What’s the Average Cost to Add a Bathroom?

So, how much does it cost to add a bathroom? Based on the projects we’ve done, the short answer is $6,500 to $10,000.

Obviously, this investment range is just an estimate. Your actual costs for this project will depend on factors like:

• Beginning with an existing room or building an addition: Are you repurposing an existing space like a laundry room or closet, or are you adding on a whole new addition to your home? Adding a new addition will incur more costs because of the extra construction.
• Size of the room (full bath versus half bath): Installing a half bath with only a toilet and sink will cost much less than adding a bathroom that comes with a tub and shower as well. Consider what renovation will meet all your needs and available space.
• Desired design features/fixtures and materials used: The style and functionality will heavily influence your budget. High-end materials and luxury fixtures will push your budget higher, but choosing prefabricated or standard options is a great way to save.

Keep in mind that every bathroom addition is unique, and the best way to find the answer to the question: “How much does it cost to add a bathroom?” is usually by requesting an estimate from one of Neighborly®’s most trusted brands. If you have questions about our services, check out our frequently asked questions.

The Long Answer

No matter your budget, you can do something to improve your bathroom situation — even if that means modifying bathrooms you already have so they work better for your home and life. Let’s break down the major costs associated with adding a bathroom.

• Construction choices – A half bath is less expensive and perfect if you just need an extra toilet in the house. However, full baths add more value with an extra tub/shower. Either way, determine what your space will allow for and if you’ll renovate an existing room or start from scratch.
• Plumbing renovations – If you haven’t thought much about your plumbing system before, you will now! Avoid switching up your home’s plumbing system if you can. Making major adjustments will involve permits and additional contractors, which can add up quickly. Get in touch with a professional for their input.
• Electrical work – The same applies to electrical wiring. If you can, choose an area of your home where plumbing and electrical don’t need modification, or at least don’t need significant modification. For your safety, please consult a professional when working with your home’s electrical wiring.
• Walls and flooring – Your flooring investment will depend on the type you choose. As a baseline, tiling your floor costs an average of $500, and could be more depending on the size of your bathroom. Ceramic tiles cost around a dollar per square foot, while porcelain can cost anywhere between six and nine dollars.

Factors that Influence the Cost of Adding a Bathroom 

When wondering how much does a bathroom addition cost, you also have to consider several other factors that will help you set and stick to a realistic budget and minimize any surprises:

• Location of the bathroom: If you decide to add a bathroom close to existing pipes and plumbing, it’ll be much cheaper than if you’re installing one far away from any laundry room, kitchen, or existing bathroom.
• Choices of material: High-end materials like marble countertops or custom cabinets will drive up your costs. If you’re looking for more affordable options for your bathroom addition, install prefabricated vanities and laminate countertops.
• Accessibility features: If you want to install features like walk-in tubs, wheelchair-friendly layouts, or grab bars, these will be another investment to consider.
• Types of fixtures: if you want the basic fixtures, like a standard sink and toilet, you’ll save money overall on your project. Custom options like a freestanding bathtub or high-end shower system will put you closer to that $10,000 mark.

Additional Costs to Consider

When budgeting for a bathroom addition, don’t forget about other potential costs, which can quickly add up and push you over budget if you’re not careful: 

• Permits: Depending on the local regulations in your area, building permits for a bathroom can cost between $500 and $1,500.
• Labor: If you’re hiring a professional like Mr. Handyman® to handle the plumbing, electrical, and construction work, you’ll have to pay a labor cost in addition to the materials. This cost will vary, so we recommend requesting a quote to ensure it aligns with your budget.
• Unexpected issues: If you’re renovating a bathroom in an older home, you could run into hidden problems like outdated plumbing or wiring that need to be brought up to the current building code. Just in case, plan for a budget of 10-15% of your total projected cost so you’re not caught off guard.

Tips for Saving on Bathroom Additions

With all of these considerations, you might be left wondering how you can afford a bathroom renovation. You might be wondering, “Well, how much does it cost to add a half bathroom instead?” Here are some expert tips that will help you save money in the long run: 

• Plan: When you choose the contractors and designers you want to work with, make sure your layout and results are all planned out before starting construction. Making any last-minute changes to the design or project can add up quickly.
• Use standard sizes: While it might be tempting to customize everything in your bathroom, keep in mind that custom-sized fixtures and materials tend to be more expensive, so you should stick to the standard size whenever possible.
• Repurpose your existing space: If you don’t have the money for an entire bathroom addition, try to repurpose an underutilized storage space or closet instead.
• Focus on the essentials: It can be easy to get caught up in all the fancy technology and additions but stick to what’s essential and skip the unnecessary luxury upgrades for now.

Make Your Home Your Own

The good news? When done right, this investment should provide excellent value to your home, with an average return of 60%. Whether you choose a half bath or full bath, brand new or from an existing room, adding a bathroom is seldom a bad idea.

Our Neighborly brands would love to assist you in any way that we can. Visit our home page to explore Neighborly home service professionals in your area and schedule service.

Financial information attributed to Home Advisor