How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Miami or Broward?

Bathroom remodels are deceptively complex for their size. A small room packs in plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, ventilation, and finish work — all of which need to function flawlessly in a wet environment. Here's what South Florida homeowners can realistically expect to spend in 2026.

The Three Tiers of Bathroom Remodels

Refresh / Cosmetic Update: $8,000 to $18,000

Keeps the existing layout and plumbing locations. Includes new vanity, toilet, fixtures, tile (floor and/or shower surround), lighting, and paint. Good for bathrooms that are dated but functionally sound. Timeline: 1 to 3 weeks.

Mid-Range Remodel: $18,000 to $40,000

Typically includes a full gut to the studs, new tile throughout, new vanity and countertop, new tub or shower (possibly converting a tub to a walk-in shower), updated plumbing fixtures, new ventilation fan, and updated electrical (GFCI outlets, new lighting). Layout generally stays the same, though some fixture repositioning within the existing footprint is common. Timeline: 4 to 7 weeks including permitting.

High-End / Full Reconfiguration: $40,000 to $80,000+

Involves changing the bathroom's layout — moving the toilet, relocating the shower, expanding the footprint into adjacent space, custom tile work, frameless glass shower enclosures, heated flooring, and premium fixtures. Often includes primary suite bathrooms with double vanities, soaking tubs, and large-format tile installations. Timeline: 8 to 12 weeks including permitting and potential structural or plumbing rerouting.

What Drives Cost

Plumbing relocation — This is the single biggest cost driver in bathroom remodels. Keeping fixtures in their existing locations keeps costs down. Moving a toilet, shower, or tub to a new location requires rerouting drain and supply lines, which can add $2,000 to $8,000 depending on the distance and whether it involves slab penetration (common in South Florida's concrete block construction).

Waterproofing — Proper waterproofing membrane systems behind tile, particularly in showers, are critical in South Florida's humid climate. Skimping here leads to mold and structural damage down the line. Quality waterproofing adds modest cost but is one area where cutting corners causes the most expensive long-term problems.

Tile — Tile work is typically priced by the square foot for materials plus labor. Standard tile installation runs $10 to $25 per square foot installed; larger format tile, mosaic patterns, and natural stone increase that to $20 to $50+ per square foot. Intricate patterns and herringbone layouts increase labor cost significantly due to the additional cutting and layout time required.

Shower enclosures — A standard framed glass shower door runs $400 to $900 installed. Frameless glass enclosures, popular in higher-end South Florida remodels, run $1,200 to $3,000+ depending on size and configuration.

Vanities and countertops — Stock vanities start around $500 to $1,500. Custom vanities with quartz or stone countertops run $2,000 to $6,000+.

Ventilation — Florida Building Code requires proper bathroom ventilation. A code-compliant exhaust fan installation, including any necessary ductwork to the exterior, typically adds $300 to $800.

South Florida-Specific Considerations

Slab construction — Most South Florida homes are built on concrete slab foundations rather than basements or crawlspaces. Relocating plumbing fixtures often requires cutting into the slab — a more invasive (and costlier) process than rerouting plumbing in a home with a crawlspace or basement access. This is one reason South Florida bathroom remodels involving layout changes tend to cost more than equivalent projects in other parts of the country.

Humidity management — Proper exhaust ventilation isn't optional in South Florida's climate — without it, mold and mildew become problems quickly. Code requirements for bathroom ventilation should be treated as a baseline, not a maximum.

Permitting — Any bathroom remodel involving plumbing relocation, electrical changes, or structural modifications requires a permit in Miami-Dade and Broward. Cosmetic-only updates (same fixture locations, no electrical changes) may not require a permit, but verify with your contractor.

What Homeowners Commonly Underestimate

Hidden water damage. Bathrooms are one of the most common places to discover hidden problems once demolition begins — water-damaged subfloor, deteriorated framing around tub or shower areas, or improperly installed prior plumbing work. A contingency of 10% to 20% above the contracted price is wise for any bathroom remodel, especially in homes over 20 years old.

Lead times on custom items. Frameless glass enclosures, custom vanities, and specialty tile often have 4 to 8 week lead times that can extend your project timeline beyond the construction schedule itself.

The cost of doing it twice. Bathroom remodels are one area where cutting costs on waterproofing or plumbing quality to save money upfront often leads to far more expensive repairs within a few years. This is a project where investing in quality materials and skilled installation pays for itself.

Getting an Accurate Estimate

Because so much of bathroom remodel cost depends on whether fixtures are being relocated and what's discovered once walls are opened, an accurate estimate requires an in-person assessment, not a generic online calculator.

Kinetic Construction provides detailed, itemized bathroom remodel estimates throughout Miami-Dade and Broward. Call us at (954) 639-2154 or visit kineticconstructionusa.com to schedule a free consultation.