Colorado Bathroom Remodel Guide: Costs, Design & ROI (2026)

Starting a bathroom remodel can feel overwhelming, especially with so many decisions around design, budget, and installation.   But with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be.  At HomePride Bath, we bring over 50 years of combined experience in home and bathroom remodeling to help you make informed choices. This guide is designed to answer your top questions, simplify your planning process, and ensure your remodel meets your goals.

We don’t just sell bathrooms—we guide you through every step as if it were our own home.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Existing Bathroom

Before jumping into Pinterest boards or paint colors, take stock of what you’re working with. A good remodel starts with understanding the space you have.

Assess Key Areas:

• Fixtures: Are your faucets or toilets outdated, leaky, or water-wasting? Upgrading to modern low-flow toilets and WaterSense™ showerheads can improve efficiency and performance.
• Layout: Is the current placement of your toilet, sink, and shower working? Poor layout can make even large bathrooms feel cramped.
• Storage: Do you struggle to store toiletries, towels, or cleaning supplies?
• Functionality: Is there enough lighting and ventilation? Are accessibility features needed?
• Aesthetics: Does the style still fit your home, or does it feel outdated?

Creating a list of what works and what doesn’t helps you prioritize—and avoid wasting money on changes that don’t add real value.

Step 2: Define Your Goals

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to improve functionality or just aesthetics?
• Am I preparing to age in place?
• Is this remodel for personal use or resale?

If your goal is accessibility, for instance, a walk-in shower with low thresholds and built-in seating offers safety and comfort.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 235,000 people visit emergency rooms each year due to injuries sustained in bathrooms, with nearly 80% of home falls and injuries occurring in bathroom spaces. 

With 25.1% of older households reporting difficulty walking or climbing stairs according to the U.S. Census Bureau, accessibility features like walk-in showers have become “increasingly important for aging-in-place modifications."

Step 3: Set a Realistic Budget

The budget determines what’s possible—but it doesn’t have to break the bank.

General Cost Ranges:

• Basic Updates: Paint, hardware, faucets ($1,000–$5,000)
• Mid-Range Remodels: Flooring, fixtures, standard vanities ($5,000–$15,000)
• High-End Remodels: Custom cabinetry, layout changes, premium materials ($15,000–$40,000+)

For example, a custom shower system with solid-surface panels and glass doors typically costs between $8,000–$12,000 installed.

Tips:

✅  Set Priorities: Focus spending on high-impact items like shower upgrades or better lighting.

✅  Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t rely on one contractor—compare.

✅  Account for Labor:  According to Nerdwallet’s recent article Bathroom Remodel Cost, “Labor costs can make up 40% to 65% of your total bathroom remodel price tag”, with specialized plumbing and electrical work commanding higher rates due to the technical expertise required.

✅  Add a Contingency Fund: Reserve 10–20% of your budget for surprises (like plumbing issues or hidden water damage).

✅  Consider ROI: According to the Journal of Light Construction's 2024 cost report, homeowners can expect a return on investment (ROI) of approximately 73.7% for a mid-range bathroom remodel, making it one of the most valuable home improvement investments.  As Floor Advisor notes, “homeowners typically recoup 60-70% of their bathroom remodel costs when selling their property”.

Functional Considerations:

• Lighting: Combine task (vanity), ambient (ceiling), and accent (niche) lighting.
• Ventilation: A high-efficiency fan reduces mold and humidity damage.
• Storage: Consider vertical storage, recessed niches, or under-sink cabinets.

Step 4: Select Durable, Stylish Materials

Bathrooms demand materials that are not only beautiful but also water- and wear-resistant.

Best Options for Wet Areas:

• Flooring: Porcelain tile or luxury vinyl
• Walls: Solid surface wall panels are a sleek alternative to tile—mold- and mildew-resistant with no grout to clean
• Fixtures: Upgrading to modern low-flow toilets and WaterSense™ showerheads can improve efficiency and performance

When a homeowner in Glenwood Springs, CO, decided to sell her 1980s-era ranch home, her realtor pointed out one significant concern: the outdated bathroom could deter buyers or drive down the offer.  She partnered with HomePride Bath to replace the worn tub with a modern walk-in shower, add solid-surface wall panels, and upgrade the vanity and lighting.

The result?

The home went under contract in just 8 days—and sold for $87,000 above the pre-remodel appraisal.  Multiple buyers commented on the “move-in ready” bathroom as a deciding factor.  “It wasn’t just about making it prettier—it helped buyers feel confident they wouldn’t have to remodel right away,” she said.  “The return was well worth the investment.”

This project cost under $25,000 and delivered a noticeable ROI—not just in dollars, but also in terms of speed, ease, and peace of mind during the sales process. 

Step 5: Design Your Layout

Whether you’re keeping your existing layout or redesigning from scratch, flow and function are critical.

Popular Layout Types:

• One-wall: Most cost-efficient for smaller spaces
• Three-wall: Offers better spacing and flexibility
• Wet room: Fully waterproofed with open shower concept, ideal for modern bathrooms

Avoid placing the toilet as the first thing visible and make sure fixtures

Countertops & Finishes:

• Quartz: Low maintenance, durable, and modern
• Faucets: Look for easy-to-clean finishes like brushed nickel or matte black
• Cabinetry: Painted MDF or sealed hardwood for longevity in humid environments

Step 6: Choose the Right Contractor

A great remodel hinges on hiring a skilled, licensed contractor.

What to Look For:

• Licensing and Insurance: Always verify to protect your family’s interests and assets
• Specialization: Choose someone experienced in bathrooms
• References and Portfolio: Review before/after photos and talk to past clients

At HomePride, we specialize in bath-to-shower conversions, accessibility upgrades, and solid-surface panel installations using top-rated Kohler® and Onyx® products, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.

What Your Contract Should Include:

• Scope of work
• Materials list (brand/model specified)
• Timeline and milestones
• Payment schedule and handling of changes

Step 7: Prep for Demolition

Before work begins:

• Shut off utilities to avoid leaks or shorts
• Clear out the space, including adjacent areas that may be impacted
• Protect your home from dust with tarps or zip walls

Safety first: contractors should use proper PPE and dispose of materials responsibly.

Step 8: Install, Inspect, and Finish

This is where everything comes together:

• Rough-in: Plumbing/electrical adjusted
• Fixture install: Shower base, toilet, vanity
• Tiling/Painting: Choose moisture-resistant options
• Final inspection: Ensure all systems work, no leaks, no wiring faults

Don’t forget the final walk-through with your contractor before final payment.

Step 9: Avoid Common Pitfalls

Here’s what we’ve seen go wrong (so you don’t have to experience it):

• Inadequate planning: Leads to delays and over-budget changes
• Wrong materials: Not all tile or cabinetry is water-safe
• Skipping permits: Can cause problems when selling your home
• Over-customization: Can reduce resale value if too niche

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are walk-in showers better than traditional bathtubs?  

A: For aging in place or space efficiency, yes.  Walk-in showers with built-in safety features blend style and function.

Q: What should I expect timeline-wise?   

A: Typical projects run 3–8 weeks depending on complexity, material availability, and permit approval.

Q: Can I remodel a bathroom without gutting it? 

A: Absolutely. Sometimes, simply replacing fixtures and updating the walls with easy-to-clean surfaces can make a dramatic impact.

Q: How can I remodel my bathroom if I only have one in the house? 

A: It’s a common concern! If your home has just one bathroom, work closely with your contractor to create a phased timeline and set expectations. Some remodels can be done in sections to maintain partial use. Alternatively, portable toilet or shower solutions can be arranged for short durations. Clear communication and planning are key to minimizing disruption.

Q: Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel in Colorado? 

A: Depends on the scope of work.  Bathroom remodels that involve plumbing, electrical, or structural changes require permits in Colorado. A reputable contractor (like HomePride) will handle this for you and ensure all work meets local code requirements. Skipping permits can lead to failed inspections or issues when selling your home later.

Still unsure of your next steps?

Ready to Redo Your Bathroom the Right Way?

Our summer project calendar is filling up fast—and once it’s full, we won’t reopen slots until fall.  If you're serious about upgrading your bathroom this year, don’t wait.

👉 Schedule your free consultation with HomePride Bath today and lock in your spot with Colorado’s trusted remodeling experts.

No pressure.   Just honest guidance—and a plan that works for your home and your budget.

🎁 As a bonus, please download this Bathroom Remodel Guide as our gift to you