Bathrooms are smaller than kitchens, but they pack a lot of trades into a tight space — plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, tile and ventilation all in a few square feet. That density is why per-square-foot costs run high. The 2026 ranges below are planning numbers for Washington homeowners. Your real figure comes from three written bids.
Cost by bathroom type
- Powder room / half bath ($5,000–$15,000): Just a toilet and sink, no shower or tub. New vanity, toilet, lighting, flooring and paint. The most affordable room to update.
- Full hall / guest bath ($15,000–$35,000): Toilet, vanity, and a tub or shower. New tile surround, flooring, fixtures and a ventilation fan. This is the most common remodel.
- Primary / owner's bath ($30,000–$75,000+): Larger footprint, often a double vanity, a separate tiled walk-in shower and freestanding tub, heated floors, and premium tile and stone.
By finish tier
- Budget: Stock vanity, prefab shower or tub surround, ceramic tile, builder-grade fixtures.
- Mid-range: Semi-custom vanity, quartz top, a fully tiled shower, quality faucets and a glass enclosure.
- High-end: Custom cabinetry, natural stone, curbless or wet-room showers, heated floors and designer fixtures.
What drives bathroom cost the most
- Tile and labor. A fully tiled shower is labor-intensive and is usually the largest part of the bill.
- Moving plumbing. Relocating the toilet, tub or shower drain means opening floors and walls — expensive. Keeping fixtures in place saves a lot.
- Tub-to-shower conversions. Popular and worthwhile, but converting to a tiled walk-in shower adds waterproofing and labor.
- Older Washington homes. Once walls open up, dated wiring, old galvanized pipe or hidden water damage can surface and add cost.
- Location. Seattle and the Eastside run higher than Spokane, Yakima and other Eastern Washington areas for the same scope.
Permits matter here
Bathrooms touch plumbing and electrical, so most full remodels need permits. A reputable contractor pulls these for you — see our guide to remodeling permits in Washington and always confirm requirements with your local building department.
Hire smart and protect your money
Before work begins, verify the contractor is registered with L&I. Washington doesn't impose a universal cap on deposits, so avoid large upfront payments and tie installments to finished milestones instead. If you're budgeting a bigger project, our kitchen remodel cost guide and remodel financing guide are worth a read too.
The fastest way to pin down your real number is to line up several local bids side by side. Get free quotes from vetted Washington bathroom remodelers near you.