It's natural to want an estimate of your bathroom remodel cost before you decide to embark on the project. But it's also almost impossible to know how much it will cost without getting an actual estimate from a contractor. There are so many factors that go into the cost of bathroom remodeling that no one can give you an estimate without seeing your bathroom first.

The condition of the bathroom itself can make a huge difference in the price of the project, for instance. A bathroom that's in great condition that you're remodeling simply to change the style will probably cost less than a bathroom that is suffering some problems. But even in the case of a change of decoration, it's impossible for a contractor to give a good estimate without seeing the bathroom, and you and the contractor making some decisions.

If you have different contractors come in to give estimates on your bathroom remodel cost, which you should do, you're going to get a different number from each one of them, though they should all be in the same ballpark.

You can use the national average to get an idea of the possible range of the estimates you'll receive, though. If your bathroom is around 40 square feet in size, and you're doing a pretty full remodel including a new toilet, new tub and shower, ceramic tile on the tub surround and the floor, wallpaper or paint, lighted mirror medicine cabinet and a new countertop/sink, then a good starting figure to consider would be about $17,000.

That's pretty much the minimum cost for a bathroom remodel, based on a bathroom that size. A smaller bathroom will probably cost less, and if you're only having some of those items remodeled then obviously the cost could be less as well. But that doesn't mean it will be. If the contractor goes to do the project, bathroom remodel costs can be more than anticipated.

If the contractor goes to install your new tub and shower and finds the wall damp, rotten or unstable behind it, you'll have the extra expense of that repair. An uneven floor has to be fixed before tile can be set - these little expenses can add up quickly if your bathroom isn't in tip-top, ready-to-remodel condition.

That's why it's important for a contractor to really examine your bathroom to determine the cost of bathroom remodel, to figure out how much time it will really take, and then figure the cost of labor. When you get an estimate that seems reasonable to you, you should actually budget at least a few thousand dollars more than the estimate, just in case problems arise along the way. An estimate is just that—an estimated cost based on what the contractor thinks needs to be done. Sometimes things crop up beyond anyone's control.

Also, you shouldn't necessarily go with the cheapest contractor. Make sure the bathroom remodel cost is affordable, but also make sure the contractor is licensed and insured, and offers a labor warranty.

Interested in remodeling your bathroom? Get your project started by submitting a free BuyerZone request for bathroom remodeling price quotes.