If you’ve ever looked into remodeling your bathroom, you’ve probably noticed just how confusing the pricing can be. Some say a small bathroom is always cheaper, others claim you’ll get every penny back when you sell, and still others insist DIY is the best way to save. With so many “rules of thumb” floating around, it’s hard to know what’s fact and what’s just another myth.
At Custom Built, we’ve guided Michigan families through hundreds of bathroom remodels. We understand the frustration that comes from unclear quotes, misleading expectations, and hidden costs. That’s why we believe homeowners deserve straightforward answers: because your bathroom remodel should bring peace of mind, not financial surprises.
In this article, we’ll break down the ten most common bathroom remodel cost myths and reveal the truths behind them, so you can plan with confidence and make the best decisions for your home and family:
- Myth 1: A Bathroom Remodel Should Cost About the Same Everywhere
- Myth 2: Small Bathrooms Are Always Cheaper to Remodel
- Myth 3: Going With Budget Materials Will Save the Most Money
- Myth 4: DIY Remodeling Is the Best Way to Save Money
- Myth 5: A Remodel Automatically Increases Your Home’s Value
- Myth 6: The Price You See on the Quote Is the Final Cost
- Myth 7: You Can Get a High-End Remodel Done Quickly and Cheaply
- Myth 8: Luxury Features Always Cost Too Much
- Myth 9: Permits and Inspections Are Just Extra, Unnecessary Expenses
- Myth 10: Any Contractor Can Deliver the Same Quality for the Same Price
Myth 1: A Bathroom Remodel Should Cost About the Same Everywhere
The Truth:
Bathroom remodeling prices are highly localized. What you see on national averages or home improvement TV shows rarely reflects Michigan’s market. Beyond location, your contractor’s process and service level also play a major role in the final price.
The key is to evaluate estimates based on your area, your project goals, and the builder you’ve chosen, not on generic benchmarks.
Why This Matters:
- Remodel costs vary by region, contractor type, and material availability.
- Two identical bathrooms can have drastically different costs depending on labor rates and local codes.
- Assuming “one price fits all” can set unrealistic expectations and lead to frustration when quotes differ.
Myth 2: Small Bathrooms Are Always Cheaper to Remodel
The Truth:
A small bathroom can be just as expensive as a larger one, depending on the materials and fixtures you choose. Builder-grade finishes will keep costs down, but if you opt for custom cabinetry or high-end tile, size doesn’t matter as much. The quality of what you install and the skill of the contractor will ultimately dictate your investment.
Why This Matters:
- While less square footage means fewer materials, the fixtures, finishes, and labor costs don’t always shrink.
- Premium vanities, tile, or plumbing can push the price of a small bathroom as high as, or higher than, a larger one.
- Relying on size alone can create unrealistic budget expectations.
Myth 3: Going With Budget Materials Will Save the Most Money
The Truth:
Budget materials have their place, like in kids’ bathrooms, where you expect to remodel again in 10 years. But in a primary suite or “forever home,” investing in higher-quality finishes pays off with longevity, beauty, and return-on-investment (ROI). A skilled contractor can also help you choose the right mix of cost-effective and premium materials to balance value and durability.
Why This Matters:
- Low-cost materials may not hold up under heavy use, leading to earlier replacements and higher long-term costs.
- Bathrooms near high-traffic areas, like basements or kids’ spaces, are especially prone to wear.
- Cutting corners now may force another remodel much sooner.
Myth 4: DIY Remodeling Is the Best Way to Save Money
The Truth:
DIY can work for simple cosmetic updates, but a full remodel involves plumbing, electrical, and structural details you might not anticipate. Professionals bring experience, tools, and problem-solving skills that protect your investment and your safety. Spending more upfront often saves money, stress, and time in the long run.
Why This Matters:
- A DIY project can quickly become more expensive if mistakes happen.
- Hidden issues like moisture damage or electrical hazards are common in bathrooms and dangerous to tackle without expertise.
- Hiring a pro to fix DIY errors often costs more than having the work done right the first time.
Myth 5: A Remodel Automatically Increases Your Home’s Value
The Truth:
A bathroom remodel can boost home value and make it easier to sell your property, but the return varies. Sometimes you may recoup most of your investment, while in other cases the value lies in buyer interest and a faster sale. A remodeling professional or realtor can help you set realistic expectations for ROI in your specific market.
Why This Matters:
- Remodeling adds appeal but doesn’t guarantee a dollar-for-dollar return.
- ROI depends on your neighborhood, the rest of your home, and local real estate trends.
- Expecting a remodel to “pay for itself” may lead to disappointment.
Myth 6: The Price You See on the Quote Is the Final Cost
The Truth:
A fixed-price estimate after selections is your best safeguard against surprises. While unexpected discoveries can still impact cost, a clear contract ensures the only increases come from material changes or hidden issues uncovered during the remodel. Choosing a transparent, reputable contractor minimizes financial surprises.
Why This Matters:
- Some contractors use allowances that don’t reflect actual product prices.
- Unforeseen issues (like outdated plumbing) can increase costs during construction.
- Assuming a quote is “locked in” may cause stress when changes arise.
Myth 7: You Can Get a High-End Remodel Done Quickly and Cheaply
The Truth:
Luxury bathrooms require both time and investment. Material availability, inspection schedules, and the level of craftsmanship all affect timelines. While an efficient contractor can streamline the process, a remodel that’s both fast and cheap usually means corners are being cut, at your expense later.
Why This Matters:
- High-end finishes often require special orders and longer lead times.
- Inspections, approvals, and municipal schedules can delay projects beyond the contractor’s control.
- Rushing quality work risks costly mistakes or safety concerns.
Myth 8: Luxury Features Always Cost Too Much
The Truth:
Luxury doesn’t always mean unaffordable. Many materials, like quartz or porcelain, mimic marble at a fraction of the price while offering easier maintenance. Working with a design-build firm gives you access to a wide range of suppliers, helping you find looks you love at prices that fit your budget.
Why This Matters:
- Homeowners often assume high-end style is out of reach.
- Without exploring options, you may miss out on affordable alternatives to premium looks.
- Overlooking this can keep you from designing the bathroom you truly want.
Myth 9: Permits and Inspections Are Just Extra, Unnecessary Expenses
The Truth:
Permits and inspections are safeguards, not red tape. They ensure electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work meets safety standards.
If something goes wrong, having the proper approvals protects you and your home. A reputable contractor will always insist on pulling the right permits.
Why This Matters:
- Skipping permits may leave you exposed to safety hazards and liability issues.
- Insurance may not cover unpermitted work if problems arise later.
- Unlicensed or uninsured contractors who avoid inspections put your home at risk.
Myth 10: Any Contractor Can Deliver the Same Quality for the Same Price
The Truth:
The contractor you choose directly impacts your bathroom’s quality, cost, and overall experience. Look for a licensed, insured professional with a strong reputation, proven experience, and references you can trust. The right contractor doesn’t just complete a remodel; they deliver a bathroom that lasts.
Why This Matters:
- Not all licensed contractors bring the same skill, reputation, or craftsmanship.
- Poor-quality work can lead to expensive fixes or an unsatisfying finished product.
- Assuming all contractors are equal risks your project’s success.
Next Steps to Remodeling Your Bathroom
Bathroom remodel costs can feel confusing, especially when myths and half-truths get in the way of clear planning.
Now you know what’s fact and what’s fiction, from the realities of contractor quality to the truth about ROI, materials, and timelines. With this clarity, you can approach your remodel with realistic expectations and better decision-making.
At Custom Built, our goal is to guide Michigan homeowners through every step of the remodeling journey with honesty, expertise, and high-quality craftsmanship.
If you’re considering a bathroom remodel, explore our Learning Center for more cost insights or connect with our team to start planning your project today.
Now that you know more about bathroom remodel cost myths, let’s explore the first step of your project with Custom Built, how much your bathroom will cost, and the factors that influence that final price:
- What is a Discovery Call with Custom Built? - This article details what your first call with Custom Built looks like as you start planning your remodel.
- How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Lansing, Michigan? - Discover accurate price ranges for your potential bathroom remodeling project.
- 10 Factors That Affect the Cost of Bathroom Remodels - Learn more about the details that impact the cost of your bathroom remodel before you sign on the dotted line.
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