You typed “how much does a bathroom remodel cost” into Google, and the answers ranged from $3,000 to over $50,000. That doesn’t help you plan anything.
You want a bathroom you’ll love, at a price you can feel good about, without a surprise bill halfway through. But when the numbers online are all over the place, it’s hard to know what’s realistic and what’s a sales tactic.
I’m a licensed general contractor and the owner of Pro 163 Construction here in Franklin County, and I’m an Army veteran. We’ve been remodeling homes in this area since 2022, and the cost question is the first one almost every homeowner asks. So here’s a straight answer, whether or not you ever call us.
What bathroom remodels typically cost in our area
Here’s what we typically see for bathroom remodels in Franklin County and the surrounding area:
- Powder room: about $7,500 (typically $5,000 to $10,000)
- Half bath: about $9,500 (typically $6,500 to $13,000)
- Full bathroom: about $22,000 (typically $15,000 to $32,000)
- Primary bathroom: about $45,000 (typically $30,000 to $70,000)
- Luxury remodels with heavy custom work can go well past $70,000
These are ballpark figures, not quotes. Your project can land above or below them, and the next section explains why.
What makes one bathroom cost more than another
Two bathrooms of the same size can be $20,000 or more apart. These are the biggest reasons:
- Layout changes. Moving a toilet, shower, or sink means moving plumbing. Keeping the layout is one of the easiest ways to save money.
- Shower type. Converting a garden tub to a walk-in shower costs more than swapping a shower in place, because of the demolition, waterproofing, and tile work.
- Materials. Tile, vanity, countertops, and fixtures can double the price from basic to high-end.
- Custom work. A custom double vanity or built-in storage costs more than a stock cabinet.
- What’s behind the walls. Rot, old plumbing, or outdated wiring often show up once demolition starts.
- Size and finishes. More square footage and more tile means more labor and material.
A simple 3-step way to build your budget
Step 1: Decide how big the project is
Are you refreshing (new vanity, fixtures, paint), doing a full remodel (new tub or shower, tile, vanity, flooring), or changing the layout? Each one is a different price level, so knowing which you’re after keeps your budget realistic.
Step 2: Add a cushion
Older homes especially can hide problems behind the walls. A cushion of 10 to 15 percent of your budget keeps a surprise from turning into a crisis.
Step 3: Get a quote that shows what’s included
Ask every contractor for a written scope of work that shows what’s covered in the price, such as demolition, plumbing, tile, permits, and cleanup. At Pro 163, we give one total price for the job along with a breakdown of everything included, so you can see exactly what your money covers and compare it with other bids.
Where to spend and where to save
Spend on the parts you can’t easily redo later: waterproofing, proper plumbing, and quality tile installation. Save on the parts that are easy to upgrade later, like mirrors, lighting, and accessories. A good installation of mid-range materials will outlast a poor installation of expensive ones.
What happens if you go with the lowest price
A very low bathroom bid can leave things out, and those things tend to reappear as change orders. You may end up paying more than the honest bid would have cost, and with more stress. Most of the homeowners we work with didn’t pick the cheapest number. They picked the contractor they trusted.
How long will it take?
A full bathroom typically takes around 10 to 14 working days and a primary bathroom around 15 to 25. Permits, material lead times, and inspections can stretch that, so ask your contractor for a realistic schedule up front.
Want a real number for your bathroom?
If you’re planning a bathroom remodel in Youngsville, Wake Forest, Louisburg, Franklinton, or anywhere within about an hour of us, we’ll give you a clear price with everything included. You’ll put just 5% down, pay only for work that’s done, and get photo updates every day we’re on your job, so you can remodel without the worry.
Request your free estimate at https://pro163construction.com/home/project-form/ or call or text us at (919) 896-9154.