How Much Does It Cost to Add a Bathroom? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $5,000 - $75,000
It’s likely you’ll spend about $22,000 to add a bathroom to your home. However, if you wish to build a large bathroom with premium materials and fixtures, you could find the cost jumping to $160,000.
The average cost to add a bathroom is $22,000, but this price can vary greatly depending on the square footage and the features you want to add. As a result, the typical range is $5,000 up to $75,000. For a large bathroom addition, you could spend up to $160,000 or more.
When you’re tired of everyone in your house using the same bathroom and someone always being inside when you need it, you know it’s time to add another one. In this guide, we’ll break down major factors that affect the total bathroom installation cost.
- Average
- $22,000
- Low end
- $3,000
- high end
- $160,000
Bathroom Addition Cost Factors
The cost to add a bathroom is highly variable and will depend on a number of factors, mainly size and how high-end you wish to go with the materials.
Existing vs. New Bathroom Installation
If you're building the new bathroom in a space that already exists, like a former bedroom or in the basement, it's a lot more affordable because you don't have to build an actual structure as you would with an addition. Keep in mind that you may have to factor in the cost to rough-in plumbing for a bathroom in a preexisting space.
Bathroom Size
The size of the bathroom in square feet will have a major impact on the total cost of your project. The larger the space is, the more it will cost. The average cost per square foot for a bathroom conversion is $200 to $250, whereas a bathroom addition costs between $400 and $550 per square foot.
| Bathroom Size | Conversion Cost | Addition Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small half bath (15–20 sq. ft.) | $4,000–$8,000 | $8,000–$12,000 |
| Small bath (25–40 sq. ft.) | $6,000–$13,000 | $12,000–$22,000 |
| Full bath, medium (40–50 sq. ft.) | $10,000–$15,000 | $18,000–$28,000 |
| Full bath, large (50–100 sq. ft.) | $13,000–$25,000 | $22,000–$50,000 |
| Primary bath (100–200 sq. ft.) | $22,000–$55,000 | $45,000–$100,000 |
| Jack & Jill Bathroom (100–200 sq. ft) | $25,000–$60,000 | $50,000–$100,000 |
| Wet Room (25–50 sq. ft) | $4,000–$20,000 | $15,000–$30,000 |
Materials
Materials make up about 45% of the total project cost, with most of the expenses going toward vanities, drywall, and tile.
Labor Cost to Build a Bathroom
Labor makes up roughly 55% of the total project cost, particularly since installing a bathroom is no easy feat for most homeowners. If you need to rough-in plumbing or install electrical or HVAC features, this will add to the costs.
While pricey, adding plumbing to a bathroom and handling electrical are always best left to the pros to ensure the work meets safety and code standards. Hiring professionals provides the peace of mind that your bathroom will be safe and done right. Plumbers charge an hourly rate of $45 to $200, while electricians charge an hourly rate of $50 to $100.
Features
If you want your bathroom to have premium features, it will cost you extra. A jetted tub or whirlpool can cost around $10,000, for example. Vanities can cost anywhere from $500 to $4,000. We cover many bathroom features below so you know how much to budget for any size remodeling project.
Plumbing
Plumbing is a pricey bathroom addition cost you can expect. The further away from existing plumbing your new bathroom is, the more it’ll cost to install. Plus, you might need a new septic tank, depending on its current capacity and local requirements. On average, expect plumbing to cost $1,000 to $10,000.
Electrical
Getting your electrical in place is non-negotiable, and the total cost can vary based on if you’re using existing wiring or if your pro will need to install everything themselves. Electrical work for a new bathroom can cost $500 to $2,500.
Permits
Getting permits is necessary, especially if adding your bathroom will cause structural changes to your home. Permits will account for $50 to $2,000 for this project.
Cost to Add a Bathroom by Layout
We’ve broken down the cost to add a bathroom by layout to help you better understand how much you need to budget based on standard sizes, fixtures, and fittings.
Half Bathroom
The average cost to add a half bathroom ranges from $4,000 to $12,000. Half bathrooms, also called powder rooms, average 15 to 20 square feet and feature a toilet and sink. A basic conversion of an existing walk-in ground-floor cupboard with plumbing might cost around $3,000. You could splash out as much as $15,000 for a brand-new powder room with top-of-the-range fixtures.
Three-Quarter Bathroom
Expect to pay $6,000 to $22,000 to add a three-quarter bathroom. These small, tub-free spaces typically include a sink, toilet, and shower and measure 25 to 40 square feet. If you DIY some or all of the work, you can add a fully functional bathroom to an existing plumbed room (such as a finished basement) for $4,000 or less. Hiring a contractor to add a prestige three-quarter bathroom with a luxury walk-in shower could cost up to $25,000.
Full Bathroom
Adding a full bathroom costs an average of $10,000 to $50,000. They feature a sink, toilet, shower, and bathtub, and final costs vary considerably depending on the size of the space—they can range from 40 to 100 square feet. Sometimes called five-piece bathrooms, they often include five plumbed features (a bidet is a common extra example) or a built-in cabinet or linen closet.
Primary Bathroom
Adding a primary bathroom that connects to the main bedroom in the house costs from $22,000 to $90,000. It’s a wide range because these spaces can measure 100 to 200 square feet, and fixtures, fittings, and installation complexities vary considerably. A basic, small conversion could cost $15,000. Adding a large new room with high-end fixtures like a double vanity, freestanding tub, and walk-in shower could cost over $100,000. But it could be well worth it to have your kid-free restorative retreat.
Jack and Jill Bathroom
The average cost to introduce a space-saving Jack and Jill bathroom is $25,000 to $100,000. These bathrooms are accessible from two bedrooms or accessible from one bedroom and the hallway. Often measuring 100 to 200 square feet, these big spaces can be costly to create. You might have to partition existing bedrooms or add two or three doors. They often feature two sinks and even an enclosed toilet for extra privacy or two showers.
Wet Room
The average cost to add a wet room is $4,000 to $15,000. These accessible, sleek, space-saving spaces typically run from 25 to 50 square feet. While they are often around the same size as a three-quarter bathroom, costs can run higher as wet rooms involve tanking (waterproofing) the entire space and grading for drainage. A lavish, large wet room could cost $30,000.
Cost to Add a Bathroom by Location
You have countless options on where you want to install a bathroom to your home. You might install a full primary bathroom or opt to convert a laundry room instead. You could also put a bathroom in the attic or split an existing bathroom into two. Here are some bathroom installation costs you can expect to pay, depending on the bathroom you want.
| New Bathroom Location | Average Conversion Cost |
|---|---|
| Upstairs | $8,000–$35,000 |
| Laundry room | $5,000–$19,000 |
| Attic | $8,000–$35,000 |
| Garage | $8,000–$25,000 |
| Bedroom | $15,000–$50,000 |
| Closet | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Existing bathroom split | $10,000–$30,000 |
Upstairs Bathroom
These additions can make the late-night trek to the bathroom easier. But whether you have existing plumbing upstairs can impact this project’s total cost. Homeowners typically spend $8,000 to $35,000 to add an upstairs bathroom, with additional plumbing work boosting this project to the upper end.
Laundry Conversion
Since plumbing is already available in your laundry room, this is one of the more wallet-friendly ways to add a bathroom to your home. The average cost to convert a laundry room into a bathroom is $5,000 to $19,000. However, it’s worth noting that you’ll need to add a laundry room somewhere in your home, which can cost up to $20,000.
Attic Conversion
If you already have a finished attic with a bedroom or home office, it makes sense to convert part of it to a bathroom for added convenience. You’re looking at $8,000 to $15,000, with most of your budget going to plumbing.
On the other hand, if you want to convert your unfinished attic into a bathroom, expect the cost to finish your attic to be $15,000 to $35,000 for the necessary plumbing, electrical, and insulation work that you’ll need.
Garage Conversion
If you host frequent gatherings and want to add a bathroom that’s easily accessible for your guest, you don’t need one with all the bells and whistles and can expect to pay $8,000 to $25,000. But if you want your garage bathroom to serve a greater purpose, like being an extension of the primary bathroom, you should budget $15,000 to $50,000 to get this project done right.
Bedroom Conversion
If a three-bedroom, one-bathroom space doesn’t fit your family’s current needs, then converting a bedroom into a bathroom is the logical next move. This project can cost you $15,000 to $50,000.
Closet Conversion
For the convenience of extending a bathroom or replacing an unused closet with a powder room, homeowners spend $5,000 to $10,000 on average. The price tag that might be closer to your actual total cost depends on what size bathroom you want to install and how far that closet is from existing plumbing.
Splitting One Into Two
While bigger bathrooms sound better on paper, for some families, fighting over one porcelain throne can get old—fast. So, if you’re open to splitting one bathroom into two, it’ll cost $10,000 to $30,000 on average.
Cost to Add a Bathroom by Feature
The cost to add a bathroom will include a lot of material and installation work, with labor accounting for a huge chunk of your budget. Beyond adding in the plumbing and any additional structural necessities, you’ll also need to figure in the cost of features or fixtures, which can vary greatly depending on how lavish you want to go. Let’s look at where your money goes in a project of this size.
| Feature or Fixture | Average Cost, Installed |
|---|---|
| Shower | $1,500–$14,000 |
| Shower or bath liner | $1,800–$5,200 |
| Glass shower door | $500–$1,400 |
| Faucet | $150–$500 |
| Bathtub | $1,100–$5,900 |
| Toilet | $200–$800 |
| Tiling | $900–$2,900 |
| Vanity and countertop | $400–$5,000 |
| Light fixtures | $150–$900 |
| Towel rack | $20–$100 |
| Exhaust fan | $300–$1,000 |
| Mirror | $150–$500 |
| Medicine cabinet | $200–$500 |
Shower
On average, shower installation costs $365 to $8,000 for the average homeowner. You'll be on the lower end of this average if you’re not interested in any features and just want one that does the job. But if you plan to go all in with a built-in speaker, multiple shower heads, a smart shower system, and LED lights, expect to pay a higher-than-average price.
Shower or Bath Liner
If you plan to keep your existing shower or bathtub or want to purchase a used one, you might need a new liner for it with your bathroom addition. Bathtub liners cost between $300 to $1,000 for most homeowners, but you can pay up to $15,000.
Glass Shower Door
The type of shower you want will determine if you need to purchase a shower door separately. For example, a shower and tub combo with a sliding door will cost less than a tiled shower with a custom shower door. On average, expect to pay $500 to $1,400 for your shower door, with the price increasing significantly for a custom one.
Faucet
On average, homeowners spend $150 to $350 for a quality faucet. But if you’re interested in a more luxurious option, prices start at $500.
Bathtub
A bathtub you can soak in can cost $1,100 to $5,900. The type, material, and features will all play a role in the final cost.
Toilet
The cost to install a toilet is $225 to $540 for most homeowners. But if you prefer to pull all the stops and get one that’s the right height for you with a heated seat, prices start at $700.
Drywall
Adding drywall to your bathroom can cost $1,000 to $2,500. However, you might need to increase your budget if you live in an older home with asbestos, mold, or lead issues you didn’t know about.
Tiling
The average cost to tile a bathroom is $900 to $2,900. The bulk of this figure depends on the type of material you choose and if you want to tile your shower or just your vanity space.
Vanity
Adding a vanity costs $100 to $2,200 for the average project. You can expect to be at the lower or higher end of this price range depending on the countertop material you want, the size you need, and if you want a custom vanity with a makeup space or opt to go the pre-fab route.
Light Fixtures
It usually costs $150 to $900 to install light fixtures in your bathroom, depending on the type. Of course, if you want a statement piece, expect to be closer to the upper end of this range for each fixture you need.
Towel Racks
Towel racks cost $20 to $100 each, with the cost varying with whether you want a wall mount or freestanding rack. Plus, the brand and the quality of the material they offer can add to the total price.
Exhaust Fan
Installing an exhaust fan costs between $300 and $1,000. The exhaust fan is an important part of your new bathroom, as it helps remove humidity and keeps your living space comfortable.
Mirror
Bathroom mirrors come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from very basic models to ones with variable lighting. You can expect to pay between $150 and $500 for this reflective feature.
Medicine Cabinet
Antacids, vapor rub, and prescriptions, oh my! A common place to keep all of your medicines is the medicine cabinet, located in the bathroom. You’ll expect to spend between $200 and $500 to add one to your new bathroom addition.
Cost of Common Bathroom Installation Add-Ons
Installing a bathroom can be a big undertaking, depending on how intricate your project is. It would make sense then to tackle some other home improvement projects at the same time to save you time and possibly even money.
If you have a basement, that might be the perfect place to put your bathroom and do a full basement remodel at the same time. A full basement remodel costs $12,100 to $34,210, but about 30% to 50% of that goes into the bathroom. Other add-ons include:
Garage remodel cost: $7,000–$30,000
Laundry room remodel cost: $1,300–$15,000
Cost to finish attic: $10,000–$50,000
DIY Bathroom Addition vs. Hiring a Pro
While we always love a good DIY, a project of this caliber should be left to the pros. Depending on where you want your bathroom added, you might need plumbing, electrical, and foundation work done, and you’ll have peace of mind if you let the pros get this done safely. Plus, this can cost far more if anything needs to be fixed, and insurance likely won’t cover the costs since it was a DIY job.
Instead, contact an insured bathroom remodeler near you who can tackle this project while you can relax, saving your time and energy for another project.
How to Save Money on Bathroom Installation Costs
The cost to add a bathroom can get pretty steep when you start factoring in everything that goes into it. But that doesn’t mean you’re locked in at the max end of your budget to get the bathroom of your dreams. Here are a few ways to save money on a bathroom addition:
Take over some of this project: While you can’t DIY the entire bathroom addition, that doesn’t mean you can’t save a few bucks by painting the walls and cabinets and tiling the floor yourself.
Don’t go with high-end material: If you love the way marble looks but want to stay within budget (or dedicate more of your budget to a different area of this project), consider quartz.
Opt for a smaller bathroom: A smaller one will cost less than a full primary bathroom suite. That doesn’t mean you can’t have the primary bathroom you want, but if saving money is important, talk with your pro about your options and how you can get the most bang for your buck.
Use existing plumbing or electrical: Plumbing and electrical work accounts for a massive portion of this project. So, consider using a space with these already in place if possible. If you can’t, talk with a pro about how you can design your bathroom to save money. For example, instead of having your toilet, tub, and shower facing outward, ask if installing them closer to your existing plumbing can shave some money off the total bill.
Heather Ayer contributed to this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can add a bathroom almost anywhere in a house, but location, space, and existing plumbing and electrical setups are major factors that impact price. Running plumbing and electrical to your new bathroom can become costly, so think strategically about where to add your bathroom. You’ll need a big enough space with plenty of ventilation and enough outlets to accommodate the bathroom you’re envisioning.
The main things to consider when adding a bathroom are what kind of features you want, how large the space is, if you can use an existing space, and what kind of budget you have. By answering these questions, you'll be able to figure out the correct balance. Maybe you decide the budget is more important so you sacrifice a few premium features and remodel an existing space rather than do a luxury addition.
Adding a bathroom to your home is not only a practical investment but adding the extra square footage by building a bathroom addition helps add value to your home by up to 63%, according to the National Association of REALTORS impact report, 2022. And beyond the value, having additional convenient spaces in your home is attractive to homebuyers, which is always a good thing when selling.