If you're planning a bathroom renovation in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, or anywhere on the Eastside, the number-one question is always: what's this going to cost me? The honest answer depends on your bathroom's size, your material choices, and how much of it you're changing — but we can give you real numbers based on hundreds of projects we've completed across King County.
| Scope | Estimated Cost | What's Typically Included |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Refresh | $5,000 – $15,000 | New fixtures, vanity, mirror, paint, lighting, accessories |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $18,000 – $45,000 | New tile, shower/tub replacement, vanity, flooring, plumbing updates |
| Full Primary Bath Gut | $50,000 – $90,000+ | Layout changes, walk-in shower, heated floors, custom tile, premium fixtures |
Seattle labor costs run 15–25% higher than the national average. Factor this in when comparing quotes you find online or from out-of-state sources.
Tile is the biggest variable in any bathroom remodel. Large-format tiles, custom patterns, or floor-to-ceiling shower tile all significantly increase both material and labor costs. In the Seattle market, tile installation runs $15–$35 per square foot installed, depending on complexity.
Moving the toilet, shower, or sink to a new location requires opening walls and floors and rerouting pipes. This alone can add $3,000–$8,000 to your project. If you can keep plumbing in the same footprint, you'll save significantly.
Converting a tub to a walk-in shower is one of the most popular requests we get — and for good reason. It opens up the space and is highly desirable for resale. Expect to add $2,000–$6,000 for a proper shower conversion with tile walls and a custom pan.
A stock vanity from a home improvement store might cost $400. A custom double vanity with quartz countertop can run $3,500–$7,000. The Eastside market tends to favor higher-end finishes, and it shows in resale value.
Any structural work, electrical upgrades, or plumbing changes in Seattle require permits. Permit costs typically run $500–$2,000 depending on scope. Always work with a contractor who pulls permits — unpermitted work creates problems when you sell.
Not every upgrade has the same return. Here's where to put your money in the Seattle market:
Most mid-range bathroom remodels in Seattle take 2–4 weeks from demo to final walkthrough. Full gut remodels with layout changes can take 5–8 weeks. The biggest delays come from tile back-orders and permit processing — both of which we manage proactively so your project stays on schedule.
In Seattle and King County, permits are required when you're making structural changes, moving plumbing, or upgrading electrical. A straight cosmetic refresh (new vanity, paint, fixtures) typically doesn't require a permit. When in doubt, ask your contractor — a reputable one will always tell you the truth about what requires a permit rather than skipping it to save time.
At Wanaka Remodeling, we handle all permitting in-house. You won't need to navigate the city yourself — we take care of it start to finish.
Online cost calculators give you ballparks, but the only way to get an accurate number is an in-home visit. Every bathroom is different — older homes in Seattle often have surprises behind the walls (outdated plumbing, moisture damage, non-standard framing) that need to be factored in upfront.
We provide detailed, itemized estimates at no charge. No vague "starting at" numbers — you'll know exactly what you're paying for before we touch a thing.
We'll come to your home, assess the space, and give you a transparent quote — no pressure, no obligation. Serving Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and the Eastside.
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