Typical Greater Boston price ranges by project type
These are reference ranges for professionally installed, permitted projects from full-service Eastern Massachusetts remodelers. Actual quotes depend on the existing bathroom, materials, plumbing layout, and overhead. Older Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, and historic North Shore stock often lands at the higher end of each range.
- Tub-to-shower conversion (existing footprint, acrylic): $8,500 – $16,000
- Walk-in shower replacement (acrylic, semi-custom): $10,500 – $19,500
- Walk-in shower (tile build-out, custom): $16,500 – $32,000
- Full bathroom remodel (layout unchanged): $14,500 – $27,000
- Full gut remodel (plumbing relocation, new layout): $22,000 – $48,000+
- Accessibility-focused conversion: $9,500 – $27,000 depending on features
Source: Reference ranges for professionally installed, permitted bathroom projects across Greater Boston, aggregated from full-service remodeler quote data ((HomeGuide, 2024), (Angi, 2024)) and adjusted for the local market using regional construction-cost indices ((RSMeans CCI, 2024)). ROI benchmarks cross-checked against (Cost vs. Value, 2024). Not a quote; actual bids depend on your specific bathroom.
What drives the cost up or down in Eastern Massachusetts
Demo scope matters most. A clean swap inside a 1990s Needham or Hingham framed alcove is the most predictable scope in the region. A South Boston triple-decker, Cambridge two-family, Beacon Hill condo, or Salem historic single with plaster, original cast-iron drains, knob-and-tube remnants, and a vent fan that needs rerouting through a flat roof can add $3,000–$6,000 before the shower system goes in.
Tile is the other big swing. Acrylic systems install in 1–3 days; tile runs 1–3 weeks because waterproofing, mortar, and grout each need dry time. Higher-finish neighborhoods like Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and other tile.
- Scope of demo: surface vs. down-to-studs
- Shower system: acrylic insert vs. semi-custom acrylic vs. tile
- Plumbing: stay in place vs. move drains/supply lines
- Subfloor condition (older Boston stock often needs repair)
- Vent fan rework, flat roofs and shared walls complicate venting
- Condo or HOA approvals, freight elevator scheduling
- Historic commission review (parts of Boston, Cambridge, Salem, Marblehead)
- MA permit and disposal fees (vary by city/town)
Source: Cost drivers reflect line-item data from full-service bathroom remodels in the Greater Boston market ((HomeGuide, 2024), (Angi, 2024)), with housing-age context from the U.S. Census American Housing Survey ((U.S. Census AHS, 2023)).
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Frequently asked questions
What's the most common Greater Boston bathroom remodel?+
A tub-to-shower conversion inside the existing footprint, usually in the hall or primary bath. Acrylic conversions in framed alcoves are 1–3 day installs and the lowest-risk scope in the region.
Do contractors need a license to do bathroom remodels in Massachusetts?+
Yes. Massachusetts requires a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) for structural and most remodel work, and most companies doing bathroom remodels also carry Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Plumbing and electrical changes require separately licensed trades. Ask to see proof before signing.
Related guides
Popular Greater Boston guides
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