How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Cupertino? (2026)
Cupertino bathroom remodels range from $36,000 for a basic refresh to $135,000+ for a luxury primary suite in 2026. Known for its tech-industry demographics and excellent schools, Cupertino offers competitive mid-range pricing for the South Bay. Mid-range remodels typically run $50,000-$85,000.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Cupertino?
A bathroom remodel in Cupertino costs $36,000-$135,000+ in 2026. Basic refreshes start at $36K-$50K. Mid-range remodels with new tile, vanity, and fixtures cost $50K-$85K. Luxury primary suite renovations with custom stone, heated floors, and spa features range from $85K to $135K or more.
Bathroom Remodel Costs in Cupertino: What to Expect in 2026
Cupertino sits at the heart of Silicon Valley, home to Apple’s global headquarters and one of the Bay Area’s most sought-after school districts. With a median home price around $2.8 million, homeowners here expect quality in every detail, and the bathroom is no exception.
The typical Cupertino home was built in the 1960s or 1970s as a single-story ranch or a modest two-story. These homes are structurally sound and well-located, but their original bathrooms are compact, dated, and often in need of infrastructure upgrades. Cupertino’s tech-savvy homeowners frequently request modern, clean-lined designs with smart features, creating a remodeling market that blends practical updates with forward-thinking design.
All pricing is approximate, reflects 2026 Bay Area market conditions, and is subject to change. Every project is unique. Final costs are determined on a project-by-project basis during our design phase.
This guide covers realistic 2026 pricing for Cupertino bathroom remodels. For Bay Area-wide bathroom costs, see our bathroom remodel cost guide.
Cost by Scope
Bathroom remodel costs in Cupertino fall into three tiers based on scope and finish level.
| Tier | Cost Range | Timeline | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Refresh | $36,000-$50,000 | 2-4 weeks | New fixtures, updated tile, hardware, lighting, flooring replacement |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $50,000-$85,000 | 6-10 weeks | Full tile surround, quality vanity, updated plumbing, new ventilation, complete flooring |
| High-End Remodel | $85,000-$135,000+ | 10-14 weeks | Custom stone, heated floors, spa features, layout changes, premium fixtures, smart technology |
These ranges reflect construction costs for a standard full bathroom (roughly 40-75 square feet). Primary bathrooms and larger spaces will trend toward the higher end of each tier.
Basic Refresh: $36,000-$50,000
A basic refresh updates the look and function of your bathroom without moving plumbing or changing the layout. In Cupertino, this typically involves new porcelain tile, modern fixtures, updated lighting, and fresh hardware. This tier works well for guest baths and secondary bathrooms in Cupertino ranch homes that are functional but visually dated.
At $300-$400 per square foot, a basic refresh in Cupertino delivers solid value compared to neighboring premium cities like Los Altos and Saratoga.
Mid-Range Remodel: $50,000-$85,000
The mid-range remodel is the sweet spot for most Cupertino homeowners. It involves a full overhaul of all surfaces, upgraded fixtures, and plumbing modifications where needed.
Typical scope includes full tile surround (porcelain or natural stone), new vanity with quartz countertop, rain showerhead and modern faucets, improved lighting with dimmer controls, new porcelain tile flooring, upgraded ventilation to meet 2025 Title 24 standards, and a new toilet. For a hall bath (5 by 8 feet), expect $50,000-$65,000. A primary bathroom (7 by 10 feet or 8 by 10 feet) runs $68,000-$85,000 at mid-range finishes.
High-End Remodel: $85,000-$135,000+
A high-end remodel transforms your bathroom into a modern retreat with premium finishes and smart features. Cupertino homeowners at this tier often request heated floors, digital shower controls, smart mirrors, and clean-lined minimalist design.
Typical scope includes custom tile work (large-format porcelain, marble accents, or slab walls), radiant heated floors, frameless glass enclosure, freestanding tub, double vanity with custom cabinetry, smart toilet with bidet, body jets or rain panel, and integrated smart home controls. Primary suites in Cupertino’s Rancho Rinconada and Monta Vista neighborhoods regularly reach $100,000-$135,000+ at this level.
Cost Breakdown by Component
Labor: 40-60% of Total Budget
Labor is the largest expense in a Cupertino bathroom remodel. The city’s central South Bay location provides access to a competitive contractor pool, keeping rates slightly below Peninsula cities.
| Trade | Hourly Rate (Cupertino) | Typical Hours per Project |
|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $90-$155/hr | Oversight for full project |
| Licensed Plumber | $130-$205+/hr | 18-45 hours |
| Licensed Electrician | $110-$180/hr | 8-22 hours |
| Tile Installer | $80-$125/hr | 22-55 hours |
| Carpenter/Finish Work | $75-$120/hr | 10-25 hours |
Tile and Stone: 15-20% of Budget
| Material | Cost per Sqft (Installed) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain tile | $15-$30 | Mid-range remodels, durability |
| Natural stone (marble, travertine) | $26-$50+ | High-end remodels, visual impact |
| Large-format porcelain slab | $30-$60 | Modern aesthetic, fewer grout lines |
| Hand-cut mosaic | $35-$70+ | Accent walls, niches, shower floors |
Fixtures and Hardware: 10-15% of Budget
Mid-range Cupertino projects typically allocate $3,800-$8,000 on fixtures. High-end projects with smart toilets, digital shower systems, and designer hardware can reach $10,000-$20,000.
Vanity and Countertop: 10-15% of Budget
A single vanity with quartz countertop costs $2,000-$5,000 in Cupertino. A double vanity with custom cabinetry runs $5,000-$12,000+. Floating (wall-mounted) vanities are increasingly popular in Cupertino, offering a modern look and making small bathrooms feel more spacious.
What Drives Costs in Cupertino
1960s-1970s Housing Stock
Most Cupertino homes were built during the postwar suburban expansion. These ranch-style homes have bathrooms that were designed for basic function, not for the spa-like experiences today’s homeowners want. Original copper or galvanized plumbing, limited electrical circuits, and minimal ventilation are common findings behind the walls.
Modern Aesthetic Preferences
Cupertino’s tech demographics skew toward clean, contemporary design. Large-format tile, floating vanities, matte hardware finishes, and smart technology are popular requests. While these choices do not always cost more than traditional options, the precision required for installation (large-format tile needs perfectly flat surfaces; floating vanities need reinforced wall backing) can increase labor hours.
School District Premium
Cupertino’s top-rated school district drives home values and buyer expectations. Homebuyers in this market notice dated bathrooms and factor renovation costs into their offers. For sellers, an updated bathroom removes a negotiating point. For homeowners staying long-term, it means daily enjoyment of a space that matches the rest of the home’s quality.
Compact Layouts
Like many 1960s-70s suburban homes, Cupertino bathrooms tend to be compact (40-55 square feet). The per-square-foot cost is higher in small bathrooms because fixed costs (plumbing rough-in, electrical, permits) do not decrease proportionally with square footage.
Cupertino Permits and Regulations
Building Permits
The City of Cupertino Building Division handles permits for bathroom remodels. Any project involving plumbing, electrical, or structural work requires a permit. Fees run $800-$2,200+ based on project valuation.
Cupertino’s building department is known for efficient processing. Plan review for a standard bathroom remodel typically takes 2-3 weeks, and the online permitting system streamlines the application process. This efficiency is a real advantage compared to cities with longer review timelines.
Other Soft Costs
| Expense | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Design fees | $2,000-$5,500 | Floor plans, material selections, 3D renderings |
| Engineering (if structural) | $1,200-$3,500 | Required when removing or modifying walls |
| Title 24 energy compliance | 5-10% of project | 2025 code effective January 2026 |
| Contingency | 10-15% of budget | Recommended for 1960s-70s ranch homes |
How Cupertino Compares to Other Bay Area Cities
Cupertino offers competitive pricing in the mid-range of Bay Area markets.
| City | Basic Refresh | Mid-Range Remodel | High-End Remodel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cupertino | $36,000-$50,000 | $50,000-$85,000 | $85,000-$135,000+ |
| Los Altos | $38,000-$53,000 | $52,000-$90,000 | $90,000-$145,000+ |
| Saratoga | $40,000-$55,000 | $55,000-$95,000 | $95,000-$150,000+ |
| Palo Alto | $40,000-$55,000 | $55,000-$95,000 | $95,000-$150,000+ |
| Sunnyvale | $35,000-$48,000 | $48,000-$80,000 | $80,000-$128,000 |
| Mountain View | $36,000-$48,000 | $48,000-$82,000 | $82,000-$130,000 |
| San Jose | $35,000-$48,000 | $48,000-$80,000 | $80,000-$125,000 |
Cupertino sits in the upper-middle tier, reflecting its strong school district, desirable location, and quality-conscious homeowner base, while benefiting from South Bay contractor rates rather than Peninsula premiums.
Sample Budgets
Mid-Range Primary Bathroom: $72,000
This example reflects a primary bathroom remodel in a 1970s Cupertino ranch home (approximately 58 square feet).
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Demolition and disposal | $2,400 |
| Plumbing (repiping supply lines, new drain connections) | $8,200 |
| Electrical (new circuits, lighting, exhaust fan) | $4,600 |
| Tile (large-format porcelain floor and shower surround) | $10,500 |
| Vanity (floating double, quartz countertop, undermount sinks) | $6,500 |
| Fixtures (rain showerhead, modern faucets, smart toilet) | $5,800 |
| Glass shower enclosure (frameless) | $3,800 |
| Heated floor system | $2,800 |
| Ventilation (Title 24 compliant) | $1,500 |
| Paint, trim, accessories | $1,900 |
| Permits and design | $4,500 |
| Contingency (12%) | $8,500 |
| Total | ~$72,000 |
High-End Primary Suite: $118,000
This example reflects a primary suite remodel in a Monta Vista home, including some layout modifications and premium finishes (approximately 75 square feet).
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Demolition, disposal, and structural work | $5,200 |
| Plumbing (full repipe, relocated shower, body jets) | $13,000 |
| Electrical (smart controls, heated mirror, new circuits) | $7,200 |
| Tile (large-format porcelain slab walls, heated porcelain floor) | $17,500 |
| Custom double vanity with quartz countertop | $11,000 |
| Fixtures (digital shower system, freestanding tub, smart toilet) | $12,500 |
| Frameless glass enclosure (custom) | $5,500 |
| Radiant floor heating | $3,800 |
| Ventilation system (Title 24 compliant) | $1,800 |
| Paint, trim, millwork | $3,500 |
| Permits, design, and engineering | $7,000 |
| Contingency (12%) | $12,500 |
| Total | ~$118,000 |
How to Plan Your Budget in Cupertino
Prioritize Smart Features Where They Add Value
Cupertino homeowners are naturally drawn to technology, and bathrooms offer several practical smart upgrades. Heated floors, digital shower controls, and smart toilets with bidet functions are popular requests. These features add $3,000-$8,000 to the budget but offer daily quality-of-life improvements. Smart mirrors and automated lighting add another $1,500-$4,000.
Keep the Layout if Possible
In Cupertino’s compact 1960s-70s ranch bathrooms, the existing plumbing layout often makes sense for the space. Moving the toilet, shower, or vanity requires rerouting drain lines and supply pipes, adding $3,000-$8,000+. If the current layout works, invest those savings in better finishes and fixtures.
Choose Large-Format Tile
Large-format porcelain tile (24 by 48 inches or larger) is ideal for Cupertino’s compact bathrooms. Fewer grout lines create a cleaner look and make small spaces feel larger. While installation requires perfectly flat surfaces (adding some prep cost), the finished result is worth it.
Budget for Ventilation Upgrades
The 2025 Title 24 energy code, effective January 2026, requires enhanced ventilation in bathroom remodels. If your 1970s Cupertino home has a basic exhaust fan (or no fan at all), plan for $1,200-$2,500 to install a compliant system. This is not optional; it is a code requirement that your contractor must address.
Why Cupertino Homeowners Choose Custom Home
Custom Home Design and Build is headquartered in San Jose, just minutes from Cupertino. We remodel bathrooms in Cupertino’s neighborhoods regularly and understand the specific characteristics of the local housing stock, permitting process, and homeowner expectations.
Our two-phase process is built for Cupertino’s needs. In Phase 1 (Design), we create detailed plans, 3D visualizations, and a locked-in price before construction begins. You see your bathroom rendered in 3D with your exact tile, fixtures, and layout before we start demolition. In Phase 2 (Build), we execute the plan with our team of licensed tradespeople. No surprises, no scope creep.
Start Your Cupertino Bathroom Remodel
Whether you are modernizing a hall bath in Rancho Rinconada or designing a tech-forward primary suite in Monta Vista, the first step is understanding your project’s scope and cost.
Contact Custom Home to schedule a complimentary consultation. We will assess your Cupertino home, discuss your design preferences, and provide a realistic estimate tailored to your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average bathroom remodel cost in Cupertino?
The average mid-range bathroom remodel in Cupertino costs $50,000-$85,000 in 2026. This includes new tile, a quality vanity with stone countertop, updated plumbing fixtures, improved lighting, and upgraded ventilation. Basic refreshes start at $36,000-$50,000. Luxury primary bathroom remodels range from $85,000 to $135,000 or more.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel in Cupertino?
Yes, if your project involves plumbing, electrical, or structural changes. The City of Cupertino requires building permits for work beyond cosmetic updates. Permit fees for a standard bathroom remodel run $800-$2,200+. Cupertino's building department offers an efficient plan review process, typically completing reviews in 2-3 weeks.
How long does a bathroom remodel take in Cupertino?
A basic refresh takes 2-4 weeks. A mid-range remodel with tile and plumbing work takes 6-10 weeks. A luxury primary bathroom remodel with layout changes takes 10-14 weeks. Add 2-4 weeks for design, material selection, and permitting before construction begins.
What bathroom design styles are most popular in Cupertino?
Cupertino homeowners tend to favor clean, modern aesthetics. Popular choices include large-format porcelain tile in neutral tones, floating vanities, frameless glass enclosures, matte black or brushed gold hardware, and smart features like heated floors and digital shower controls. The tech-forward demographics drive interest in smart home integration.