A Complete Guide to Bathroom Renovation Costs in New York City (2024)

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in NYC?

The cost of a bathroom renovation in New York City can vary widely depending on the scope of work, size of the bathroom, quality of materials, and cost of labor. Median expenses are typically between $34,000–$60,000, including labor and materials.

How do NYC bathroom renovation costs compare to other cities?

Labor rates for bathroom remodeling can vary significantly based on geographic location due to factors such as the cost of living, local economic conditions, and availability of skilled labor. For instance, in major metropolitan areas where the cost of living is higher, labor rates tend to be more expensive. To give you a clearer idea of these variations, let's look at the median expenses for bathroom remodels in several key cities, including labor and materials: In San Francisco, the median cost is $33,000–$58,000, while Los Angeles sees a median expense of $34,000–$60,000. In Boston, it's $30,000–$53,000. New York City is within a similar range with a median cost of $34,000–$60,000 for bathroom remodel labor and materials. These figures highlight the importance of considering location when budgeting for a bathroom remodel.

What factors affect the cost of a bathroom renovation?

Bathroom renovation costs by size

While bathroom size can impact the cost of remodeling, it doesn’t automatically mean that a small bathroom will equal a low budget remodel—sometimes smaller spaces still require complex work. That being said, homeowners can expect that a powder room or half bath will cost less than a full bathroom remodel, which includes a shower or tub. For a half bath in New York City, the average labor price is around $16,000. For a full bathroom remodel, the table below shows average labor costs based on the square footage of the room:

How do materials affect the cost of a bathroom renovation?

Bathroom remodeling costs heavily depend on the materials used. At the minimum, homeowners usually replace their vanities, sink, wall tiles, and shower or tub fixtures. In New York, the total material costs for a typical bathroom remodel end up falling in the $6,500 to $14,000 range, depending on where a renovator needs to invest the most. Below are average pricing ranges for specific bathroom materials:

It pays to know the difference between material costs because there is a wide variety of materials available in the market. For example, as shown in the table above with wall tiles, the low end of this range represents putting subway tile just within the tub area and the high end of this range would be floor to ceiling carrara marble. It’s important to choose materials that suit your budget and style. Working with a designer can be beneficial for understanding the range of options available and how they’d work together.

What are the labor costs associated with a bathroom renovation?

Labor is another area where homeowners usually end up spending a chunk of their bathroom remodeling budget. The cost of labor largely depends on the job and the contractor you choose, but homeowners should expect to spend 60% of their budget on labor, 30% on materials, and 10% on unforeseen circumstances. 

If you aren’t working with a general contractor who employs their own tradespeople and subcontractors, you may encounter a wide range of pricing. In general, local plumbers in New York charge anything from as little as $50 per hour to as much as $150 per hour. Expert labor might also be required for electrical work or tiling. In New York, the hourly rate of an electrician starts at $40 per hour, whereas tiling your bathroom can cost between $3,500 and $5,000, depending on how many surfaces need to be tiled. All these costs add up and can make a dent in your budget if not kept in check.

How do different types of flooring affect costs?

The cost of bathroom flooring can greatly vary depending on the material used. If you’re interested in tile or natural stone, you’ll spend less on ceramic or porcelain tile at $5–$15 per square foot than you will on natural stones like marble or granite, which cost $15–$30+ per square foot. There are inexpensive options, like vinyl or laminate flooring for $2–$8 per square foot, but it’s important to remember that these are less durable or water-resistant, so you may end up needing to replace them sooner. Some flooring materials may be more time intensive to install, which will also increase costs. Additionally, if you opt for high end features like heated floors, this will increase flooring costs. When choosing flooring, it’s important to balance cost, durability, and maintenance requirements.

How much does it cost to replace a bathtub or shower?

Overall, a bathtub or shower replacement can range from $1,000 to over $10,000, but the cost can vary depending on the type, materials, and labor required. A basic or mid-range bathtub may cost between $300 to $2,000, while high-end tubs can cost thousands. A basic or mid-range shower can cost $500 to $4,000, and high-end showers with luxury features can cost $4,000+. Labor costs vary depending on the complexity, but homeowners should expect to spend a few thousand dollars for the plumbing, removal, and installation of new materials. While many people hope for a quick rip-and-replace with their tub or shower, it’s not uncommon to discover issues like mold or rot, which can increase the cost. It’s important to properly address these unforeseen issues for the safety and longevity of your bathroom.

Can you save money renovating your bathroom yourself?

You can save money on labor by renovating your bathroom yourself, but it comes with risks due to lack of skill and knowledge. This could lead to mistakes that’ll end up costing you more to repair. It’s a safer choice to hire an experienced general contractor, who will know how to do the job right the first time and what to do if there are unforeseen problems like plumbing or electrical issues. Professionals also tend to get the job done faster and know how to properly handle permits and codes. If you are looking for ways to save money, you could select and order materials yourself.

How do I choose the right contractor for the job?

Your contractor plays a crucial role in any bathroom renovation, serving as your primary contact, problem-solver, and expert throughout the project. Choosing the right contractor is essential, but the process can be daunting and time-consuming. Where should you start, and how can you determine the best fit for your needs?

Block makes it easy by matching you with up to 3 bathroom remodel contractors from our elite network. Our robust vetting process ensures that every contractor has:

• Exceptional construction quality & knowledge
• Glowing customer references
• Stellar online reviews with a 4.0 rating or higher
• Proof of many successfully completed projects
• Excellent management & communication skills
• Verified licenses
• A minimum of $2MM insurance coverage
• 0 DOB violations or civil lawsuits
• Clean background checks
• Passed a rigorous four-week vetting process

Plus, you’ll have an opportunity to meet the contractors Block matches you with when they come to your home for a site visit to prepare your proposals.