What is the Average Bathroom Remodel Cost in Utah?

Russ Tychsen
May 15, 2024

If you’re interested in hiring bathroom remodeling services, one of your first questions is most likely, “What will it cost?” 

The reality is, there’s no single answer we can provide because bathrooms come with many different situations, including homeowner preferences, the age of the bathroom, and other factors. 

Every bathroom remodel comes with unique expenses and requirements. Some homeowners are trying to save space and change layouts. Others hope to improve their home value with luxury elements and new fixtures. 

The national average bathroom remodel cost falls between $6,622 and $16,744. Still, your specific expenses will vary depending on your situation, so take that with a grain of salt. 

At Lifespan Bath Remodel, we’ve helped many homeowners in Salt Lake City update their old bathrooms while staying within their budgets. If you’re thinking about pulling the trigger on renovations, here’s what you need to know about local bathroom remodeling costs.

Factors That Can Affect Your Bathroom Remodel Cost

1. Bathroom Size 

Are you thinking of remodeling your expansive primary bathroom or a small powder room? As you can imagine, those are two very different kinds of projects. 

Your targeted bathroom’s size significantly impacts the total bathroom remodeling costs. The amount of space is directly correlated to the quantity of materials needed and the final labor cost. 

Understandably, larger bathrooms typically require more tiles, flooring, and paint – and material costs escalate with each square foot. Additionally, a bigger space often means more fixtures such as sinks, toilets, tubs, or shower stalls. 

Moreover, larger bathrooms offer the potential for more extensive floor plan options and accent pieces, such as double vanities, separate shower and bathtub areas, and additional storage. These enhancements, while desirable, further drive up the cost of a bathroom remodel. 

In contrast, small bathroom remodel costs are typically lower. However, even in smaller spaces like a half bath, opting for high-end materials and things like fancy cabinet hardware can still lead to substantial expenses. 

All in all, know that the square footage of your bathroom sets the foundation for the scale and complexity of any Salt Lake City project, significantly influencing your final bathroom remodeling budget.

2. Scope of Bathroom Remodel 

The scope of a bathroom remodeling project refers to the extent of changes and upgrades planned for the space, ranging from simple cosmetic updates to full-scale renovations. This scope directly impacts the total remodel costs as it dictates the amount of work, materials, and labor required. 

A cosmetic remodel, focused on surface-level changes like painting, updating fixtures, and replacing accessories. The simplicity of cosmetic updates means lower material costs and less intensive labor, resulting in a more budget-friendly remodel.

On the other hand, a full remodel that includes significant changes such as moving plumbing lines, installing new electrical wiring, replacing bathroom floor materials, and upgrading to high-end fixtures, requires a larger investment. The complexity of such projects increases material costs and demands skilled labor for demolition, construction, and installation. 

Additionally, structural changes and intricate design elements may necessitate the involvement of architects or a structural engineer, adding further expenses. 

As a result, the scope of the remodel serves as a fundamental determinant of the overall cost, with more extensive bathroom remodeling projects naturally commanding higher budgets.

3. Quality of Materials Used 

Next up, think about the quality of materials you want for your Salt Lake City bathroom remodel. Luxury materials generally come with a higher price tag – but they can also offer better durability, aesthetics, and functionality.

For instance, opting for premium tiles, natural stone countertops, and top-of-the-line fixtures can elevate the overall look and feel of the bathroom. At the same time, they’ll substantially increase your remodel expenses compared to budget-friendly alternatives. 

Keep in mind that the quality of your remodel materials does impact long-term maintenance and replacement costs. While cheaper materials may seem to be a cost-effective option initially, they may wear out faster and require frequent repairs or replacements, ultimately leading to higher expenses over time. 

The bottom line: carefully weigh your decision regarding bathroom remodel materials. Consider both immediate costs and long-term value.

4. Required Plumbing or Electrical Work 

The extent of required plumbing or electrical work in a bathroom remodel significantly impacts the total project costs. In fact, this is the most expensive part of many projects. 

Upgrading or relocating plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets, showers, or tubs often requires work from skilled plumbers. This can add considerable expense to your Salt Lake City remodel project. 

Similarly, updating electrical components such as light fixtures, outlets, and wiring necessitates the expertise of licensed electricians to ensure compliance with Salt Lake City building codes and safety regulations. 

Moreover, incorporating advanced features like heated bathroom floors, spa-like showers, or smart technology integration may require additional electrical work, further contributing to the overall bathroom remodeling cost.

In all cases, the average cost of bathroom remodel plumbing or electrical work depends on various factors, including the…

  • Complexity of the changes
  • Accessibility of existing infrastructure
  • Need for permits or inspections. 

Projects that involve extensive modifications to the plumbing or electrical systems, such as moving fixtures to new locations or upgrading to more advanced features, typically incur higher remodel labor and material costs. 

It’s important that you understand these additional costs upfront. Talk to experienced Salt Lake City remodel professionals to accurately assess and budget for all of your bathroom renovation ideas. 

Types of Bathroom Remodel Projects 

Cosmetic Updates (Low Cost) 

If you’re just making surface-level alterations to your bathroom, you might be able to keep your total project cost relatively low. 

Cosmetic updates involve refreshing a bathroom’s outdated design without making significant structural changes. This type of bathroom remodeling typically includes enhancements such as painting bathroom walls, updating bathroom lighting, replacing hardware, and refreshing accessories like racks for hand towels and mirrors. 

By focusing on cosmetic updates, Salt Lake City homeowners can quickly and affordably breathe new life into their bathrooms while staying within their desired cost range.

Structural or Fixture Changes (Medium to High Cost) 

Structural or fixture changes entail more extensive floor plan changes, and as a result, tend to incur higher costs. 

This type of bathroom remodel may involve moving bathroom walls, rearranging plumbing or electrical systems, replacing old hardware, or altering the configuration of the space to improve functionality and flow. Structural changes require careful planning and coordination with a professional contractor. 

While these bathroom remodels can be more disruptive and costly than cosmetic updates, they offer the opportunity to customize the bathroom according to the homeowner’s preferences and address any underlying issues with the existing layout or infrastructure.

Full Remodels (Likely High Cost) 

Want to start from scratch? Full bathroom remodels encompass comprehensive renovations that overhaul the existing space from top to bottom. 

This type of remodel typically includes a combination of cosmetic updates, fixture replacements, and changes to the bathroom layout to create a completely new and updated space. 

Full bathroom remodeling may involve replacing flooring, installing new cabinetry and custom countertops, upgrading plumbing and electrical systems, and installing new fixtures and modern amenities. 

While complete bathroom remodels require a significant investment of time and money, they also offer the opportunity to transform the space into a more functional, stylish, and comfortable retreat. This is how you can get exactly what you want. 

Tips for Lowering Bathroom Remodel Costs 

1. Prioritize Your Essential Upgrades 

When planning a Salt Lake City bathroom remodel on a budget, you’ll need to prioritize your essential upgrades to allocate your resources efficiently. 

Start by identifying the aspects of your bathroom that require the most attention or that have the greatest impact on its functionality and aesthetics. These are the first things you want to address in your remodel, such as repairing leaky faucets, addressing plumbing issues, or replacing worn-out flooring. 

The more you prioritize, the better you can avoid unnecessary expenses on less critical elements and ensure that your bathroom remodeling budget is allocated where it matters most.

2. Choose Mid-Range Materials 

To save money and lower your total cost, try to opt for mid-range materials that are still durable but come with a fair price tag. 

While premium materials may offer high-end features and aesthetics, they can cost an arm and a leg. Instead, consider selecting trusted materials that strike a balance between affordability and durability. Look for things like porcelain tiles, pre-fit countertops, and fiberglass tubs that offer good value without breaking the bank.

Choosing mid-range materials helps you achieve a stylish and functional bathroom remodel while keeping your costs within a reasonable budget.

3. Evaluate Multiple Bathroom Remodeling Contractors 

Don’t just commit to the first contractor you meet. A bathroom remodel is a big deal (and a big expense), so take the time to evaluate multiple options and ensure you get the best value for your money. 

Start by obtaining quotes from several reputable contractors. Compare their prices, credentials, and references. Look for contractors with experience handling bathroom remodel projects similar to yours and transparent pricing.

By shopping around and soliciting multiple bids, you can leverage competition to negotiate better remodel rates. This is how you select a Salt Lake City contractor who offers the best combination of quality and affordability for your new bathroom.

4. Tackle Your Bathroom Remodel in Phases 

Lastly, if your budget is limited, consider making updates to your bathroom in phases rather than tackling everything at once. 

Start with the most urgent or essential upgrades in your current bathroom, such as repairing water damage, adding new shower heads, or replacing outdated light fixtures. Then, gradually work your way through the remaining improvements. 

By spreading out the cost of bathroom remodeling, you can avoid serious financial strain while still making progress toward your desired bathroom renovation.

Get a Quote for Your Bathroom Makeover in Utah 

All in all, bathroom costs can vary based on various factors, including the ones we just discussed. 

If you’re intimidated by the potential cost of bathroom remodeling, know that there’s a wide spectrum of options available. You don’t have to do everything all at once, and you can make choices that keep your expenses reasonable. 

Talk to Our Bathroom Remodel Contractors in Utah 

As experienced Salt Lake City bathroom remodelers, Lifespan Bath Remodel is committed to keeping your new bathroom renovation costs reasonable and creating the space of your dreams. 

Whether you’re looking to increase your home value with a primary bathroom remodel or want to update your kids’ Jack-and-Jill bathroom, we’re here to help. Our remodelers do everything in-house, from plumbing and electrical work to full tub-to-shower conversions.

Book a free consultation with our bathroom renovation contractors to discuss your desired changes, the potential labor costs, and a comfortable remodel budget. 

Have questions about bathroom remodeling in Utah? Get in touch today and our Salt Lake City crew will answer them! 

We beat any competitor by $100.

Get your free quote!

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Russ Tychsen