A bathroom remodel in Alpharetta can run from a simple cosmetic refresh to a full gut with a new layout, and the total depends almost entirely on what you touch. Swapping a vanity and flooring in the existing footprint costs far less than moving a drain or converting a tub to a curbless shower. Because scope varies so much from house to house, the only reliable number comes from a written, itemized proposal. A free consultation is the fastest way to see where your project actually lands.
What actually drives the cost
Three things move a bathroom budget more than anything else.
- Layout changes. Moving a toilet flange, relocating a drain, or widening a doorway means opening walls and rerouting plumbing.
- Waterproofing method. A sheet membrane and a liquid-applied membrane behave differently, and a shower pan needs roughly a 1/4-inch slope per foot to drain correctly.
- Material grade. Porcelain, natural stone, and vinyl plank sit at very different price points, and tile size changes labor time too.
Three common scope tiers
Most Alpharetta bathroom projects fall into one of these categories. Where you land shapes everything else.
| Scope tier | What’s included | What drives the range |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | New vanity, toilet, paint, and flooring in the existing footprint | Fixture grade, flooring material, no plumbing moves |
| Mid-range remodel | Tub-to-shower conversion or new tile shower, new floor, updated lighting | Waterproofing method, tile layout, glass enclosure |
| Full gut with layout change | Moved plumbing, wider doorway, curbless shower, new subfloor | Plumbing relocation, structural work, permit and inspection time |
Where flooring fits in
Floors are one of the easier line items to price accurately. In a bathroom that’s already gutted, with a level subfloor and nothing left to move, LVP typically runs $5-12 per square foot installed, though the final number depends on subfloor prep, material grade, and access — a free consultation confirms your actual figure. Many homeowners choose porcelain tile instead for a wet-area feel. Either way, our flooring installation cost guide breaks down what changes that range. For a broader look at pricing across the house, our flooring cost hub covers other rooms too.
Layout changes and plumbing
Converting a tub to a walk-in shower is the single biggest driver of scope creep. Moving a drain a few inches can mean breaking into a slab or a joist bay, and that work has to finish before any waterproofing or tile goes in. A code-compliant bathroom doorway typically needs at least 32 inches of clear width, and that alone can trigger framing changes in older homes. If you’re weighing a shower conversion, our bathroom and shower remodeling page walks through what that project involves.
Timeline
Most mid-range bathroom remodels run 10 to 15 working days once demo starts. Tile setting adds time too — grout typically needs 24 to 48 hours of cure before grouting, and grout itself needs a few more days before regular water exposure. A full gut with a layout change can run 3 to 5 weeks, especially if plumbing has to be rerouted or a permit inspection is required mid-project.
Getting an accurate number
A phone estimate isn’t worth much for a bathroom. Too many variables hide behind the walls. A free consultation lets us walk the space, check the subfloor, and note anything that adds labor before we write a number down. Every proposal comes itemized in writing, so you know exactly what you’re paying for line by line. If you’re also updating a kitchen or refinishing floors elsewhere, one crew and one contract can cover the whole project — see our whole-home remodeling services for that scope. And if you already have a comparable written quote for the same materials, we’ll beat it by 5%. We work throughout Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Duluth, and Johns Creek; check our service area page for details near you.
Frequently asked questions
Does a bathroom remodel cost more than a kitchen remodel?
It depends on scope. A small bathroom with a layout change can cost more per square foot than a cosmetic kitchen update, because plumbing and waterproofing add labor that kitchens don’t require.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A mid-range remodel usually takes 10 to 15 working days. A full gut with a layout change can stretch to 3 to 5 weeks.
What adds the most cost to a bathroom remodel?
Moving plumbing and changing the layout add more cost than almost anything else. Fixture grade and flooring material matter, but they move the number far less.
Can I get an exact price before work starts?
Yes. A free consultation lets us assess the space and provide an itemized written proposal before any work begins.
Ready to see what your bathroom project actually costs? Book a free consultation or call 470-352-1156 for an itemized proposal.