Bathroom remodels range from a $3,000 vanity swap to a $40,000 master bath gut job. The number that applies to your project depends on size, scope, and one critical factor: waterproofing. In Northwest Alabama, we see a lot of bathrooms that were "remodeled" without proper waterproofing — and they cost the homeowner far more in water damage than the original remodel saved. Here's an honest breakdown.
Bathroom remodel cost ranges in Northwest Alabama (2025)
- Cosmetic refresh (vanity, mirror, fixtures, paint): $2,500–$6,000
- Small full bath remodel (under 50 sq ft, no layout change): $8,000–$16,000
- Guest bath remodel (tile, vanity, tub/shower surround): $12,000–$22,000
- Master bath full renovation (demo to studs, custom shower): $22,000–$45,000
- Master bath with tub-to-shower conversion + heated floor: $30,000–$55,000
These are real Northwest Alabama numbers — Colbert County and Lauderdale County labor rates are lower than national averages, which is reflected here.
What drives bathroom remodel costs?
Tile — the most variable line item
Tile cost swings from $2 per square foot for basic ceramic to $25+ per square foot for natural stone. Labor is the bigger factor — a simple 4x4 ceramic tile install runs $6–$9 per square foot installed. Large-format 24x24 tile that requires a very flat substrate, specialty setting material, and more waste cuts runs $12–$18 per square foot installed. A walk-in shower with floor mosaic, full-height wall tile, and a niche or two uses 150–250 square feet of tile total — so material selection alone can swing the project by $3,000–$10,000.
Plumbing scope
Replacing fixtures in the same location is inexpensive. Moving the toilet, relocating the shower drain, or adding a double vanity where there was a single — each of those requires a licensed plumber and increases cost. In Colbert and Lauderdale County homes built before 1990, we frequently find cast-iron drain lines that need replacement during a full bathroom remodel. Budget for that possibility if your home is older.
Tub-to-shower conversions
Converting a tub/shower combo to a walk-in shower is our most requested bathroom project. The demo is straightforward; the important cost drivers are waterproofing (properly done, not skipped), custom shower pan slope, glass door or enclosure type (frameless glass is $1,200–$2,500 more than a basic option), and tile selection. A well-executed tub-to-shower conversion in a master bath typically runs $8,000–$15,000 as a standalone project, or $12,000–$20,000 as part of a larger master bath remodel.
The waterproofing factor
Alabama's humidity makes proper waterproofing non-negotiable. We use cement board or foam backer board and apply a liquid waterproofing membrane behind all shower and tub tile. This adds $400–$800 to a shower build — and prevents thousands of dollars in mold remediation and structural damage. Contractors who skip this step are not saving you money. They're deferring a much larger expense.
What's typically included in our quotes
A complete bathroom remodel quote from us includes demolition and haul-away, substrate and waterproofing, floor and wall tile, vanity installation, toilet and fixture rough-in, exhaust fan upgrade, painting, and final trim. Glass shower enclosures are quoted separately as the lead time and price vary widely by style. Permits are included for any work that requires them.
Want an accurate number for your bathroom? Contact Adams Remodeling or call (256) 810-2107 for a free in-home estimate. We serve Cherokee, Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and all of Northwest Alabama.
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Adams Remodeling and Construction, serving Northwest Alabama.
Licensed, insured, and based in Cherokee, AL. Free estimates across the Shoals and surrounding communities.