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Bathroom remodel cost: where the money really goes
Waterproofing, tile and plumbing move the number more than the vanity does.
Sep 22, 2026 · 6 min read
· By Elena Halden
A bathroom is the smallest room in the house and one of the most expensive per square foot. That is not a mistake in the estimate. It is how the work is built.
The room you cannot see
Waterproofing, slope, venting and the plumbing run take more time than the visible finishes. A shower pan done well costs more up front and avoids the leak you would otherwise find in five years.
Typical ranges
In Brooklyn, a 60 square foot bathroom usually costs between $42,000 and $72,000, depending on finish level. Our minimum for any bathroom is $28,000.
Where to spend and where to save
Spend on waterproofing, tile installation and a good fan. Save on the vanity and the mirror, which are easy to change later.
Keep reading
More from the cost guides.

Oct 6, 2026 · 8 min read
What a kitchen remodel costs in Brooklyn in 2026
Real ranges from 38 kitchens, by finish level and by what is behind the walls.

Sep 22, 2026 · 6 min read
Bathroom remodel cost: where the money really goes
Waterproofing, tile and plumbing move the number more than the vanity does.

Sep 8, 2026 · 9 min read
Renovating a landmarked brownstone: permits, timing, budget
What needs Landmarks approval, what does not, and how to plan the schedule around it.
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