How to Renovate Your Bathroom for $10,000 or Less

Many people consider the bathroom their favorite room in their home. A hot shower or tub on a cold day can be an escape when you're looking for a retreat without leaving your home. Naturally, many people wouldn't hesitate to spend money to keep this space up to date.

With a budget of $10,000, you could easily renovate your entire bathroom. Here are some ideas of what you could do.

On average, a total bathroom remodel costs about $10,000.¹ With this budget, you can likely get a new shower, countertops, toilet, vanity, flooring, paint and more. However, it's important to note that these costs only apply to materials. You also have to factor in labor costs, which can add quite a bit to your budget. However, if you're going the do-it-yourself route, you could allocate those savings toward higher-end materials.

When doing a remodel, consider switching the layout of your bathroom. You might have to dedicate some of your budget to plumbing realignments, but a new layout could significantly improve the overall experience in your bathroom.

A new shower installation costs about $7,102, with the typical cost for a shower ranging between $3,424 and $10,782.² As you can imagine, the products you choose will factor into your overall costs, but if you have a total budget of $10,000, you should be able to choose from a wide variety of options. Some high-end features to consider include massage jets, steam, sliding doors, marble tiles and more. Depending on the size of your bathroom and the type of shower you're looking for, you could potentially get both a new shower and tub within your budget.

Radiant floor heating is an excellent choice for bathrooms if you want to keep your feet warm, even on cold days. Electric systems are the easiest to install and typically cost $8 to $24 per square foot. Hydronic systems are less costly, running between $6 and $20 per square foot. Keep in mind those costs are only for the systems themselves. You'll also need to factor in labor costs.

Changing your bathroom tiles should only cost about $25 per square foot, with an average total cost of $450 to $1,000, depending on the size of your project.⁴ This represents an incredible value, as you can change the entire look of your bathroom at a reasonable price.

Luxury tiles include marble, granite, and metal subway tile. Some people choose the same tiles for their floors and shower/tub because they like the consistency. Others opt for two different materials to give their bathroom a specific feel, such as rough or mosaic.

If you have the budget, you might as well modify your bathroom to your exact needs with a custom vanity. A professional custom vanity typically costs between $500 and $2,800, but note that that's just for materials.⁵ You need to factor in labor, too, which should run you another $200 to $1,000. How much you spend will ultimately depend on what you're looking for and what materials you use. The overall costs typically include the counter, sink, faucet and handles.

The main advantage of a custom vanity is that you can design it for your specific needs. This allows you to factor in any of your preferences, such as storage or even aesthetics. Some people also get additional custom storage built to maximize available space.

For those who like a good soak, a new tub can be worth it. The average cost for a new or replacement bathtub is $7,100, with a range of $4,100 to $10,600.⁶ That estimate includes materials and labor. As you can imagine, costs vary depending on the materials chosen, modifications to your bathroom, and the removal of your old tub.

What makes a new tub appealing is that you can get one with different options, like jets or a whirlpool effect. For those with a larger bathroom, a freestanding tub is worth considering since it gives you free movement from all sides. Alternatively, a walk-in tub may be attractive to anyone with mobility issues.

With a $10,000 budget, you have a lot of options. You can go all out on your master bathroom, or stretch out your funds and try to renovate multiple bathrooms in your home. Either way, you'll have a transformed experience that will provide a space in your home for rest and relaxation.