The Top 3 Differences Between a $20K Bathroom and a $30K Bathroom
If you’ve ever wondered what makes one bathroom remodel cost $20K and another cost $30K—especially when they look similar in photos—you’re not alone. At HUGE Handyman, we’ve completed hundreds of bathroom remodels in San Diego, and we’ve seen how three specific factors can significantly affect the total price.
Here are the top 3 differences that commonly push a remodel from the $20K range into the $30K tier.
1. Tile Size, Layout, and Labor
💡 What It Looks Like:
$20K Bathroom: Uses standard 12"x24" porcelain tile on walls and floors, installed in a basic running bond or grid layout. Minimal cutting, quick install.
$30K Bathroom: Features large-format tile (e.g., 24"x48"), detailed niches, herringbone or stacked patterns, or full-slab shower walls. May include multiple materials like stone, glass, or mosaics.
🧱 Why It Costs More:
Larger tile and intricate layouts require more subsurface prep, precise cuts, heavier-duty handling, and longer install times. It’s not just the material—it’s the craftsmanship required to make it look seamless.
2. Stock Cabinets vs. Custom or Semi-Custom Vanities
💡 What It Looks Like:
$20K Bathroom: Prefab or off-the-shelf vanity, standard dimensions, installed with minimal modification. Often comes finished and ready to go.
$30K Bathroom: Custom-built vanity with exact sizing, premium wood species, built-in storage features, floating designs, or color-matched finishes.
🪵 Why It Costs More:
Custom cabinetry requires design time, fabrication, finishing, and installation—all of which add cost and labor. But it also adds a truly tailored, high-end feel that off-the-shelf pieces can't match.
3. Site Conditions & Hidden Issues
💡 What It Looks Like:
$20K Bathroom: Clear layout, decent existing plumbing and electrical, normal demolition, and level surfaces.
$30K Bathroom: Poor framing, sagging floors, mold behind walls, outdated plumbing, electrical upgrades needed, or tight access (second story, no nearby parking, etc.).
This floor was not leveled, resulting in a day of self-leveling the floor to prep for tile.
⚠️ Why It Costs More:
Bad site conditions can double the prep time, increase demolition effort, require structural repairs, and delay finish work. These aren’t "upgrades"—they’re often necessary corrections before the beautiful stuff can begin.
The Bottom Line
You can get a great bathroom for $20K—but to reach that premium $30K look and feel, you’re usually paying for:
More detailed labor
More customization
More problem-solving on the backend
At HUGE Handyman, we help you understand what’s driving the cost before we start, so you can make informed choices about where to invest.
Ready to talk about your bathroom remodel? Let’s build it the right way—from budget to backsplash.