The Ranges (and Why They Vary)
In Rockville, a basic bathroom refresh — new vanity, toilet, fixtures, paint — runs $5,000–$12,000. A full gut remodel of a standard bathroom (tile, shower replacement, new vanity, new exhaust) typically runs $18,000–$38,000. A primary bath with a walk-in tile shower, soaking tub, and double vanity can reach $45,000–$65,000+. The variation isn't arbitrary — it comes down to three cost drivers: layout changes, tile scope, and moisture remediation.
Layout Changes Are the Biggest Cost Driver
Moving your toilet or shower to a different wall requires re-routing drain lines and supply lines in your subfloor or slab. In a slab-on-grade home, this means saw-cutting concrete — which adds $2,000–$5,000 to a project that otherwise wouldn't need it. If you can keep your fixtures in the same locations and just upgrade finishes, your costs stay predictable.
Tile Scope
Floor-to-ceiling tile in a shower costs roughly twice as much as a tile shower to 72 inches. Large-format tile (24x24 or 12x24) costs more to install than standard mosaic because it requires more precise substrate leveling. Decorative inserts, niches, and custom patterns add both labor and material cost. None of this is wrong — it's just the source of most cost surprises when a homeowner chooses finishes before seeing the detailed estimate.
“We thought our bathroom would be $15,000. Elias found mold behind the shower wall during demo — which added $3,500 for remediation. They'd warned us this was possible. We still came in under our contingency. — David R., Woodley Gardens”
The Contingency Rule
Always budget 15–20% above your written estimate for bathroom remodels. The most common discoveries — mold, failed waterproofing, corroded supply lines, missing blocking — only appear after demo. A contractor who doesn't mention contingency in the initial conversation is not doing you a favor.