The cost to gut a house down to the studs depends on the size of the space and what’s behind your walls. This guide can help you create a budget.
Who to Hire for a Bathroom Remodel Project
Wash away your worries about finding the best bathroom contractor
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Photo: Westend61 / Getty Images
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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.
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
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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 Remodel | Average 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
The homeowners guide to kitchen and bathroom remodels
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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