How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Bathroom?

By Leigh A. Morgan

December 05, 2025

If you're wondering how to give your bathroom a makeover without flushing money down the drain, you're in luck. We gathered cost data for several popular bathroom projects, ensuring you have the information you need to create an accurate remodeling budget.

This May Also Interest You: Should You Remodel or Move? Here's How to Decide

Before you order tile samples or call a plumber, find out the true cost to update a bathroom.

On Average, How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Bathroom?

The average cost to update a bathroom depends on the scope of the project. A mid-range remodel costs an average of $25,251 (CAD 34,781), while high-end remodeling projects have an average price tag of $78,840 (CAD 108,594).

Mid-range remodeling projects focus on updating bathroom fixtures and upgrading materials. They don't result in any major plumbing or layout changes.

In contrast, a high-end remodel represents a complete transformation. Updates typically require new electrical and plumbing work, making them incredibly complex. High-end remodels also use premium materials, such as stone and marble, to create a spa-like environment.

If a mid-range or high-end remodel isn't in your budget, you can do some smaller upgrades. According to NerdWallet, it's possible to spend less than $5,000 (CAD 6,887) on minor renovations. For example, you might replace a vanity, add storage cabinets and install new shower tile. You won't be able to renovate the entire bathroom at this price.

Expected Cost to Update a Bathroom by Project Type

Your total cost to update a bathroom depends on several factors, such as the materials you choose and your geographic area. For example, labor often costs more in cities like Los Angeles and Toronto than it does in towns with lower costs of living.

Your choice of contractor also plays a role in determining the cost of a bathroom remodel. An experienced professional can save you money by avoiding mistakes and preventing project delays. Some contractors also offer integrated design and construction services. If you don't have to pay a designer separately, you can save some money on your remodeling project.

Here are the typical costs associated with common bathroom updates.

Flooring

Installing new floors improves safety, makes your bathroom look better and may even prevent mold growth associated with moisture buildup. The material you select has a big impact on the total cost of your bathroom remodeling project, as there's a big gap between the cheapest and most expensive types of flooring.

For example, vinyl costs as little as $1 (CAD 1.38) per square foot, while hardwood can get as high as $25 (CAD 34) per square foot. If your bathroom is 40 square feet, choosing hardwood over vinyl will cost you an additional $960 (CAD 1,322).

Don't forget to include the cost of radiant heating if that's a feature you want to add to your bathroom. Radiant heating uses pipes or cables to heat the floor, making your bathroom much cozier. However, it adds $7 to $15 (CAD 9.64 to CAD 21) per square foot to the cost of a bathroom flooring project. Over 40 square feet, that's an additional $280 to $600 (CAD 386 to CAD 826).

Here's what you can expect to pay for other types of flooring:

Ceramic. $2 to $20 (CAD 2.75 to CAD 28) per square foot
Laminate. $2 to $11 (CAD 2.75 to CAD 16) per square foot
Wood tile. $3 to $16 (CAD 4.13 to CAD 23) per square foot
Polished concrete. $3 to $8 (CAD 4.13 to CAD 11) per square foot

Lighting

If you want to upgrade your bathroom lighting, you have three options: ambient, accent and task. Ambient lighting is the main light source, so it plays an important role in balancing safety and aesthetics. This type of lighting is especially important if your bathroom doesn't have any windows, as it replaces the natural light you'd normally get from the sun.

Accent lighting highlights specific objects within a room. For example, you might want to install recessed lights aimed at shelves filled with bath and beauty products. Task lighting helps you see clearly when you're performing specific tasks, such as shaving, tweezing your eyebrows or applying cosmetics.

The cost of installing lighting depends on the complexity of the job, but you can expect to pay between $200 and $400 (CAD 276 and CAD 551) per fixture. If you're concerned about the cost of long-term upkeep, choose your fixtures carefully. Some of them require special bulbs, making them more expensive than standard light fixtures.

New Fixtures

Adding new fixtures can completely transform your bathroom, but it also increases the total cost of remodeling. Here's what you can expect to pay for a new sink, tub, shower or toilet.

Sinks

The cost of a new sink depends on which style you choose. These are your options:

Wall-mount. A wall-mount sink is exactly what it sounds like: a sink mounted directly to the bathroom wall. This type of sink doesn't need a vanity or pedestal, so it's often the cheapest option. Wall-mount sinks cost anywhere from $50 to $1,500 (CAD 69 to CAD 2,067).
Drop-in. A drop-in sink fits into a precut hole in your bathroom counter. Because these sinks are easy to install, they cost less than undermount and pedestal models. Expect to pay $200 to $600 (CAD 276 to CAD 827).
Undermount. An undermount sink goes beneath the countertop, so it has a concealed rim, creating a seamless appearance. This improved appearance increases the total cost of a bath remodel, as undermount sinks can cost $250 to $2,000 (CAD 345 to CAD 2,756) each.
Pedestal. Pedal sinks are freestanding, so there's no need to spend money on a vanity. However, some models have a rather ornate support column, making them more expensive than other sink types. Pedestal models usually cost between $350 and $1,000 (CAD 482 and CAD 1,378).

Tubs

Installing a new bathtub can make your bathroom more functional and attractive. For example, upgrading from a standard tub to a soaking tub is a great way to transform a simple bathroom into a relaxing oasis. Today's bathtubs come in a variety of styles, so this update can cost less than $1,000 (CAD 482) or as much as $30,000 (CAD 41,342), depending on the scope of the project.

A freestanding tub typically costs between $700 and $11,000 (CAD 965 and CAD 15,159). A soaking tub costs about the same, but a whirlpool tub is more expensive due to the electric pump and jets used to create a massage effect with water. On average, it costs anywhere from $1,600 to $16,000 (CAD 2,205 to CAD 22,049) to install a whirlpool-style tub.

Showers

The average cost of a new shower depends on whether you want a prefabricated unit or a custom installation job. Prefab units are typically made of acrylic or fiberglass, so they're less expensive than other shower types. Expect to spend about $600 to $1,800 (CAD 827 to CAD 2,480).

A walk-in shower is more expensive, but it might be the right choice for your home if you have mobility issues that make it difficult to step over the edge of a bathtub. Walk-in showers also take up less space than bathtubs, making them ideal for small spaces. Installing a walk-in shower may cost between $4,200 and $8,500 (CAD 5,788 and CAD 11,713).

Converting a tub to a shower requires extra work, such as removing the old bathtub, upgrading the drain line and installing waterproof wall surfaces. However, a shower typically costs less than a tub, so the total cost of this upgrade typically ranges from $1,200 to $3,600 (CAD 1,654 to CAD 4,961).

Toilets

The cost to install a new toilet depends on the type of toilet you choose and the complexity of the job. For example, you might need to have a contractor repair the subfloor before installing a new unit. Some plumbers also charge extra to haul away old fixtures. Generally, you can expect to pay $510 to $4,000 (CAD 703 to CAD 5,512) for the toilet itself.

One-piece toilets are sleeker and easier to clean, but they're more expensive than two-piece units. Smart toilets fall at the high end of the price range, as they come with advanced technology. For instance, a smart toilet may have adjustable pressure settings, a heated seat or a warm air dryer.

Tiling

When you account for materials and labor, tiling a bathroom costs an average of $2,000 (CAD 2,756). However, your remodeling project may cost significantly more if you choose an expensive material or decide to add new tile to every surface instead of focusing solely on the floor or the shower.

Ceramic tile is one of the least expensive tiling options, costing as little as $0.15 (CAD 0.21) per square foot. Porcelain tile and travertine tile are also on the lower end of the range — both start at $3 (CAD 4.13) per square foot and go up from there.

Slate, granite and limestone tiles are all mid-range options, starting at $4 to $5 (CAD 5.51 to CAD 6.89) per square foot, while marble costs around $8 (CAD 12) per square foot. Metal subway tile and glass tile are the most expensive options, costing an average of $15 to $25 (CAD 21 to CAD 35) per square foot and $32 (CAD 45) per square foot, respectively.

Ceramic tile also costs the least to install, as it requires no special tools or handling. You can expect to pay $3.15 to $30 (CAD 4.34 to CAD 42) in labor costs per square foot. In contrast, marble is heavy and porous, so it requires careful handling. Marble also requires specialized tools for cutting, so it costs an average of $11 to $23 (CAD 16 to CAD 32) per square foot to install this type of tile. Glass has the highest installation costs, averaging $35 to $47 (CAD 49 to CAD 65) per square foot.

Ventilation

A bathroom exhaust fan eliminates excess moisture, preventing rust and mildew growth. If your exhaust fan isn't working, or it's not the right size for your bathroom, replacing it can prevent damage to flooring, wall tile and cabinet doors. The fan itself typically costs between $80 and $400 (CAD 110 and CAD 551), while installation labor averages $250 to $500 (CAD 345 to CAD 689).

More Related Articles:

Bathroom Remodeling Costs by Size

Small Bathroom Remodeling

The size of your bathroom plays a big role in determining the total cost of a remodeling project. For a half-bathroom, expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000 (CAD 2,204 to CAD 20,671) to complete the work. A half-bath contains no shower or tub, so renovating it is less work than remodeling a primary bathroom.

Large or Master Bathroom Remodeling

A primary bath is much larger, and it may also contain a jetted tub or other premium features, so be sure to account for these differences when developing your renovation budget. Remodeling a primary bath can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $30,000 (CAD 9,646 to CAD 41,342).

Other Renovation Costs and Facts to Consider

Materials and labor aren't the only costs to consider when planning a bathroom renovation. You may also need to pay for:

Permits. Many municipalities require permits to ensure all work is completed according to local code. Permits for a full bathroom renovation typically cost between $400 and $750 (CAD 551 and CAD 1,034), according to Dan Stout of Family Handyman.
Design services. If you want to transform your bathroom, it's helpful to hire a professional designer. An experienced designer can help you achieve your desired look without exceeding your budget. Full-service design fees range from $6,500 to more than $12,000 (CAD 8,957 to CAD 16,537) depending on your needs.
Dumpster rental. The cost of a dumpster depends on how big it is and how long you need to rent it. You'll need a dumpster to haul away debris from your renovation project.
Electrician fees. For a complete renovation, you might have to hire an electrician to upgrade the wiring in your home. Electricians typically charge $40 to $120 (CAD 56 to CAD 165) per hour.

What Are Some Cheap Ways to Renovate Your Bathroom?

Not everyone has the budget for a major renovation. If you can't cover the cost to upgrade a bathroom completely, here are a few low-cost ways to make it more functional.

Hang a New Mirror

The right mirror can create the illusion of a larger space, making small bathrooms feel less cramped. Mirrors also reflect light, so they're an inexpensive alternative to installing new light fixtures, especially in bathrooms without windows. Look for a mirror with an ornate frame that matches the rest of your decor.

Replace Cabinet Hardware

If you don't have the budget for brand-new cabinets, consider upgrading your cabinet hardware instead. New knobs, drawer pulls and handles can make your cabinets look completely different, but they cost only a few dollars each. The cost of installing new hardware averages $300 (CAD 413), making this one of the cheapest bathroom renovation projects.

Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

Painting your bathroom is another easy way to make it look better without doing a complete renovation. The total cost of a painting project includes paint, labor and supplies. For example, your contractor needs brushes, rollers and drop cloths to complete the job successfully.

Although some manufacturers offer low-cost paint, bargain options don't always hold up well. It may be more cost-effective to purchase high-end interior paint, which costs approximately $80 to $100 per gallon (CAD 110 to CAD 138). When you add labor and supplies, it may cost as little as $300 to more than $2,000 (CAD 413 to CAD 2,756) to paint your whole bathroom.

Use Peel-and-Stick Tiles

Peel-and-stick tiles require no grout or mortar, so using them can reduce the cost of remodeling your bathroom. They're also easy to remove, making them ideal for homeowners who like to experiment with different looks. If you want to try something new after a year or so, you can easily peel off the tile and replace it with a different color.

Hang Artwork

If you have a limited budget, hanging artwork can help you update your bathroom without painting or making other permanent changes. Stick with frames made from metal or plastic, as they're easy to clean and won't warp when exposed to moisture from your bath or shower.

Protect each print by covering it with acrylic glass, which is lighter and more durable than standard glass. Acrylic also offers additional protection against UV rays, making it a good choice if your bathroom has a window or a skylight.

Install a Towel Warmer

On a cold day, few things feel better than stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in something warm. Installing a towel warmer can help you maximize comfort while preventing musty odors in your bathroom. This is because a towel warmer promotes rapid drying, inhibiting the growth of bacteria that can leave towels smelling less than fresh.

A basic towel warmer costs approximately $70 to $300 (CAD 97 to CAD 413), but that's just for the warming unit. You also need to budget for installation labor and supplies.

Add Storage

Adding storage is an inexpensive way to make your bathroom look more organized. If your budget allows for it, you can install permanent shelving or add a tall cabinet for towels and other bathroom supplies.

Bins and canisters offer an inexpensive alternative for budget-conscious homeowners. Look for attractive storage options, such as acrylic containers with bamboo lids, to make your bathroom more attractive without spending a lot of money.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.

Follow us