Where the Investment Goes in a Primary Bathroom Remodel
A primary bathroom is one of the most rewarding rooms to remodel, and one of the hardest to price in your head. To make it easier, here is a recent estimate for a primary bath in an older home, updated to current pricing and broken down by category.
Starting prices for every project type are on our pricing page. See more examples on our Real Project Investments page.
Where the investment goes in a $122,000 primary bath
The existing tub and deck were removed and walls were relocated to make room for an expanded double vanity, a full-height linen cabinet and a floor-to-ceiling tile shower with frameless glass.

What it covers | Approx. | Share |
Tile floor and tile shower | $27,000 | 22% |
Electrical, plumbing and HVAC | $20,500 | 17% |
Vanity, linen cabinet, quartz and finish carpentry | $18,000 | 15% |
Insulation, drywall and paint | $16,000 | 13% |
Demo, dust containment and cleaning | $14,000 | 11% |
Design, project management, permits and site setup | $12,000 | 10% |
Fixtures, framing, glass and accessories | $14,500 | 12% |
Total | about $122,000 |
The shower is the biggest single investment
Many homeowners expect the vanity to drive the cost. In most primary baths, it’s the shower. Waterproofing, a tiled base, tile to the ceiling and custom glass add up quickly, and they’re also what makes a shower last for decades.
Why older homes cost more
Older homes often mean plaster walls, plumbing that needs to be rerouted and framing that needs attention once the walls are open. Planning for that up front is what keeps a project on budget once construction starts.
Is Platinum the right fit for you?
We’re a good fit for homeowners who want one team responsible for the whole project, from design through the final walkthrough, and who value planning and craftsmanship as much as the finished look. If the priority is the lowest possible price, or handling parts of the project yourself, we may not be the right fit, and we’re always glad to point you in a good direction.
Ready to see where your project fits?
Bathrooms with our team begin at $45,000. View our pricing or start with a complimentary phone consultation.

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