If you're planning a bathroom remodel in Lancaster in 2025, one of the first questions you’re likely asking is, “How much is a bathroom remodel?”
One would hope this question could be answered with some basic research. Unfortunately, as with kitchen remodeling costs, getting a quick, accurate estimate for the cost of a bathroom remodel can be tricky.
Understanding the local bathroom remodeling costs before diving into your project is essential for making informed decisions and setting a realistic budget.
At McLennan Contracting, we understand how overwhelming the remodeling process can be, especially when it comes to budgeting. Our team is here to help you transform your bathroom into a beautiful, functional space that suits your lifestyle and needs.
The cost of a bathroom remodel in Lancaster varies widely depending on the size, scope of work, quality of materials, and location. Based on current data, the average cost of a bathroom remodel in Lancaster ranges from $20,000 to $80,000. For smaller-scale bathroom facelifts, you can expect to pay around $15,000 to $25,000. On the other hand, high-end bathroom renovations featuring luxury finishes and custom features can exceed $200,000.
On average, bathroom remodel costs in Lancaster range from $250 to $700 per square foot. Smaller bathrooms will generally be on the lower end of this range, while larger, luxury bathrooms will fall on the higher end.
Perhaps you've heard the time management analogy about fitting rocks in a jar. This word picture, with a twist, can also be helpful when considering the cost of remodeling a bathroom.
Imagine that the elements of your bathroom remodel are a collection rocks that vary in size. You need to fit all of these rocks into a jar. The jar represents your remodeling budget.
The size of the rocks you select will depend upon the size of your jar. In some cases, you might choose to be chisel a particular rock to a smaller size. Or, if you have extra room in your jar, you might swap out one rock for another of its kind, but in a larger size. (This process of chiseling and swapping rocks is the design process.)
So, how much should a bathroom remodel cost? It depends on your rocks and the size of your jar. Are you in love with the latest bathroom remodeling trends and willing to take up some extra room in your jar to get them? Or is it more important to you to keep your rocks small and not max out the space in your jar?
Several of these "rocks" that impact the cost of a bathroom remodel in Lancaster, include:
Scope of the Lancaster Bathroom Remodel: Are you doing a basic facelift, a mid-range renovation, or a high-end remodel? A simple facelift, such as updating fixtures, repainting, or changing the vanity, will be far more affordable than a complete overhaul that includes layout changes, structural modifications, or luxury additions. High-end remodels that involve moving plumbing lines or upgrading electrical systems will always be on the higher end of the price range.
Age of Home: Since building practices and standards have changed over the years, older homes can present a number of challenges for bathroom remodeling. These homes, even when solidly built, are often out of plumb, level, and square. Their framing specifications and substructure were built differently than they are today. Staircases, hallways, and openings tend to be narrower. All of these factors affect the installation of modern building materials. Due to substructure movement, a new tile floor may require a reinforced subfloor. Due to narrow joist spacing, a freestanding tub drain assembly may require modification to accommodate its width. These alterations require additional labor and materials, which affect the cost of a bathroom remodel.
Materials: The quality of materials you choose for your bathroom renovation has a significant impact on costs. Stock vanities, standard tiles, and prefabricated showers are generally less expensive but may lack durability or aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, custom cabinetry, marble or quartz countertops, luxury tiles, and high-end fixtures will raise the overall price but can enhance the functionality and beauty of your bathroom.
Labor: Labor costs include skilled professionals such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, tile installers, and designers. The more complex your project, the higher the labor cost. Hiring qualified professionals ensures the work is done correctly and safely but will increase your overall expenses.
Bathroom Size: The size of your bathroom is a major factor in determining costs. Larger bathrooms require more materials, fixtures, and time to complete. Additionally, if you’re expanding the space by knocking down walls or adding square footage, this will add significantly to the total cost.
Appliances and Fixtures: High-end fixtures such as rain showers, soaking tubs, steam showers, smart toilets, and custom vanities contribute heavily to the cost of your remodel. Choosing between standard and luxury-grade appliances can mean the difference between staying within budget and overspending.
Permits and Compliance: If your bathroom remodel involves structural changes, plumbing, or electrical work, you will need permits to ensure everything meets local building codes. The cost of obtaining these permits, along with any required inspections, will add to your total expenses.
Custom vs. Stock: Custom cabinetry and built-ins are designed to fit your specific space and preferences, providing a tailored look that’s unmatched by stock options. However, this customization comes at a higher price compared to prefabricated or semi-custom choices.
Unexpected Issues: Remodeling often reveals hidden problems such as water damage, outdated wiring, or mold. Addressing these issues is essential for safety and functionality but will increase your budget.
Change Orders: Making changes to the project scope after construction has begun can drastically affect costs. Even seemingly small adjustments can require significant time and resources, adding to the overall expense.
Location: Just as cost of living differs across the country, the cost of a bathroom remodel is affected by where you live. A bathroom remodel in urban Seattle is going to cost more than an identical remodel in rural Virginia. Local labor rates, licensing requirements, overhead costs, and material prices impact every remodeling company’s cost of doing business, and therefore their pricing structure.
The Company You Choose: Working with an experienced and reputable company like McLennan Contracting provides assurance of quality workmanship and a streamlined process. Investing in a trusted contractor can help prevent costly mistakes and ensure your project is completed to your satisfaction.
The following elements can significantly impact your bathroom remodeling budget:
Even in a relatively small service area like Lancaster County, there can be location-based pricing impacts. Here are some examples of cost considerations for a few of our favorite places to remodel in Lancaster.
Lancaster City is an historic, charming community that has seen a steady rise in restorations and remodels in recent years. However, there are unique challenges to remodeling in Lancaster City that impact the cost of a bathroom remodel.
Many of the homes in and around downtown Lancaster City were built before standardized building practices and the large-scale manufacturing of sheet goods. As a result, they were not constructed for accessibility, and installation of today's modern materials usually involves more than a simple 1:1 replacement. In addition, older homes more often require special, OSHA- and EPA-compliant handling of lead paint, asbestos, and silica.
Logistics also affect the cost of remodeling in Lancaster City. Parking close to the job site (often requiring permits), being able to easily access tools and equipment, setting up workspaces outside the home, storing materials on-site...these are all more challenging within the confines of a city.
For all of these reasons, among others, the cost to remodel in Lancaster City may be as much as 15%-20% higher than in some Lancaster suburbs.
Manheim Township has earned a reputation for having some of the more stringent building code requirements in Lancaster County. While some may see this as an impediment, McLennan Contracting has always appreciated the standard of excellence, and we enjoy working within Manheim Township.
Manheim Township is a community of relatively new homes (constructed in the 1980s and later), built in compliance with standard practices. Most neighborhoods are laid out in a way that provides convenient access to vehicles, equipment, and materials. Manheim Township also offers an over-the-counter mechanical permit, so for projects that don't involve structural or zoning changes, this permit makes for a simplified process.
While many of the remodels in Manheim Township are at a higher price point due to project scale (i.e. additions and whole-home remodels vs. a single bathroom remodel), the cost-effectiveness of these projects tends to be among the best in Lancaster County.
Lititz is without question one of the most delightful communities in Lancaster. Its historic downtown, tree-lined streets, and warm-hearted residents make it not only a local favorite, but a much-loved destination for out-of-state visitors.
Remodeling in Lititz and surrounding Warwick Township is a blend of challenges and benefits. On the challenging side, downtown Lititz shares many of the logistical considerations of Lancaster City—older homes requiring special building practices and customizations, plus limited parking and accessibility. These elements can add as much as 10% to the cost of a Lititz bathroom remodel.
However, outside of the main streets, Lititz and its outlying neighborhoods are similar to Manheim Township—newer homes, with ample space to handle the logistics of a remodel. This makes broader Lititz another cost-effective area to remodel in Lancaster.
With a majority of its neighborhoods at prime remodeling age (1980s construction or newer), Leola is high on our list of cost-effective communities for remodeling. And with its growing popularity among Lancaster natives and new residents, it's also a great candidate for high remodeling ROI (return-on-investment).
Generally speaking, the logistical convenience of remodeling in Leola tends to put it at the lower end of our average price range for bathroom remodels (though, of course project scope and finishes have the final say in where project costs will fall).
You've probably noticed the most common factors that impact bathroom remodel costs and pricing on a neighborhood level—(1) age of home, and (2) logistics. While there are always exceptions, you can apply these same principles to the other wonderful communities in Lancaster—such as Strasburg, Millersville, Hempfield, Landisville, Manheim, and more. Towns, especially historic districts, will tend to be at a higher price point, while more recently constructed suburban neighborhoods will require fewer logistical expenses.
Investing in a bathroom remodel in Lancaster can offer a strong return on investment. Homeowners can typically recoup 50% to 70% of their remodeling costs upon selling their home. Additionally, a beautiful, functional bathroom enhances daily living and adds value to your home.
Zonda—a highly respected research group specializing in the housing industry—creates an annual Cost vs. Value report, which is published every year in Remodeling Magazine. This report provides national averages for common remodeling projects, along with localized regional averages.
You may have noticed that the difference between “Midrange” and “Upscale” in Zonda’s report is significant. For all the reasons listed earlier in this post, it can be deceptive to put too much emphasis on a single number.
For example, some budget-conscious homeowners might be interested in simply updating the cosmetic elements of their bathroom, rather than replacing all of the finishes. We call this a bathroom "refresh," and these projects typically fall below the Cost vs. Value numbers.
It's also important to consider recognize how much ground the "midrange" category really covers. Our bathroom remodeling portfolio shows a selection of the Midrange and Upscale bathrooms we've built since 2003. In our experience, the term “Midrange”—perhaps more than any other category—encompasses a broad range of products and features.
To provide a little extra guidance on this topic, we have created our own Lancaster Home Remodeling Cost Guide. In this guide, we've provided Zonda's Cost vs. Value averages, some information about bathroom refreshes, and broken down the bathroom Midrange category into three subcategories: Midrange Economy, Midrange Designer, and Midrange Premium.
Midrange Economy bathrooms, like Sam and Kelly's Manheim Township bathroom remodel, typically consist of stock cabinetry and countertops, quality fixtures, an acrylic or fiberglass tub/shower, painted walls, and LVT or similar flooring.
Midrange Designer bathrooms, like Kim's Lititz Bathroom Remodel, usually retain the bathroom's existing layout or include minor reconfigurations. Stock or semi-custom cabinetry, fresh finishes and paints, upgraded countertops, and inspired fixtures are common, and Designer Midrange remodels include a wide variety of options.
Midrange Premium bathrooms, like Alyson & Brian's Lampeter-Strasburg Primary Suite Remodel, may consist of a reconfiguration of the bathroom layout, with upgraded finishes like tile and glass shower enclosures. A Premium Midrange budget is highly versatile, allowing homeowners to consider a broad variety of finish options and design a luxurious, high-value bathroom.
Our cost guide includes the average price of a bathroom remodel in Lancaster based on these subcategories and the common features associated with each.
At McLennan Contracting, we’re committed to providing a seamless remodeling experience for homeowners in Lancaster. Our design-build process ensures your project stays on track, on budget, and meets your expectations. We take pride in our craftsmanship, transparent communication, and dedication to customer satisfaction.
Understanding the cost of a bathroom remodel in Lancaster is the first step toward achieving the bathroom of your dreams. Whether you’re looking for a basic update or a luxury transformation, McLennan Contracting is here to help every step of the way. Contact us today to discuss your bathroom remodeling project and get started on creating the perfect space.