What affects the cost of a bathroom remodel?
Bathrooms are one of the most customizable spaces in a home, and in our experience, no two remodels look the same. Costs can shift quite a bit depending on a few core factors:
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- Size and layout – A small hallway bath is far more straightforward than a master suite.
- Scope of work – Cosmetic updates stay on the lower end, while full tear-outs, new tile and reconfigured layouts increase the investment.
- Plumbing or electrical changes – Moving drains, relocating a shower or adding new circuits adds labor and trade-work costs.
- Material choices – Tile, vanities, fixtures and flooring range from budget-friendly to high-end, and those selections influence the total.
- Permits – Bathroom remodels in Raleigh and surrounding communities do require permits, and the fees vary by city and scope.
We help you understand how each decision impacts your overall budget so you get the best value for your project. Our goal is to build a bathroom that fits your needs, your style and the way you use the space every day.
Basic bathroom update
Typical range: $5,000–$15,000
This tier is a good fit for small hall baths or powder rooms that need a straightforward cosmetic upgrade. In our experience, homeowners choose this level when the layout works fine but the finishes are dated.
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- New vanity, toilet, faucet and lighting
- Simple tile or vinyl flooring
- No layout changes or major plumbing adjustments
This option freshens up the space, improves function and gives you a clean, modern look without a full remodel. It’s a smart choice when you want noticeable improvement on a smaller budget.
Mid-range bathroom remodel
Typical range: $15,000–$25,000
A mid-range remodel is the most common choice for homeowners throughout Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs and Fuquay. It delivers a noticeable upgrade with better materials, improved storage and a more polished look without going fully custom.
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- Larger selection of vanities and fixtures
- New tile flooring and tile surrounds for tubs or showers
- Updated lighting and ventilation
- Minor layout adjustments, such as shifting a vanity or widening the shower area
This tier offers strong long-term value and a bathroom that feels more modern, comfortable and tailored to how you use the space every day. It's a solid middle ground between simple updates and a full redesign.
High-end bathroom remodel
Typical range: $30,000–$50,000+
A high-end remodel is designed for homeowners who want a fully upgraded, custom bathroom with premium materials and a layout built around comfort and performance. In our experience, this tier delivers the biggest transformation and the most flexibility.
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- Custom or semi-custom vanities with upgraded storage
- High-end tile, stone or slab surfaces
- Walk-in showers with premium fixtures and glass enclosures
- Freestanding tubs, heated floors and advanced lighting
- Significant layout changes or structural adjustments when needed
This level creates a spa-like bathroom with top-quality finishes and long-term durability. It’s the option most homeowners choose when they want a true retreat and a design that elevates the entire home.
Bath remodel Permit costs in Wake County
Bathroom remodeling permits in Wake County are based on the scope and valuation of the project.
Typical fees may include:
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- Building permit based on project value
- Plumbing permits for new fixtures or relocated lines
- Electrical permits for added circuits or lighting
- Mechanical permits when ventilation or ductwork is updated
- Plan review fees, where required
- Inspection fees tied to the number of trades involved
Most bathroom remodels in Wake County end up in the $500 to $2,000 range for permitting and inspections, depending on how much plumbing, electrical and structural work is involved.
For homeowners who want a clear reference, the City of Raleigh provides a development-fee guide and calculator that outlines how local fees are structured:
https://raleighnc.gov/permits/services/development-fee-guide-and-calculator
At Branch Home Improvement, we handle all permitting and coordinate every required inspection for you.
Comparing bathroom remodeling costs
In our experience working throughout Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs and Fuquay, bathroom costs vary most by size and how the space is used. Here’s what homeowners can generally expect:
Primary bathrooms
These are usually the largest and most involved projects. Full remodels with walk-in showers, freestanding tubs and higher-end finishes like quartz, tile and glass often land in the $25,000–$50,000+ range.
Hall bathrooms
This is the most common remodel we complete in Wake County. Pricing typically falls between $15,000–$25,000, depending on the materials you choose and whether any plumbing needs to be moved.
Powder rooms
Small half-baths are the simplest to update. Most projects fall around $5,000–$12,000, especially when you’re replacing the vanity, fixtures, lighting and flooring.
These ranges give you a realistic starting point, and we help you tailor each project to your home, layout and budget.
Our bathroom remodeling process
In our experience, homeowners want a process that feels clear, organized and predictable. Over the years, we’ve refined a system that keeps your project moving smoothly from the first conversation to the final walkthrough.
Consultation
We meet with you in your home to understand your space, goals and priorities.
Design + estimate
We help you explore layout ideas, materials and fixture options, then provide a detailed, straightforward estimate.
Permitting
Our team handles all required permits and coordinates inspections with your local building department.
Construction
Our in-house crews complete the work with attention to detail, clean job sites and consistent communication.
Final walkthrough
We review the finished space with you, confirm every detail and make sure the bathroom meets our standards and yours.
After completing bathroom remodels across Wake County for more than a decade, we’ve built a process that’s simple for homeowners and delivers reliable, high-quality results.
Why choose Branch Home Improvement
In our experience, homeowners across Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs and Fuquay want more than new tile and fixtures. They want a contractor who communicates well, respects their home and delivers the kind of workmanship that holds up over time. That’s what we focus on every day.
Branch is a licensed and insured remodeling company with more than a decade of experience in Wake County. We maintain a 5.0-star Google rating, are accredited by the BBB and are members of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh and Wake County. Our reputation comes from consistent quality, organized project management and a level of care that makes the remodeling process easier on homeowners.
We guide you through every step, from planning and design to permitting and construction, so your bathroom turns out exactly the way you imagined.
Request your consultation
If you’re ready to start your bathroom remodel, we can walk you through realistic pricing, design ideas and what to expect for your home in Wake County. Whether you’re updating a hall bath, modernizing a primary suite or refreshing a powder room, our team is here to help you build a space you’ll enjoy every day.
