The Bathroom Renovation Budget Calculator takes the total amount you want to spend and splits it into spending categories — labor, vanity and cabinets, fixtures, plumbing, flooring, countertops, walls, lighting, doors and windows, and design or permits.
Bathroom Renovation Budget Calculator
Split a bathroom renovation budget into categories — labour, vanity, fixtures, plumbing, flooring and more — with a contingency reserve.
A contingency reserve comes off the top first for surprises like rot or old wiring; the rest is divided using a common remodel breakdown. Treat the percentages as a starting point and move money between lines to fit your plans.
Formula
Reserve = Budget × contingency
Category amount = (Budget − reserve) × category %
Budget Categories
| Category | Share of budget after contingency |
|---|---|
| Labor & installation | 20% |
| Vanity, cabinets & hardware | 16% |
| Fixtures (tub, shower, toilet, sink) | 15% |
| Faucets & plumbing | 14% |
| Flooring | 9% |
| Countertops | 7% |
| Walls & ceiling (tile, paint) | 5% |
| Lighting & ventilation | 5% |
| Doors & windows | 4% |
| Design, permits & other | 5% |
How the Calculation Works
Step 1: Enter your total budget and contingency percentage.
Step 2: The contingency is set aside.
Step 3: The rest is shared across categories by the percentages above.
Example Calculation
Given: $15,000 budget, 10% contingency
- Reserve = $1,500; remaining = $13,500
- Labor 20% = $2,700
- Vanity 16% = $2,160
- Fixtures 15% = $2,025
- Plumbing 14% = $1,890
- Flooring 9% = $1,215
- Countertops 7% = $945
- Walls, lighting and design 5% each = $675
- Doors & windows 4% = $540
Adjusting the Split
- A shower-only bathroom with lots of tile will shift money to walls and labor.
- DIY work shrinks the labor line and frees money for materials.
- Moving plumbing or walls raises plumbing and labor costs.
- Compare each category with real quotes; if one runs over, take the difference from another line rather than from the contingency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I budget for a bathroom renovation?
Set a total, reserve a contingency, then allocate the rest by category and check each against quotes.
What percentage of a bathroom remodel is labor?
It varies by project and region; this calculator starts with 20% of the post-contingency budget as a placeholder.
Why keep a contingency?
Opening walls and floors can reveal damage or code issues that must be fixed.
Can I change the percentages?
The calculator uses a fixed split; adjust the results manually to match your plans.
How do I estimate the total budget in the first place?
Use the Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator to estimate by size and finish level.