You probably don’t like those avocado 1972 tiles any more than we do. If you’re thinking about a bathroom makeover in The Big Apple, it is time to figure out how much it will mess with your wallet. From swapping out that vintage toilet to transforming your entire sanctuary, understanding bathroom renovation costs is your first step toward creating the oasis you deserve.
What Drives Your Renovation Price Tag?
Bathroom renovation costs aren’t limited to square footage. The number of fixtures, materials chosen, and changes to the layout will affect the budget.
- Half baths (1-2 fixtures): Powder rooms with sink and toilet, running $7,500-$27,000+
- Full bathrooms (3-4 fixtures): Add a shower or tub at $18,000-$74,000+
- Primary bathrooms (4-5 fixtures): Double vanities and spa features starting at $40,500+
How Much to Replace a Toilet (and Everything Else)
Toilet replacement ranges from budget-friendly to luxury, factoring into your fixture budget of $1,500-$15,000+. Moving that toilet? Plumbing rework bumps costs considerably.
A bathroom sink vanity can be in the range of $440-$3,800, depending on how many personalized features it will need. Tile cost is on average $26-$82 per sq. ft. A shower remodel can be in the range of $2,000-$15,000+, especially for walk-in rainfall conversions.
The average cost of demolition is $39 per square foot.
Budget vs. Bougie: Picking Your Finish Level
The spectrum of bathroom renovation costs truly shines when selecting materials:
Budget-conscious? IKEA vanities, Delta fixtures, and sub-$5 tiles from big-box stores create functional spaces without breaking the bank.
Mid-grade sweet spot: Kohler fixtures, TileBar selections, and quality vanities from Fresca balance affordability with durability.
High-end elegance: Clé tiles, Duravit vanities, and Brizo fixtures elevate your daily routine to luxury status.
Luxury tier: For those who spare no expense, brands like Lefroy Brooks and THG Paris deliver unparalleled sophistication.
Rip-and-Replace or Total Gut Job?
Choosing your renovation scope determines both your timeline and your budget trajectory.
Rip-and-Replace
Keeping your layout but refreshing everything else is the straightforward path. Perfect for Brooklyn brownstones and Queens townhomes, maintaining traditional layouts, this approach modernizes without the headache of relocating plumbing.
Gut Renovation (The “Reimagine”)
Tearing down to the studs? That’s when things get interesting—and expensive. Expect 15-25% more than a standard remodel. But in a city where every square inch counts, sometimes radical reimagining is worth it. You’ll need architects, permits from the DOB, and licensed contractors who know NYC building codes like the back of their hand.
