What a Bathroom Remodel Really Costs in Denver (and Littleton) in 2025
Setting a realistic budget begins with understanding the local market. In 2025, the Denver metro continues to experience strong demand, higher labor rates, and longer lead times for specialty materials. For a standard 5×8 hall bath, a basic refresh with stock finishes often lands between $12,000 and $25,000. A mid-range remodel—new tub or walk-in shower, upgraded tile, quartz vanity top, quality fixtures—typically falls between $25,000 and $45,000. Upscale primary suites with custom tile work, frameless glass, built-in storage, and premium plumbing fixtures commonly reach $45,000 to $90,000+ depending on scope and square footage.
Think of it in cost-per-square-foot terms: typical ranges in the city span roughly $250 to $650 per square foot, higher for fully custom work. Labor in Denver generally runs higher than national averages, with skilled trades in the $85 to $150 per hour band. General contractor overhead and profit commonly add 15% to 25% to hard costs. Permits for bathroom projects in the City and County of Denver usually range $150 to $750, depending on mechanical, plumbing, and electrical scope.
Home age also matters. Many Denver bungalows and mid-century homes require upgrades to bring plumbing, ventilation, and electrical to current code. Reworking waste lines, adding GFCI/AFCI protection, and ensuring proper ventilation can add a few thousand dollars. Older homes may require abatement if lead paint or asbestos is suspected; set aside $500 to $3,000 for testing and remediation where applicable.
Local suburbs mirror these trends with slight variations. For average bathroom remodeling Littleton CO projects, costs broadly track Denver’s mid-range: $22,000 to $38,000 for a modest hall bath, $35,000 to $55,000 for a more design-forward space with superior tile, glass, and fixtures. Upscale primary baths with luxury shower systems, heated floors, and custom cabinetry can reach $60,000 to $85,000+ in Littleton and Highlands Ranch.
When planning, many homeowners start with a rough range and then refine scope during design. A key early question is simple: how much does a bathroom remodel cost denver co when the goal is durability and timeless finishes? In 2025, a smart planning target for mid-range quality is $30,000 to $45,000 for a typical secondary bath, with contingencies and allowances built in to handle surprises.
Line-Item Breakdown: Where the Money Goes in a Denver Bathroom Remodel
Budgets become clearer when broken down by category. Demolition and haul-off usually account for 2% to 5% of the total. Framing and drywall repairs run 5% to 8%, depending on wall tile height and any layout changes. Plumbing is often 10% to 20% of the budget; relocating drains or supply lines can add $1,000 to $3,000 per fixture. Electrical upgrades (lighting, GFCI, dedicated circuits, heated floors) typically land between 6% and 12%.
Waterproofing and tile are big drivers. Expect $18 to $40 per square foot for tile installation in Denver, plus the tile itself ($12 to $35 per square foot for quality porcelain and ceramic; stone costs more). A wet-area waterproofing package and shower pan might add $800 to $2,200. A custom, curbless shower requires additional prep and can increase labor by 20% to 40% for that zone. Frameless shower glass usually runs $1,100 to $2,800 depending on size and glass thickness.
Cabinetry and counters vary widely. A stock vanity might cost $900 to $1,800, while semi-custom sizes with plywood boxes and soft-close hardware range $1,800 to $3,500+. Quartz countertops generally price at $70 to $120 per square foot installed for bathroom-scale projects. Mirrors, medicine cabinets, and integrated storage add to both function and cost. For fixtures, reputable mid-tier brands offer shower systems and faucets that balance longevity and price; expect $1,500 to $3,500 for a tub/shower valve, rain head, handheld, and lav faucet set.
Flooring and finishes round out the budget. Porcelain tile flooring, thinset, and labor often total $1,400 to $3,200 in a typical bath. Electric radiant heat runs $16 to $28 per square foot installed. Paint and finishing touch-ups tend to be 2% to 5% of the project. Design fees and permits can be another 3% to 8%, depending on complexity and whether engineered drawings are needed for structural changes.
Don’t forget contingency. A prudent allowance of 10% to 15% covers concealed issues like water damage, framing corrections, or bringing old work up to today’s code. For projects in finished basements, moisture management and egress can shift priorities. Accessibility upgrades—wider doorways, blocking for grab bars, comfort-height toilets, and low-threshold showers—add modestly to cost but significantly to long-term livability.
To explore a deeper dive on the local market, compare ranges and scope details here: bathroom remodel cost denver. Using real numbers grounded in Front Range trades and supply conditions makes planning far more predictable.
Smart Budgeting, Timelines, and Real-World Front Range Examples
Planning for 2025 means building in lead time and clarity. Design and selections often take 2 to 4 weeks; ordering long-lead items like custom glass, specialty tile, or bespoke vanities can add another 2 to 6 weeks before construction begins. On-site work runs 3 to 8 weeks depending on size, layout changes, and inspection schedules. Projects with plumbing relocations and tiled showers naturally take longer than tub-to-tub swaps with standard surrounds.
Case Study 1: Urban Condo Refresh, Capitol Hill. Scope: keep the layout, replace tub with alcove tub, new 3×6 ceramic subway tile splash, quartz vanity top, updated lighting, LVP flooring outside bath area retained. Timeline: 3 weeks. Budget: $18,900. Key drivers: minimal plumbing changes, straightforward tile pattern, stock-width vanity. This illustrates a lower mid-tier project where maintaining layout and using readily available materials protects the budget.
Case Study 2: Family Hall Bath in Littleton. Scope: convert tub to tiled shower with niche and bench, quartz-top vanity with extra storage, upgraded ventilation, new LED lighting and GFCI protection, patterned porcelain floor tile. Timeline: 5 weeks. Budget: $34,800. Here, average bathroom remodeling Littleton CO costs reflect the region’s mid-range norms. The shower conversion, custom glass, and improved electrical plan are the key upgrades that push this above a basic refresh.
Case Study 3: Primary Suite in Southeast Denver. Scope: reconfigure for larger walk-in shower with dual valves, freestanding tub, semi-custom vanity with tower storage, heated floors, full-height porcelain slab panels in shower, designer fixtures. Timeline: 8 weeks. Budget: $74,500. Major drivers: layout changes, premium finishes, slab fabrication, and increased glass and waterproofing complexity. This is a typical modern-luxury profile in high-demand neighborhoods where material choices and craftsmanship elevate cost and long-term value.
Budgeting tips that work across the Front Range: structure contracts with clear allowances for tile, plumbing fixtures, and glass; lock selections early to avoid price creep; and phase purchasing to align with lead times. Ask about warranty terms for waterproofing systems and ensure inspections are sequenced to prevent delays. Plan a well-sized contingency—10% to 15%—and allocate first to water management and durable surfaces, then to aesthetic upgrades.
Considering adjacent projects helps with financial planning. A bedroom remodel in Denver cost typically ranges from $18,000 to $35,000 for cosmetic updates (flooring, paint, trim, lighting, closet systems), rising to $35,000 to $60,000+ when adding egress windows, built-ins, or structural changes. Pairing a bathroom and bedroom refresh in the same sequence can save on mobilization and reduce total downtime in the home.
For those asking, how much does a bathroom remodel cost Denver CO when ROI matters, mid-range bath remodels in the area generally recoup a solid portion at resale—often 55% to 67%—especially when the design emphasizes durable tile, efficient fixtures, and timeless finishes. Upgrades like low-flow valves, WaterSense toilets, and LED lighting add comfort while keeping utility costs in check. Thoughtful choices aligned with Denver’s climate and code help a 2025 remodel perform well for years to come.
Lahore architect now digitizing heritage in Lisbon. Tahira writes on 3-D-printed housing, Fado music history, and cognitive ergonomics for home offices. She sketches blueprints on café napkins and bakes saffron custard tarts for neighbors.