How Much Does It Cost To Add a Bathroom? (2024 Guide)
Typical Cost Range: $9,000–$50,000
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Remodeling your bathroom is a great way to add value to your home, but if you’re strapped for space, you might want to add an entirely new bathroom. Converting space from a room such as a basement, attic, or bedroom into an extra bathroom may cost anywhere from $9,000–$50,000. Adding extra square footage to your home for a bathroom will cost a lot more, with costs ranging from $37,000–$74,000. We’ve broken down key factors that affect new bathroom costs and provided saving tips below.
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What Factors Affect the Cost To Add a Bathroom?
The biggest factor determining the cost is whether you’re converting an existing room into a bathroom or adding a new space. We examine other key cost factors below.
New Bathroom Cost by Location
Repurposing an existing space will cost about 50% less than a completely new bathroom addition, but costs can differ depending on which room you’re working in. A laundry room will be cheaper to convert than an attic or closet since a key factor is being able to connect the new bathroom to your existing plumbing system.
Compare prices by room in the table below.
| Bathroom Location | Cost Range |
|---|---|
|
Laundry room bathroom |
$6,000–$13,000 |
|
Garage bathroom |
$8,000–$25,000 |
|
Basement bathroom |
$9,000–$16,000 |
|
Attic bathroom |
$9,000–$36,000 |
|
Upstairs bathroom |
$15,000–$50,000 |
|
Bedroom bathroom |
$15,000–$50,000 |
|
New bathroom addition |
$37,000–$74,000 |
Cost of Adding Bathroom Features
Each additional feature and amenity will increase your project’s total cost. A half bathroom will cost less than a full bathroom. Adding a large primary bathroom is the most expensive option.
Compare costs for various bathroom features below.
Cabinetry Cost
You can maximize your new bathroom’s storage space with good cabinetry. Premade fiberboard cabinets are the least expensive and can cost as little as $450 for a set. Custom or hardwood cabinets can cost as much as $3,000, though they’re more durable. Ensure you choose materials that can withstand the humidity of a bathroom environment.
Countertops Cost
Bathroom countertops aren’t usually included with vanity cabinetry. Countertops also don’t include sinks unless they’re a solid-surface material like Corian. The backsplash of the counter may also support a mirror.
Bathroom countertops aren’t used as heavily as kitchen countertops, but they still need to be able to handle water, humidity, and personal care products. Less expensive countertop materials include laminate and tile, which are easy to install but more easily damaged. High-end materials include natural stone and solid-surface composites.
Bathtub Installation Cost
Installing a bathtub can cost $3,000–$7,000. The final price depends on the tub’s style, material, and surrounds. Acrylic and fiberglass tubs are on the low end of the cost spectrum, while large granite or copper soaking tubs are on the high end. Walk-in tubs are the priciest option, but they provide additional convenience for people with limited mobility. Check that your new bathroom has enough floor space to comfortably walk around the bathtub if it’s free-standing.
Shower Addition Cost
Installing a new shower can cost $1,500–$6,800. A prefab unit containing a shower pan and surrounds is the least expensive option. Features such as additional shower heads and faucets will cost extra. Exhaust fans can cost another $300–$600 and are a requirement in all bathrooms with a shower.
Toilet Addition Cost
Even a powder room needs a toilet, which costs $400–$800. The price will increase if you choose a specialty unit with features like dual flushing or a bidet. Toilets with heaters, lights, and other features can run in the thousands of dollars.
Sink Addition Cost
Sinks typically aren’t included with the countertop and cost an additional $400–$1,000. Ceramic is the most common and cost-effective material, but cast iron, steel, glass, and copper create a unique look. Natural stones such as quartz and granite are the most expensive materials. You’ll need to purchase the faucet and drain hardware separately.
Floors Addition Cost
Flooring has a wide price range because different materials can vary widely in cost. Vinyl and laminate may only cost $2–$5 per square foot, but natural stone or hardwood may cost $15–$20. Tile is inexpensive but labor-intensive to install and relatively difficult to clean properly. A luxury bathroom with custom ceramic tile can cost $25 per square foot or more.
Light Fixtures Addition Cost
Your new bathroom will need to be well-lit to get the most functionality out of the space. Smaller bathrooms may only need vanity lighting but larger bathrooms could require additional overhead lights. New light fixtures can cost $200–$1,000, excluding any electrical work that needs to be done to install them.
| Type of Feature | Cost |
|---|---|
|
Floors |
$2–$20 per square foot |
|
Light fixtures |
$200–$1,000 |
|
Toilet |
$400–$800 |
|
Sink |
$400–$1,000 |
|
Cabinets |
$450–$3,000 |
|
Shower |
$1,500–$6,800 |
|
Vanity and countertops |
$2,500–$3,500 |
|
Bathtub |
$3,000–$7,000 |
What Other Factors Impact Bathroom Addition Costs?
Materials and bathroom location aren’t the only factors relevant to cost. Here are some others.
Labor Costs
About half of bathroom installation costs go to labor. This project requires many licensed subcontractors, including plumbers and electricians. Plumbers typically charge $75–$130 per hour, and electricians charge $40–$120 per hour. You may also need carpenters, concrete or drywall contractors, HVAC contractors, and more. Plan to add another 10% or 20% to your total cost if you want to hire a general contractor to oversee the project.
Permits and Inspections
Adding a bathroom requires one or more building permits before work can begin. Permitting costs vary by state and city, but expect to pay at least $100. New bathrooms must be up to health, safety, and building codes, so you’ll need to have multiple inspections during the process. Check your town, city, or county website for more information.
Location in Home
Expanding your home’s layout will cost roughly twice as much as converting an existing space. Building out or up requires you to cut into your home’s structure, which is a more complex and time-consuming job than using existing interior space.
Bathroom Size
The bathroom’s size and type also impact the overall cost. A small bathroom will cost much less than a large or primary bath for both materials and labor. A three-quarters bath omits the tub while a half-bath leaves out the shower.
What Are The Benefits of Adding a Bathroom?
Having an additional bathroom provides convenience and privacy. Though expensive, it may be worth it to avoid waiting for a free shower or toilet—especially if you have a large family. You’ll also have more space available for guests or if you plan to grow your family. Starting from scratch allows you to fit the bathroom layout to your exact needs.
Adding a bathroom also increases your home’s value, but not as much as some other home improvement projects. According to Remodeling magazine’s 2022 Cost vs. Value report, a mid-range bathroom installation has a return on investment (ROI) of 51.8%, and a high-end bathroom addition has an ROI of 51.5%. Compare that to the ROI of a mid-range bathroom remodel (58.9%), roof replacement (59.6%), or minor kitchen remodel (71.2%).
You’ll need to decide whether the increase in your home’s value is worth the bathroom addition cost and the two to four weeks of construction. Typically, homeowners choose to add or remodel bathrooms to improve their current living space, not to add value for future owners. Keep in mind that another bathroom will increase utility costs and add another space to keep clean.
Professional vs. DIY Bathroom Addition
Unfortunately, a bathroom addition isn’t a DIY job. The project is too complex and requires too many specialty trades.
Professional Bathroom Addition
A bathroom addition requires many different trade specialists, even when working in an existing space. Here’s what the process might look like.
First, you’ll meet with a bathroom designer, architect, or remodeling contractor who will help you plan the bathroom addition. There will be a charge for the design process.
Before beginning work, it’s a good idea to hire an inspector to make sure you won’t be surprised by asbestos, lead, mold, or other toxic substances or structural problems that could drive the price up.
Contractors will deconstruct the interior or exterior walls to make room for the new bathroom and its plumbing and wiring. Demolished material needs to be removed and disposed of.
If you’re building out or up, a general building contractor will first build the new structure where the bathroom will go. You may need to extend your home’s foundation or crawl space. This may include carpenters, concrete finishers, roofing contractors, and painters.
A licensed plumber will work with your home’s existing plumbing to get water to the new bathroom and extend drains to connect the new bathroom to the septic or sewer system. A licensed electrician will extend your home’s wiring to the new space.
Contractors will ensure that the space has adequate ventilation and waterproofing to prevent water damage. The framing, rough plumbing, and electrical system are then covered over with new drywall which is finished and painted.
Finally, contractors will bring in new cabinetry, vanity tops, and shower or tub wall materials. Last, they’ll install plumbing and electrical fixtures and hardware. The last items installed are the flooring materials and toilet.
DIY Bathroom Addition
It’s not a good idea to mess with your home’s plumbing or wiring unless you’re a licensed professional. These are important systems and small mistakes can create damage or hazardous conditions. You may be able to do some of the small finishing tasks yourself, such as sealing the tile grout or putting on the new cabinet hardware. However, professionals should complete the bulk of the job.
How To Save Money on a Bathroom Addition
Our Conclusion
Adding a bathroom is an expensive project. You’ll need to budget for labor costs and materials and prepare for contractors to come in and out of your home for at least two weeks. However, the cost may be worth it for the extra space. You’ll also get about a 50% return on investment when selling your home. We recommend getting estimates from at least three contractors to ensure you’re getting a good rate.
FAQ About Adding a Bathroom
Can you add a bathroom anywhere in a house?
Yes, you can add a bathroom anywhere in a house. The size of the existing space may restrict which amenities you can install, but as long as you have at least 15–20 square feet, you can create a half bath. Keep in mind that it’s more expensive to add a bathroom to a room far from your house’s existing plumbing. Creating a completely new addition costs twice as much as working within an existing room.
Is it hard to add a bathroom to a house?
It’s generally much easier to convert existing interior space into a bathroom than it is to add to your house. It costs about half as much and takes about half the time.
Do I need a permit to add a toilet?
Many states require permits for bathroom remodeling. You’ll likely need a permit for a toilet since it involves modifying your plumbing. Make sure you check your city’s building codes.
Can I turn a laundry room into a bathroom?
Yes, laundry rooms can be one of the easiest and least expensive spaces to convert into a bathroom. The drain and vent for a sink already exist, and you’ll already have water service. You’ll need to add additional drain lines and vents for the toilet as they’re much larger than for a washing machine.
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