Best Bathroom Remodeling Companies

Each type of bathroom comes with its own set of considerations, costs and timelines.

Cosmetic bathroom remodel

Cosmetic bathroom remodels typically include new light fixtures, wall paint, faucets, showerheads or cabinet knobs and pulls. Minor cosmetic upgrades can update the look of your bathroom, but they don’t include any major or expensive changes.

Complete bathroom remodel

A complete bathroom remodel replaces all existing surfaces, cabinetry and fittings but typically leaves in place large fixtures, such as the toilet and tub.

Pull-and-replace bathroom remodel

In this type of remodel, fixtures like sinks, toilets and bathtubs are replaced with new ones, but your bathroom's layout remains the same. This type of remodel might also include updating cabinets, countertops or tiles.

Bathtub update

Several companies can put a tub liner over your existing tub to update its look. For instance, both Bath Fitter and Re-Bath use your old tub as a base and install a new liner over the top, which takes only about a day to complete.

Bathroom repairs

Bathroom repair work addresses issues with the current bathroom. It can fix problems such as leaky sinks, slow-draining bathtubs, running toilets and cracked floor tiles.

Ground-up bathroom remodel

A ground-up bathroom remodel is ideal if you need a total transformation. With this option, the entire bathroom is gutted and rebuilt from scratch. In some cases, this includes removing walls and increasing the bathroom’s size. Plumbing and electrical lines may be relocated, and fixtures like showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilets are usually replaced.

Bathroom remodeling for accessibility and aging in place

Accessibility and aging-in-place bathroom upgrades improve safety and comfort for older adults and people with mobility challenges. Here are some updates to consider:

• Grab bars
• Walk-in showers and tubs
• Comfort-height toilets
• Non-slip flooring
• Shower seats

A bathroom remodel costs between $6,651 and $17,660, according to Angi. Generally, costs will vary depending on factors like the scope of the project, the materials you use and your location.

*Cost data from Angi

Cost factors for a bathroom remodel

Some factors that can affect bathroom remodel costs include:

• Moving a toilet and sewer line: This can be one of the costliest construction choices. If you leave the toilet in its existing location, it can save you thousands of dollars.
• Material selection: Opting for porcelain or ceramic tiles over natural stone or glass can save on material costs and labor. Going with a simple tile pattern, like a brick or stacked design, will keep your labor costs lower than you’d get with a herringbone or small mosaic pattern.
• Infrastructural changes: Rerouting plumbing and electrical systems will drive up costs, along with any build requirements.
• Permits: Permits and approvals for electrical work, plumbing and building modifications can also drive up costs.
• Location: Labor rates generally vary by location and the complexity of a project.

Contractor vetting checklist

When vetting contractors, be sure to:

• Confirm active state licensing
• Verify general liability insurance
• Confirm workers' compensation coverage
• Check bonding status
• Get written contract with scope, timeline and payment schedule
• Review at least three references
• Have permits pulled by the contractor

Saving money on a bathroom remodel isn’t just about choosing cheaper materials, but making smart decisions throughout the entire project.

• Finalize your plan early: Avoid costly change orders by locking in your design, layout and fixtures before construction begins.
• Keep your existing layout: Avoid moving plumbing, especially toilets and sewer lines, to save thousands of dollars.
• Get multiple quotes: Compare at least three estimates to get an idea of fair pricing for a project, and negotiate costs if needed.
• DIY strategically: Handle simple tasks like painting or replacing knobs by yourself, but leave plumbing and electrical work to professionals.
• Consider a phased remodel: Spread out costs by completing the project in stages if your budget is limited.
• Set a contingency budget: Plan for unexpected expenses by reserving 10% to 20% of your total budget.
• Be flexible with timing: Scheduling during slower seasons or contractor downtime may reduce costs.
• Think long term: Invest in durable materials and efficient fixtures to lower maintenance and utility costs over time.

Why bathroom remodel ROI matters

Remodeling your bathroom can increase your home's overall value and offer one of the highest returns on investment among renovation projects. In many cases, modest or mid-range remodels recoup 50% or more of their cost when you sell your home, making them especially appealing if you anticipate listing in the near future.

To hire the best bathroom remodeling contractor, find one that is licensed, insured and experienced in projects similar to yours, and make sure they provide clear contracts with warranties. Follow these steps to find the best bathroom remodeling contractor for your project.

1. Finalize your vision

Contractors can’t give you an accurate price estimate without knowing what you want. If you ask them generically, they’ll have to base the estimate on a placeholder that most likely doesn’t match your vision.

“It’s always best to have a complete design put together before you ask a builder for a quote,” according to Molly McGinness, owner of Molly McGinness Interior Design.

McGinness said it’s best to start with a design you love and have a bid on that specific design.

“If the bid comes in too high, you can then ask about ways to bring the cost down and how the design could be adjusted, either in materials, layout changes or what changes could affect the labor costs,” McGinness said.

2. Verify contractors

A reputable contractor should have proper licensing, insurance and bonding, along with verifiable references and a portfolio of completed projects. Check online reviews, confirm credentials with local licensing authorities and make sure the contractor provides a clear, detailed contract before work begins.

Before signing, review the contract’s scope of work, payment schedule, timeline and provisions for unexpected issues or delays.

Make sure you’re familiar with your state’s rules and regulations before verifying contractors. Look for contractors with a general contracting license, trade-specific licenses and state-certified sub-licenses. Generally, you’ll want to ensure that their license is still active or current and that it covers the work you’re looking to have done.

Also, look for professional certifications that signal quality, such as:

• National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) membership
• Lead-safe certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation

3. Ask the right questions

Elizabeth P. Lord, who owns a residential design company in Colorado, said she tells clients to ask these three questions when interviewing contractors:

• What type of projects do you normally do? The company’s past projects should be associated with the scope of work that needs to be done for your project. If the contractor is more of a handyperson who handles small fixes, they may not be a good fit for a bathroom remodel.
• Do you work with trade contractors? These are specialty professionals who are licensed, such as plumbers, carpenters, tile installers and electricians. Ask to see proof of insurance during the initial consultation, including general liability, workers' compensation and professional liability insurance, if applicable.
• What is your contract structure? A fixed-price structure is ideal. If a contractor works on a time-and-material structure for large-scale projects, it can be hard to manage the day-to-day expenses, and a budget can be blown before construction starts.

4. Collect and compare quotes

It’s best to collect and compare quotes from at least three contractors to get an idea of fair pricing in your area. Note that contractor pricing varies widely depending on the type and complexity of the bathroom remodeling project. Complications, changing orders and increases in project scope can affect your budget, so make sure you understand the bathroom remodeling costs before any work begins.

Location has a big impact on project cost. Don’t expect prices in rural areas to match prices in larger metro areas.

Some bathroom remodelers pursue additional certifications in specialty fields, such as interior decorating or plumbing. They usually charge more, regardless of what material you choose, but it could be worth it if you need customized cabinetry or complicated plumbing layouts and a tricky electrical plan. But if you’re only doing a basic lift with standard material selections, you probably don’t need to pay a premium on labor.

Follow these steps to check a contractor’s license:

1. Gather the contractor’s full name, business name and license number. This information is often on the contractor's website or business card.
2. Verify their licensing through the city, county or state, whichever one sets regulations for contractors in your area.
3. Find the specific licensing authority responsible for contractors near you. For example, in Oklahoma, you can verify a plumbing contractor’s license through the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.
4. Confirm that your contractor is bonded in case there are disputes with the contractor's progress.

Watch for these red flags before signing a contract with a bathroom remodeling company:

• No proof of licensing, insurance or bonding
• Refusal to provide references or examples of past work
• Vague or verbal-only estimates instead of detailed written quotes
• Requests for large upfront payments or cash-only payments
• Contracts that lack clear scope, timeline or payment terms

Timelines for a bathroom remodel will vary depending on the scope of the work, but here’s what you can expect.

1. Planning and design (one to four weeks): During this phase, you’ll establish a budget, finalize a layout and choose materials with a contractor.
2. Permit and ordering (one to six weeks): Next, the contractor will get work permits and order materials such as tile, fixtures and vanities.
3. Demolition (one to five days): The contractor will then demolish the space to prepare for renovations.
4. Plumbing and electrical (a few days to a few weeks): The contractor will update plumbing lines, electrical wiring, lighting and ventilation systems. Inspections may be required before walls are closed.
5. Installation and construction (one to four weeks): Then, the contractor will close up walls and install drywall, flooring, tile, cabinets, showers, tubs, sinks, toilets and lighting fixtures.
6. Final walkthrough and completion (one to three days): Once construction is complete, the contractor will review the project with you and address any unfinished details or corrections.

Tips for working with contractors

Follow these three tips to help your remodel go smoothly:

1. Have a backup bathroom plan if you only have one bathroom. Stay at a friend's house or a hotel to minimize stress.
2. Prepare the rest of your home ahead of time to avoid construction dust making a mess.
3. Ensure everyone is aligned on your desired outcome. Provide visual aids, such as photos or design sketches, and speak up if something doesn’t seem right.

Choosing between a national bathroom remodeling company and a local remodeler depends on your priorities, budget and the scope of your project. Both options can deliver quality results, but each comes with distinct advantages and trade-offs.