Written by
Tamatha Hazen
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tara Farmer
Average cost to add a bathroom
The cost to add a bathroom is $5,000 to $25,000 to convert an existing space. A new bathroom addition costs $20,000 to $75,000 due to the extra construction costs. Adding a full-size basem*nt bathroom costs $10,000 to $25,000, while adding a half bath costs $3,000 to $10,000 with standard features.
| Bathroom type | Average cost per square foot | Average total installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Conversion | $200 – $250 | $5,000 – $25,000 |
| Extension | $400 – $500+ | $20,000 – $75,000+ |
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Cost by bathroom location
Where you build your new bathroom greatly affects the project costs. If you convert an existing space like a closet or laundry room to a bath, you’ll save nearly 50% over the cost of building a home addition for your new bathroom.
Converting an existing space
Converting an existing space into a bathroom costs $200 to $250 per square foot. Depending on your needs, you can convert a walk-in closet or under-stair-storage space into a small but functional bathroom. For a more expansive bathroom, it helps to have a garage or basem*nt space to turn into a bath.
| Location | Size (square feet) | Average conversion cost |
|---|---|---|
| Closet / under staircase | 15 – 30 | $3,000 – $7,500 |
| Laundry room | 40 – 70 | $7,500 – $16,000 |
| Upstairs space | 40 – 80 | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Basem*nt | 50 –100 | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Attic | 50 – 150 | $10,000 – $38,000 |
| Bedroom / office | 100 – 150 | $20,000 – $38,000 |
| Garage | 100 – 120 | $20,000 – $30,000 |
Converting an existing space that already has plumbing in place, such as a laundry room, will save you money.
New addition
If you don’t have an existing space to convert, you can still get your much-needed bathroom by building a home extension. A bathroom addition costs $400 per square foot for a bathroom with standard fixtures, while a luxury bathroom costs $600 to $800 per square foot for high-end fixtures and finishes.
Save money by building your new bathroom near your kitchen, laundry room, or a current bathroom for easier access to the existing plumbing.
Cost by bathroom size
Regardless of whether you are converting an existing space or adding a home extension, the cost of your bathroom depends on the bathroom size. The larger the bathroom, the more it costs for materials and labor.
| Size (square feet) | Conversion cost | Addition cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small half bath (15 – 20) | $3,000 – $5,000 | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Small ¾ bath (25– 40) | $5,000 – $10,000 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Medium-sized full bath (40 – 50) | $8,000 – $12,500 | $16,000 – $25,000 |
| Large full bath (50 – 100) | $10,000 – $25,000 | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Primary bath (100 – 200) | $20,000 – $50,000 | $40,000 – $100,000 |
Converting a small storage space, laundry room, or walk-in closet will give you a cozy 25 to 75 square foot bathroom.
Converting a bedroom allows for a more comfortable 100 square foot bathroom.
A home addition bathroom is usually a bit larger, averaging 50 to 150 square feet in size.
Cost by bathroom type
The type of bathroom you install can affect the price you pay. Installing a basic bathroom with standard features costs $200 to $400 per square foot. Splurging on a luxury bathroom can cost $600 to $800 per square foot or more for the lavish amenities.
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| Type | Basic bathroom | Luxury bathroom |
|---|---|---|
| Half-bath / powder room | $3,000 – $8,000 | $9,000 – $16,000 |
| Three-quarter bath | $5,000 – $16,000 | $15,000 – $32,000 |
| Full bathroom | $8,000 – $20,000 | $24,000 – $40,000 |
| Jack and Jill bathroom | $10,000 – $25,000 | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Wet room | $10,000 – $20,000 | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Primary bathroom | $20,000 – $80,000 | $60,000 – $160,000+ |
Bathroom features
When creating the budget for your new bathroom, keep in mind that every fixture or feature you add will increase your project costs. If you’re on a limited budget, stick with standard fixtures and finishes to keep costs down.
| Fixture | Average installation cost* |
|---|---|
| Shower | $1,000 – $15,000 |
| Tub | $800 – $4,600 |
| Toilet | $350 – $800 |
| Sink and faucet | $580 – $2,000 |
| Countertop and vanity | $400 – $4,000 |
| Flooring | $350 – $2,500 |
| Plumbing | $450 – $1,800 |
| Electrical wiring | $175 – $850+ |
| Light fixtures | $200 – $600 |
| Exhaust fan | $250 – $950 |
| Mirror | $140 – $430 |
| Medicine cabinet | $150 – $400 |
*Includes materials and labor
Shower
A shower installation costs $1,000 to $8,000 for a prefab shower stall insert. For higher-end designs, consider a custom-tiled walk-in shower installation costing $3,500 to $15,000.
Popular upgrades include:
A custom steam room or steam shower costs $4,000 to $16,500. Including spa-like features, such as a sound system, mood lighting, or aromatherapy adds to the installation cost.
A glass shower door costs $600 to $1,900 for a modern, frameless shower door with installation.
Bathtub
A standard bathtub costs $800 to $4,600 with installation. A tiled tub surround adds another $1,000 to $3,500 to your construction cost. Old-fashioned clawfoot tubs cost $600 to $7,200 for the bath alone, while modern freestanding bath tubs can cost even more.
Toilet
Installing a toilet costs $350 to $800 for the unit and plumbing labor. A luxury SMART toilet with heated seats, touchless operation, or lighting features can cost twice as much.
A bidet toilet costs $650 to $2,100 and is a luxury feature gaining popularity in primary bathrooms. This fixture combines the function of a regular toilet with bidet features in one space-saving unit.
Sink and faucet
Bathroom sink installation costs $280 to $1,200, while including a faucet costs $580 to $2,000 to install both fixtures at the same time. A modern vessel sink that sits on top of the counter or vanity is a surprisingly affordable option that gives a high-end look to any bathroom.
Countertop and vanity
A bathroom vanity installation costs $400 to $4,000, depending on whether you install a prefab model or a custom vanity. A budget-friendly prefab vanity costs $300 to $1,500 and typically includes a cupboard, sink, and faucet.
Flooring
Bathroom flooring costs $400 to $2,500 installed, depending on the material and bathroom size. Tile is a popular choice for bathroom floors and walls since the material is durable, water-resistant, and comes in various colors and styles.
Radiant heated tile floors cost $15 to $40 per square foot and are popular in cold climates. They use hot water or electricity to heat floors to 70° to 85° F.
Plumbing services
A big part of your project involves hiring a bathroom plumber. Expect to pay $450 to $1,800 for rough-in plumbing costs. You’ll pay more if the new bathroom is far from existing drainage and venting lines.
Electrical services
You will need an electrician to install new outlets, lighting, and a bathroom exhaust fan in your new bathroom space. Common costs include:
Wiring – Wiring a new bathroom costs $200 to $850 on average. If you have an older home, your bathroom project may lead to rewiring the whole house, which costs up to $30,000.
Light fixtures – The cost to install a light fixture ranges from $70 to $650+, depending on the type and style.
Exhaust fan – The cost to install a new bathroom exhaust fan is$250 to $950, including venting the fan outside through the wall or roof.All bathrooms need an exhaust fan to rid the bathroom of excess moisture and odors.
In addition to these common costs, you will also need additional electrician labor to install luxury features like jetted tubs, steam showers, and SMART toilets that all run off electricity.
Bathroom addition cost factors
Factors that affect the cost include:
Location – Adding a new bathroom closer to the existing plumbing costs less than if you need to bring plumbing, vents, and waste lines to the new space.
Size – A larger bathroom requires more materials, including tiles, fixtures, and flooring, which increases the construction costs. A larger space may also include additional pipes, drains, and electrical wiring.
Features – High-end luxury features and finishes dramatically increase costs. These are more common in primary bathrooms than in guest powder rooms.
Age of the home – Older homes may require additional plumbing or electrical work to handle the new bathroom addition.
Unexpected costs – Plan to set aside an additional 10% to 20% of your total budget to cover unforeseen expenses. This contingency fund will help you stay on budget if there are hidden problems, such as plumbing, wiring, or foundation issues discovered once construction begins.
Labor cost
A bathroom addition involves a lot of professional labor. In fact, 50% to 55% of the project costs will go toward paying engineers, architects, plumbers, electricians, and licensed contractors to complete the work.
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While it may be tempting to tackle the space on your own, a DIY bathroom addition is a difficult and time-consuming project that can challenge even the most experienced do-it-yourselfer. Relying on professional labor will preserve your home’s value and ensure the work is up to code.
Bathroom addition FAQs
Can you add a bathroom to a house?
Yes, you can add a bathroom to your home by converting an existing space like a closet or under-used room. If you’re lacking a viable space to remodel, you can add a bathroom as part of a home extension project.
Does adding a bathroom add value?
Absolutely! Adding a bathroom to your home is one of the most popular home improvement projects. The extra bathroom makes a home more functional, convenient, and appealing to a wider range of buyers.
Building a bathroom home addition increases your home’s square footage, which adds more value. According to the 2022 National Association of REALTORS impact report, your investment will yield a 63% return of costs when you sell your home.
What is a .75 bathroom?
A three-quarter bathroom, or .75 bathroom, has three of the four main fixtures found in a full bathroom: a toilet, a sink, and either a shower or a bathtub.
How can I save money on a bathroom addition?
There are several ways to save on a bathroom addition without compromising on quality or function, including:
Plan and budget carefully – Create a detailed budget that outlines all your expenses, including materials, labor, permits, and fixtures. Work with a professional architect or contractor to ensure a clear plan.
Maximize space – The larger the bathroom addition, the more you will spend finishing the space. Consider repurposing a closet or underused room instead of building a full addition.
DIY when possible – Do some of the easiest tasks yourself and save the difficult work for the paid professionals.
Use simple designs – Avoid intricate architectural features that drive up the cost. A clean, minimalist design is both elegant and affordable.
Choose budget-friendly materials – There are plenty of high-quality materials that won’t break the bank. For example, use laminate or vinyl flooring and a prefabricated shower surround instead of custom tile floors and shower walls to save money.
Reuse and repurpose – Use the existing plumbing where possible. Also, salvage and reuse materials from other parts of your home. An old dresser can make a beautiful bathroom vanity by adding an inexpensive vessel sink.
Consider the timing – Plan your addition during the off-peak season when contractors may offer discounts or have more availability.
Getting estimates from bathroom contractors
When getting estimates from bathroom installation contractors, be sure to consider these suggestions:
Consider only licensed, bonded, and insured contractors with years of bathroom installation experience.
Look for bathroom contractors with positive reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Confirm their membership in professional organizations that show commitment to their trade.
Find contractors that fit your schedule and budget.
Questions to ask a bathroom installation contractor
Ask these important questions to find the right contractor for your bathroom addition project:
How long have you been in business?
How many bathrooms have you installed in the last year?
Do you carry the proper insurance, licenses, and surety bonds?
Will you provide a detailed estimate that includes all material and labor costs?
How long will the installation take?
When can you start the project?
Are permits required? If so, do you handle the permitting process?
What warranty do you include with your services?
How we get this data
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.
