You stand in your bathroom every morning, eyes drifting over the cracked tiles and grout that never look clean, no matter how hard you scrub. The once reliable fixtures are now past their prime, the style is tired, and you’ve decided: you’re ready for a change.
The real question isn’t if it’s time to remodel.
It’s where you should invest to make the biggest impact—and how to do it wisely.
With renovation costs on the rise and timelines stretching longer than ever, more homeowners are asking: Should I gut the whole bathroom and start from scratch, or tackle the full wet area? Some of you may be asking, “Wait…what’s the wet area? There’s a difference?”
To answer these questions and help you decide for your family, let’s break this topic down thoroughly and look at your options. We’ve helped over 2,000 Colorado homeowners just like you choose the right transformation for their families’ needs. Knowing your time is valuable, let’s start with a brief overview of each option.
What Is a Full Bath Remodel?
A full bath remodel is a comprehensive renovation that transforms the entire bathroom, including the vanity, toilet, lighting, flooring, and wet areas such as the shower or tub. It often addresses both cosmetic and structural issues, including layout changes and upgrades to plumbing or electrical systems.
These projects typically take 4–8 weeks and require permits, professional design input, and coordination among multiple contractors.
What Is a Wet Space Remodel?
A wet space remodel focuses specifically on the areas that get wet (hence the name) and are most prone to moisture damage. Primarily, they include your shower, tub, and the surrounding walls and floors. This efficient, targeted update maintains the rest of the bathroom (e.g., vanity, toilet) in place. As GVD Renovations notes, this approach “focuses on replacing the bathtub and shower areas” while leaving other fixtures intact. Also important to note is that the wet area alone typically makes up 70% of the cost of a full remodel. So if you’re looking at a $50,000 full remodel investment, you can expect $35,000 of the budget to go towards the shower and/or tub area replacement.
These projects usually take 1 to 3 days to finish. That makes them ideal for homeowners seeking quick updates without the mess of major demolition. It also avoids the lengthy hassle of having a bathroom out of service for an extended period.
Since this is often the first question we have about this type of project, let’s look at the math. We will focus on the costs associated with each job and the various factors that influence pricing. (Note: These numbers reflect costs at the time this article was written, specific to the State of Colorado.)
Full Bath Remodel Investment
When Colorado homeowners undertake a full bathroom remodel, they invest in both functionality and long-term property value. Based on empirical data from accredited sources, the average cost for a comprehensive bathroom renovation in Colorado ranges from $40,000 to $75,000, depending on the project scope, materials, and regional labor rates.
Key Cost Drivers
1. Project Scope and Bathroom Size
Full remodels encompass everything from demolition to new fixtures, plumbing, and finishes. For a standard 5' x 8' bathroom, midrange renovations usually cost between $24,000 and $35,000. Luxury projects with high-end materials and layout changes can go over $50,000. Larger primary bathrooms (100+ sq ft) often cost $35,000–$75,000 due to custom features like heated floors, freestanding tubs, and expanded showers.
2. Materials and Finishes
3. Labor and Demolition
Labor makes up 40–60% of total costs. Demolition and disposal can add $1,500–$5,500 if structural repairs or mold removal are required. Plumbing and electrical updates (e.g., relocating pipes or adding outlets) range $2,000–$8,000
Cost-Saving Strategies
- Retain Existing Layout: Avoiding plumbing reroutes can save you $1,200–$5,000.
- Choose Solid Surface Showers: Premium materials like Kohler and/or Onyx may have higher upfront cost, but guarantee waterproofing vs. tile, providing long-term savings.
- Prioritize Midrange Fixtures: Brands like Kohler or Moen offer durability without luxury markups.
Even the most well-planned bathroom remodel can reveal surprises once demolition begins. Older homes in Colorado, in particular, often hide issues behind walls or under floors that weren’t visible during your initial estimate. Here are a few common “hidden costs” worth planning for:
Structural Repairs ($3,000–$10,000):
Water damage, dry rot, or outdated wiring can all require attention before installation begins. These fixes aren’t glamorous, but they’re essential for protecting your investment and ensuring your remodel passes inspection. A reputable contractor will identify potential problem areas early and communicate options clearly before moving forward.
Ventilation Upgrades ($800–$2,500):
Poor ventilation is one of the most common culprits behind mold and mildew buildup—especially in Colorado’s drier climate where homeowners may overlook moisture issues. Installing a code-compliant exhaust fan or upgrading ductwork helps maintain air quality and protects your new finishes long-term.
Accessibility Features ($1,500–$4,000):
If you’re planning to age in place, consider adding accessibility upgrades like ADA-compliant grab bars, a low-threshold shower, or a walk-in tub. While these features add to your initial budget, they increase long-term usability, safety, and resale appeal—making your remodel more of an investment than an expense.
Complete bathroom remodels in Colorado yield a 60–64% return on investment (ROI) upon resale, with mid-range projects recouping $19,000 to $30,000 in added home value. Luxury renovations prioritize personal comfort over resale value. They often attract high-end buyers in areas such as Boulder or Cherry Creek.
Wet Space Remodel Costs
When Colorado homeowners consider a wet area remodel—a project focused on the shower, bathtub, and surrounding waterproofed surfaces—they’re doing more than refreshing tile or fixtures. They’re improving functionality, preventing future water damage, and increasing the overall value of their home.
On average, a mid-range wet area remodel in Colorado costs between $14,000 and $40,000, depending on the size of the space, material selections, and customization level. Projects that include premium products like KOHLER LuxStone walls, frameless glass doors, or upgraded plumbing fixtures typically fall toward the higher end of that range, while standard acrylic or fiberglass systems come in lower.
Key Cost Drivers
Shower/Tub Replacement:
Installing a prefabricated shower or tub costs $1,000–$5,000, while custom tile showers range from $3,500 to $15,000.
Bathtub replacement averages $1,190–$3,518 in Denver, including labor and materials.
Tile Work:
Installing ceramic or porcelain tile in Denver costs between $7.34 and $37.20 per square foot. For a typical 50-square-foot shower, the total cost for tiling ranges from $910 to $1,860.
Natural stone or luxury tiles can drive material costs to over $50 per square foot.
Labor and Demolition:
According to HomeAdvisor, labor constitutes 40–60% of total project costs, with demolition adding $300–$5,500 if water damage or mold is present.
Plumbing and Fixtures:
Hamerskill Homes explains upgrading to low-flow showerheads or thermostatic valves adds $150–$1,200, while rerouting plumbing can cost $1,200–$5,000.
One of the main reasons why HomePride does not move plumbing or install bathroom tile is because our experience shows the cost for both types of projects adds up quickly, with very little return. We focus on upgrades that add value and ease of use to your home, with a greater return on investment.
Regional Cost Variations
🧼 CareFree Home Pros highlights that wet space remodels offer modern, antimicrobial-protected fixtures at just 30–50% of a complete remodel’s cost.
When planning a bathroom renovation, understanding the scope of work is essential to choosing the right approach. Below, we break down what each type of remodel typically includes so you can align your project with your home’s needs and your personal goals.
Full Bath Remodel Scope
Wet Space Remodel Focus
🧽 The NKBA Bath Planner emphasizes that wet space remodels address areas exposed to moisture, soap, and dirt daily, without disrupting the entire room.
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of the costs and other scope factors involved, we hope you have a clearer picture of which options would work best for you.
Choose a full bath remodel if your bathroom is facing structural issues such as rotting subfloors or outdated wiring, or if you're planning to age in place and need features that enhance accessibility. This option is also ideal for homeowners preparing to sell their property and aiming to boost its resale value with a comprehensive update.
On the other hand, a wet space remodel is a smart choice if your budget is under $15,000, if the wear and tear is limited to the shower or tub areas, or if you want to avoid the disruption and length of a full-scale renovation. Either way, a remodel will not only revive that tired, worn-out bathroom - it could potentially add serious resale value and dollars back in your pocket.
At HomePride Bath, we believe homeowners deserve clarity, confidence, and quality—not guesswork. Whether you’re planning a complete bathroom transformation or simply want to upgrade your shower, we’ll help you make a choice that fits your goals, timeline, and budget.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
Free, no-pressure consultation — Get expert guidance tailored to your space and budget.
Lifetime warranties — Enjoy total peace of mind knowing your investment is protected.
1–3 day installations — Experience a fast, professional remodel without the stress or disruption.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about remodeling your bathroom—it’s about restoring your confidence in the process.
Schedule your free consultation today, and let’s build a bathroom you’ll love for years to come.
💡 To learn more about the costs associated with Bathroom Remodeling in Colorado, please read our Bathroom Remodeling Guide
Q1: What’s the difference between a full bathroom remodel and a wet area remodel?
A: A Full bathroom remodel transforms the entire space—from flooring and cabinetry to lighting and plumbing. It often includes layout changes and structural updates, taking 4–8 weeks and ranging from $40,000–$75,000 depending on materials and size.
A wet area remodel, on the other hand, focuses only on the shower or bathtub and surrounding waterproofed surfaces. It’s a faster, budget-friendly option, usually completed in 1–3 days for $14,000–$40,000, depending on design and materials.
Q2: How do I know if I should remodel just the wet area or the whole bathroom?
A: If your vanity, floors, and lighting are still in good condition and you mainly want to fix leaks, mold, or an outdated shower, a wet area remodel is likely the right choice. It gives your bathroom a refreshed, modern look without the disruption of a full renovation.
However, if you’re dealing with structural issues, poor layout, or outdated plumbing and wiring—or you’re planning to age in place—a full bathroom remodel may be the smarter long-term investment.
Q3: What kind of ROI can I expect from a bathroom remodel in Colorado?
A: A full bathroom remodel in Colorado typically yields a 60–64% return on investment (ROI) at resale, especially for mid-range projects. Wet area remodels offer an even higher practical ROI—you’ll enjoy the benefits of a new, water-tight shower or tub every day while spending 50–70% less than a full renovation. Both options can add meaningful value and appeal to your home when done with quality materials and professional installation.