What Rockland Homeowners Actually Pay for Bathroom Remodeling
Bathroom remodeling in Rockland County costs 12 to 22% above the national average. A half bath update runs $4,500 to $10,000. A full guest bath remodel costs $8,000 to $20,000. A master bathroom renovation with custom tile and fixtures runs $14,000 to $35,000.
Most homes were built in the 1960s through 1980s with original bathrooms. That means outdated tile, worn fixtures, poor ventilation, and plumbing that's often past its useful life. Permits are required for plumbing and electrical work. Labor rates run high because it's metro New York.
Here's what people are paying.
2026 Bathroom Remodeling Cost Breakdown
These prices come from contractors working in Rockland right now. Your cost depends on bathroom size, fixture quality, tile work, and whether you're moving plumbing.
| Remodel Type | Typical Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Half bath update | $4,500 – $10,000 | New vanity, toilet, tile floor, paint, lighting. No shower/tub. |
| Full guest bath remodel | $8,000 – $20,000 | Tub/shower combo, vanity, toilet, tile, fixtures. Standard finishes. |
| Master bathroom remodel | $14,000 – $35,000 | Walk-in shower, double vanity, custom tile, upgraded fixtures. |
| Tub to shower conversion | $3,500 – $8,000 | Remove tub, install walk-in shower with tile surround. |
| Vanity replacement only | $1,200 – $4,000 | New vanity, countertop, sink, faucet. Plumbing hookup included. |
| Tile work (floor and walls) | $2,500 – $8,000 | Depends on tile quality and square footage. Waterproofing included. |
| Toilet replacement | $200 – $650 | Standard toilet. High-end or wall-hung units cost more. |
How Costs Vary by Town
Where you live changes bathroom remodeling costs.
Nyack has older homes with small bathrooms and quirky layouts. Plaster walls and cast iron plumbing are common. Custom tile work and high-end finishes are the norm. Expect prices at the upper end of the range.
New City and Nanuet have mostly 1960s-1980s homes with standard 5x8 or 6x9 bathrooms. Straightforward remodels with predictable layouts. Pricing lands in the middle.
Spring Valley and Suffern have a mix of single-family and multi-family buildings. Bathroom sizes vary. Labor rates are competitive. Expect pricing on the lower to middle end.
Pearl River has post-war homes with small to mid-size bathrooms. Many homeowners are converting tubs to walk-in showers. Pricing is steady in the middle of the range.
Permit Requirements in Rockland
Bathroom remodels require building permits in every Rockland town if you're doing plumbing or electrical work. Permits cost $150 to $600 depending on scope.
Here are the permit offices: - Clarkstown Building Department: (845) 639-2100. Covers New City, Nanuet, West Nyack. - Ramapo Building Department: (845) 357-5100. Covers Spring Valley, Suffern, Monsey. - Orangetown Building Department: (845) 359-8410. Covers Pearl River, Tappan, Blauvelt. - Haverstraw Building Department: (845) 942-3710. - Suffern Village Building Department: (845) 357-2603.
Your contractor should pull all permits and schedule inspections. Plumbing and electrical work require separate permits and licensed trades. Unpermitted work can void homeowner's insurance and cause problems at resale.
Bathroom Flooring Options
Bathrooms need waterproof flooring. Tile is the standard choice, but luxury vinyl is gaining ground.
Porcelain or ceramic tile costs $8 to $18 per square foot installed. It's completely waterproof, durable, and comes in endless styles. Small-format tile (like penny rounds or hexagons) costs more to install because of the extra labor.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) costs $6 to $12 per square foot installed. It's 100% waterproof, warmer underfoot than tile, and easier to install. Some contractors won't use it in wet areas like shower floors, but it's fine for the main bathroom floor.
Natural stone (marble, slate, travertine) costs $12 to $25 per square foot installed. It looks great but needs regular sealing to prevent water damage and staining. Most contractors recommend porcelain tile that looks like stone instead. It costs less and requires no maintenance.
If you want to see how different tile options will look in your bathroom before making a decision, tools like ShowFloor AI let contractors generate realistic visualizations from a photo of your space. It's faster than ordering samples and gives you a better sense of how materials work with your lighting and layout.
Best Time to Schedule a Bathroom Remodel
Bathroom remodeling can happen year-round, but contractors are busiest in spring and summer. The best time to book is late fall or winter for better pricing and availability.
Plan for 3 to 6 weeks from start to finish for a full bathroom remodel. Half bath updates take 1 to 2 weeks. Factor in 1 to 2 weeks for permits before work starts. Tile and custom vanities have the longest lead times (3 to 8 weeks).
How to Save Money on Bathroom Remodeling
Keep the plumbing in the same location. Moving a toilet or shower drain adds $1,500 to $4,000 to the job. Choose a prefab shower base instead of custom tile for the shower floor. It costs less and is guaranteed waterproof. Use large-format tile (12x24 or larger) to reduce labor costs. Fewer grout lines means faster installation. Buy fixtures during sales and store them until installation. And get three written estimates that specify tile quality, fixture brands, and what waterproofing is included.
Common Questions
Find Contractors Now
Browse verified contractors in our directory — compare ratings, read reviews, and request free quotes.
Alex Colombo is the founder of Westchester AI, a technology consulting firm serving businesses across Westchester County and the tri-state area. When he's not helping local companies modernize their operations, he's researching what home improvement actually costs in the area so homeowners don't walk into quotes blind.