It’s a balancing act — space, style, and scope all pull the strings. A compact bath with the plumbing left in place? That’s budget-friendly territory. But start adding modern touches like brushed brass fixtures or oversized stone-look tile, and the numbers creep up (in a good way). In Forest Hills, expect to land somewhere between $15,000 and $25,000 for a solid upgrade.

Resist the urge to move everything around. A fixed layout keeps plumbing and wiring costs low. Choose timeless tile designs over complex patterns — less labor, still stylish. And consider bundled design/build services, where one team handles it all. Fewer hands in the pot means fewer delays and fewer surprise bills.

Look past generic claims. Seek out teams with deep NYC experience — co-ops, condos, prewar buildings. They should know local codes without a Google search. Ask for actual client photos, not stock images. A crew like Zicklin Contracting that manages the whole process in-house can save you time and headaches.

Tile, fixtures, and vanities are the big-ticket trio. Go for a frameless glass shower door, custom vanity, or tech-forward mirror, and you’ll feel it in the total. But even with standard choices, you can pull off a high-impact refresh without luxury-level spending.