What Is the Most Expensive Part of a Bathroom Remodel?
Bathroom remodels are one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your home — but they’re also one of the easiest places for budgets to spiral if you don’t know where the real costs live.
Homeowners often assume tile or fixtures are the biggest expense. In reality, the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel usually isn’t what you see — it’s what’s happening behind the walls.
Let’s break down where bathroom remodel costs really come from, what typically costs the most, and how to plan smarter from the start.
The Short Answer: Labor & Infrastructure
In most bathroom remodels, labor and infrastructure changes are the biggest cost drivers — not the vanity, not the tile, not even the tub.
Bathrooms are dense spaces. In just a few square feet, you’re dealing with:
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Waterproofing
- Ventilation
- Structural framing
- Tile installation
- Finish carpentry
That many trades in one room adds up quickly.
#1: Moving Plumbing (Usually the Most Expensive)
If you’re changing the layout of your bathroom, plumbing is almost always the biggest line item.
This includes:
- Relocating showers, tubs, toilets, or sinks
- Reworking drain lines
- Adjusting venting
- Upgrading old pipes (common in older Colorado Springs homes)
Moving plumbing requires opening walls or floors, reconfiguring pipes, ensuring proper slope and venting, and bringing everything up to current code.
Rule of thumb:
Keeping plumbing in the same location = lower cost
Moving plumbing = higher cost, more time, more complexity
#2: Labor-Intensive Tile Work
Tile is beautiful — and it’s also one of the most labor-heavy parts of a bathroom remodel.
Costs increase with:
- Custom tile layouts or patterns
- Floor-to-ceiling shower tile
- Niches, benches, or accent strips
- Large-format or specialty tile
- Waterproofing systems behind the tile
A professionally tiled shower isn’t just tile — it’s layers of prep, waterproofing, precision cuts, and finish work that protect your home from moisture damage long-term.
#3: Waterproofing & Moisture Protection
This is the part you never see — and never want to skip.
Proper waterproofing includes:
- Shower pan systems
- Waterproof backer boards
- Membranes and sealants
- Proper slopes and drainage
- Ventilation planning
Cutting corners here can lead to mold, rot, and expensive repairs later. Quality contractors invest time and materials into getting this right, which adds to cost — but saves you money long-term.
#4: Electrical & Lighting Upgrades
Modern bathrooms require more electrical work than older ones were designed for.
Costs increase when adding:
- Recessed lighting
- Vanity lighting upgrades
- Heated floors or towel warmers
- Additional outlets
- Exhaust fans with humidity sensors
Older homes often need electrical updates to safely support modern bathroom features.
#5: Custom Vanities & Storage
While not always the most expensive line item, custom cabinetry can be a significant cost depending on design.
Custom vanities offer:
- Better use of space
- Built-in storage
- Durable finishes
- Tailored sizing and height
They cost more than off-the-shelf options but dramatically improve functionality — especially in smaller bathrooms.
What Doesn’t Usually Cost the Most
Homeowners are often surprised that these aren’t the biggest expenses:
- Faucets and fixtures
- Mirrors
- Paint
- Hardware
These items matter aesthetically, but they’re usually a smaller portion of the total budget compared to labor and infrastructure.
How to Control Bathroom Remodel Costs
You don’t need to cut quality to control costs — you need a plan.
Smart ways to manage your budget:
- Keep plumbing locations where possible
- Finalize design decisions early
- Choose durable, mid-range materials
- Work with one team managing all trades
- Build a contingency for older homes
Why Planning Matters More Than Finishes
The most expensive bathroom remodel mistakes happen when:
- Layout decisions are made late
- Materials aren’t coordinated upfront
- Trades aren’t properly scheduled
- Homeowners are juggling multiple contractors
At HOMEfix, our in-house teams handle plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and tile under one roof — which keeps timelines tighter, costs clearer, and surprises to a minimum.
Final Thoughts
The most expensive part of a bathroom remodel isn’t one single item — it’s the work required to make everything function safely, efficiently, and beautifully for years to come.
When done right, a bathroom remodel is an investment in comfort, resale value, and daily life — not just a cosmetic upgrade.
