Key Takeaway: The original article listed $18,000–$35,000 for a bathroom remodel, refreshes from $8,000, and luxury renovations exceeding $75,000. Its shower examples were $10,000–$20,000 for a custom walk-in shower and $12,000–$25,000 for a tub-to-shower conversion. These figures are archival examples; compare your actual scope and itemized proposals for a current budget.
Explore bathroom planning when you are ready to discuss the room and scope.
The prices below are the figures in the original dated article. They are retained as published examples, not verified current averages, offers or project quotes. Scope, site conditions and selections require a new proposal.
The original dated article used examples for different bathroom scopes, sizes and selections. This guide retains those figures for reference, not as current local market data. Compare the work and exclusions in a scope-specific proposal alongside the kitchen cost guide.
Bathroom Remodel Cost at a Glance (2026)
The original article grouped bathroom work into the scope examples below. Compare actual demolition, substrate, trade work, waterproofing, fixtures and finishes; no category is established as the largest cost in every project.
Archived article examples: These tables reproduce original figures and units; they are not current quotes or validated market averages.
| Remodel Tier | NoVA Cost (2026) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Refresh | $8,000 – $15,000 | Functional baths that look dated |
| Mid-Range Full Remodel | $18,000 – $35,000 | Hall or primary bath, assessed same-layout scope |
| Luxury / Gut Renovation | $40,000 – $75,000+ | Layout changes, custom tile, spa features |
Cosmetic Refresh ($8,000–$15,000)
Same layout, same tub or shower footprint, new everything you can see: vanity and top, toilet, faucets, lighting, paint, and re-tiled or refreshed flooring. Right for bathrooms that work fine but announce their decade. What it won’t fix: hidden water damage, failing waterproofing, or a layout that never worked.
Mid-Range Full Remodel ($18,000–$35,000)
A full-remodel scope can replace selected fixtures and finishes and include required substrate and trade work. Compare the actual tile, glass, vanity, toilet, ventilation and waterproofing specifications; retaining a layout does not establish concealed-system condition.
Luxury / Gut Renovation ($40,000–$75,000+)
Original published luxury example: The article listed a primary-suite scope with layout changes, a specified walk-in shower, freestanding tub, double vanity, heated floor and custom storage, including a $90,000 figure associated with McLean, Great Falls and Vienna. This archival example does not establish local project frequency, service coverage or a current price. Assess the actual room and selections.
Cost by Bathroom Size and Type
Archived article examples: These tables reproduce original figures and units; they are not current quotes or validated market averages.
| Bathroom Type | Typical Size | NoVA Remodel Range (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Powder room / half bath | 18–30 sq ft | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| Hall / guest full bath | 40–60 sq ft | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Primary bathroom | 70–120 sq ft | $25,000 – $55,000 |
| Large primary suite bath | 120–200+ sq ft | $45,000 – $75,000+ |
Compare the actual room dimensions, selected tile, fixtures, preparation and trade work in proposals with matching scopes. A powder room does not have a shower or tub, but its vanity, toilet, plumbing, electrical and installation work still belong in the budget. The size table above retains archived examples; it does not establish which room costs more.
Original Project Cost Examples
Archived article examples: These tables reproduce original figures and units; they are not current quotes or validated market averages.
| Project | NoVA Installed Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Custom tiled walk-in shower + frameless glass | $10,000 – $20,000 | Archived example; specify layout, tile and glass |
| Tub-to-shower conversion | $12,000 – $25,000 | Keep the drain close to keep costs down |
| Double vanity with quartz top | $3,500 – $9,000 | Compare selected vanity, sinks, clearances and intended users |
| Heated tile floor | $10 – $20 / sq ft | Specify selected system and substrate |
| Freestanding tub (installed) | $2,500 – $7,000+ | Plus $500–$1,500 for the filler |
| Full waterproofing rebuild (wet area) | included in tile scope | The part that decides the shower’s lifespan |
For a proposed walk-in shower, compare actual dimensions, tile, waterproofing, glass, fittings and installation. The walk-in shower guide and bathroom service page offer related planning questions; product categories do not establish the position of a current quote within an archived range.
Where the Money Goes
For a typical mid-range Northern Virginia bathroom remodel:
| Category | Scope to Itemize | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Labor (all trades) | Itemize in the proposal | Demo, plumbing, electrical, tile, carpentry, finish |
| Tile & shower | Itemize in the proposal | Specify substrate, waterproofing and finishes |
| Vanity & countertop | Itemize in the proposal | Stock to custom is a wide range |
| Fixtures & fittings | Itemize in the proposal | Toilet, faucets, shower valve & trim |
| Glass, mirrors, lighting | Itemize in the proposal | Frameless glass runs $1,200–$3,000 |
| Permits, dumpster, misc. | Itemize in the proposal | Varies by county |
Original published labor illustration: The article listed $95–$180 per hour for trade labor and a $15,000 difference between example bids. These are archived figures, not verified current rates or a quality measure. Compare included trade work, supervision, protection, cleanup and exclusions.
Bathroom Remodel Costs by City
Original published Alexandria example: The article listed $18,000–$35,000 for mid-range bathroom work. The figure does not establish condition from neighborhood or era; compare actual systems and the Alexandria bathroom page when confirming scope.
Original published Arlington example: The article listed $20,000–$38,000 for mid-range bathroom work. Assess the actual room, shared systems, access and association documents rather than assuming a regional ranking.
Original published Fairfax, Springfield, Burke and Annandale example: The article listed $18,000–$32,000 for a full-remodel scope. Assess the property’s actual fixtures, utilities and required work; the figure is not a current local rate.
Original published McLean, Vienna and Great Falls example: The article listed $50,000–$90,000+ for luxury primary-bath work. This is an archived example only, not a coverage claim, neighborhood trend or current quote.
Original published example: Ashburn & Loudoun. The article listed $20,000–$35,000 for a tub-to-shower conversion and bathroom refresh. Confirm the existing room, requested changes and itemized proposal; this is not a measured local trend or current quote.
For related archived examples and planning questions, see the Columbia and Ellicott City guides. Their figures do not establish a regional price premium.
Material Costs in Northern Virginia (2026 Pricing)
Archived article examples: These tables reproduce original figures and units; they are not current quotes or validated market averages.
| Material / Item | Typical Installed Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain floor tile | $12 – $25 / sq ft | Large-format at the upper end |
| Shower wall tile | $18 – $40 / sq ft | Niches, benches, patterns add labor |
| Natural stone / marble | $30 – $60+ / sq ft | Follow the selected stone supplier’s care instructions |
| Quartz vanity top | $60 – $110 / sq ft | Compare actual product specifications |
| Stock vanity | $400 – $1,200 | Cabinet only |
| Semi-custom vanity | $1,200 – $3,500 | The sweet spot |
| Custom vanity | $3,500 – $8,000+ | Built to the wall |
| Frameless glass enclosure | $1,200 – $3,000 | Semi-frameless from ~$800 |
| Comfort-height toilet | $350 – $900 installed | Wall-hung runs higher |
| Exhaust fan (ducted out) | $350 – $800 | Assess ventilation and applicable requirements |
Compare separate tile-material and installation allowances for the selected pattern, substrate and room. Review actual samples and product care requirements, including the countertop options, before choosing materials.
Original Worked Budget Examples
These are original worked examples, not verified GBC projects or current quotes. The listed items in the first and second examples do not add up to their stated headline budgets; the original article did not identify the remaining amounts. Do not use them as complete estimates or invent a balancing line item.
Original published figure(s), for reference: The $14,000 hall-bath refresh (Springfield split-level, 5x8). Demo of surfaces only: $1,200. New tub kept in place, reglazed surround replaced with acrylic-backed tile: $4,500. Semi-custom 36” vanity with quartz top: $2,200. Comfort-height toilet, faucet, trim: $1,400. LVT floor, paint, lighting, fan upgrade: $2,700. The stated headline budget is not fully itemized in the original article. Confirm the actual scope and permit requirements independently.
Original published figure(s), for reference: The $28,000 full remodel (Fairfax colonial hall bath, 5x9). Full gut to studs: $2,500. Rough plumbing tweaks + new shower valve: $2,800. Electrical to code with fan circuit: $1,800. Waterproofing membrane + porcelain tile, floor and walls: $8,500. Tub-to-shower conversion with bench and niche, semi-frameless glass: included above + $1,400 glass. 48” vanity, quartz, undermount sink: $3,200. Toilet, lighting, accessories, paint: $2,300. Permit, dumpster, protection: $1,200. County inspections at rough and final.
Original published figure(s), for reference: The $62,000 primary suite rebuild (Vienna, 130 sq ft). Layout change borrowing a closet: framing + engineering $6,500. Curbless walk-in shower, linear drain, floor-to-ceiling large-format porcelain, frameless enclosure: $19,000. Freestanding tub + floor-mounted filler: $6,000. 72” double floating vanity, quartz, sconce lighting: $9,500. Heated floor, 120 sq ft: $2,200. Plumbing and electrical throughout: $9,800. Finishes, glass, hardware, paint: $6,000. Permits and management: $3,000. The original example does not establish a current schedule or a guaranteed sale result.
Condo Bathrooms: The Arlington & Alexandria Special
Original published condo example: The article listed $16,000–$30,000 for condo bathrooms. Review the actual association documents, shared systems, access and fixture routes before selecting work. The range does not establish a typical local result or a layout exemption.
How to Save Without Regret
Compare a same-layout option with fixture relocation using matching-scope proposals. Compare selected tile, vanity, mirrors, hardware and accessories separately; retaining a fixture location does not guarantee a particular saving.
Original published valve illustration: The article compared a $150 valve with $8,000 of tile. Those archived amounts do not establish product quality or a repair saving. Specify the actual valve, access, waterproofing and installation requirements before selecting finishes.
Questions That Affect the Actual Bathroom Proposal
The archived examples do not establish a national price premium or a resale benefit. Ask for a proposal that identifies the actual room, selections, required trade work and approvals.
Check the proposed work with the applicable permit office before construction. Fixture replacement, trade changes and structural work can have different requirements; record permit and inspection responsibilities in the proposal.
Planning the Scope and Sequence
Define the job. Refresh, full remodel, or layout change? The tiers above give each a budget band.
Set the budget from the measured scope, selected products and itemized proposals. A percentage of home value does not establish the right scope or a resale return; discuss any sale-related priorities with a local real-estate professional.
Gather your priorities. Bring photos, measurements, intended users and preferred features. Ask which additional assessment is needed before a scope or estimate can be prepared.
Check responsibilities and credentials. Verify the license and insurance applicable to the actual scope with the issuing authority. Ask who performs each trade, which waterproofing system is proposed and how required approvals are coordinated.
Compare physical samples. View tile, quartz, vanity finishes and glass under showroom lighting. Compare them with the intended room lighting and confirm the selected products and specifications before ordering.
Confirm delivery dates for the specified cabinetry, appliances, tile and other critical materials before agreeing to demolition. Identify templating, fabrication and installation dependencies in the project schedule.
Set the timing from the agreed scope and confirmed materials, trade availability and permit requirements. Ask which decisions or discoveries could change the schedule and how updates will be communicated.
Hidden Costs Most Homeowners Miss
Original published substrate example: Subfloor repair ($500–$3,000). Assess accessible conditions and document uncertain concealed areas. Agree how any required repair will be approved and priced.
Original published plumbing example: Plumbing work ($800–$2,500). Have a plumber identify actual materials, condition and connections, and specify any necessary work. Building age alone does not establish replacement.
Original published electrical example: Electrical updates ($400–$1,500). Have an electrician and the applicable authority assess the existing circuits, selected equipment and provisions required for the actual scope.
Original published ventilation example: Ventilation ducting ($300–$900). Assess the actual equipment, discharge route and moisture conditions against the proposed work and applicable requirements.
Glass procurement. Confirm measurement, fabrication, delivery and installation dependencies with the selected supplier. Put those dates and any required preceding work in the project schedule.
Is It Worth It? (ROI)
Set the budget from the measured scope, selected products and itemized proposals. A percentage of home value does not establish the right scope or a resale return; discuss any sale-related priorities with a local real-estate professional.
Why Northern Virginia Homeowners Choose GBC Kitchen & Bath
Review supporting project information: bathroom remodeling service page
Ready for a real number? Visit any showroom or book a free in-home estimate, discuss the room’s condition, scope, selections and estimate process.
Check the proposed work with Fairfax County’s permit guidance if that jurisdiction applies to your property; other addresses require their own permit authority. EPA’s remodeling guidance explains indoor-air and moisture questions to raise before enclosing or disturbing materials.
