Learn What A Bathroom Remodeling Costs In Madison, WI

Bathrooms are the second most popular home improvement project right behind kitchens for homeowners. It's not surprising since the bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your home. 

Your bathroom is where you begin and end your day. It's a space where you can escape to enjoy a hot bath and a glass of wine after a long day, and the room where you get ready for that special night on the town with your spouse.

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Bathroom remodeling is a job best left to the professionals. It is complex, often requires plumbing and electrical work and you never know what you'll find behind the sheetrock. When it comes to bathroom remodeling, one of the first questions our clients ask is - “What does it cost?”

Many factors go into a bathroom remodeling from the scope of work, for example, are we moving plumbing or electrical work, to finishes, fixtures, flooring, and lighting, to the size of the space.

Here is a quick breakdown of potential budget ranges for four different levels of bathroom remodeling: a cosmetic update, basic bathroom, mid-level renovation, and the luxury oasis!

A Cosmetic Bathroom Update

If you have a typical entry-level builder-grade home, you probably have standard quality fixtures and finishes. You might have a low-quality, big-box store cultured marble vanity top, and low-quality ugly fixtures. If you're looking for an affordable upgrade, this level of bathroom remodeling might be a perfect choice.

This type of update typically involves updating and replacing the vanity top, sink, fixtures, paint, and occasionally the flooring. You can also consider upgrading the shower fixtures, and replacing that noisy and ineffective fan with a more powerful, quiet unit.

COST: Under $30,000

Basic Bathroom Remodeling

A basic bath remodel is a common choice for smaller bathrooms ranging in size from 5X7 to 6X10 feet in size. It keeps your existing layout to minimize costs while updating most of the elements. It uses stock elements like a standard-grade vanity cabinet, tub enclosure, or shower pan. Lighting and ventilation are updated but typically stay in the same position in the layout.A

At this level, you can add some upgraded luxuries like a cultured granite, solid surface, or natural stone countertop. It typically also includes replacing some or all of the tile work and repainting the room. At the basic level, you can pick one element and splurge, like large wood-grain ceramic flooring, or elegant lighting.

The basic update is perfect if your budget is limited, or planning on selling your home in a few years.

COST: Around $40,000

The Mid Level Bathroom Remodel

At this budget level, you'll have a bit more flexibility when it comes to adding fixtures like a self-cleaning toilet, better quality faucets, and features like new flooring, better hardware, and an upgraded sink. These are all semi-custom and higher-quality than you'd find in a big box store. You'll also get a tiled shower or tub surround. A mid-level bathroom renovation is the price category many en suite bathrooms fall into.

This level can also include some layout and infrastructure upgrades like moving the tub, converting to a large shower, or installing a steam shower. Finishes are higher grade like quartz or natural stone counters and flooring. Cabinets offer a more flexible design and include greater functionality with features like extra drawers, a linen cabinet, and medicine cabinets or toilet topper cabinets.

A smaller space typically found in modest homes can benefit from changing the layout, and upgrading finishes and fixtures. And if this is your "forever" home and your planning on aging in place, this is also the level to begin considering incorporating universal design elements into your design.

COST: $40,000 to $60,000 for modest bathrooms, and more than $60,000 for larger ensuites.

The Luxury Bathroom Remodeling

A luxury bath remodel is a full-blown, gut-to-the-studs bathroom remodeling that can include making structural changes like moving walls, or at the higher-end, adding an addition. The toilet can have a separate alcove, the shower can be moved and expanded, and you can replace the tub with a dry sauna, or stand-alone soaking tub. At this level, you can expect top-of-the-line fixtures, custom vanities and cabinetry, and high-end lighting and plumbing fixtures. Finishes can have extra details in the trim, molding and tile work. Cabinetry can include exotic woods, custom finishes, and high-end hardware. The tile can be natural stone, like marble, granite, or limestone, although many of our clients opt for the low-maintenance benefit of ceramic tile.

At this budget level, you can add the features you've dreamed of like a steam shower, stand-alone jacuzzi tub, radiant floor heating, towel warmers, or a television. The luxury bathroom is the dream bathroom you've always wanted. Your only limits are your budget and creativity!

If this is your forever home, this is a perfect choice. It's also an excellent time to add aging-in-place amenities.

COST: $75,000 and up

Let Us Help You Design Your Perfect Bathroom!

If you're considering a bathroom remodeling project, give the design experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. We understand that every project is unique. Our design team will work with you to understand your goals, your needs, and your lifestyle and then design and install your dream bathroom!

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 10/23/2022.