The bathroom remodel cost in Philadelphia varies more than most homeowners expect, because two bathrooms of the same size can be very different jobs. This guide explains what you are paying for, what moves the price up or down and how to compare the quotes you receive. It does not give a price list. An honest number depends on your room, and the averages published for the city differ widely from one source to the next.
A quote for a full bathroom covers several kinds of work, and it helps to look at them separately.
Demolition and disposal. Removing tile, the tub, old fixtures and, in older houses, a thick mortar bed under the floor. Plumbing. A new shower valve and drain at a minimum, and often replacement of old supply and drain lines while the walls are open. Electrical and ventilation. GFCI outlets, lighting and an exhaust fan ducted to the outside. Waterproofing and tile. Usually the largest share of the labor in the room. Fixtures and finishes. Vanity, top, toilet, faucets, glass, mirror and paint. Permits. Required when plumbing or electrical work is new or relocated.
Surface update. New vanity, toilet, faucet, lighting and paint, with the tub or shower left alone. This is the least expensive option and a sensible one when the tile and plumbing are in good condition.
New tub or shower. The wet area is rebuilt with a new valve, waterproofing and tile, and the rest of the room is updated around it. This is the most common project in Philadelphia rowhomes.
Full renovation. Everything comes out down to the studs and subfloor, plumbing and wiring are replaced and the layout may change. It costs the most and is the right choice when there is water damage or failing pipe.
Not sure which level your bathroom needs? Ask for a free in-home estimate and we will look at it with you.
Moving plumbing. Keeping the toilet, sink and shower where they are is the single biggest saving. Relocating a toilet means moving a large drain through the floor framing. Tile choices. Large-format tile, natural stone, mosaics and patterns such as herringbone take more labor than standard porcelain. Shower type. A curbless shower needs the floor recessed or rebuilt so it slopes to the drain, and custom glass costs more than a standard door. What is behind the walls. Rotted subfloor, corroded pipe or old wiring found during demolition has to be corrected before the room is closed up.
Keep the layout. Choose a good mid-priced porcelain tile and spend the difference on the parts you cannot change later: the shower valve, the waterproofing and the fan. Decide on every fixture and tile before work starts, because changes made during the job are the most expensive kind. Do not skip the waterproofing or the permit to save money. Both cost far less than repairing a leak into the ceiling below.
Make sure each contractor is pricing the same scope. Check whether the quote includes demolition and disposal, the waterproofing method, the permit, who supplies the tile and fixtures, and what happens if hidden damage is found. A much lower quote usually leaves one of those out. Our page on bathroom remodeling in Philadelphia describes each type of project in more detail.
The only reliable number is one based on your room. We visit, look at the space and at what is under and behind it, and give you a quote at no charge. Request your free estimate or call us.
