A bathroom remodel can completely transform your daily routine—and boost your home’s value. But in 2025, rising labor and material costs mean budgeting wisely is more important than ever, especially in Illinois, where costs vary significantly between urban and suburban areas.
Whether you’re refreshing a small powder room or gutting a master bath in Barrington, this guide breaks down the real costs of remodeling in Illinois today. Learn what’s driving prices, what hidden costs to prepare for, and how to get the best value without cutting corners.
Average Bathroom Remodel Cost in Illinois (2025)
In 2025, the average bathroom remodel in Illinois costs between $15,000 and $30,000. Luxury remodels—especially in high-end suburbs like Lake Forest or Hinsdale—can easily exceed $40,000.
Here’s a quick breakdown of real-world ranges:
| Type of Remodel | Estimated Cost |
| Basic update (fixtures, vanity, flooring) | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Full remodel (tub/shower, tile, plumbing, layout changes) | $18,000 – $28,000 |
| High-end/custom (wet rooms, heated floors, smart tech) | $30,000 – $45,000+ |
💬 “For a small bathroom with a simple layout, $10–15K is typical,” says Karolis Senkus, owner of SenkusBuild. “The size doesn’t change much—it’s usually just a few more floor tiles. What really impacts cost is layout, materials, and labor complexity.”
1. Labor Costs in Illinois Are Driving Budgets
Labor typically makes up 50–60% of your total remodel cost in Illinois. In 2025, skilled trades like plumbers, electricians, and tile installers are charging more than ever—especially in the northwest suburbs.
- Licensed plumbers: $110–$150/hr
- Electricians: $90–$130/hr
- Tile installers: $8–$20/sq. ft
🛠️ “Small, detailed tile jobs take a lot more time than people realize,” says Karolis. “Simple 12×24 tiles install fast. But small, intricate patterns can double the labor time.”
2. Material Prices Keep Climbing
From tile to vanities, most materials have gone up 15–30% over the past two years due to supply chain delays and inflation.
High-cost upgrades:
- Large-format or natural stone tile
- Frameless glass showers
- Custom vanities or quartz countertops
Cost-saving tips from the field:
💬 “One of the best bang-for-your-buck upgrades is an electrical mirror—they’re affordable but modernize the space and give it a luxury look,” says Karolis.
“Smart layout and simple materials often beat flashy features when you’re on a budget.”
3. Permits and Plumbing Layouts: Where Costs Add Up Fast
If you’re remodeling in Chicago or Cook County, expect to pay $300–$1,000+ in permits depending on the work.
Suburbs like Lake Zurich or Crystal Lake may charge less, but all bathroom remodels that touch plumbing or electrical legally require permits.
💬 “If we can avoid moving plumbing, we do,” Karolis says. “Changing locations of toilets, showers, or vanities drives up costs fast—especially in older homes with rigid layouts.”
4. The Biggest Budget Surprise for Homeowners
Many Illinois homeowners are shocked by how much a small bathroom can cost.
💬 “People think a small bathroom will be cheap,” Karolis explains. “But outside of tile square footage, everything else—vanity, plumbing, fixtures, waterproofing—costs the same as in a larger bathroom.”
5. Where to Invest (and Where to Save)
Here’s where the smart money goes in 2025:
| Upgrade | Worth It? |
| Heated floors | ✅ If it’s a master or primary bathroom |
| Electrical mirror | ✅ Budget-friendly luxury |
| Floating vanity | ✅ Great for modern look & small spaces |
| Moving plumbing | ❌ Only if absolutely necessary |
| Intricate tile design | ⚠️ Beautiful, but labor-intensive |
Final Thoughts from the Contractor’s Perspective
💬 “The cost of remodeling has gone up—and it’s hard to say how much it will keep rising,” says Karolis. “But we help clients make smart decisions that balance comfort, style, and budget—without surprises.”
With over 100 bathroom remodels completed in the northwest suburbs, SenkusBuild is known for clear communication, honest pricing, and top-tier craftsmanship. Most of the work is done in-house, which means tighter schedules and better quality control.
