Bathroom Remodel Cost Breakdown: What Contractors Should Charge
Pricing bathroom remodels is one of the most common challenges for residential contractors. Price too high and you lose the job. Price too low and you lose money. Here's a realistic breakdown based on current market rates.
Standard 5x8 Bathroom — Full Gut Remodel
### Demolition & Haul-Off
| Item | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|------|-----|-----------|-------|
| Demo existing bathroom to studs | 1 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Dumpster rental (10-yard) | 1 | $450 | $450 |
| Floor protection for adjacent areas | 1 | $150 | $150 |
### Rough Plumbing
| Item | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|------|-----|-----------|-------|
| Relocate shower valve | 1 | $800 | $800 |
| New toilet flange | 1 | $250 | $250 |
| Vanity rough-in | 1 | $350 | $350 |
### Electrical
| Item | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|------|-----|-----------|-------|
| GFCI outlets | 2 | $175 | $350 |
| Exhaust fan (vented to exterior) | 1 | $450 | $450 |
| Vanity light wiring | 1 | $200 | $200 |
| Recessed shower light | 1 | $250 | $250 |
### Framing & Drywall
| Item | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|------|-----|-----------|-------|
| Shower niche framing | 1 | $200 | $200 |
| Moisture-resistant drywall | 1 | $600 | $600 |
| Cement board (shower walls) | 1 | $400 | $400 |
### Tile & Flooring
| Item | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|------|-----|-----------|-------|
| Floor tile install (40 sq ft) | 40 | $12 | $480 |
| Shower wall tile (60 sq ft) | 60 | $15 | $900 |
| Shower pan / waterproofing | 1 | $800 | $800 |
| Grout & sealing | 1 | $300 | $300 |
### Fixtures & Finish
| Item | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|------|-----|-----------|-------|
| Toilet (supply & install) | 1 | $450 | $450 |
| Vanity + top (supply & install) | 1 | $900 | $900 |
| Shower valve trim kit | 1 | $350 | $350 |
| Mirror | 1 | $200 | $200 |
| Accessories (TP holder, towel bar) | 1 | $150 | $150 |
### Paint & Trim
| Item | Qty | Unit Price | Total |
|------|-----|-----------|-------|
| Prime & paint walls/ceiling | 1 | $400 | $400 |
| Base trim & door casing | 1 | $300 | $300 |
Total Cost Summary
| Category | Total |
|----------|-------|
| Demolition | $1,800 |
| Plumbing | $1,400 |
| Electrical | $1,250 |
| Framing/Drywall | $1,200 |
| Tile/Flooring | $2,480 |
| Fixtures | $2,050 |
| Paint/Trim | $700 |
| **Subtotal** | **$10,880** |
| Markup (20%) | $2,176 |
| **Client Price** | **$13,056** |
Markup Guidelines
- **20-30%** is standard for residential remodels
- **35-50%** for high-end or complex projects
- **15-20%** for repeat clients or simple jobs
Your markup covers overhead (insurance, truck, tools, office), profit, and risk.
Tips for Accurate Pricing
1. **Always visit the site** before quoting — photos miss hidden issues
2. **Add 10% contingency** for older homes (hidden rot, outdated plumbing)
3. **Price materials at retail** even if you get contractor discounts — that's your margin
4. **Track actual costs** on every job to improve future estimates
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