Guide
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Salt Lake City?
The 2025 Cost vs. Value Report puts a midrange bathroom remodel at $26,138 nationally, a universal-design (accessible) bathroom at $42,183, and an upscale bathroom at $81,612. A small bathroom that keeps its layout can come in under those figures. Moving plumbing, building a curbless shower, or adding a bathroom pushes the cost up quickly.
The published benchmarks, by quality tier
These are national averages for defined projects, published each year by the Journal of Light Construction.
| Project | What the scope assumes | Job cost | Resale value recouped |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bath remodel, midrange | Update an existing 5 by 7 ft bathroom: new tub and tile surround, toilet, vanity, lighting, flooring. | $26,138 | 80% |
| Bath remodel, universal design | Make an existing bathroom accessible: curbless shower, grab bars, wider door, comfort-height fixtures. | $42,183 | 61% |
| Bath remodel, upscale | Expand a bathroom to about 100 sq ft: tiled walk-in shower, freestanding tub, custom vanity, heated floor. | $81,612 | 42% |
| Bathroom addition, midrange | Add a full bathroom where none existed. | $60,645 | 53% |
Scope descriptions are paraphrased summaries; the report publishes the full definitions and local figures for 119 markets, including Salt Lake City.
Where Dobs Contracting fits
Most of our bathroom work sits in the upscale scope: tiled walk-in showers over a proper waterproofing system, natural stone, custom vanities, and built-in storage. Our crew sets the tile and does the finish; plumbing goes to a subcontractor we manage. Our projects typically begin at $25,000. A single small bathroom that keeps its layout may fall below that; we will tell you on the first call whether it is a fit for us or whether a bath specialist would serve you better.
What moves the price
- Moving the toilet, shower drain, or vanity. Drain lines are the expensive part, especially over a finished ceiling or on a slab.
- Shower construction. A tiled walk-in shower with a proper waterproofing system costs more than a tub and surround, and a curbless shower usually means reworking the floor.
- Tile. Large-format and natural stone tile take more labor and a flatter substrate.
- Ventilation and electrical. Older bathrooms often lack a properly vented exhaust fan or GFCI-protected circuits, which must be brought up to current code when the room is remodeled.
- Hidden damage. Slow leaks under tubs and toilets are common in older homes and are found at demolition.
- Custom vanities and built-in storage, which is where our finish carpentry comes in.
Permits for bathroom remodels
Salt Lake City lists bathroom and kitchen remodels that do not increase the number of plumbing fixtures as eligible for its Permit by Inspector program, a faster permit path. Adding a fixture, finishing a basement with a new bathroom, or doing exterior work in a local historic district is not eligible and goes through standard plan review. Other cities in the valley have their own rules; check with your city's building department.
Common questions
- How long does a bathroom remodel take?
- A full bathroom remodel commonly takes a few weeks of construction once materials are on site. Tile, glass, and vanity lead times are the usual schedule drivers, so long-lead items should be ordered before demolition.
- Can I keep using my bathroom during the remodel?
- Not the one being remodeled. If it is your only bathroom, tell us early so we can plan the sequence to keep the time without a working toilet as short as possible.
- Do bathroom remodels pay off at resale?
- By the 2025 national figures, a midrange bath remodel recouped about 80 percent of its cost and an upscale remodel about 42 percent. The value is mostly in using it.
Sources
- Journal of Light Construction, 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, national averages. Checked October 24, 2026.
- Salt Lake City Building Services, Permit by Inspector applicant guide (07-23). Checked October 24, 2026.