Bathroom projects in NW DC and Southern Montgomery County typically price higher than national averages, thanks to older housing stock, premium labor, and stricter permitting. If you’ve been Googling “average bathroom remodel cost,” you’ve likely seen numbers that don’t reflect Silver Spring, Bethesda, or Potomac realities. This guide cuts through the noise with local ranges, clear line items, and actionable ways to protect your budget—without sacrificing the design details that make a bath feel like a private retreat. You’ll see how size, scope, and selections shape the bottom line; which upgrades deliver comfort and ROI; and how a design-build process keeps pricing aligned from day one. By the end, you’ll know your likely range, how to tune it up or down, and the next steps to get your project moving confidently.

The Real “Average” (and why it’s a range)

• Primary/Owner’s bath (mid-range scope): commonly $50k–$65k in DC–MD.

• Hall/Shared bath (mid-range scope): typically $35k–$50k.

• Powder room refresh: often $15k–$25k depending on finishes.
  Local labor rates, tile complexity, and existing conditions push numbers up or down. If you’re after luxury stone, custom cabinetry, curbless showers with linear drains, or full layout changes, owner’s suites can exceed $75k+.

What drives cost most in our market

• Layout changes: Moving drains/vents/stack, resizing windows, or shifting the shower adds plumbing, framing, and finish costs.

• Tile scope & pattern: Full-height walls, large formats, intricate mosaics, or multiple wet zones increase labor and materials.

• Waterproofing & ventilation: Proper membranes, pans, and fans protect your investment and are non-negotiables in older homes.

• Finish tier: Mid-range vs. luxury fixtures, stone vs. porcelain, custom vs. semi-custom vanities.

Why design-build helps you hit your number

A single accountable team coordinates design, specifications, and construction with real-time pricing. That alignment curbs change orders and keeps you inside your approved budget. Explore our Bathroom Remodeling process and see how the pieces fit.

Step 1: Define scope before choosing finishes

Decide if you’re refreshing (fixtures in place), reconfiguring (new layout), or upgrading to luxury features (curbless shower, heated floors, custom vanities). Scope sets your baseline before you pick tile.

Step 2: Set realistic allowances

Create line-item allowances for tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting, vanity/millwork, glass, and accessories. Use local-market prices, not national averages. For lighting ideas that elevate look and function, see Bathroom Lighting Ideas.

Prioritize performance in wet zones

Invest in waterproofing systems, quality pans, and professional tile work—especially for showers and niches. Choose durable floor materials; compare options with Best Tile Options for Bathroom Floors and LVT vs. Ceramic for Bathrooms.

Decision criteria to keep you on track:

• Keep plumbing in place if possible.

• Choose one “hero” material (feature wall or floor) and value-engineer the rest.

• Standardize where you can: stock vanity sizes, common tile formats, framed vs. frameless glass if needed.

• If long-term living is a goal, preview accessibility upgrades: grab-bar blocking, wider clearances, or curbless entries (more at Handicap Accessible Bathrooms).

Tool: Cost by Bathroom Type + Scope

(Typical DC–MD working ranges; specific homes/condo rules may vary.)

Typical line-item influences (mid-range hall/primary):

• Demolition & protection: $2k–$5k

• Plumbing rough/finish: $6k–$12k (layout changes push higher)

• Electrical & lighting: $2k–$6k

• Tile labor & materials: $8k–$20k (area + pattern drive cost)

• Vanity/cabinetry & tops: $3k–$12k

• Shower glass: $1.5k–$4k

• Waterproofing & substrates: $2k–$6k

• Paint, trim, accessories: $1k–$3k

• Permits/inspections/soft costs: $1.5k–$4k

Checklist: Budget Levers That Save the Most

• Keep plumbing where it is; prioritize new fixtures, not new locations.

• Select a mid-range porcelain for field tile; use a small accent mosaic if you want texture.

• Choose stock/standard vanity widths and a factory finish.

• Consider semi-frameless glass instead of custom angles.

• Warmth without splurge: add heated floors in the shower drying zone only.

• Improve ventilation and lighting first—comfort jump, modest spend.

• Phase luxury plumbing (bidet seat, digital valve) later; rough-in now if desired.

Examples / Before-After

Browse our local transformations in the Portfolio to see how scope choices, tile strategies, and storage planning translate to finished spaces homeowners love.

Mistakes / FAQ

Common mistake #1: Under-scoping waterproofing and ventilation

Fix: Prioritize membranes/pans and a right-sized, properly ducted fan. Moisture failure is far more expensive than doing it right once.

Common mistake #2: Picking finishes before setting a scope and allowances

Fix: Agree on scope and per-category allowances first; then shop within those guardrails to avoid change orders.

FAQ

What is the average bathroom remodel cost near Silver Spring/Bethesda?
For a mid-range hall bath, $35k–$50k is typical; primary baths often run $50k–$65k, with luxury features pushing higher.

How long will my bathroom renovation take?
Design, selections, and permitting commonly take 4–8+ weeks; construction for a mid-range bath is often 4–7 weeks, pending scope and inspections.

Can I save by keeping my existing layout?
Yes—maintaining drain and vent locations can save thousands. Invest those savings in better tile, lighting, or storage.

Do I really need permits?
If plumbing, electrical, or structural work is involved (most mid-range baths), permits and inspections are required and protect your investment.

Are accessibility features expensive?
Not necessarily. Planning grab-bar blocking, wider clearances, and curbless thresholds during a remodel is far more cost-effective than retrofitting later. See our guide to Accessible Bathrooms.