If you’ve started researching bathroom remodeling costs in Colorado, you’ve probably seen or heard that bathroom remodels start around $14,000. You may have even heard that total from some of our educational videos, and thought that amount covered a full bathroom remodel.
Then you talk to a contractor and discover that number does not cover the entire bathroom, nor is it the base price of a full bathroom remodel. Instead that total only covers the shower or bath area, or what the industry terms as the “wet space”, the area that are regularly exposed to water and posture.
And for many homeowners, that disconnect creates immediate anxiety.
You start researching online expecting straightforward answers, only to realize every company seems to define “bathroom remodel” differently. One quote includes only the shower. Another includes partial plumbing work. Another excludes glass, permits, or waterproofing entirely.
Suddenly, it becomes difficult to tell what anything actually costs — or who you can trust.
That confusion is exactly why understanding wet space pricing matters before you commit to a remodel.
At HomePride, we believe homeowners deserve clear, straightforward pricing information before they ever schedule a consultation. That’s especially true for wet space remodels, because they’re often the most expensive — and most misunderstood — part of the bathroom.
Our goal is not simply to provide quotes. It’s to help homeowners understand what drives remodeling costs, what quality installation actually requires, and how to evaluate their options with confidence.
Whether you're remodeling a bathroom in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Boulder, Aurora, Lakewood, Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, or Cheyenne, the same core cost drivers typically apply. This guide will explain:
By the end, you’ll have realistic expectations, better questions to ask, and a much clearer idea of what your project may actually cost.
These cost ranges are based on HomePride Bath's experience completing bathroom remodeling projects throughout Colorado and Cheyenne, combined with current labor rates, material costs, permit requirements, and third-party industry cost data from organizations such as This Old House, HomeGuide, Angi, and Apollo Renovation.
If you only remember a few things from this article, start here.
A wet space remodel includes the shower or tub area itself — along with waterproofing, plumbing fixtures, installation labor, and surrounding materials — but it does not include the entire bathroom. In Colorado’s current remodeling market, a professionally installed wet space remodel typically starts around $14,000 and often falls between $16,000–$22,000 or more depending on materials, plumbing complexity, and project scope.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that full bathroom remodels in the Denver metro area usually start closer to $25,000–$30,000 for a quality mid-range renovation. The biggest factors affecting price are material selection, labor, waterproofing requirements, plumbing modifications, and hidden damage discovered during demolition.
For homeowners prioritizing durability and lower maintenance, acrylic and solid-surface systems remain some of the most practical long-term investments. Tile and natural stone offer more customization and luxury aesthetics, but they also come with higher labor costs and more ongoing maintenance.
Most importantly, homeowners should understand that hidden water damage, subfloor issues, mold, and plumbing corrections are common discoveries during bathroom remodels in older Colorado homes. A trustworthy contractor should be transparent about those possibilities before work begins — not after demolition is already underway.
Most professionally installed wet space remodels in Colorado start around $14,000 and commonly range from $16,000 to $22,000 or more depending on materials, waterproofing requirements, plumbing modifications, and project complexity. Full bathroom remodels typically start around $25,000–$30,000 and can exceed $50,000 for larger projects with premium materials and layout changes.
Most homeowners hear “bathroom remodels start around $14,000” and naturally picture a fully updated bathroom with a new vanity, updated flooring, modern lighting, fresh paint, and maybe even upgraded features like heated floors or custom storage. That assumption makes sense — because most pricing headlines online don’t clearly explain what is actually included.
In Colorado, $14,000 typically refers to a wet space remodel, not a full bathroom remodel. A full bathroom remodel generally starts closer to $25,000–$30,000 for a quality mid-range renovation.
The wet space area typically includes:
It does not include the rest of the bathroom areas typically involved in a full remodel, which include but are not limited to toilets, flooring, vanity, lighting, storage areas, and other electrical related work.
And while that can feel surprising at first, it makes sense once you understand where bathroom remodeling costs actually come from.
The wet space is the most labor-intensive, technically demanding, and risk-sensitive part of the bathroom.
If waterproofing fails, the consequences can be severe:
That’s why properly built wet spaces require skilled labor, quality materials, careful installation, and multiple stages of inspection.
In many cases, the wet space alone represents 60-70% of the total bathroom remodel budget.
A wet space remodel typically involves far more than simply replacing visible materials. In most projects, contractors must first remove the existing shower or tub system, inspect for hidden water damage, evaluate plumbing conditions, install new waterproofing protection, and rebuild the wet area using updated wall systems, fixtures, and moisture-resistant materials designed for long-term durability.
Behind the walls and beneath the shower base is where contractors manage water, moisture movement, structural protection, plumbing performance, and long-term durability. In other words, this isn’t simply about making the bathroom look better. It’s about rebuilding one of the hardest-working systems in the home so it performs reliably for years.
That’s why wet space remodels require careful waterproofing, precise installation methods, and experienced labor.
A wet space remodel usually involves:
In many cases, the wet space alone represents 60–70% of the total bathroom remodel budget, depending on the scope of the project, the size of your bathroom space, and the materials involved.
This is why wet space projects cost significantly more than homeowners expect.
You’re not just replacing cosmetic materials.
For many homeowners, that investment is about more than aesthetics. It’s about creating a bathroom that feels easier to maintain, safer to use, more comfortable day-to-day, and better suited for the way they plan to live in their home over the next decade.
National remodeling averages can be misleading.
Many pricing articles online combine:
Colorado homeowners — especially along the Front Range — are operating in a different market.
Licensed trade labor in Colorado is expensive compared to many parts of the country.
Current Colorado labor rates commonly fall within these ranges:
And because wet spaces involve plumbing, waterproofing, demolition, and installation expertise, labor becomes a major portion of the budget.
Many wet space remodels require permits.
Depending on your municipality, permit costs can range from roughly $150–$1,000+.
That’s especially true when projects involve:
Many Colorado homes built between the 1960s and 1990s have:
That means contractors frequently uncover issues during demolition.
And unfortunately, hidden damage is not the exception.
It’s common.
Having performed thousands of remodels across Colorado and Cheyenne, our experience has shown that homeowners increasingly prioritize:
As a result, mid-range products have effectively become the new baseline.
Now while on topic, it is important to note that not all wet space projects are the same.
Here’s what homeowners commonly spend in Colorado today.
This involves removing and replacing an existing shower system.
Costs vary based on:
These projects are extremely popular with:
Tub-to-shower conversions often cost more because they may require:
Replacing an existing bathtub in the same footprint is typically less complex.
This is one of the most common projects in older Colorado homes.
These projects often uncover:
Material choice is the single biggest variable in wet space cost. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the four main material categories, from entry-level to premium — each with current installed cost ranges and source citations.
|
Material |
Installed Cost (CO) |
Lifespan |
Maintenance |
Best For |
Source |
|
Fiberglass (prefab kit) |
5–15 years |
Low; prone to scratching/fading |
Rentals, guest baths, tight budgets |
HomeGuide / USA Cabinet Store |
|
|
Acrylic (solid panels) |
15–30 years |
Very low; non-porous, wipe-clean |
Primary baths, low-maintenance buyers |
ZINTEX Remodeling |
|
|
Ceramic / Porcelain Tile |
20–30 years |
Moderate; grout sealing required |
Custom designs, traditional aesthetics |
This Old House / HomeGuide |
|
|
Solid Surface (Swanstone, Corian, Onyx) |
20–30+ years |
Very low; seamless, grout-free |
Premium baths, aging-in-place |
Archie Remodels / JSB |
|
|
Natural Stone (LuxStone, marble, quartzite) |
30+ years (with care) |
High; requires sealing, specialty cleaners |
Luxury / high-end renovation |
Marble.com / Angi |
Material selection is one of the biggest factors affecting project cost. But price isn’t the only thing homeowners should consider. Maintenance, longevity, cleaning requirements, durability, and lifestyle fit all matter too. Here’s a clearer breakdown.
$4,000–$9,000
Fiberglass is the entry-level option. It’s commonly used in:
For homeowners planning to stay in their home long term, fiberglass is usually not the strongest long-term value.
$8,000–$16,000+
Acrylic systems are extremely popular in Colorado because they offer one of the best overall balances between durability, low maintenance, appearance, longevity, and cost efficiency. For many homeowners, acrylic delivers a clean, modern look without the higher maintenance demands or labor costs often associated with tile or natural stone.
Acrylic has become one of the most popular wet space materials because it offers a strong balance between appearance, durability, maintenance, and long-term value. Its non-porous surface resists moisture and staining, which makes cleaning dramatically easier compared to traditional grout-based systems.
Many homeowners also appreciate the faster installation timelines and the ability to achieve a clean, modern look without the maintenance demands that often come with tile. For Colorado homeowners planning to stay in their homes long term, acrylic frequently delivers the “sweet spot” between affordability and performance.
$10,000–$22,000+
Tile remains the most customizable wet space option available, which is why many homeowners are drawn to it for its design flexibility, high-end appearance, endless style combinations, and ability to create a more personalized look. However, that level of customization also comes with tradeoffs, including higher labor costs, longer installation timelines, and more ongoing maintenance compared to lower-maintenance wall systems.
Tile projects are labor-intensive. Proper tile installation requires:
And grout lines require ongoing maintenance. For homeowners wanting low maintenance, tile may not always be the best fit.
$14,000–$22,000+
Solid-surface systems like Reveal by KOHLER LuxStone, Swanstone, Corian, and Onyx are increasingly popular with homeowners who want a more premium-looking shower without the maintenance demands that often come with tile or natural stone. These systems are known for their durability, easier cleaning, long-term performance, and aging-in-place functionality, making them especially appealing for homeowners planning to remain in their homes for years to come.
These systems often appeal to homeowners planning to remain in their homes long term.
$18,000–$35,000+
Natural stone creates a truly high-end, luxury aesthetic that many homeowners love for its unique character and upscale appearance. However, that beauty often comes with higher labor and fabrication costs, along with ongoing sealing requirements and more routine maintenance compared to lower-maintenance wet space materials.
Natural stone projects are typically best suited for:
Most homeowners never see the waterproofing system once the remodel is finished — and honestly, that’s part of what makes it difficult to evaluate.
You can easily compare countertops, fixtures, or tile styles online. Waterproofing is different. Its value only becomes obvious years later if something fails.
That’s why experienced remodelers spend so much time discussing moisture protection upfront. A beautiful shower means very little if water eventually finds its way behind the walls.
Poor waterproofing can eventually lead to:
Any contractor you hire should clearly explain:
If a contractor avoids these conversations, that’s a red flag.
Other common remodeling red flags may include:
A trustworthy remodeling company should be comfortable educating homeowners — not avoiding difficult conversations.
One of the biggest budgeting mistakes homeowners make is comparing remodeling proposals strictly by total price instead of by scope.
A quote that appears thousands of dollars cheaper may exclude waterproofing upgrades, permit handling, demolition disposal, glass enclosures, plumbing corrections, or contingency allowances for hidden damage.
That’s why experienced homeowners often focus less on “Who is cheapest?” and more on: “What exactly am I paying for?”
Moisture damage is extremely common in older bathrooms.
Typical repair range:
Older showers that were not properly waterproofed may contain mold behind walls or beneath the shower base.
Typical remediation range:
Even small plumbing changes can significantly affect pricing.
Examples:
Drain relocation can become especially expensive in slab-foundation homes.
Frameless glass dramatically improves aesthetics. But it also increases project cost.
Typical range:
Permit requirements vary by municipality. And homeowners are often surprised to learn permit fees are not always included in base pricing. Always ask contractors:
“Are permits included in this proposal?”
To better prepare you if you are considering a bathroom remodel, consider this. A professionally scoped wet space remodel quote should clearly outline:
This is where homeowners can accidentally compare “apples to oranges” between contractor quotes. A lower quote may simply exclude critical components. That’s why transparency matters.
For homeowners who find the $14,000 starting point surprising, consider the individual cost components of a straightforward shower replacement using quality acrylic panels in Colorado:
|
Cost Component |
Typical Range (CO) |
Notes |
|
Demolition & debris removal |
$500–$1,200 |
Includes haul-away |
|
Subfloor inspection & repair (if needed) |
$500–$3,000 |
Hidden damage discovered 25–30% of projects |
|
Waterproofing membrane |
$300–$600 |
$1–$4/sq ft; non-negotiable |
|
Shower pan / base |
$400–$1,500 |
Varies by material and size |
|
Acrylic wall surround (materials) |
$2,500–$5,000 |
Mid-grade acrylic panels |
|
Plumbing (valve, fixtures, connections) |
$800–$2,500 |
Higher if drain relocation required |
|
Labor (installation) |
$3,500–$6,000 |
Reflects CO skilled labor rates |
|
Permit |
$250–$700 |
Varies by county |
|
Glass door / enclosure |
$800–$2,000 |
Often quoted separately |
|
TOTAL (mid-range acrylic) |
$9,550–$22,500 |
Colorado market; $14,000 is a realistic floor |
Source references: This Old House shower remodel cost survey (2026); Apollo Renovation Colorado cost guide; CostFlowAI Colorado regional calculator (2026)
A good remodeling experience usually starts with three things:
Once those conversations happen upfront, comparing quotes becomes dramatically easier — and far less stressful.
In a healthy remodeling process, homeowners should never feel rushed, pressured, or confused about pricing.
Good contractors explain scope clearly, answer difficult questions directly, discuss possible contingencies before work begins, and help homeowners understand the tradeoffs between different materials and approaches.
Clarity should increase throughout the process — not decrease.
Before signing a remodeling contract, homeowners should feel comfortable asking detailed questions about scope, waterproofing, licensing, and contingency planning. In fact, a trustworthy contractor should welcome those conversations.
Start by asking whether waterproofing is included and what specific system the contractor uses. Waterproofing should never be treated as optional, and vague answers are worth taking seriously.
You should also ask whether permits are included in the proposal or whether they are the homeowner’s responsibility. The same goes for glass enclosures, plumbing fixtures, and change-order procedures if hidden water damage is discovered during demolition.
It’s also important to verify that plumbers and other trades are properly licensed in Colorado and to ask about warranty coverage for both labor and materials.
Finally, one of the smartest questions a homeowner can ask is simple:
“What is not included in this quote?”
That single question often reveals major differences between contractor proposals and helps homeowners avoid expensive misunderstandings later.
To be fair, not every homeowner needs a premium wet space remodel.
If you’re preparing a rental property for short-term resale, renovating a rarely used guest bathroom, or simply need the most budget-friendly cosmetic update possible, there are lower-cost solutions that may make more financial sense.
But homeowners planning to stay in their homes long term usually prioritize different factors, including durability, lower maintenance, stronger waterproofing, accessibility, better warranties, and longer product lifespan. That’s where professionally installed mid-range and premium systems often deliver better long-term value, even if the upfront investment is higher.
That’s where professionally installed mid-range and premium systems tend to deliver better long-term value — even if the upfront investment is higher.
In Colorado’s current remodeling market? Yes.
For a properly built wet space using quality materials and professional installation, $14,000 is a realistic starting point.
Not the ceiling.
The floor.
Could some projects come in lower?
Occasionally.
But homeowners should be cautious when quotes seem dramatically below market averages.
Extremely low pricing can sometimes signal:
The goal is not finding the cheapest remodel.
The goal is finding the best long-term value for your home, lifestyle, and budget.
Bathroom remodeling costs can feel overwhelming at first.
Especially when national averages online don’t match the quotes homeowners actually receive in Colorado. But understanding how wet space pricing works gives you something incredibly valuable:
Clarity.
When comparing remodeling proposals, try evaluating them through four lenses instead of focusing only on price:
The homeowners who feel best about their remodel years later are rarely the ones who chose the absolute cheapest quote. They’re usually the ones who fully understood what they were paying for.
The best remodeling experiences usually don’t begin with a sales pitch.
When homeowners understand what drives pricing, what quality installation actually requires, and what questions to ask before signing a contract, they make better long-term decisions — and avoid many of the frustrations that give remodeling a bad reputation in the first place.
That’s the real goal of transparent pricing information:
Helping homeowners move forward with confidence instead of uncertainty.
Every bathroom — and every homeowner — is different. The best way to understand what your project may realistically cost is through a personalized in-home design consultation where you can ask questions, explore material options, and receive transparent guidance based on your specific space, goals, and budget.
At HomePride, we believe homeowners should feel informed and confident before making any remodeling decisions. That’s why our consultations are designed to be educational, low-pressure, and focused on helping you understand your options clearly — not pushing you into a quick decision.
Whether you’re considering a tub-to-shower conversion, a low-maintenance wet space remodel, or a complete bathroom renovation, our team can help you evaluate what makes the most sense for your home, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Schedule your free, no-hassle, no-obligation in-home design consultation today and get the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.
No. In most cases, a $14,000 starting price refers to the wet space only — the shower, bathtub, wall surround, waterproofing, plumbing fixtures, and related installation labor. It usually does not include flooring, vanity, toilet, lighting, paint, or electrical work.
A wet space remodel focuses on the areas regularly exposed to water, such as the shower, bathtub, tub/shower combo, shower walls, shower pan, plumbing fixtures, and waterproofing system.
Colorado wet space remodels often cost more because of skilled labor rates, permit requirements, older housing stock, hidden water damage, plumbing updates, and higher homeowner expectations for durable, low-maintenance materials.
A properly scoped wet space remodel may include demolition, debris removal, waterproofing, a new shower pan or tub, wall surround installation, plumbing fixtures, labor, cleanup, and sometimes permit responsibilities depending on the contractor.
Wet space quotes often exclude vanity replacement, toilet replacement, flooring outside the shower area, painting, electrical upgrades, exhaust fans, accessibility modifications, and frameless glass upgrades unless clearly stated.
Common hidden costs include water damage repair, subfloor repair, mold remediation, plumbing corrections, drain relocation, glass enclosures, and permit fees.
Acrylic and solid-surface wall systems are often the best low-maintenance options because they are grout-free, moisture-resistant, easier to clean, and durable for long-term use.
Homeowners should ask what is included, what is not included, what waterproofing system is used, whether permits are included, how hidden damage is handled, whether trades are licensed, and what warranty coverage applies.