The Average Cost of a Main Bathroom Remodel in 2024

Who doesn’t want a bathroom oasis in their home; a place to soak away the day’s troubles in a big tub, heated floors for chilly mornings, or organized makeup drawers in your vanity to keep all of your supplies close at hand? We spend a lot of time in our bathrooms and it makes sense that homeowners would want to make their main bath the most functional, restful and luxurious space possible.

Cost of a Mid-Range Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom improvements are desirable because, in addition to enhancing your quality of life, they can offer a return on investment (ROI). When it comes time to sell your home, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost Vs. Value Report, homeowners undertaking a mid-range bathroom renovation in 2024 could expect to spend a little bit more but enjoy a greater ROI than in 2023. The estimated cost of the 2024 project was $25,251 (including materials and labor), with the Realtors surveyed expecting 74% of that to be recouped when the home is sold.

Cost of a High-End Bathroom Remodel

If you’re considering going for a more upscale bathroom remodel, the Cost Vs. Value Report puts a high-end bathroom renovation average of $78,840 with a 45% return on your investment. The type of remodel they’re talking about almost triples the original square footage and includes lavish amenities such as in-floor heating, high-end faucets, shower body sprays, a frameless glass enclosure, a freestanding soaking tub, stone countertops and two sinks and a separate commode area.

The cost of your project will be tied to several factors including the room size and the quality of materials such as the grade of fixtures, cabinets and finishes. Bathroom vanities and showers often eat up the majority of the materials budget. Whether a change to the floor plan is involved will also determine the ultimate cost of your main bathroom remodel. Other cost factors will depend on how much you DIY the project (the surest way to save money) or if you will use a general contractor or hire subcontractors yourself.

Your return on investment will also depend a lot on where you live. In areas of the country where square footage is less, the ROI will also be less. So, any size bathroom remodel will be more valuable on the West Coast and in New England and less so in the northern central part of the country.

2024 Bathroom Design Trends

If you’re going to spend a big chunk of change in a bathroom remodel, take a look at what’s trending but don’t jump at every fad. Swapping out fixtures, vanities and tile is not as easy or inexpensive as changing out your living room throw pillows. If value and resale are utmost on your mind, stick to neutral colors, timeless styles, easily accessible fixtures and lots of storage.

According to The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the top trend in bathroom design is all about using organic and natural materials, earthy color palettes, wood tones and warm whites. Soaking and freestanding tubs are big, oval being the most popular shape. Vanities covered in marble or marble-like surfaces provide the luxe, organic feel that people crave, but on the practical side, everyone wants more storage. When it comes to smart features, faucets, body sprays, mirrors, lighting, toilets are all becoming programmable as the technology becomes widespread and more affordable.

HomeGuide, which connects homeowners with service professionals, estimates a main bathroom remodel at $10,000 to $30,000. A large main bath remodel in a luxury home can weigh in at over $50,000. This bathroom renovation typically includes a freestanding tub and shower, double vanity and high-end fixtures.

If you’re thinking about putting an addition on your home that would include a bathroom, the cost will vary on many factors. According to the Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost Vs. Value Report, a mid-range bathroom addition will cost on average $58,586 with a 35% ROI and an upscale bathroom addition is estimated at $107,477 with a 33% ROI. Those returns may not sound so stellar, but remember, kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, as does square footage. Plus, you need to factor in the personal value you and your family will have with that additional space.