Updated September 2026. Bathroom remodels are the most requested project we see from homeowners in Islip, East Islip, Bay Shore and across the South Shore. They are also the project where budgets vary the most. A basic refresh and a full primary suite renovation can differ by tens of thousands of dollars. Here is how to understand what yours will cost.
What does a bathroom remodel cost on Long Island?
Long Island bathroom projects typically run 20% to 35% above the national average because of local labor rates, permitting and material logistics. Published 2026 guides for the area show a very wide overall range, from roughly $8,000 for a simple update to $75,000 or more for a luxury renovation. More useful are the ranges by project type:
- Powder room or small update: roughly $7,500 to $20,000. New vanity, toilet, lighting, flooring and finishes, with the layout unchanged.
- Full hall or guest bath: roughly $17,500 to $40,000. Tub or shower replacement, new tile, vanity, fixtures, lighting and ventilation.
- Primary bathroom: roughly $18,000 to $75,000. Larger footprint, custom tile, frameless glass shower, double vanity, heated floors and upgraded lighting.
These are planning ranges, not quotes. Two bathrooms of the same size can land at opposite ends depending on what is behind the walls and which finishes you choose.
What drives the cost
- Size and layout changes. Moving a toilet, tub or shower drain means opening floors and reworking plumbing. Keeping fixtures where they are saves real money.
- Shower type. A prefabricated tub surround costs far less than a custom tiled walk-in with a waterproofed pan, niche and glass enclosure.
- Tile. Both the tile itself and the labor to install it. Large-format and mosaic patterns take more time.
- Vanity and countertop. Stock vanities and custom cabinetry are in different price worlds.
- Plumbing and electrical updates. Older Long Island homes often have outdated supply lines, drains or wiring that must be brought to current code.
- Hidden water damage. Rot in subfloors and framing is common behind old showers and tubs, and is best discovered and priced early.
- Ventilation and waterproofing. Often skipped in low quotes, and the leading cause of mold and failed tile later.
Where the budget goes
In a typical full bathroom, labor usually accounts for roughly half of the total, with fixtures, tile, vanity and materials making up the rest. That is why a very low quote should prompt questions. If the price looks too good, something is usually missing: waterproofing, permits, demolition, disposal or realistic allowances for materials.
Showers, tubs and layout: the decisions that shape the project
The shower is usually where homeowners want to spend. A prefabricated tub surround is the most economical choice, while a custom tiled walk-in shower with a waterproof pan, built-in niche and frameless glass enclosure sits at the other end. If you rarely take baths, replacing an oversized tub with a larger shower is one of the most popular changes we make.
One of our Islip primary bathroom projects shows how a layout change pays off. The homeowners’ neo-angle shower was too small, and a large step-up Jacuzzi tub took up the room. Our design team removed the tub and rearranged the space to fit a larger enclosed steam shower with a custom wave-shaped bench and glass mosaics, plus a smaller freestanding soaking tub, heated floors and a heated towel rack. Read the full primary shower makeover case study.
Surprises behind the walls
Bathrooms hide problems. In a Massapequa home near the water, the new owners found that the previous owner’s post-Sandy renovation had been poorly done, and removing old asbestos flooring was one of their priorities. You can follow that project in our Massapequa kitchen and bathroom remodel. In older Islip homes, we commonly find outdated plumbing, rotted subfloor around old tubs, and missing waterproofing. A good estimate includes a contingency, and a good contractor tells you what they find the day they find it.
Vanities, lighting and details worth getting right
- Double vanities make a shared bathroom work, but they need space for clear counter and storage on both sides.
- Layered lighting beats one overhead fixture: vanity sconces at face height plus a dimmable general light.
- Ventilation sized to the room and vented to the outside prevents mold and peeling paint.
- Heated floors add comfort for a small increase in cost when planned before the tile is installed.
Smart ways to save
- Keep the plumbing where it is.
- Splurge on the shower, the part you use and see every day, and go simpler on the rest.
- Choose a standard tub or shower size to avoid custom work.
- Select all fixtures and tile before demolition so there are no delays or change orders.
Planning for accessibility and aging in place
Many Islip homeowners are designing bathrooms they can use for decades: curbless showers, grab-bar blocking in the walls, comfort-height toilets and slip-resistant tile. It is far cheaper to build these in now than to retrofit later. See an example in our age-in-place bathroom remodel for a military veteran.
How long does it take?
Most single-bathroom remodels take a few weeks of on-site construction, once design, product selection and permits are complete. Custom glass and special-order tile can extend the timeline, which is why we order long-lead items early.
Get a number for your bathroom
Start with our Islip bathroom cost calculator for a quick ballpark, then contact Kuhn Construction for a walk-through and an itemized estimate. You can see finished work on our bathroom remodeling page, and read what other homeowners say on our reviews page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel in Islip?
If you move or add plumbing or electrical, or change walls, yes. Swapping fixtures in the same locations often does not require one. Confirm with the Town of Islip Building Division, and read our permit guide.
Does a bathroom remodel add value?
Updated bathrooms are consistently among the features buyers notice most. A well-done remodel also improves daily comfort, which is often the better reason to do it.
How much should I set aside for surprises?
A contingency of about 10% to 15% is a sensible cushion for older homes.
Cost ranges reflect published Long Island pricing guides in 2026 and vary with scope, materials and site conditions. They are estimates, not quotes.
