Per square foot, bathrooms are among the priciest rooms to remodel: a 60-square-foot space can hold thousands of dollars of tile, plumbing, and fixtures. The good news is that small size keeps the total manageable — if you control the scope.

Planning figures, not quotes. Any dollar ranges in this guide are rough, illustrative planning figures for budgeting — not binding quotes and not market data. Your detailed, line-item quote is prepared after your project is reviewed. Run the project estimator or request a detailed quote.

Scope 1: Refresh (rough planning figure: low five figures)

New vanity top or full vanity, new toilet, reglazed or replaced tub, new fixtures, paint, mirror, and lighting. No layout changes. This is the highest value-per-dollar scope in remodeling — it transforms the room without touching plumbing rough-in.

Scope 2: Standard remodel (rough planning figure: mid five figures)

Gut to the studs in the wet areas, new tub or shower system, tile surround, new vanity and toilet, updated exhaust fan, new flooring, fresh drywall and paint. Plumbing stays roughly where it is. This is the most common scope we see quoted.

Scope 3: Layout change or expansion (rough planning figure: high five figures and up)

Moving the toilet, shower, or vanity; stealing space from an adjacent closet or bedroom; curbless showers; heated floors. Every moved drain line and every square foot of new footprint adds labor and permit complexity.

The budget levers that matter

  • Tile. Tile cost is mostly labor: intricate patterns, large-format tile, and niche details multiply installation time.
  • Plumbing moves. Keeping fixtures in place is the single biggest saver in a bathroom.
  • The surprise behind the wall. Allentown's older homes can hide galvanized supply lines or insufficient venting. A contingency of 10–15% is prudent planning, not pessimism.
  • Ventilation. An undersized or missing exhaust fan is a moisture problem waiting to happen — make sure the quote includes proper venting to the exterior.

Permits and practicalities

Plumbing and electrical changes in a bathroom remodel typically require permits in Allentown. A reputable quote will include permit handling as a line item. Also plan for the logistics: a one-bathroom home needs a plan for the days the room is out of commission — ask your contractor for the schedule in writing.

Ready to put numbers to it? Run the estimator for a rough range, then request a detailed, line-item quote.