and meets building codes.

  • Bathroom remodel costs range from $5,600 to $16,900 for standard projects, with primary bathroom renovations reaching $30,000 when you include high-end materials and fixtures.

  • Your remodel planning should include setting a clear budget, defining your project scope, and scheduling in-person walkthroughs with at least three contractors for accurate estimates.

  • Hiring a local plumbing professional provides expert guidance on layout changes and fixture placement while coordinating licensed electricians and ensuring all work meets safety codes.

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From choosing new bathroom tiles to deliberating over the hottest trends in bathtubs, renovating your bathroom is the ultimate dream project. There are also plenty of ways to lower the stress of a bathroom renovation, but finding the right pro to hire for a bathroom remodel tops the list. 

Bathroom contractors are your best option as they specialize in areas from tiling to plumbing to ventilation. During your research, you may find companies marketed as kitchen and bathroom remodelers, as the processes require similar knowledge. To hire the best bathroom remodeling contractors, you'll want to perform thorough research and craft a strategic plan.

Pro Tip

Do your research before diving into a remodeling project. Reach out to as many different types of people as you can, from contractors to remodeling companies, to be as informed as possible on all the modern remodeling options available to you.

Traci Snyder
Vice President of Marketing, People and Technology, Improveit Home Remodeling

Benefits of Hiring a Contractor for a Bathroom Remodel

Having a contractor to handle your project from start to finish reduces the potential for hitches and headaches. Some benefits of hiring a contractor for a bathroom remodel include: 

  • Expert advice: Not sure what the most practical bathroom layout is? A contractor can suggest the best place for your toilet and sink, along with ideas for design elements.

  • Flawless finish: No need to worry about crooked cabinets or untidy tiling. Reputable professionals guarantee quality, long-lasting work.

  • Safety: A bathroom remodeling contractor often has licensed local plumbers and electricians on their team or gets discounted rates from these trades. Any pipework or electrical rewiring repositioning will be safe and up to code.

  • Efficiency: DIY bathroom remodels take time. You could be working on it for weeks if you’re trying to complete the job over evenings and weekends. Contractors put in full days and tackle the tasks more quickly and efficiently. 

  • Handles permits: Professionals know when you need a permit and are up to date on building codes for structural or plumbing changes. They can help you handle the often complex application process, too.

  • Peace of mind: You won’t have to worry about costly DIY disasters, like hidden leaks or botched tiling. Hiring a pro takes the stress out of this complex remodeling project.

Can I DIY a Bathroom Remodel?

We don’t recommend DIY remodeling your bathroom. This demanding project requires time, patience, and high skill levels across carpentry, plumbing, waterproofing, and more. 

If you’re undertaking a full bathroom remodel, especially if it involves major layout, structural, or plumbing changes, you’ll need to hire a bathroom remodeling contractor near you. Even if you’re comfortable with DIY, you shouldn’t attempt complex rewiring or replumbing work. Hiring a pro makes your bathroom remodel stress-free

To save some money, the average DIYer can complete some refreshing tasks in lieu of a remodel, like applying a lick of paint, replacing hardware, and installing a new vanity unit or lighting.

Bathroom Contractor Hiring Tips

A woman talking by phone
Photo: The Good Brigade / DigitalVision / Getty Images

It's important to get a few ducks in a row—your budget, a timeline, and other project parameters—before contacting prospective contractors for the first time.

  • Know your scope: Whether you’re gutting your entire bathroom or just updating some fixtures will determine the kind of pro you need. 

  • Have a plan for your project: Be specific about what you want and set an achievable budget. 

  • Check qualifications and references: Contact at least three contractors and schedule an in-person walkthrough for an estimate.

How Much Does It Cost to Remodel Your Bathroom?

The standard cost to remodel a bathroom ranges from $5,600 to $16,900. Budgets vary widely depending on your space's size, the extent of the remodel, the finishes, and how much work you tackle yourself. You might spend $500 upgrading hardware, installing new lighting, and repainting the room yourself. 

The cost of a small bathroom remodel could range from $1,500 to $15,000, with an average cost of $6,500. However, hiring a contractor for a major spa-like renovation of a primary bathroom involving retiling, replacing fixtures, and high-end materials could cost up to $30,000.

Type of Bathroom RemodelAverage Cost Range
Half bath or powder room $1,500–$15,000
Guest bathroom $5,600–$20,000
Primary bathroom $8,400–$30,000
Frequently Asked Questions

Completing a full standard bathroom remodel offers the best value, with an average return on investment (ROI) of 70%. However, you don't need a full remodel to make an impact. To maximize value, focus on key components like flooring, the tub and shower, vanity, and cabinets. High-value upgrades include installing a walk-in shower, resurfacing a tub, retiling, or expanding the shower. For more budget-friendly options that still increase value, consider repainting with a light, neutral color, or updating the mirror and light fixtures. It's also crucial to address any necessary repairs, such as leaks, mold, or cracked tiles, as buyers will notice these issues. Avoid flashy upgrades like bathtub jets or steam showers, which don't add as much value.

There are several ways to save money on a bathroom remodel through proper planning and savvy design strategies. To reduce costs, consider the following:

  • Purchase your own materials: Buy your own bathroom fixtures, hardware, and other materials to avoid contractor upcharges and delivery fees.

  • Shop smart for big-ticket items: Save on pricey items like tiles and tubs by shopping sales and at discount stores.

  • Avoid major layout changes: Keep plumbing in its current location. Opt to replace fixtures rather than moving them to avoid significant renovation work.

  • Focus on high-impact, low-cost updates: Make affordable but impactful smaller changes, such as upgrading hardware, installing new lighting, and adding stylish but economical accessories.

  • DIY where possible: Handle easier parts of the remodel yourself, like painting or installing light fixtures, to save on labor costs.

  • Time your remodel strategically: Consider remodeling in the spring, which tends to be a lower-demand time of year and may result in lower costs.

Labor is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel. If you’re doing a major remodel, structural changes (such as moving walls) and plumbing reconfiguration can be costly. For a standard remodel, the big-ticket items include tiles and new tub or shower fixtures.

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