Home Renovations & Exterior Repairs

What is the cost of a bathroom remodel in Birmingham, AL? $25,000.00 to $55,000.00

Bathroom Remodel Cost in Birmingham, AL

Short answer – Bathroom remodel cost in Birmingham is between $25,000 and $45,000, depending on the size, materials, and scope of work.

At the lower end, you can expect all new components, including a tile shower, vanity, flooring, updated plumbing and electrical fixtures, and fresh paint, while keeping the same layout. A high-end remodel may include a full reconfiguration, custom cabinetry, a large walk-in tile shower with frameless glass, heated flooring, and premium finishes.

We break down costs by category, explain what affects pricing, and share a real Birmingham project example to help you plan your remodel.

Last Updated 2/16/2025 | Bathroom Remodeling

Quick Breakdown: 5 Key Insights for Bathroom Remodel Costs

Use my page overview to help quickly answer your questions.

Table of Contents

What is the Cost of a Bathroom Remodel in Birmingham, AL?

When reviewing our master bathroom projects over the last two years, we noticed that most homeowners budget between $25,000 and $45,000. Several factors influence where a project falls within this range.

  • Bathroom Size – Larger bathrooms require more materials and labor, increasing overall costs.
  • Materials & Finishes – Standard fixtures, prefabricated vanities, and basic tile are more affordable, while custom cabinetry, quartz or granite countertops, and high-end tile drive up costs.
  • Labor & Workmanship – A master bathroom remodel requires licensed professionals, not handymen. Only a licensed remodeler can legally pull permits and oversee the project. Specialized trades, including plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians (if needed), tile setters, drywallers, and painters, ensure the work meets code, and durability standards.
  • Plumbing & Electrical Changes – Keeping fixtures in place reduces costs, while relocating plumbing or upgrading electrical systems adds to the budget due to permit requirements and skilled labor costs.

In the next sections, HRS will break down costs by category, showing what you can expect to pay for demolition, plumbing, fixtures, and finishes.

What To Expect: Basic vs. High-End Remodels

Let’s break that down to show what you can expect from your budget.

Essentials

Basic Replacements
$ 25,000 – 30,000
  • Licensed and permitted installation by professionals
  • Remove old components and haul to the landfill
  • Full tile shower replacement with waterproofing
  • New shower fixture and single niche installation
  • Shower glass installation depending on budget
  • Minor drywall repairs and surface prep
  • Fresh paint on walls, ceiling, doors, and trim
  • Vanity replacement with new faucets installed
  • Toilet replacement with proper sealing
  • New light fixtures professionally installed
  • New tile flooring with expert installation

Designer

Total Gut & Remodel
$ 30,000 – 40,000
  • Licensed and permitted installation by professionals
  • (Optional) 10–15 hours with a dedicated designer for planning and selections
  • Complete demolition and debris removal
  • Spacious tile shower installed if layout allows
  • Tile flooring installed throughout the bathroom
  • Mid-range vanities with level 1 stone countertops installed
  • Minor lighting reconfiguration with new fixtures installed
  • Sheetrock repaired or replaced as needed
  • Updated trim installed as needed
  • Full paint job on walls, ceiling, doors, and trim
  • Possible layout reconfiguration if budget allows
  • Possible private lavatory if budget allows
  • Multiple shower fixtures installed for added functionality
  • Multiple shower niches for convenient storage
  • Multiple vanity faucets installed for a polished look
  • Frameless shower glass installed for a modern finish
  • Beautiful vanity mirrors installed for a completed look

Designer Elite

Elite Custom Finishes
$ 40,000 – 55,000+
  • Licensed and permitted installation by professionals
  • (Optional) 20–30 hours with a dedicated designer for a fully customized plan
  • Complete demolition and debris removal
  • Full architectural reconfiguration if desired
  • Square footage added to the home if needed
  • Private lavatory included for added privacy
  • Complete plumbing reconfiguration for maximum design flexibility
  • Complete lighting and outlet reconfiguration for optimal functionality
  • Spacious tile shower with premium tile throughout
  • Built-in shower bench for comfort and convenience
  • Premium tile flooring installed throughout the bathroom
  • Heated flooring included for year-round comfort
  • High-end vanities with elite-level stone countertops installed
  • All sheetrock fully replaced for a beautiful finish
  • All trim fully replaced with high-end materials
  • Premium paint job on walls, ceiling, doors, and trim
  • Unlimited shower fixtures for a fully customized experience
  • Unlimited shower niches for maximum storage
  • Unlimited grab bars, towel bars, and other fixtures installed
  • Multiple vanity faucets installed for a luxury look and feel
  • Frameless shower glass installed for a sleek, modern finish
  • Beautiful built-in vanity mirrors installed for a seamless aesthetic
  • Professional construction cleaning, including two full home cleanings during and after the project

In the next section, we’ll break down costs by category, showing what you can expect to pay for demolition, plumbing, fixtures, and finishes.

Master Bathroom Remodel Cost Breakdown: Where Your Budget Goes

Demolition & Structural Work

Demolition is the first step in a master bathroom remodel, involving the removal of old fixtures, flooring, walls, and sometimes even structural changes. Costs vary based on the complexity of the project.

  • Demolition & Disposal $2,500 – $3,000

    Removing old materials and hauling debris

  • Framing Adjustments $1,500 – $2,500

    Expanding or reconfiguring the space. $0 if no changes are made

  • Drywall Installation $3,000 – $4,000

    New walls and ceilings

Plumbing & Electrical

Plumbing and electrical work are critical to a bathroom remodel. Moving fixtures adds costs, while keeping existing rough-ins lowers the budget.

  • Plumbing Rough-Ins $3,000 – $5,000

    Reconfiguring water supply and drain lines for new fixture placements. No cost if plumbing stays in place.

  • Electrical Upgrades $2,000 – $4,000

    Installing new outlets, switches, lighting, and exhaust fans. No cost if reusing existing wiring and fixtures.

  • HVAC Adjustments (Per Vent) ~$1,000

    Adding or modifying HVAC vents to improve airflow and meet building code requirements. Some larger bathrooms may require a return vent.

Showers, Tubs & Flooring

Showers and tubs are the focal points of most master bathroom remodels, with costs depending on what’s installed, the materials, and the complexity.

  • Tile Shower Replacement $7,000 – $10,000

    Removing and replacing a tile shower, including waterproofing, but excluding the cost of tile materials.

  • Tub with Tile Surround $8,000 – $10,000

    Installing a new bathtub with a full tile surround, not including the cost of tile.

  • Freestanding Tub $5,500 – $15,000

    Installing a new freestanding tub, with costs varying based on tub selection and placement.

  • Tub-to-Shower Conversion $7,000 – $10,000

    Replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower, including demolition and plumbing work, but excluding tile costs.

  • Cultured Marble Shower $10,000 – $12,000

    Installing a cultured marble shower system, offering a seamless and low-maintenance alternative to tile. Does not include shower glass or drain relocation.

  • Tile Flooring ~$3,000

    Professional tile floor installation, with homeowners selecting and purchasing the tile separately. Based on approximately 100 sq.ft.

Tile Costs

Tile selection plays a major role in the overall look, durability, and cost of a bathroom remodel. Shower floors typically require small-format or mosaic tile for proper drainage, while shower walls and bathroom floors use larger tiles in ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone. Prices vary based on material quality, design, and installation complexity.

  • Shower Floor Tile $250 – $500

    Small-format or mosaic tile designed for shower floors, typically ranging from $15 to $30 per square foot. Price based on avg. 15 sq. ft.

  • Shower Wall Tile $600 – $900

    Ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile for shower walls, with prices between $6 and $10 per square foot. Price based on avg. 90 sq. ft.

  • Bathroom Floor Tile $600 – $1,000

    Durable tile for bathroom floors, available in a variety of styles, typically costing $6 to $10 per square foot. Price based on avg. 100 sq. ft.

Vanity, Countertops & Storage

Vanities and countertops impact both functionality and style. Prefabricated options cost less, while custom cabinetry and stone countertops add to the budget.

  • Box Store Vanity with Top ~$750

    (Single, Approx. 60") A prefabricated vanity with an integrated countertop, providing an affordable and stylish upgrade. Installation adds $300–$600.

  • Box Store Vanity with Top ~$1,200

    (Double, Approx. 120") A larger prefabricated vanity with an integrated countertop, ideal for shared spaces. Installation adds $300–$600.

  • Custom Vanity $1,000 – $4,000+

    (Single Sink ~60") A built-to-order vanity with premium materials, custom storage options, and a perfect fit for your space.

  • Custom Vanity $2,500 – $7,000+

    (Double Sink ~120") A spacious custom-built vanity with high-end materials and tailored design for maximum storage and functionality.

  • Cultured Marble Countertops $500 – $1,500

    (Including Sink, Labor & Material) A seamless, low-maintenance countertop with an integrated sink, offering a modern and clean finish.

  • Granite Countertops $600 – $1,800

    (Including Sink, Labor & Material) A durable natural stone countertop with unique patterns, adding a high-end look and long-lasting value.

  • Quartz Countertops $800 – $2,600

    (Including Sink, Labor & Material) An elegant and durable engineered stone countertop with a consistent pattern and minimal maintenance.

Shower Glass & Fixtures

Frameless glass, high-quality faucets, and premium fixtures can elevate the look and feel of a master bathroom.

  • Frameless Shower $800 – $1,200

    (Door Only) A sleek, modern glass door that enhances the shower’s appearance while providing a seamless, open feel.

  • Frameless Shower Glass $1,500 – $3,000

    (Full Enclosure) A high-end, fully enclosed frameless glass shower for a luxurious and spacious look.

  • Basic Shower Valve $100 – $300

    (Delta Multi-Choice) A reliable, cost-effective shower or tub valve with standard trim for basic functionality.

  • High-End Shower Valve $350 – $1,500

    Premium shower and tub valves with designer trim options for an upgraded look and improved performance.

  • Freestanding Tub Faucet $250 – $1,000

    Stylish tub fillers designed for freestanding bathtubs.

  • Sink Faucets (Each) $150 – $600

    Single or widespread faucets for vanities, available in various finishes.

  • Toilet Installation $300 – $700

    Replacing and installing a new toilet, including proper sealing and plumbing connections.

Lighting & Special Features

Final touches like lighting, heated flooring, and accessories complete the remodel.

  • Light Fixtures $300 – $1,500

    Over-sink lighting, chandeliers, or ceiling fans to enhance visibility and ambiance.

  • Wall Accessories $300 – $1,000

    Towel bars, robe hooks, grab bars, and toilet paper holders for convenience and accessibility.

  • Heated Flooring $3,500 – $5,500

    Electric or hydronic radiant heating installed beneath tile flooring for comfort.

Example Master Bathroom Costs From a Real Project in Birmingham, AL

This master bathroom remodel in Birmingham transformed a dated space into a modern, spa-like retreat with a freestanding tub, custom tile shower, and updated lighting. Below, we break down the scope of work and total project costs.

Project Overview

  • Location: Birmingham, 35242
  • Project Duration: 6 Weeks
  • Project Manager: Mike Whaley
  • Years of Experience: 18 Years Remodeling

Scope of Work

Demolition & Structural Changes

  • Removed shower, tub, tile floor, toilet, and cabinets.
  • Took down the shower wall and framed a knee wall next to the tub.


Shower & Tub Installation

  • Installed new plumbing in the shower (client provided valve and showerheads).
  • Applied waterproofing in the shower, added a 12×24 niche and bench, and installed tile.
  • Waterproofed and tiled three walls around the tub (36” high).
  • Installed soaking tub (client provided tub and faucet).


Flooring & Walls

  • Tiled and grouted bathroom floor.
  • Installed baseboards, caulk, and paint throughout.
  • Painted walls, ceiling, and doors.


Vanities & Electrical

  • Installed new cabinets (client provided).
  • Added bidet and outlet for bidet installation.
  • Installed can lights, vanity lights, and two additional outlets (client provided fixtures).
  • Installed mirrors (client provided).


Change Orders (Additional Work Requested by Client)

  • Upgraded soaking tub handset.
  • Moved electrical plug for towel warmer.
  • Replaced switches and outlets with new covers.
  • Installed an extra niche in the shower.

Final Costs & Investment Breakdown

  • Construction Costs $27,776

    This covered demolition, framing, plumbing, electrical work, tile installation, drywall, painting, and trim. It also included installing the shower, tub, flooring, and all necessary structural adjustments.

  • Design Selections $12,732

    This included homeowner-chosen materials such as vanities, countertops, faucets, tile, the freestanding tub, shower glass, and the toilet. These selections added to both the functionality and aesthetic of the remodel.

  • Total Investment $40,508

This real-world example shows how a $40,508 budget can create a luxury master bathroom with custom tile work, a freestanding tub, updated lighting, and premium finishes.

What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?

The shower and tub area is typically the most expensive part of a master bathroom remodel Averaging between $15,000 and $18,000. Waterproofing, plumbing, tile setting, and premium fixtures all contribute to the high cost. While vanities, lighting, and flooring add to the budget, the wet area often accounts for 50–75% of the total remodel cost.

Why Is the Wet Area So Expensive?

  • Labor-Intensive Installation – Unlike other areas of the bathroom, shower and tub installations require both plumbers and tile setters and must be inspected by the city building department at multiple stages. The last thing you want is to complete a shower only to discover a leak that could have been caught during an inspection.
  • Specialized Waterproofing Materials – The wet area must be 100% waterproof to prevent leaks and long-term damage. This requires a rubber membrane for the shower pan, a Kerdi pre-slope shower tray, Kerdi board for curbs, niches, and benches, a Kerdi drain flange, and a Kerdi waterproofing membrane.
  • Custom Design & Tile Work – A simple prefabricated shower costs far less than a fully tiled, walk-in shower with niches, benches, and decorative accents. Many homeowners choose high-end porcelain, marble, or mosaic tiles, further increasing costs.
  • Plumbing Complexity – Moving drain lines, adding multiple showerheads, or installing a freestanding tub in a new location significantly increases labor and material costs. If the home is on a slab foundation or has finished space below, plumbing work becomes even more challenging and expensive.
  • Shower Glass & Premium FixturesFrameless shower glass ($1,500 – $3,000) provides a high-end look but is much more expensive than a standard curtain or framed enclosure. High-quality shower valves, rainfall showerheads, and body jets also add to the budget.


If you’re looking to
control costs, keeping the existing plumbing layout and opting for a prefabricated shower or tub can save thousands. However, for most homeowners, investing in a high-end wet area adds the most value, both in function and personal satisfaction.

How long does a full bathroom remodel take?

A full master bathroom remodel typically takes 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the scope of work, material availability, and contractor scheduling. Unexpected issues, such as plumbing or structural problems, can extend the timeline.

Week 1

Demolition, Framing, & Rough-Ins

  • Remove old flooring, fixtures, and walls.
  • Complete framing for layout changes.
  • Rough-in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC (includes inspections).

Week 2-3

Drywall, Wet Area, & Flooring

  • Install new drywall and prepare surfaces.
  • Waterproof and install shower/tub area.
  • Lay flooring and complete tile work.

Week 4

Doors, Trim, & Painting

  • Install doors, baseboards, and crown molding.
  • Paint walls, ceilings, and trim.

Week 5-6

Final Installs, Touch-Ups, & Walkthrough

  • Install vanity, countertops, sinks, and fixtures.
  • Mount mirrors, light fixtures, and accessories.
  • Perform final plumbing and electrical checks.
  • Complete touch-ups and final walkthrough.

Proper planning helps keep the project on schedule, but permit approvals, material delays, or unforeseen repairs can sometimes extend the timeline.

FAQ: Full Bathroom Remodel in Birmingham, AL

How to Budget for Your Master Bathroom Remodel

A master bathroom remodel in Birmingham typically costs $25,000 to $45,000, but smart planning helps maximize value. Invest in the wet area (shower and tub) since it’s the most used space, choose prefabricated vanities with quality countertops for a balance of cost and style, and opt for porcelain or ceramic tile for durability.

To save money, keep the existing layout to avoid costly plumbing and electrical work, choose mid-range finishes that offer a high-end look, and refinish instead of replace where possible. Planning ahead prevents unexpected costs and delays, ensuring you get the best results for your budget.

The easiest way to cut costs is to keep the current layout—moving plumbing and electrical can add $5,000 or more. Choosing mid-range materials like porcelain tile instead of marble, or prefabricated vanities instead of custom cabinetry, can also make a big difference.

Other ways to save include refinishing existing fixtures, using standard-sized materials (custom options cost more), and avoiding last-minute changes, which increase labor costs. A well-planned remodel can deliver a high-end look without the high-end price tag.

A full master bathroom remodel is one of the most complex home projects, requiring plumbing, electrical, tile work, and waterproofing—all of which need to meet building codes and pass inspections. A DIY approach can save money on cosmetic updates like painting or installing a vanity, but major work should be left to professionals.

Hiring licensed contractors ensures the remodel is done correctly, safely, and up to code. Mistakes with plumbing, electrical, or waterproofing can lead to costly repairs down the line, making a professional remodel the better long-term investment.

A master bathroom remodel follows a structured process to ensure efficiency and quality. It begins with demolition, followed by framing and rough-ins for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. After passing inspections, drywall, flooring, and tile are installed.

Next, doors, trim, and painting are completed before installing vanities, countertops, and lighting. The final stage includes fixtures like faucets, shower glass, and accessories, followed by touch-ups, deep cleaning, and a final walkthrough. Proper planning and sequencing help prevent delays and unexpected costs.

A master bathroom remodel is one of the best home upgrades for both comfort and resale value. Homeowners in Birmingham can expect to recoup 55–65% of their investment if they sell within a few years but that figure jumps way up if they wait at least 5 years, with high-end finishes and modern layouts being top selling points.

Even if resale isn’t a priority, a well-designed master bath adds daily convenience and luxury. Features like a walk-in tile shower, double vanity, and heated flooring improve functionality and comfort, making the remodel a worthwhile investment in your home and lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

A master bathroom remodel is a major investment, but with the right planning, it can significantly enhance both your home’s value and your daily comfort. Whether you’re aiming for a basic update or a full luxury transformation, understanding costs, timelines, and key upgrades helps you make informed decisions.

By focusing on high-impact areas like the shower, flooring, and vanities, while keeping the layout intact, you can create a stunning and functional space within your budget. If you’re ready to start your remodel, working with experienced professionals ensures a smooth process and high-quality results.

Looking for a Local Bathroom Remodeling Contractor?

If you’re ready to remodel your master bathroom, our team specializes in high-quality, professionally managed renovations right here in Birmingham. We handle everything from full master bathroom remodels to small bathroom updates, shower replacements, and bathtub installations.

Whether you’re upgrading a shower, replacing a bathtub, or planning a custom bathroom renovation, we ensure expert craftsmanship, quality materials, and a smooth remodeling process. Learn more about our services:

Let’s Get Started on Your Remodel!

If you’re considering a master bathroom remodel and looking for a licensed contractor in Birmingham, we’d love to help. Home Repair Service is licensed by the HBLB. Contact us today to discuss your project, get a detailed quote, and start planning your dream bathroom.