A bathroom remodel can transform your daily routine—and your home’s appeal—but the price tag and disruption often give homeowners pause. You want a space that feels clean and modern, but you also want to protect your cash reserves.

Instead of pulling thousands from savings or tying up home equity, you can approach the project strategically without allocating cash to tile, plumbing, and permits. Financing with a fixed-rate, unsecured personal loan may help preserve liquidity while keeping payments predictable—all while avoiding the need to pledge your home as collateral.

Unsecured loans aren’t the only option, though. Understanding your bathroom remodel financing options can help you move forward with clarity.

Key TAKEAWAY

BHG Financial offers unsecured personal loans for home improvement up to $250,000¹ with fixed APRs, flexible terms up to 10 years,^1,2 and approval decisions in as little as 24 hours³—helping qualified borrowers move forward with a remodel without tying up savings or pledging home equity. Remodeling may also increase your home's value.

Understanding bathroom remodel costs

A bathroom remodel includes any project that updates fixtures, finishes, layout, or systems, from a cosmetic refresh to a full gut-and-rebuild.

Most bathroom projects cost between $6,600 and $30,000, based on our analysis of national estimates. Larger primary bathrooms or premium finishes can push totals past $75,000, while custom, structural redesigns may exceed $100,000. Homeowners typically spend between $100 and $500 per square foot, depending on materials and complexity.

The size of the space and the extent of changes drive up your costs significantly. You'll spend far less on a simple aesthetic refresh than on a complete redesign requiring structural or plumbing modifications.

Here are the biggest cost drivers:

Labor: Demolition, plumbing, electrical, tile work, and carpentry add up quickly. Labor commonly accounts for about half the total project cost.
Materials and fixtures: Vanities, tile, stone, lighting, and glass enclosures vary widely in price. Custom marble, smart fixtures, and hand-painted tiles cost much more than mass-produced tiles and composite counters.
Floor plan changes: Moving supply lines, expanding square footage, or modifying structural elements increases both labor and scope. For example, hiring a structural engineer for larger renovations can cost $100 to $200 per hour.
Permits: Bathroom remodeling projects involving plumbing, electrical work, window installation, or structural changes often require municipal permits. Contractors often assist with this process
Regional price differences and contractor availability: Costs vary by geography. Urban markets and areas with limited contractor availability often see higher labor rates and longer timelines.

Sample budget scenarios:

Project level	Average cost range	Typical inclusions
Refresh	$3,000–$10,000	Paint, faucet/showerhead swaps, new lighting and mirror, stock vanity/top, minor repairs
Mid-range	$10,000–$30,000	New tub/shower system, tile surround or floor, mid-grade vanity/countertop, upgraded toilet and ventilation, some electrical/plumbing updates
High-end	$30,000–$75,000+	Curbless walk-in shower or wet room, custom tile and niches, heated floors, premium fixtures, double vanity, layout changes, high-end lighting and ventilation

How a bathroom remodel can increase your home value

In many markets, a bathroom remodel can increase home value. Industry data from the Journal of Light Construction shows that mid-range and upscale bathroom renovations recoup roughly 42% to 80% of their cost at resale. The exact percentage depends on location, price point, and execution quality. Value tends to rise when updates improve function and durability as well as aesthetics.

Projects that tend to support stronger resale value include:

Adding a bathroom or converting a half bath to a full bath: Adding a full bathroom where one doesn’t exist typically recoups 53% of the project’s cost. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports that each full bathroom increases home value by approximately 32% compared to just 5% for an additional bedroom. A half-bathroom adds an estimated 15% value.
Upgrading to water-efficient fixtures and systems: WaterSense showerheads and faucets, low-flow toilets, and even tankless water heaters reduce water and energy usage. Energy-efficient homes often sell faster and for more money than homes without these upgrades.
Improving accessibility: Renovations that make a bathroom more accessible and aging-in-place friendly see a return on investment of 61%. This includes features such as curbless showers with grab bars, wider doorways, open-based vanities, and safer layouts.
Optimizing layout: When square footage or poor flow limits usability, strategic layout improvements often deliver stronger returns than surface-level updates. Expanding shower space, improving clearance around vanities and doors, adding dedicated water closets, and increasing outlet access near countertops can meaningfully enhance functionality.

Buyers consistently respond to bathrooms that feel intuitive, spacious, and thoughtfully designed—not just visually updated.

Zillow’s resale insights also emphasize that well-executed, neutral-leaning updates help listings stand out and sell faster, while over-personalized choices can limit returns. If your budget is tighter, focus on smaller upgrades with big impact, such as:

Modernizing fixtures, lighting, and ventilation
Upgrading tilework and waterproofing
Adding storage and functionality

Financing options for your bathroom remodel

You have several ways to pay, each with trade-offs in speed, total cost, and risk.

Unsecured personal loans (like BHG Financial)

An unsecured personal loan is a fixed-term loan that does not require home equity as collateral. Approval is based on credit profile and income, not property value. Funds can be used flexibly—for labor, materials, permits, or even consolidating high-interest credit card balances alongside your renovation.

Pros: Fast decisions and funding, predictable fixed payments, no appraisal or lien on your home, preserves equity.
Considerations: Rates reflect credit profile and loan size/term.

See your offer ^† real fast

Just a few easy steps to get prequalified!

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^† This is not a guaranteed offer of credit and is subject to credit approval.

Home equity loans and HELOCs

A home equity loan is a secured loan that uses your home as collateral. It typically provides a lump sum at a fixed rate, with predictable payments. Lenders often allow borrowing up to 80% to 85% of your home’s value when combined with your existing mortgage.

A HELOC functions as a revolving line of credit backed by home equity. You draw funds during a set period, then transition into repayment. Payments can fluctuate based on rate changes and outstanding balance.

Pros: Secured by your home, which can mean lower interest rates; flexible draw period for HELOCs.
Considerations: Your home secures the loan, appraisals and underwriting extend timelines, closing costs increase upfront expense.

Other ways to pay

Cash savings: Paying for your bathroom project in cash removes interest charges but reduces cash reserves and flexibility to cover future expenses—both expected and unexpected.
Credit cards: These can be useful for smaller upgrades that you plan to pay off before the next statement hits. In some cases, you may be able to leverage 0% APR promotional offers, but you risk 20%+ APRs after the intro offer expires.
Specialized renovation loans: Niche products (e.g., government-backed options) are available for some qualifying home improvements, but your project must meet specific eligibility and usage rules.

Why choose a BHG Financial Personal Loan for remodeling

For qualified borrowers, BHG Financial offers unsecured personal loans up to $250,000,¹ with fixed APRs and terms up to 10 years.^1,2

Key advantages include:

No-impact prequalification: Check your loan options without affecting your credit score.⁴
Fast decisions and quick funding: Approval in as little as 24 hoursand funding in as few as five days.³
Predictable payments: For many high-income professionals, preserving liquidity while securing predictable monthly payments is the priority.
No collateral required: Your home equity stays intact, and you skip appraisals.
Concierge-level service: Dedicated U.S.-based loan specialists help you choose a loan offer that meets your budget and project needs.

A strong income doesn’t automatically mean you want liquidity tied up in tile, plumbing, and permits. You can explore high-limit personal loans for home renovations and check your rate in minutes—without impacting your credit score.⁴

See your offer ^† real fast

Just a few easy steps to get prequalified!

CHECK MY RATE

^† This is not a guaranteed offer of credit and is subject to credit approval.

Planning and budgeting your bathroom remodel

A strong plan protects both your timeline and your budget. Consider these practical steps:

Clarify priorities early: Identify essential upgrades first, then layer in optional enhancements once you understand total cost.
Evaluate contractors thoroughly: Confirm licensing, insurance, references, and recent project quality before making a decision.
Request detailed bids: Ask for itemized estimates with allowances for finishes and fixtures.
Build a 10% to 15% contingency: Repair costs and plumbing, electrical or code updates can surface once walls are opened.
Track expenses against your contract’s line items: Set a clear payment schedule tied to progress milestones and use loan proceeds as a dedicated renovation account to avoid scope creep and overspending.
Prepare for disruptions: Expect dust, noise, water shutoffs, and limited access to the area. Arranging alternative routines in advance reduces stress during construction.

Making your bathroom remodel worth the investment

When it comes to home improvements, quality and functionality outlast trend cycles. Make choices that deliver daily comfort and long-term durability—this includes investing in foundational elements such as waterproofing systems, proper ventilation, and skilled installation. These components rarely appear in listing photos, but they protect your investment and prevent costly repairs later.

Choose durable, water-saving fixtures and sustainable materials—WaterSense-labeled products and eco-efficient fittings can trim utility bills and reduce long-term maintenance.

If return on investment or resale is a top priority for you, opt for timeless finishes that feel current without locking the space into a single moment in design history. Smart controls, statement lighting, spa-inspired showers, and bold yet editable finishes that future buyers can embrace or easily refresh.

Let BHG help fund your next bathroom upgrade

A bathroom remodel can increase comfort and support resale value. The right financing structure determines whether the project strengthens your financial position or constrains it. For borrowers planning around future milestones—such as a potential home sale—having a longer-term loan with predictable payments and no prepayment penalties can offer added flexibility if plans change.

If predictable low monthly payments, fast funding, and preserving home equity matter to you, BHG Financial is worth exploring. Check your rate with no impact to your credit score⁴ and see what financing options are available to you.

Bathroom remodel financing FAQs

How much does a bathroom remodel or renovation cost?

Most bathroom renovation projects range from $6,600 to $30,000, with high-end renovations exceeding $75,000. Final costs depend on materials, labor, and whether changes are made to the floor plan.

Does a bathroom remodel increase home value?

Yes, bathroom remodels often increase home value, with homeowners typically recovering 42% to 80% of their cost at resale, depending on market conditions and quality of work.

Is it better to use an unsecured personal loan or a home equity loan for a remodel?

The right option depends on your priorities. An unsecured personal loan offers faster funding, fixed payments, and no collateral requirement, which can work well for defined, one-time renovation costs. A home equity loan may offer lower rates for some borrowers, but it typically takes longer to close and uses your home as collateral. Comparing timelines, risk tolerance, and liquidity goals can help you decide.

How fast can I get funds for my remodel with BHG Financial?

BHG Financial makes approval decisions in as little as 24 hours and can disburse funds in as few as five days after approval.³

Check my rate

See your offer ^† real fast

Just a few easy steps to get prequalified!

CHECK MY RATE

^† This is not a guaranteed offer of credit and is subject to credit approval.

Not all solutions, loan amounts, rates or terms are available in all states.

¹ Terms subject to credit approval upon completion of an application. Loan sizes, interest rates, and loan terms vary based on the applicant's credit profile.  

² Personal Loan Repayment Example: A $60,000 personal loan with a 7-year term and an APR of 17.06% would require 84 monthly payments of $1,191.38.

³ This is not a guaranteed offer of credit and is subject to credit approval.

⁴ There is no impact on your credit for applying. For personal loans, a complete credit history, which will appear as an inquiry on your credit report, will be performed upon acceptance and funding of the loan and may impact your credit.

No application fees, commitment, or impact on personal credit to estimate your payment.

Consumer loans funded by Pinnacle Bank, a Tennessee bank, or County Bank. Equal Housing Lenders. Equal Housing Lenders icon

For California Residents: Personal loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license - Number 603G493.