Bathroom Remodel Cost in San Diego – 2025 Pricing Guide for Homeowners
Bathroom issues are among the most frustrating problems for any homeowner — they impact your comfort, daily routine, and even your property value. That’s why bathroom remodeling is one of the most common renovation projects in San Diego.
If you’re thinking about remodeling, your first question is probably simple: How much does a bathroom remodel cost in San Diego? Here’s a full breakdown to help you plan and budget with confidence.
Quick Cost Overview
- Average bathroom remodel cost per square foot: $150 – $500
- Minor bathroom renovation (35–50 sq. ft.): $3,500 – $7,500
- Full remodel (35–50 sq. ft.): $8,800 – $25,000+
These are average prices based on recent bathroom remodeling projects in the San Diego area. Actual costs may vary depending on layout, materials, labor, and scope.
Average Bathroom Remodel Cost in San Diego (2025)
In San Diego, the average cost of a bathroom remodel typically ranges between $8,000 and $60,000+, with pricing averaging $150 to $500 per square foot, depending on the finish level and complexity.
Local labor rates, permit requirements, and high design expectations make bathroom remodeling in San Diego about 20–35% more expensive than the national average.
Cost Breakdown by Remodel Type
Remodel Type | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Average Total Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Minor Renovation | $150 – $250 | $8,000 – $15,000 | Cosmetic updates: new fixtures, paint, flooring, or a prefab shower |
Mid-Level Remodel | $250 – $350 | $15,000 – $30,000 | New tub or walk-in shower, tile work, vanity upgrade, layout changes |
Full / High-End | $350 – $500+ | $30,000 – $60,000+ | Luxury finishes, custom layout, plumbing/electrical upgrades, permits |
Based on bathrooms sized 35–100 square feet.
Average Cost to Redo a Bathroom
The average cost to redo a bathroom in San Diego ranges from $15,000 to $25,000, depending on materials, layout, and the level of customization.
For homeowners on a budget, a reasonable bathroom remodel may stay under $12,000, especially in smaller spaces with no major plumbing changes. Larger or older bathrooms that require layout updates or luxury materials can easily exceed $30,000.
No two remodels are alike — your final bathroom remodeling cost estimate will depend on how much you’re changing and the materials you select.
Typical Bathroom Remodel Cost
A typical bathroom remodel in San Diego usually includes new flooring, a vanity and sink, shower or tub updates, and lighting fixtures. Most projects fall between $15,000 and $30,000.
If you skip plumbing or layout changes, you can often manage a cost-effective bathroom remodel with modern finishes and good planning. But opting for high-end tile or custom cabinetry will raise the total.
Bathroom Remodel Price Per Square Foot
In 2025, bathroom remodel costs per square foot in San Diego range from $150 to $500, depending on your goals and finish level:
- Basic remodel: $150–$250 per sq ft
- Mid-range remodel: $250–$350 per sq ft
- High-end/custom: $350–$500+ per sq ft
For example, remodeling a 5×7 bathroom (35 sq ft) may cost $7,000–$15,000, while a 10×10 bathroom (100 sq ft) could reach $25,000 or more.
Using square footage as a guideline helps homeowners get a ballpark estimate — but a personalized quote is still the best way to budget accurately.
Bathroom Remodel Cost by Size and Type (San Diego, 2025)
Choosing the right remodel strategy depends not only on your goals but also on the size of your bathroom. Below is a breakdown of bathroom remodel costs by size and scope, based on San Diego contractor estimates.
Cost Table by Bathroom Size
Size (square feet) | Minor Renovation | Partial Remodel | Full Remodel |
|---|---|---|---|
3’ x 5’ (15 SF) | $2,500 – $3,500 | $3,500 – $5,000 | $5,000 – $9,000 |
4’ x 6’ (24 SF) | $4,000 – $5,500 | $5,500 – $8,000 | $8,000 – $13,000 |
5’ x 7’ (35 SF) | $6,000 – $8,500 | $8,500 – $12,000 | $13,000 – $18,000 |
5’ x 10’ (50 SF) | $8,000 – $11,000 | $11,000 – $16,000 | $16,000 – $24,000 |
6’ x 10’ (60 SF) | $9,000 – $13,000 | $13,000 – $18,000 | $18,000 – $28,000 |
8’ x 10’ (80 SF) | $12,000 – $16,000 | $16,000 – $24,000 | $24,000 – $35,000 |
10’ x 10’ (100 SF) | $15,000 – $20,000 | $20,000 – $30,000 | $30,000 – $45,000+ |
10’ x 12’ (120 SF) | $18,000 – $24,000 | $25,000 – $36,000 | $38,000 – $55,000+ |
Actual costs may vary depending on material quality, plumbing or layout changes, and permit requirements.
Remodel Scope Definitions
- Minor renovation: light fixture replacement, painting, toilet, hardware updates, possibly a prefab shower.
- Partial remodel: new bathtub or shower, tile work, new sink or vanity, basic plumbing upgrades.
- Full remodel: layout changes, complete plumbing replacement, tile throughout, custom shower and bathtub, built-in niches, lighting upgrades, and permit work.
Tub and Shower Conversions
How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Tub to a Shower?
Many San Diego homeowners choose to convert an old bathtub into a modern walk-in shower. This upgrade improves both usability and resale value — and often saves space.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for different types of tub and shower conversions:
Project Type | Estimated Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
Tub-to-Shower Conversion | $3,000 – $8,000 | Demolition, standard acrylic shower base, plumbing adjustments, tile/panels |
Walk-In Shower Remodel | $5,000 – $12,000+ | Barrier-free design, custom tile, niche, glass door, upgraded plumbing |
Shower Replacement | $4,000 – $10,000 | New walls, base, updated fixtures, possible layout change |
Bathtub Replacement | $3,500 – $7,500 | Standard or soaker tub with surround or custom tile |
Additional Considerations,
- Permits and plumbing upgrades may increase total costs
- Custom tile and frameless glass are more expensive than prefab kits
- In older homes, tub removal may reveal plumbing or waterproofing issues
Keywords: bathtub to shower conversion cost, walk-in shower remodel cost, shower replacement cost, cost to replace bathtub with shower
Shower Remodel & Upgrades
Shower Remodel Cost Breakdown (San Diego, 2025)
Whether you’re updating an outdated shower or planning a full upgrade, your final cost will depend on materials, layout, and desired features.
Shower Project Type | Estimated Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
New Shower Installation | $4,000 – $10,000 | New base, walls, fixtures, and basic plumbing. Ideal for conversions. |
Retiling an Existing Shower | $2,500 – $6,000 | Demolition, waterproofing, and new ceramic or porcelain tile. |
Walk-In Shower Upgrade | $6,000 – $12,000+ | Barrier-free layout, glass doors, custom tile, built-in niches. |
Stand-Up Shower Replacement | $4,500 – $9,000 | Standard prefab or tiled shower with updated fixtures and enclosure. |
Popular Shower Upgrades Include:
- Built-in shampoo niches and shelving
- Frameless or sliding glass doors
- Dual showerheads or rain systems
- Linear drains and curbless entries for accessibility
What Affects the Cost of Bathroom Remodeling
Key Factors That Influence the Final Price
Even bathrooms of the same size can vary significantly in cost. These are the most common elements that affect your overall budget:
- Bathroom Size – Larger bathrooms require more tile, materials, and labor, which directly increases the total cost.
- Plumbing Layout & Structural Changes – Moving a toilet, tub, or shower is among the most expensive parts of remodeling. It often means opening walls and floors, rerouting plumbing, and extending timelines.
- Material Selection – From tile and flooring to fixtures and cabinetry, the materials you choose have a major impact on the final price. Stock items cost less; luxury materials like stone or custom vanities will increase your investment.
- Permits & Code Compliance – In San Diego, permits are required for most plumbing, electrical, or structural changes. Fees, inspections, and compliance upgrades (especially in older homes) can add thousands to the project.
- Labor Costs – Labor typically makes up 40% to 60% of the total cost. Skilled trades like plumbing, electrical work, and tile setting are in high demand and command premium rates.
Tways to save on both labor and permits.ip: Keep your existing layout whenever possible — it’s one of the easiest
Labor Costs in a Bathroom Remodel
Labor is often the single biggest cost driver in a bathroom renovation — especially in San Diego.
- General contractor: $50 – $150/hour or 10–20% of project cost
- Plumber: $75 – $150/hour
- Electrician: $50 – $130/hour
- Tile work & finishing: $10 – $50 per sq ft
- Interior designer (optional): $50 – $200/hour
The more trades involved (plumbing, electrical, demolition, carpentry), the higher the labor portion of your budget will be.
Examples: – Replacing a toilet and vanity = $2,000–$4,000 in labor – Tub-to-shower conversion = $3,500–$7,500+ in labor – Full master bath remodel = $8,000–$15,000+ in labor
Labor-intensive upgrades like custom tilework, moving fixtures, or expanding the space can drive costs up quickly.
Material Costs in a Bathroom Remodel
After labor, materials are the next biggest expense — and one of the easiest areas to control your budget.
Examples of material options: – Shower walls: Acrylic (budget), solid surface (mid-range), cultured marble (high-end look) – Vanities & tops: Prefab wood or laminate vs. custom cabinetry with quartz or granite – Tile: Ceramic ($2–5/sq ft) vs. porcelain or stone ($10–30+/sq ft)
You’ll also need to budget for lighting, mirrors, paint, flooring, toilets, faucets, and more. Each category has entry-level and luxury versions.
Smart selection of finishes helps balance style and savings.
Bathroom Additions and Expansions
If you’re adding a new bathroom to your home — or expanding an existing one — expect significantly higher costs due to framing, plumbing, venting, and permit work.
Bathroom Addition Cost (San Diego)
Project Type | Estimated Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
Add bathroom to basement | $20,000 – $45,000+ | May include excavation, new plumbing, waterproofing |
Build half bath (powder room) | $10,000 – $20,000 | Toilet + sink only; minimal plumbing work |
Add full bathroom upstairs | $25,000 – $60,000+ | New plumbing, layout, electrical, drywall, tile |
Expand existing bathroom | $12,000 – $30,000+ | Move walls, update layout, possibly relocate plumbing |
Cost per Square Foot: $250 – $600+ depending on complexity, materials, and layout
Budget-Friendly Bathroom Remodeling (DIY & Smart Savings)
Not every remodel has to be a high-end project. With a smart approach and realistic scope, you can get excellent results even on a budget.
Tips to Save Money:
- Keep the existing layout (no plumbing moves)
- Choose pre-finished or stock items over custom
- Reglaze instead of replace (tub, tile)
- Do painting and finishing yourself (DIY)
- Buy fixtures during sales
Sample Low-Cost Remodel Scenarios
Budget Level | Scope | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
DIY Touch-ups | Paint, lighting, hardware | $1,500 – $3,000 |
Basic Remodel | Toilet, vanity, fixtures, same layout | $5,000 – $8,000 |
Budget Bathroom Makeover | Vinyl flooring, prefab shower or tub kit | $7,500 – $12,000 |
A reasonable bathroom remodel doesn’t mean cutting corners — it means making smart, focused choices that fit your priorities.
What Are the Most Common Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes?
Some of the most frequent bathroom renovation mistakes include poor layout planning, choosing trendy but impractical materials, and skipping necessary permits. Homeowners also often underestimate labor costs or ignore hidden issues like ventilation and waterproofing. These remodeling errors can lead to long-term maintenance problems and costly redesigns. With decades of hands-on experience, we help clients avoid common remodel regrets by focusing on smart planning, functional design, and code-compliant execution — minimizing renovation planning problems and eliminating the most common bathroom design flaws before construction even begins.
Plan Your Remodel with a Team You Can Trust
With over 30 years of experience remodeling bathrooms in San Diego, we know how to deliver quality without surprises.
From layout ideas and material selection to permits and construction, we guide you at every step. We focus on clean work, honest estimates, and real timelines.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your bathroom and your budget.
Let’s build a bathroom that’s beautiful, functional — and built to last.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to remodel a bathroom?
Most remodels in San Diego take 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the size and scope. Cosmetic updates may take under 2 weeks, while full renovations can run over a month.
Do I need permits for a bathroom remodel in San Diego?
Yes — permits are required for plumbing, electrical, or layout changes. If you’re just replacing finishes, you may not need a permit. Always confirm with your contractor or local authority.
What’s the difference between a renovation and a remodel?
- Renovation = updating finishes (paint, tile, fixtures)
- Remodel = structural changes (layout, plumbing, expansion)
This also affects your bathroom remodeling cost estimate.
What’s the ROI of a bathroom remodel?
In California, a bathroom remodel typically returns 60–70% of its cost in home value. Functional layouts, timeless finishes, and quality materials add resale appeal.
Can I remodel a bathroom for $5,000?
Yes, but with a limited scope. A budget of $5,000 may cover: - Paint and hardware - New toilet or vanity - Basic lighting upgrades
Major changes like plumbing, tilework, or layout shifts won’t fit this budget — but small upgrades can still go a long way.
At Groysman, we get all the required permits and navigate the claim filing process.
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