A true full bathroom remodel — sometimes called a gut remodel — covers demolition down to the studs, all new plumbing and electrical rough-in, waterproofing, tile, all fixtures, vanity, mirror, door hardware, and paint. It does not typically include window replacement, HVAC work, or structural changes to the room size unless specifically scoped and quoted.
| Line Item | Typical Cost Range | DIY-able? |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition & haul-away | $500–$1,500 | Partially |
| Plumbing rough-in & fixtures | $1,500–$5,000 | No (licensed) |
| Electrical (GFCI, exhaust fan, lighting) | $800–$2,500 | No (licensed) |
| Cement board / waterproofing | $400–$1,200 | Partially |
| Floor tile (material + labor) | $800–$3,500 | Partially |
| Shower/tub surround tile | $1,500–$6,000 | No |
| Vanity + countertop + sink | $600–$3,500 | Partially |
| Toilet | $300–$1,200 | Yes |
| Tub or shower unit | $400–$8,000+ | No |
| Mirror + medicine cabinet | $150–$600 | Yes |
| Paint + trim | $300–$800 | Yes |
| Accessories (towel bars, TP holder) | $100–$400 | Yes |
A partial remodel addresses specific elements without full demo: replacing the vanity without touching the floor tile, or retiling the shower without moving any plumbing. Partial remodels cost $2,000–$8,000 and avoid the expense of full demolition and rough-in. They are the right choice when the underlying plumbing and electrical are in good condition and you are primarily updating the look. A full gut is warranted when tile is outdated throughout, plumbing is aging, the layout needs to change, or moisture damage has been found behind walls.
Bathroom remodels that move plumbing or add electrical circuits are the ones most likely to need a permit. Confirm your scope with your city or county building department before work starts. Permit fees are set by your municipality and inspections are usually required at rough-in and again at completion — ask your contractor what your city charges and which inspections your scope triggers. Your contractor should pull the permits — if they suggest you pull them yourself or skip them, that is a red flag. See our contractor red flags guide for more guidance on evaluating bids. Unpermitted work creates liability at resale and can void homeowner's insurance coverage for related damage.
Confident DIYers can save $2,000–$4,000 by self-performing: demolition, paint, installing pre-hung doors, hanging mirrors and accessories, and installing the toilet (straightforward with basic plumbing knowledge). Floor tile installation is DIY-able for experienced tilers; shower tile is more demanding because waterproofing errors cause expensive hidden damage. Electrical and plumbing rough-in are the trades most commonly restricted to licensed contractors. What your state requires is on your state hub page, sourced. The risk-adjusted value of DIYing licensed trade work is negative — savings do not offset liability and rework costs.
A full gut remodel of a standard 5x8 bathroom typically takes 3–5 weeks from demo to final punch list. This includes permit wait time (1–2 weeks in most areas), rough-in inspections, tile cure time, and fixture installation. Custom tile work, specialty orders, or permit delays can push this to 6–8 weeks. Plan to be without the bathroom for 3–4 weeks minimum when scheduling a full remodel — have access to a secondary bathroom during this time.
Ready to start planning? See our complete cost guide and find top-rated contractors through best bathroom remodel companies.
The one line item that isn't optional here is a licensed contractor pulling real permits. Everything else on this list is negotiable scope; permits and inspections are your actual protection once the walls close up.
These are the questions homeowners ask most often before starting this project - what it costs, how long it takes, what a fair quote looks like and which details change the price. Each answer below is written to stand on its own, so you can read just the one you need.
