What Does It Cost to Remodel an 8×5 Bathroom in Southern Ohio?

If you’re searching for the real cost to remodel your 8×5 bathroom in Southern Ohio, you’re probably frustrated. Most websites give you vague national averages or push you toward a “free estimate” without telling you anything useful first.

We’re going to do something different here. We’re going to tell you exactly what bathroom remodels actually cost in communities like Portsmouth, Cincinnati, Ashland, Marietta, Chillicothe, and throughout the Southern Ohio region—including the numbers most contractors hope you won’t discover until you’ve already signed a contract.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand precisely what drives bathroom remodeling costs, what you should expect to pay at every budget level, and how to avoid the expensive surprises that catch homeowners off guard.

The Short Answer: What an 8×5 Bathroom Remodel Costs in Southern Ohio

An 8×5 bathroom gives you 40 square feet of space—a standard size for hall bathrooms and smaller master baths throughout Southern Ohio. Here’s what homeowners in our region are actually paying in 2025:

Remodel Level	Price Range	Cost Per Square Foot
Budget/Basic	$8,000 – $15,000	$200 – $375
Mid-Range	$15,000 – $30,000	$375 – $750
Upscale	$30,000 – $50,000	$750 – $1,250
Luxury	$50,000+	$1,250+

Now, these ranges are meaningless without context. A $15,000 remodel and a $45,000 remodel look completely different, and understanding what you actually get at each price point is what separates informed homeowners from those who end up disappointed or over budget.

Let’s break down exactly what you’re paying for.

What You Get at Each Price Point

Budget Remodel: $8,000 – $15,000

A budget remodel keeps your existing layout intact. You’re not moving plumbing, you’re not relocating fixtures, and you’re working with contractor-grade materials that prioritize function over luxury.

What’s typically included:

• Removal of old fixtures, flooring, and wall surfaces
• New vinyl or ceramic tile flooring (basic patterns)
• Standard bathtub or tub/shower insert replacement
• Builder-grade vanity with laminate countertop (30″ to 36″)
• Basic toilet replacement
• New faucets and shower fixtures (chrome finish, standard brands)
• Fresh drywall repair and painting
• Updated lighting (basic fixtures)
• New exhaust fan

What’s NOT included at this level:

• Custom tile work or designer patterns
• Heated flooring
• Frameless glass shower doors
• Quartz or granite countertops
• Custom cabinetry
• Structural changes

Who this works for: Homeowners preparing a property for sale, rental property upgrades, or anyone who needs a functional bathroom update without premium finishes. This level is common throughout communities like Gallipolis, Ironton, and Jackson where practical updates often make more sense than luxury renovations.

Mid-Range Remodel: $15,000 – $30,000

This is where most Southern Ohio homeowners land, and for good reason. A mid-range remodel gives you quality materials, some design flexibility, and a finished product that feels genuinely upgraded rather than just refreshed.

What’s typically included:

• Everything in the budget tier, plus:
• Porcelain or higher-quality ceramic tile flooring
• Tile shower surround with accent patterns
• Semi-custom vanity with solid surface or quartz countertop (36″ to 48″)
• Comfort-height toilet with better flushing performance
• Upgraded fixtures in brushed nickel or matte black finishes
• Recessed medicine cabinet
• Better lighting design with layered options
• Glass shower door (framed or semi-frameless)
• Potential for minor layout adjustments

What you might add at this level:

• Tile accent walls
• Niche shelving in shower
• Upgraded exhaust fan with humidity sensing
• USB outlets and better electrical placement

Who this works for: Homeowners planning to stay in their homes for 5+ years who want a bathroom that feels updated and comfortable. This represents the sweet spot for communities like Marietta, Chillicothe, Athens, and Cincinnati’s eastern suburbs where homeowners want quality without overbuilding for the neighborhood.

Upscale Remodel: $30,000 – $50,000

An upscale remodel transforms your 8×5 bathroom into something that feels custom-designed. You’re selecting specific materials, potentially adjusting the layout, and including features that prioritize daily comfort.

What’s typically included:

• Everything in the mid-range tier, plus:
• Large-format porcelain tile or natural stone flooring
• Full tile shower with custom design and multiple niches
• Custom or semi-custom vanity with furniture-quality construction
• Quartz or granite countertop with undermount sink
• Wall-mounted or high-design toilet
• Frameless glass shower enclosure
• Heated tile flooring
• Custom lighting design with dimming
• Premium fixtures from brands like Kohler, Delta, or Moen’s higher lines
• Potential plumbing relocation for improved layout

Additional features commonly included:

• Body spray or rain shower systems
• Towel warmers
• Built-in storage solutions
• Premium ventilation with quiet operation

Who this works for: Homeowners with higher-value properties in areas like Ashland, Steubenville’s better neighborhoods, Cincinnati’s Hyde Park and Mt. Lookout areas, or newer developments near Athens who want their bathroom to match the quality of the rest of their home.

Luxury Remodel: $50,000+

At this level, you’re building a spa-like retreat in 40 square feet. Every material is premium, every fixture is designer-grade, and the craftsmanship is at its highest level.

What’s typically included:

• Custom everything—cabinetry, tile layouts, fixture placement
• Natural stone surfaces (marble, quartzite, or premium porcelain)
• Freestanding or Japanese-style soaking tub (if layout permits)
• Steam shower systems
• Smart home integration (lighting, heated floors, mirrors)
• Designer fixtures from brands like Waterworks, Brizo, or similar
• Custom glass work
• Radiant floor heating throughout
• Full waterproofing systems

The reality check: In an 8×5 bathroom, spending $50,000+ requires extremely high material costs because you simply don’t have the square footage to absorb this budget otherwise. This level makes more sense for larger master bathrooms, but some homeowners in Southern Ohio’s premium properties around Marietta’s historic district, Cincinnati’s Indian Hill, or newer construction in Athens do invest at this level.

Why Southern Ohio Pricing Differs from National Averages

When you search for bathroom remodeling costs online, most results quote national averages that don’t reflect our regional market. Here’s why Southern Ohio is different:

Labor costs vary across the region. Skilled tradespeople in Portsmouth, Chillicothe, and surrounding communities charge less per hour than contractors in Cincinnati, and significantly less than East and West Coast cities. Cincinnati pricing runs higher than rural Southern Ohio but remains competitive compared to national averages. This doesn’t mean lower quality—it reflects regional cost of living differences.

Material availability affects pricing. Some specialty materials require longer shipping times or special orders, adding to costs. Standard materials from regional suppliers serving Ashland, Maysville, Cincinnati, and Gallipolis are competitively priced. Cincinnati’s larger market offers more showroom options but not necessarily better pricing.

Older housing stock creates variables. Many Southern Ohio homes were built before 1970, which means bathroom remodels often uncover outdated plumbing, inadequate electrical, or moisture damage that wasn’t visible before demolition. This is especially common in historic areas of Marietta, Steubenville, Cincinnati’s older neighborhoods like Clifton and Northside, and river communities throughout the region.

Contractor availability fluctuates seasonally. Summer months see higher demand and sometimes higher prices. Winter months may offer better scheduling and occasionally better pricing from contractors looking to keep crews busy.

The Real Cost Breakdown: Labor vs. Materials

Understanding where your money actually goes helps you make smarter decisions about where to save and where to invest.

For a typical mid-range remodel ($22,000 example):

Category	Percentage	Dollar Amount
Labor	40-50%	$8,800 – $11,000
Materials	35-40%	$7,700 – $8,800
Fixtures & Finishes	10-15%	$2,200 – $3,300
Permits & Overhead	5-10%	$1,100 – $2,200

What this means for your decisions:

Labor costs are relatively fixed—a skilled tile installer takes roughly the same time whether you choose $3/sq ft tile or $15/sq ft tile. This means upgrading materials often provides better value than you’d expect, because you’re not paying significantly more labor to install premium products.

Conversely, complex designs with intricate patterns, multiple tile types, or custom layouts increase labor time substantially. A simple, clean design with quality materials often delivers better results than an elaborate design with budget materials.

Hidden Costs That Surprise Homeowners

This is where we need to be completely honest with you, because these costs catch homeowners off guard regularly.

Costs Your Contractor May Not Include in the Initial Quote

Mold and water damage remediation: $500 – $3,000+ Southern Ohio’s humidity creates perfect conditions for hidden moisture problems. When we open walls, we sometimes find mold growth, rotted subfloor, or damaged framing that wasn’t visible during the initial assessment.

Plumbing updates: $500 – $2,500 Galvanized pipes in older homes throughout Portsmouth, Ironton, Cincinnati’s historic neighborhoods, and similar communities often need replacement. Drain lines may need updating to meet current code. Shut-off valves frequently need replacement.

Electrical upgrades: $300 – $1,500 GFCI requirements, inadequate circuits, or aluminum wiring (common in 1970s construction) may require electrical work beyond the scope of a simple remodel.

Subfloor replacement: $500 – $1,500 Water damage around toilets, tubs, and showers often extends into the subfloor. This damage isn’t always visible until the old flooring is removed.

Permit fees: $100 – $500 Requirements vary by municipality. Cincinnati, Chillicothe, Athens, Marietta, and other incorporated areas have specific permit requirements. Unincorporated areas may have fewer requirements but still need inspections for certain work.

Dumpster rental and disposal: $300 – $600 Full bathroom demolition generates significant debris that won’t fit in your regular trash service.

Why Initial Quotes Sometimes Grow

A reputable contractor will try to identify potential issues during the initial assessment, but some problems simply can’t be seen without demolition. Here’s what we recommend:

Ask your contractor: “What contingency should I budget for unexpected issues?”

A reasonable answer is 10-15% of your project budget for homes built after 1990, and 15-20% for older homes. If a contractor tells you there’s no chance of additional costs, that’s a red flag—they either lack experience or they’re planning to hit you with change orders later.

How Long Does an 8×5 Bathroom Remodel Take?

Timeline affects cost because longer projects mean more labor hours and more time without a functional bathroom.

Remodel Level	Typical Duration
Budget	1 – 2 weeks
Mid-Range	2 – 3 weeks
Upscale	3 – 5 weeks
Luxury	5 – 8 weeks

Factors that extend timelines:

• Custom orders on materials (add 2-6 weeks for specialty items)
• Permit approval delays (varies by municipality)
• Discovery of hidden damage requiring additional work
• Weather impacts on contractors managing multiple projects
• Holiday periods when suppliers and subcontractors are unavailable

What Actually Drives Your Final Cost Up or Down

Now let’s discuss the specific decisions that move your project between price categories.

Choices That Increase Costs Significantly

Moving plumbing: Relocating a toilet, vanity, or shower adds $1,000 – $5,000 depending on how far and what’s in the way. Concrete slab foundations (less common in Southern Ohio but present in some newer construction) make this especially expensive.

Changing tub to shower or shower to tub: This requires plumbing modifications, new drain placement, and often new framing. Expect $2,000 – $4,000 in additional costs beyond the fixtures themselves.

Custom tile patterns: Herringbone, chevron, or other complex patterns increase labor time by 30-50% compared to straight-lay patterns. Beautiful? Yes. Expensive? Also yes.

Waterproofing systems: Proper waterproofing (Schluter, Laticrete, or similar systems) adds $500 – $1,500 but prevents moisture problems that cause far more expensive damage later. This is especially important in Southern Ohio’s humid climate.

Premium fixtures: Moving from a $200 toilet to a $800 toilet, or from $150 faucet to a $500 faucet, adds up quickly when you’re selecting multiple fixtures.

Choices That Control Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

Keep existing layout: If your current plumbing locations work, keeping fixtures in place eliminates significant costs.

Choose mid-grade materials with clean installation: A well-installed $4/sq ft tile looks better than a poorly-installed $12/sq ft tile. Craftsmanship matters more than material cost in many cases.

Limit accent materials: One accent strip or small niche in a premium tile provides visual impact without the cost of covering large areas.

Select quality fixtures from mid-range lines: Brands like Delta, Moen, and American Standard offer excellent quality at moderate prices. You don’t need luxury brands for reliability and appearance.

Time your project strategically: Contractors are often more competitive on pricing during slower seasons (typically late fall through early spring in Southern Ohio).

Should You Finance Your Bathroom Remodel?

This is a fair question many homeowners in our region ask, especially when quality remodels start at $15,000+.

Common financing options:

• Home equity loans: Lower rates because your home secures the loan; requires available equity
• Home equity lines of credit (HELOC): Flexible borrowing against equity; variable rates
• Personal loans: No home equity required; higher rates; faster approval
• Contractor financing: Convenient but compare rates carefully; sometimes higher than alternatives
• Credit cards: Only advisable if you can pay off quickly; high rates make this expensive otherwise

The financial reality check: A bathroom remodel typically returns 50-70% of its cost in added home value. This means a $20,000 remodel might add $10,000-$14,000 to your home’s value. Remodeling isn’t primarily a financial investment—it’s an investment in your daily quality of life.

If financing makes the difference between doing the project right or cutting corners, it’s often worth borrowing to ensure quality work rather than paying cash for a cheaper job you’ll want to redo in five years.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

Use these questions to evaluate contractors bidding on your 8×5 bathroom remodel:

1. “Can you provide an itemized breakdown of labor, materials, and fixtures?” Reputable contractors can tell you exactly where your money goes.
2. “What’s not included in this bid?” Ask specifically about permits, disposal, unexpected damage, and final cleaning.
3. “What warranty do you provide on your work?” Most quality contractors offer 1-2 year warranties on labor, with manufacturer warranties on products.
4. “How do you handle unexpected issues discovered during demolition?” You want a clear process, not vague reassurances.
5. “Can I see photos or visit a recent bathroom project you’ve completed?” Actual examples tell you more than any sales pitch.
6. “What’s your timeline, and how do you handle delays?” Get specific start and completion expectations in writing.
7. “How do payment terms work?” Be cautious of contractors asking for large upfront payments. Typical terms involve deposits of 10-30%, progress payments tied to milestones, and final payment upon completion.

Making Your Decision

After reading all of this, you should have a realistic understanding of what your 8×5 bathroom remodel will cost in Southern Ohio. Here’s a summary to guide your next steps:

If your budget is under $10,000, focus on cosmetic updates—painting, new fixtures, updated vanity—rather than a full remodel. This gets you a fresher bathroom without the investment a complete renovation requires.

If your budget is $15,000 – $25,000, you’re in the sweet spot for Southern Ohio bathroom remodels. You can achieve a quality result with good materials, updated fixtures, and professional craftsmanship.

If your budget is $30,000+, you have room for premium materials, heated floors, frameless glass, and the details that create a truly impressive bathroom even in a compact 40 square foot space.

Whatever your budget, the key is matching your expectations to realistic pricing—and now you have the information to do exactly that.

Something else you may consider is hiring a company like ReBath, Bath Fitter or Jacuzzi Bathroom Remodels. We have a seperate article that goes over the pros and cons of this: “Bath Fitter vs. Full Bathroom Remodel: Which Is Right for You?“

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Related Articles and Resources

Ready to dive deeper into planning your bathroom remodel? These resources will help you make informed decisions:

Calculate Your Project Cost

Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator — Get a personalized estimate for your specific bathroom project. Input your bathroom size, finish level, and feature selections to see a detailed cost breakdown tailored to Southern Ohio pricing.

More Bathroom Remodeling Guides

Tub vs. Walk-In Shower: Which Is Right for Your Bathroom? — Weighing whether to keep your tub or convert to a walk-in shower? This guide covers the costs, resale implications, and lifestyle factors to consider.

How to Choose a Bathroom Vanity That Fits Your Space — Vanity selection impacts both your budget and your daily routine. Learn how to balance size, storage, and style for your bathroom layout.

The Complete Guide to Bathroom Tile Selection — Porcelain, ceramic, natural stone—the options are overwhelming. This guide breaks down durability, maintenance, cost, and appearance so you can choose confidently.

What to Expect During Your Bathroom Remodel: A Homeowner’s Timeline — Wondering what the process actually looks like day-by-day? This article walks you through each phase from demolition to final walkthrough.

5 Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes That Cost Homeowners Thousands — Learn from others’ expensive lessons. These common mistakes are avoidable if you know what to watch for.

How to Vet a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor in Southern Ohio — Not all contractors are equal. This guide shows you exactly how to evaluate bids, check references, and protect yourself from problem contractors.

Explore Our Bathroom Remodeling Hub

Bathroom Remodeling Hub — Access our complete library of bathroom remodeling resources, from inspiration galleries to detailed how-to guides and local contractor information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a basic 8×5 bathroom remodel cost in Southern Ohio?

A basic 8×5 bathroom remodel in Southern Ohio typically costs between $8,000 and $15,000. This includes new flooring, a tub or shower replacement, updated vanity with basic countertop, new toilet, and fresh fixtures and paint. Basic remodels keep existing plumbing locations and use contractor-grade materials. Communities throughout the region including Portsmouth, Chillicothe, Cincinnati, and Gallipolis see similar pricing for entry-level bathroom renovations, with Cincinnati trending slightly higher due to increased labor rates.

Is it cheaper to remodel a bathroom in Southern Ohio compared to Columbus or Cincinnati?

Bathroom remodeling costs in rural Southern Ohio generally run 15-25% lower than in Cincinnati and Columbus. This difference reflects lower labor rates and reduced overhead costs in smaller communities. Cincinnati pricing falls between rural Southern Ohio and Columbus rates, making it competitive compared to national averages while slightly higher than communities like Portsmouth or Chillicothe. Homeowners in Marietta, Ashland, Steubenville, and other Southern Ohio communities benefit from competitive pricing while still accessing quality craftsmanship.

How long does an 8×5 bathroom remodel take to complete?

A basic 8×5 bathroom remodel typically takes 1-2 weeks, while mid-range projects run 2-3 weeks. Upscale remodels with custom features require 3-5 weeks, and luxury renovations may extend to 8 weeks or more. Factors affecting timeline include custom material orders, permit approval, discovery of hidden damage during demolition, and contractor scheduling. Most homeowners should plan to be without their bathroom for a minimum of two weeks.

What unexpected costs should I budget for during a bathroom remodel?

Homeowners should maintain a contingency fund of 10-20% for unexpected costs during bathroom remodeling. Common surprises include hidden mold or water damage ($500-$3,000), outdated plumbing requiring replacement ($500-$2,500), electrical upgrades to meet current code ($300-$1,500), and rotted subfloor beneath old flooring ($500-$1,500). Older homes throughout Southern Ohio—particularly in historic areas of Marietta, Cincinnati’s established neighborhoods, river communities along the Ohio, and pre-1970 construction—are more likely to have hidden issues discovered during demolition.

Can I reduce bathroom remodel costs by doing some work myself?

Homeowners can save money by handling demolition, painting, and some finish work themselves, potentially reducing costs by $1,000-$3,000. However, plumbing, electrical, and tile work require professional skill to meet code and prevent future problems. DIY demolition requires caution around plumbing and electrical lines. Moisture damage repairs, waterproofing, and any work requiring permits should be left to licensed professionals. The biggest savings come from keeping existing plumbing locations rather than attempting complex DIY projects.

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This pricing guide reflects current 2026 costs for bathroom remodeling throughout Southern Ohio, including communities in Hamilton, Scioto, Lawrence, Gallia, Athens, Washington, Ross, and surrounding counties. Costs vary based on material selection, project complexity, and specific contractor pricing.

Additional Resources

• Bathroom Remodeling Calculator
• Free Bathroom Assessment Tool
• Bathroom Remodeling in Southern Ohio: Complete Guide to Professional Bathroom Renovation
• Bathroom Remodeling: Complete Guide to Planning, Costs, and Design
• Bathroom Moisture Control & Mold Prevention in Southern Ohio’s Humid Climate: Complete Waterproofing Guide
• Tub-to-Shower Conversion in Southern Ohio: Complete Guide to Benefits, Costs & Process