Bathroom Remodel Cost Estimates in Northwest Chicago Suburbs (2025 Guide)

The five main elements that impact the cost of any bathroom remodel are:

1. Shower & Tub Space
2. Tile Installation
3. Vanity & Storage
4. Hardware Fixtures
5. Lighting & Mirrors

These components influence labor, materials, and customization level, affecting the final estimate. Read more about these elements here.

Standard bathroom remodel estimates may exclude certain premium or optional upgrades such as:

• Smoke detectors

• Medicine cabinets

• 3/8” heavy glass doors

• Lighted mirrors

• Porcelain shower surrounds

• Lighted medicine cabinets

• Heated floors

• Entry or closet doors with hardware

• Closet systems

• Painting and staining services

Take a look at our clients’ favorite bathroom upgrades

Thinking about a bathroom update and want to explore what’s possible within your budget? We’d love to help you design smart, build efficiently, and love your new bath—without breaking the bank. 

Keeping the original bathroom layout helps avoid costly plumbing and electrical relocations. This approach typically lowers expenses, shortens project timelines, and minimizes construction disruptions. Thinking about minimizing layout changes for your bath remodel? Learn more about this approach here.

Several factors can increase the cost of your bath remodel.

1. The size and scope of the project are primary considerations; larger spaces and extensive renovations, such as layout changes or structural modifications, typically require more materials and labor.
2. Custom cabinetry, especially with built-in storage solutions, can add to expenses.
3. Tile choices, particularly specialty or intricate designs, may also raise costs due to higher material prices and the need for skilled installation.
4. Relocating plumbing fixtures necessitates licensed professionals, increasing labor costs.
5. Structural changes, like removing or altering walls, often involve additional work on flooring, electrical systems, and finishes.
6. Upgrading fixtures to premium options, such as rain showers or designer faucets, contributes to higher expenses.
7. Incorporating smart technology—like integrated mirrors, digital controls, or heated floors—enhances functionality but also adds to the overall investment.

To manage costs effectively, it’s advisable to prioritize your needs over wants early in the planning process and consult with experienced remodeling professionals to align your vision with your budget.

Cabinetry comes in several quality levels and with nearly endless options for style and finish. From builder-grade to semi-custom and fully custom cabinetry, this important element of your kitchen project may take up a large portion of your kitchen remodel investment. Read more here.

• Base-level cabinets (builder-grade) work best in smaller kitchens or situations where staying under budget is the top priority. They do the job, but they’re not necessarily built for longevity or personalization.
• Mid-level cabinetry (semi-custom) gives enough flexibility to create a unique, functional kitchen without jumping to fully custom pricing.  This level is where most projects land and many feel there is unparalleled, quantifiable value in semi-custom cabinetry. 
• Upper-level cabinetry often still falls within a semi-custom product line, but with more flexibility and luxury upgrades. It’s the ideal level if your kitchen is a long-term investment and you want both performance and polish, or if you have an exceptional design acumen and require a very high level of customization.

Custom storage solutions within cabinetry are in high demand, and it does cost more to include these features. Most design companies partner with an array of cabinet manufacturers who offer endless style and storage options to suit your exact needs, but those extra features can definitely drive your overall investment up.

Upgrading your shower or tub space often involves plumbing and electrical work. Popular options include:

• Freestanding tubs

• Steam showers

• Wet rooms

• Glass enclosures

• Built-in storage niches or benches

These choices significantly influence design, materials, and installation costs. If you’re wondering whether to install a bathtub or walk-in shower, you’re not alone. Read our comparison guide here. 

Both methods can lead to successful outcomes—it depends on your personality and comfort level with flexibility.

• If you have a firm financial cap, starting with a defined budget helps streamline the design process around clear limits. This may narrow your options in materials and layout, but doesn’t compromise on quality or aesthetics.
• On the other hand, if you want to explore various possibilities or tailor the design creatively, letting design shape the budget within a range allows for more innovation and flexibility for your vision to evolve.

At Advance Design Studio, we guide you through either path, helping you make informed choices that align with your priorities.

Bathroom remodeling estimates can vary widely due to several key factors that influence the final cost. These include:

• Material selections (tile, vanities, lighting, hardware, etc.)

• The scope of work (cosmetic updates vs. full gut remodels)

• Layout changes that may require plumbing or electrical work

• Custom features like heated floors, built-in niches, or specialty tile

• The remodeling process and experience of the team you partner with

An estimate is exactly that—a preliminary approximation. Only after your bathroom is fully designed, with every selection made and all labor priced, can you receive a true, accurate project quote. Learn more here.

Working with an experienced design-build remodeling team ensures that you’re guided through every decision, with transparency and no pressure—just expert advice that aligns with your home goals and your budget.

Follow these essential steps to prepare effectively:

• Clear the Bathroom: Remove all items including toiletries, towels, and decor. Label and store them for easy unpacking.

• Mark What to Keep: Clearly tag fixtures you want saved and inform your contractor before demolition.

• Set Up a Backup Bathroom: Use another bathroom or arrange a temporary setup with your contractor.

• Protect Nearby Areas: Secure fragile items, prepare dust barriers, and designate on-site storage.

• Prepare Family & Pets: Use noise control for kids and keep pets safely away from the work zone.

• Plan Site Access: Share entry codes or provide a lockbox and keep communication open with your team.

• Ensure Utilities Are Available: Make water, electricity, and restrooms accessible for the crew.

• Label Owner-Provided Materials: Have all materials on-site and clearly marked before work starts.

• Clear Parking Areas: Reserve space for deliveries and contractor parking.

• Schedule Cleaning: Clean during and after construction to manage dust and debris.

Tip: Stay engaged throughout and ask questions—your dream bathroom starts with a well-prepared plan! Check out our full guide here.