How Much Does Remodeling a Bathroom to be Handicap Accessible Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Remodeling a bathroom for accessibility costs between $2,700 and $16,000, with most homeowners paying an average of $8,400. Accessibility needs vary widely, so your total project cost will largely depend on the features you include and the modifications required. One household may only need grab bars and a raised toilet seat, while another might require a roll-in tub, wider doorways, and a ceiling lift. Hiring experienced electricians, plumbers, and contractors ensures that all modifications meet ADA guidelines and are safely integrated into your home, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards.

Accessible Bathroom Remodel Cost Factors

There are several key factors that determine the total cost of an accessible bathroom, including the project type, materials, and labor requirements. 

Project Type

The scope of your project has the largest impact on your final bill. Demolition and prep work are essential to remove existing features and prepare the space for a remodel. You’ll also likely require plumbing and electrical modifications to accommodate new fixtures, meet updated code requirements, or improve accessibility. More complex upgrades, like relocating a shower, installing a walk-in tub, or reconfiguring the layout, can significantly increase labor and material costs.

Materials

The amount you spend on parts and materials depends on the specific accessibility features you choose. Accessibility looks different for every user. One person may only need grab bars, lower light switches, and anti-slip flooring, while another may rely on sensor lighting, an emergency call button, an elevator, or a ceiling lift to use the bathroom safely and independently. Expect costs for parts to range from $100 or less to as high as $15,000.

Labor

The labor costs for an accessible bathroom remodel vary significantly depending on the type and extent of work. Depending on the scope of the project, here are the professionals you may need and their associated rates:

• Handyperson costs: $60–$125 per hour

• Electrician costs: $50–$150 per hour

• Plumber costs: $45–$200 per hour

• Construction manager costs: 5%–15% of the total project cost

• General contractor costs: 10%–20% of the total project cost

Additional Cost Factors

Every accessible bathroom remodel is unique because it must meet the user’s specific mobility needs as well as the broader household’s requirements. While some people require an elevator and a ceiling lift for easy accessibility and transfers, another household may only require the installation of grab bars and anti-slip flooring to make the bathroom accessible for all.

Permits and Licenses

Aside from the extent of the remodel, another factor that influences the cost is whether you need any permits or licenses. While you won't need permits for smaller jobs, for more extensive remodeling, such as widening doorways, installing ramps, or making any structural changes, you'll need permits. However, your contractor should handle this for you. They often include the cost of permits and licenses in the total project fee.

ADA Compliance

While private residences often don't have to comply with the same ADA guidelines as commercial premises and group homes, there are exceptions. If you've received financial aid to make accessibility modifications from local or federal programs, you may have to comply with ADA regulations. This is something to discuss with your contractor, as it may increase the project's cost.

DIY Accessible Bathroom Remodel vs. Hiring a Pro

Homeowners who want to save on labor costs can handle certain tasks on their own with the right tools and skills when building an accessible bathroom. Installing grab bars or a raised toilet seat is straightforward, although mounting hardware on tile requires the use of the correct drill bits and anchors. 

However, electrical, structural, and safety-critical work should always be left to licensed professionals. These projects require specialized skills, tools, and experience for proper installation and ADA compliance. Contact a bathroom remodeling contractor near you to ensure your project is safe, secure, and compliant with local codes.

Does An Accessible Bathroom Increase Home Value?

An accessible bathroom can significantly increase your home's value, particularly in markets with aging populations or when targeting buyers with mobility needs. Features like walk-in showers, wider doorways, and stylish grab bars offer universal appeal that extends beyond accessibility, creating a modern, convenient bathroom that appeals to all homeowners.

When designed thoughtfully with high-quality materials and contemporary aesthetics, accessible bathrooms can become a selling point rather than a specialty feature. Many accessibility upgrades align with luxury bathroom trends, such as curbless showers and comfort-height toilets, making them attractive to a broad range of potential buyers while providing essential functionality for those who need it.

Budgeting for an Accessible Bathroom

Here are a few helpful ways to keep costs down when building an accessible bathroom:

• Prioritize essential accessibility features first, such as grab bars and non-slip flooring, before adding luxury elements.

• Consider partial updates rather than paying for a complete remodel—focus on the highest-impact modifications for your specific needs.

• Research available tax credits, grants, and financing options for accessibility modifications, including home modification programs.

• Reuse existing fixtures where possible by adding accessibility features, such as handheld showerheads, to standard tubs.

• Get multiple quotes from contractors experienced in accessible design to ensure competitive pricing and proper implementation.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.