Bathroom remodeling is one of the most popular home improvement projects on Long Island — and one of the most misunderstood when it comes to cost. Nassau and Suffolk County homeowners frequently get sticker shock when comparing online national averages to actual Long Island contractor quotes. This guide breaks down real 2026 pricing so you know what to expect before picking up the phone.
Typical Bathroom Remodel Cost Ranges on Long Island
For a standard full bathroom remodel in Nassau or Suffolk County, expect to pay between $12,000 and $28,000 for mid-range work. Here's a more detailed breakdown by project scope:
Budget refresh (cosmetic only): $4,000–$8,000. This covers new fixtures, fresh paint, vanity swap, and a new toilet. No tile work, no plumbing moves. Good for guest baths or rentals.
Mid-range full remodel: $12,000–$22,000. New tile floor and shower surround, new vanity with stone top, updated plumbing fixtures, recessed lighting, exhaust fan. This is the most common scope for Long Island homeowners.
High-end master bath renovation: $22,000–$45,000+. Walk-in shower with frameless glass, freestanding soaking tub, double vanity, heated floors, custom tile work, premium fixtures (Kohler, Moen Align, Grohe). Expect significant demo, waterproofing, and electrical upgrades.
Long Island labor premium: Labor costs in Nassau and Suffolk County run 20–35% higher than the national average. A tile setter who charges $40/hr in the Midwest charges $65–80/hr on Long Island. Factor this into any quote you receive.
What Drives Bathroom Remodel Costs in Nassau and Suffolk County
Tile selection: Tile is one of the biggest cost variables. Builder-grade ceramic tile costs $1–3/sqft. Porcelain runs $4–8/sqft. Large-format tiles (24x24 or bigger) require more prep work and cost more to install. Imported Italian or Spanish tile can run $15–30+/sqft. The tile you choose can shift your project cost by $3,000–$8,000.
Plumbing relocations: Moving a toilet, sink, or shower drain is expensive and time-consuming. If your remodel keeps all fixtures in the same locations, you'll save $2,000–$5,000 compared to a layout change. Most Long Island bathrooms have cast iron drain lines — expect extra labor to cut and modify them.
Permits and inspections: Most full bathroom remodels in Nassau and Suffolk County require a permit if plumbing or electrical work is involved. Permit costs typically run $300–$800. Some towns are stricter than others — Hempstead, Oyster Bay, and Babylon townships all have different requirements. Working with a licensed contractor who handles permitting is essential.
Water damage discovery: Many Long Island homes are 40–70 years old. Opening up walls during a bathroom remodel frequently reveals rotted subfloor, failed waterproofing, or outdated plumbing. Budgeting a 10–15% contingency on top of your quote is smart practice.
At Alec's Construction, we provide detailed written quotes that break down labor, materials, permits, and contingency so you're never surprised mid-project. We've remodeled bathrooms across Nassau and Suffolk County for over a decade — see our bathroom remodeling in Suffolk County service page for pricing tiers, timelines, and recent projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bathroom remodel cost on Long Island? A mid-range full remodel runs $12,000–$22,000 in Nassau or Suffolk County. A budget cosmetic refresh runs $4,000–$8,000, and a high-end master bath renovation runs $22,000–$45,000 or more.
Why do Long Island bathroom remodels cost more than national averages? Labor in Nassau and Suffolk County runs 20–35 percent higher than the national average — a tile setter who charges $40 per hour in the Midwest charges $65–80 per hour on Long Island.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel on Long Island? Most full remodels require a permit if plumbing or electrical work is involved. Permit costs typically run $300–$800, and requirements differ by town — Hempstead, Oyster Bay, and Babylon each have their own rules.
How much contingency should I budget for a bathroom remodel? Plan a 10–15 percent contingency on top of your quote. Many Long Island homes are 40–70 years old, and opening walls frequently reveals rotted subfloor, failed waterproofing, or outdated plumbing.
Budget for filing as well as fixtures. Bathroom remodel permits on Long Island covers when a bathroom needs one — and if you are adding a bathroom rather than redoing one, a septic review by Suffolk County can land on the schedule before the town permit does.
Work With Alec's Construction
This guide is written by the crew that does the work. See Alec's Bathroom Remodeling service — full gut renovations, tile, plumbing and vanities. Licensed and insured on Long Island, one crew start to finish, free walkthrough and a written estimate inside 48 hours.
Booking the cold months now: we also handle Kitchen Remodeling and Painting.
Filing something yourself? Our Long Island building department directory lists the address, phone and counter hours for all 23 permit offices in Nassau and Suffolk.
Also Serving Cost Long Island
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- Gutter Installation in Cost Long Island — seamless gutters, fascia and drainage
Ready to Get Started?
Ready to remodel? Call Alec's Construction at (631) 312-7441 or visit our website.
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