No More Guessing Games

People always ask me “What does a full bathroom remodel actually cost?” I decided to document my last complete gut job from start to finish with real receipts.

This was a 1920s row house master bathroom in South Philly — typical challenging old house with surprises.

A bathroom built right once is a bathroom you forget about. That’s the point. Here’s exactly what it took.

The Final Numbers

Total Project Cost: $18,742

Breakdown by Category:

Demolition & Disposal: $1,280
Subfloor & Structural Repairs: $2,340
Plumbing Rough-In: $1,890
Electrical: $980
Waterproofing & Backer: $1,450
Tile & Installation: $3,820
Fixtures (toilet, vanity, shower valve, etc.): $2,680
Lighting & Ventilation: $890
Painting & Finishing: $720
Misc & Contingency: $1,692

What Surprised Me

The subfloor repairs were more expensive than expected due to hidden rot from an old leak. That single issue added nearly $1,400.

Tile installation took longer than planned because of the out-of-square walls, but the end result was worth it.

Where We Saved Money

• Used quality but not luxury tile ($6.80/sq ft)

• Chose American Standard toilet instead of Toto

• Did some finish work ourselves (painting, accessories)

• Shopped materials through my supplier connections

Where We Invested More

• Proper waterproofing system (Kerdi)

• Quality shower valve and fixtures

• Structural repairs done right the first time

• Good ventilation fan

Lessons Learned from This Job

1. Always budget 15-20% contingency for old houses. We used most of it.

2. Order tile early — we had a small delay waiting for the accent pieces.

3. Document everything with photos during rough-in.

4. Test the shower pan before tiling. We caught a small issue early.

5. Communication with homeowners throughout the process prevents surprises.

Would I Do Anything Differently?

I would have done more invasive inspection of the subfloor earlier. That would have saved some stress (but not much money).

I’d also recommend the Toto for the master bath next time — the quiet flush is worth the upgrade in a primary space.

The Spreadsheet Philosophy

I keep detailed records on every job now. It helps me give better estimates to future clients and keeps me honest about where money actually goes.

The biggest takeaway: quality prep work and waterproofing are non-negotiable, even if they don’t show in the pretty final photos.

The pretty tile is the reward. The hidden work is the insurance policy.

Want My Template?

I’ll share more detailed spreadsheets in future posts. The key is tracking every category and receipt as you go. It prevents budget blowouts and gives you clear data for future projects.

What part of your remodel budget are you most worried about? Let me know and I’ll help you think through it realistically.