Bathroom Remodel Cost in Chicago (2026 Guide)

Bathroom Remodel Cost in Chicago (2026)

The cost of a bathroom remodel in Chicago depends on many factors, so any average is only a starting point for planning. Two bathrooms of the same size can have very different budgets, because the layout, the shower, the tile, the vanity, and what’s behind the walls all affect the price. Below, we explain what an average does and doesn’t tell you, name the factors that move the number, and show how to plan a realistic budget for your own project.

Key Takeaways

• An average price is a middle point. Your project may land well above or below it.
• Scope is the biggest factor: a refresh, a shower conversion, a full hall bath, and a primary suite are different projects.
• Layout and plumbing changes, tile and shower construction, and the vanity are among the main cost drivers.
• Older homes can hide issues behind the walls that only show up once work begins.
• Set aside an extra 10–15% for surprises, and ask for an itemized quote.

How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Chicago?

There’s no single number, because “a bathroom remodel” can mean very different projects. A homeowner who wants new paint, lighting, and a vanity is planning something very different from one who wants a larger shower, new tile, a custom vanity, and a new layout. The honest way to answer the question is to look at what the project includes. Three questions shape most bathroom budgets:

• How much of the room are you changing?
• What tile, vanity, and fixtures do you want?
• Are you working with a design-build team, or coordinating the trades yourself?

What does the national average tell you?

It gives you a reference point, not a price for your bathroom. According to the 2026 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study (1,619 U.S. homeowners, published September 2026), the overall median spend for major bathroom remodels, meaning projects where at least the shower was upgraded, was $25,000. A median is the middle: half of the projects cost less and half cost more. The study covers Houzz users across the country with recent or planned bathroom projects.

That’s useful context, but it can’t tell you what your bathroom will cost. The range of projects behind any average is wide, which is why the factors below matter more than the number itself.

Why can an average be misleading?

An average blends together projects of every size and finish level. A small hall bath with simple finishes and a large primary suite with a custom shower can both end up inside the same average. If your project is closer to one end, the average won’t describe it. That’s why we focus on the factors that set your price.

Average Bathroom Remodel Cost at Design First Builders

Most of the projects we take on are full remodels, not surface refreshes, so our average bathroom remodel cost sits above the national median. Based on the scope of projects we typically handle, our average guest bathroom remodel cost is $40,000 to $60,000, and our average primary bathroom remodel cost is $80,000 to $100,000. These are averages, not a quote for your specific project. Your actual cost depends on your bathroom’s size, the layout and plumbing work involved, and the materials and finishes you choose.

A $25,000 national median makes sense across the full spectrum of bathroom projects, many of which are smaller refreshes like new paint, a swapped vanity, or updated lighting. Our averages reflect a different kind of project: a layout change, a custom shower build, and a vanity chosen to match the rest of the home. A full remodel costs more because it touches more of the room, not because a bigger price tag means a better bathroom.

If your project is closer to a refresh than a full remodel, we’ll tell you that honestly at your first consultation. We’d rather point you toward the right fit than stretch a smaller job into something it isn’t. The only way to get a number specific to your bathroom is a detailed, itemized proposal after your design and scope are set.

What factors affect bathroom remodel cost?

Many things contribute to the final number, and several of them can matter at once. Here are the main ones.

The size and scope of the project

Refreshing surfaces and fixtures is a smaller project than replacing everything. A larger room also generally needs more materials and more labor.

Layout and plumbing changes

Moving a toilet, shower, tub, or sink changes the pipes behind the walls and floor. Keeping fixtures in their current spots is one of the most effective ways to keep a project simpler.

Shower and tub choices

A walk-in shower, a tub-to-shower conversion, a soaking tub, and a steam shower are very different projects. According to Houzz, 79% of renovating homeowners who removed a tub used the space to enlarge the shower, low-curb showers were the most common shower upgrade at 47%, and 72% of those adding or replacing a tub chose a soaking tub.

Tile and waterproofing

The amount of tile, how large or detailed it is, and how the shower is built and waterproofed all affect the work involved. Floor-to-ceiling tile, a niche, or a bench adds to the scope.

The vanity and storage

A stock vanity, a semi-custom one, and a fully custom one are different price points. Houzz found that custom-made vanities were the most popular choice among homeowners upgrading their vanity, at 38%. You can compare our custom cabinet lines.

Fixtures, hardware, and finishes

Faucets, showerheads, towel bars, mirrors, and countertops come in a very wide range of styles and finishes.

Comfort and convenience upgrades

Heated floors, dimmable lighting, a better fan, and accessibility features like grab bars and a curbless shower all add to the scope. See luxury bathroom remodel ideas.

Electrical and lighting

New lighting, outlets, or fans can mean new wiring. Houzz found that 39% of renovating homeowners say dimmable lighting helps them unwind.

The age and condition of your home

Older homes can reveal outdated plumbing, hidden moisture damage, or uneven floors once demolition starts. These things can’t be seen in advance, and they’re one of the most common reasons a bathroom budget changes.

Access and working conditions

A bathroom on an upper floor, in a tight space, or in a home that needs extra protection while work is underway can affect how the work is done.

Your selections and timing

When you choose your materials, and how long they take to arrive, can affect both the schedule and the price.

The team and the process

How the project is run matters too. A detailed, itemized proposal and clear communication help prevent costly surprises. See design-build vs. general contractor.

When can the cost of a bathroom remodel change?

Any estimate is a plan until your design and scope are final. The price can change when:

• The scope changes. You add a bench, a second showerhead, or a larger shower after the design is set.
• You change your selections. You switch to different tile, fixtures, or a custom vanity.
• Hidden conditions turn up. Old pipes or water damage are found behind the walls.
• Material costs or lead times shift. Prices and availability can move between planning and ordering.
• You add or remove items mid-project. Change orders adjust the price, and sometimes the schedule.

That’s why an itemized proposal matters, and why it helps to ask how changes are priced and approved before you start.

How do you budget for surprises?

Set aside an extra 10–15% on top of your budget, and keep it separate. Even a well-planned bathroom can run into something unexpected. If you don’t use the cushion, great. If you do, you won’t have to cut something you care about. For more on avoiding costly mistakes, see 9 home remodeling mistakes homeowners make.

How do you get an accurate bathroom remodel quote?

Compare scope first, then price.

• Ask for itemized pricing. A one-line number can leave out items you assumed were included.
• Make sure your bathroom is measured. Measurements help catch problems before they become surprise costs.
• Ask about allowances. An allowance is a placeholder for items you haven’t chosen yet, like tile. If it’s too low, you’ll pay the difference.
• Ask how changes are handled, and how they affect the price and the schedule.

See our remodeling contractor questions for more on what to ask.

How long does a bathroom remodel take?

A hall bathroom typically takes about 4–6 weeks. Larger projects, like a primary bathroom, take longer, depending on the size and scope. Your design choices and how long materials take to arrive affect the schedule.

See our bathroom remodeling work

See our bathroom remodeling page, the Highland Park bathroom remodel, the Glen Ellyn bathroom remodel, and the Park Ridge bathroom remodel. You can browse more in our projects.

Bathroom remodel cost questions

How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Chicago?

It depends on the size, the scope, and your materials. A national benchmark is a useful reference, but your project’s factors set your actual cost. The best way to get a realistic number is to talk through your bathroom with a designer.

What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?

It varies by project. The shower or tub area, the vanity, and any layout changes are often among the larger parts of a bathroom budget.

Is a tub-to-shower conversion a big project?

It’s more involved than a surface refresh, because it can change the plumbing and requires new waterproofing and tile. The cost depends on the size and finishes.

How much should I set aside for surprises?

An extra 10–15% on top of your budget.

Can the price change after I sign?

Yes, if the scope or your selections change, or if hidden problems turn up. Ask how changes are priced and approved before you start.

Ready to talk about your bathroom?

Every bathroom is different, and the best way to get a realistic number is to talk it through. At your first meeting, our team comes to your home, talks through what you want, and walks you through your options and budget. No rush, no pressure to decide on the spot.