Bathroom Remodel Cost in Seattle, WA

Bathroom Remodel in Seattle costs $282$717 per sq ft in 2026. A typical 60 sq ft project averages $27,648. Seattle pricing runs roughly 28% above the West regional baseline.

Reviewed by , Founder & Cost Analyst, BuildCost
Quick Answer

How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Seattle, WA? In Seattle, a bathroom remodel costs $16,896$43,008 in 2026, with most homeowners paying around $27,648 for a typical 60 sq ft project.

Per sq ft
$282$717
Typical range
$16,896$43,008
Average
$27,648
Labor share
55%

Seattle, WA Average Cost (2026)

$16,896$43,008
Average: $27,648 for a 60 sq ft project
Seattle sits in the West region, with local costs running roughly 28% above the baseline.

What Drives Bathroom Remodel Costs in Seattle

Permits & zoning

Seattle DCI bathroom permits for remodels touching plumbing or electrical run $500–$1,200 with review times of 3–6 weeks. Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) requires bathroom vent fans to be ENERGY STAR rated and vented directly to the exterior — not to an attic or wall cavity — and lighting upgrades must meet minimum efficacy standards. Older Seattle homes (Craftsman bungalows from the 1910s–1940s) commonly have galvanized supply lines worth replacing opportunistically during any plumbing-touching remodel.

Climate & construction

Seattle's damp, persistent humidity makes waterproofing behind tile more critical than in drier markets — moisture failures cause mold faster in the Pacific Northwest's climate. Cement board or Schluter-type substrate is the practical standard; standard drywall backer is inadequate for Seattle shower installations. Many pre-1950 Seattle homes have knob-and-tube wiring still in service in portions of the house, which can complicate electrical permits and require panel upgrades to bring new circuits up to code.

Local market

Seattle bathroom remodels run 20–30% above the national average. Mid-range full bathroom remodels typically run $20,000–$45,000; high-end primary suite gut remodels in Eastside suburbs (Bellevue, Mercer Island, Medina) regularly exceed $70,000. Contractor supply is tighter than most US metros — booking 8–12 weeks in advance is standard practice. Verify contractor registration through Washington L&I (lni.wa.gov) before signing any contract.

Information reflects general guidance for Seattle, WA; permit fees, code requirements, and zoning rules change — always confirm with the local building department before starting work.

Cost Breakdown

Economy
$16,896
Basic materials, competitive bids
Standard
$27,648
Mid-grade materials, avg contractor
Premium
$43,008
High-end finishes, experienced crew
Est. labor: $15,206
Est. materials: $12,442

Based on a 60 sq ft project in Seattle, WA. Actual costs vary by contractor, site conditions, and material choices.

Bathroom Remodel Cost by Size in Seattle

Seattle pricing for common bathroom remodel project sizes (2026).

Project sizeLowMidHigh
30 sq ft$8,448$13,824$21,504
60 sq ft$16,896$27,648$43,008
120 sq ft$33,792$55,296$86,016

Based on $282$717 per sq ft in Seattle, WA.

Financing Calculator

Estimate your monthly payment based on loan type and current rates.

$
%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$339.11/mo
10 year Home Equity Loan at 8.25% APR
Total Interest Paid
$13,045
Total Amount Paid
$40,693

Rates shown are approximate averages as of 2025 and will vary based on your credit score, lender, and loan-to-value ratio. Consult a lender for an accurate quote.

Return on Investment

How much value does a bathroom remodel add to your home at resale?

80%
Good return · Bathroom Remodel (Midrange)
of project cost
recouped at resale
Project Cost
$27,648
Value Added
+$22,118
Net Cost
$5,530
$
Upscale remodels recoup ~42% due to over-improvement risk.

How Bathroom Remodel compares to other projects

Bathroom Remodel
80%
Kitchen Remodel
113%
Wood Deck
95%
Flooring
80%
Window Replacement
76%
HVAC Replacement
72%

ROI figures based on Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report 2024, national averages. Actual resale value depends on your market, home price tier, and project quality.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Seattle, WA?

In Seattle, WA, a typical 60 sq ft bathroom remodel project costs between $16,896 and $43,008, averaging $27,648. Seattle pricing runs roughly 28% above the West regional baseline.

Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel in Seattle?

Seattle DCI bathroom permits for remodels touching plumbing or electrical run $500–$1,200 with review times of 3–6 weeks. Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) requires bathroom vent fans to be ENERGY STAR rated and vented directly to the exterior — not to an attic or wall cavity — and lighting upgrades must meet minimum efficacy standards. Older Seattle homes (Craftsman bungalows from the 1910s–1940s) commonly have galvanized supply lines worth replacing opportunistically during any plumbing-touching remodel.

What bathroom remodel size is typical in Seattle?

Seattle bathroom remodels run 20–30% above the national average. Mid-range full bathroom remodels typically run $20,000–$45,000; high-end primary suite gut remodels in Eastside suburbs (Bellevue, Mercer Island, Medina) regularly exceed $70,000. Contractor supply is tighter than most US metros — booking 8–12 weeks in advance is standard practice. Verify contractor registration through Washington L&I (lni.wa.gov) before signing any contract.

Does a bathroom remodel add value to homes in Seattle?

Nationally, a bathroom remodel recoups about 80% of its cost at resale. For a $27,648 project in Seattle, WA, that's approximately $22,118 in added home value. Resale recovery varies by neighborhood and current market conditions.

Bathroom Remodel Material Calculators

Estimate exact material quantities and costs for your Seattle bathroom remodel project.

Get Your Estimate

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How big is your Bathroom Remodel?

A typical full bath is 50–80 sq ft.

sq ft

Pro Tips

  • Get at least 3 local contractor quotes
  • Confirm permit requirements with the city
  • Budget 10–20% contingency
  • Check contractor license and insurance