How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Los Gatos? (2026)
Los Gatos bathroom remodels range from $38,000 for a basic refresh to $140,000+ for a luxury primary suite in 2026. This design-conscious hillside community commands premium pricing that sits below Palo Alto and Saratoga but above most South Bay cities. Mid-range remodels typically run $52,000-$90,000.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Los Gatos?
A bathroom remodel in Los Gatos costs $38,000-$140,000+ in 2026. Basic refreshes start at $38K-$52K. Mid-range remodels with new tile, vanity, and fixtures cost $52K-$90K. Luxury primary suite renovations with custom stone, heated floors, and spa features range from $88K to $140K or more.
Bathroom Remodel Costs in Los Gatos: What to Expect in 2026
Los Gatos is one of the South Bay’s most charming and affluent communities, with a walkable downtown, tree-covered hillsides, and a median home price around $2.8 million. Homeowners here tend to be design-conscious and quality-driven, with expectations that reflect the town’s upscale character.
The housing stock in Los Gatos spans a wide range: historic homes near the downtown area dating to the early 1900s, mid-century ranches along the Boulevard and in the flatlands, and newer custom homes and estates in the hillside areas above town. Each presents different challenges and opportunities for bathroom remodeling. A 1920s craftsman near Santa Cruz Avenue has very different plumbing conditions than a 1990s hillside estate off Shannon Road.
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 Los Gatos bathroom remodels. For Bay Area-wide bathroom costs, see our bathroom remodel cost guide.
Cost by Scope
Bathroom remodel costs in Los Gatos fall into three tiers based on scope and finish level.
| Tier | Cost Range | Timeline | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Refresh | $38,000-$52,000 | 3-4 weeks | New fixtures, updated tile, hardware, lighting, flooring replacement |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $52,000-$90,000 | 6-10 weeks | Full tile surround, quality vanity, updated plumbing, new ventilation, complete flooring |
| High-End Remodel | $88,000-$140,000+ | 10-14 weeks | Custom stone, heated floors, spa features, layout changes, premium fixtures, steam shower |
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: $38,000-$52,000
A basic refresh updates surfaces and fixtures without relocating plumbing or altering the layout. In Los Gatos, this tier calls for quality materials: porcelain or low-end natural stone, modern chrome or brushed-nickel fixtures, and updated lighting. Los Gatos homeowners expect a finished product that reflects the town’s upscale character, even in a guest bath.
At $320-$430 per square foot, a basic refresh in Los Gatos delivers a polished result that keeps pace with neighborhood standards.
Mid-Range Remodel: $52,000-$90,000
The mid-range tier is the most popular scope for Los Gatos homeowners. It involves a complete refresh of all surfaces, upgraded fixtures, and often some plumbing modifications.
Typical scope includes full tile surround (porcelain or natural stone), new vanity with quartz or marble countertop, rain showerhead and updated faucets, improved lighting with dimmer controls, new porcelain or stone flooring, upgraded ventilation to meet 2025 Title 24 standards, and a new toilet. For a hall bath (5 by 8 feet), expect $52,000-$68,000. A primary bathroom (8 by 10 feet) runs $72,000-$90,000 at mid-range finishes.
High-End Remodel: $88,000-$140,000+
A high-end remodel creates a spa-caliber bathroom with premium materials and thoughtful design. In Los Gatos, this tier is common for primary suites in both hillside estates and renovated historic homes near downtown.
Typical scope includes custom tile work (marble, large-format porcelain slab, hand-cut mosaic), radiant heated floors, frameless glass enclosure, freestanding soaking tub, double vanity with custom cabinetry, smart toilet, steam shower or body jets, and premium natural stone countertops. Primary suites in Los Gatos hillside homes and the Almond Grove area regularly reach $110,000-$140,000+ for this level of finish.
Cost Breakdown by Component
Labor: 40-60% of Total Budget
Labor is the single largest expense. Los Gatos draws from a skilled contractor pool shared with Saratoga, San Jose, and Campbell.
| Trade | Hourly Rate (Los Gatos) | Typical Hours per Project |
|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $92-$160/hr | Oversight for full project |
| Licensed Plumber | $135-$210+/hr | 18-48 hours |
| Licensed Electrician | $112-$185/hr | 10-24 hours |
| Tile Installer | $82-$130/hr | 22-55 hours |
| Carpenter/Finish Work | $78-$125/hr | 10-28 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-$52+ | High-end remodels, visual impact |
| Large-format porcelain slab | $30-$62 | Modern aesthetic, fewer grout lines |
| Hand-cut mosaic | $35-$70+ | Accent walls, niches, shower floors |
Fixtures and Hardware: 10-15% of Budget
Mid-range Los Gatos projects typically spend $4,000-$8,500 on fixtures. High-end projects with thermostatic shower systems, smart toilets, and designer hardware can reach $10,000-$20,000.
Vanity and Countertop: 10-15% of Budget
A single vanity with quartz countertop costs $2,200-$5,200 in Los Gatos. A double vanity with custom cabinetry runs $5,500-$13,000+. Historic downtown homes often have irregular bathroom dimensions that require custom solutions.
What Drives Costs in Los Gatos
Historic Downtown Homes
Homes near Los Gatos downtown, along University Avenue and in the surrounding blocks, date from the early 1900s through the 1940s. These homes have character and charm, but their bathrooms often conceal original plumbing, outdated wiring, and construction techniques that require careful handling. Remodeling a bathroom in a 1925 craftsman typically costs 15-25% more than the same scope in a 1970s tract home due to the additional infrastructure work required.
Hillside Regulations
The Town of Los Gatos has specific hillside development standards that apply to properties in designated hillside areas. While these primarily affect exterior work and additions, a bathroom remodel that involves structural changes in a hillside home may trigger additional engineering requirements and review. Hillside access can also increase material delivery costs and labor time.
Design-Conscious Community
Los Gatos has a strong design culture. The downtown is lined with boutique shops, upscale restaurants, and design studios that set the aesthetic bar. Homeowners here tend to invest in thoughtful design, quality materials, and craftsmanship. This is not a market where a quick, low-cost refresh satisfies. The expectation is a bathroom that looks and feels intentional, not generic.
Varied Housing Ages
Los Gatos has one of the widest age ranges of housing stock in the South Bay. Your bathroom remodel cost is significantly influenced by whether you are working in a 1920s bungalow (expect extensive infrastructure updates), a 1960s ranch (moderate updates), or a 2000s custom home (minimal infrastructure needs). Understanding your home’s era is the first step in setting a realistic budget.
Los Gatos Permits and Regulations
Building Permits
The Town of Los Gatos Community Development Department handles building permits. Any bathroom remodel involving plumbing, electrical, or structural work requires a permit. Fees run $900-$2,800+ based on project valuation.
Plan review in Los Gatos typically takes 2-4 weeks. The building department is smaller than San Jose’s, which can mean slightly longer wait times during peak construction season (spring through fall).
Hillside Development Standards
Properties in designated hillside areas are subject to additional review. If your bathroom remodel involves structural modifications in a hillside home, the town may require geotechnical assessment, structural engineering review, or drainage analysis. These requirements add both cost and time to the project. Confirm your property’s status with your contractor before finalizing your project scope.
Other Soft Costs
| Expense | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Design fees | $2,200-$6,500 | Floor plans, material selections, 3D renderings |
| Engineering (if structural) | $1,500-$4,000 | Required for wall removal or hillside structural work |
| Title 24 energy compliance | 5-10% of project | 2025 code effective January 2026 |
| Contingency | 10-15% of budget | 15% for historic or pre-1960 homes; 10% for newer construction |
How Los Gatos Compares to Other Bay Area Cities
Los Gatos sits in the upper tier of Bay Area bathroom remodel pricing, below Palo Alto and Saratoga but above most South Bay cities.
| City | Basic Refresh | Mid-Range Remodel | High-End Remodel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Gatos | $38,000-$52,000 | $52,000-$90,000 | $88,000-$140,000 |
| 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+ |
| Los Altos | $38,000-$53,000 | $52,000-$90,000 | $90,000-$145,000+ |
| Cupertino | $36,000-$50,000 | $50,000-$85,000 | $85,000-$135,000 |
| Campbell | $35,000-$48,000 | $48,000-$80,000 | $80,000-$125,000 |
| San Jose | $35,000-$48,000 | $48,000-$80,000 | $80,000-$125,000 |
Los Gatos pricing reflects its upscale community character, design-forward expectations, and the diverse challenges of its housing stock.
Sample Budgets
Mid-Range Primary Bathroom: $76,000
This example reflects a primary bathroom remodel in a 1965 Los Gatos ranch home near the Boulevard (approximately 58 square feet).
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Demolition and disposal | $2,500 |
| Plumbing (repiping supply lines, new drain connections) | $8,800 |
| Electrical (new circuits, lighting, exhaust fan) | $4,800 |
| Tile (porcelain floor, natural stone shower surround) | $11,500 |
| Vanity (double, quartz countertop, undermount sinks) | $7,200 |
| Fixtures (rain shower system, wall-mounted faucets, new toilet) | $6,200 |
| Glass shower enclosure (frameless) | $3,800 |
| Heated floor system | $3,000 |
| Ventilation (Title 24 compliant) | $1,600 |
| Paint, trim, accessories | $2,000 |
| Permits and design | $4,800 |
| Contingency (12%) | $8,300 |
| Total | ~$76,000 |
High-End Downtown Historic Home: $130,000
This example reflects a primary bathroom remodel in a 1920s craftsman near downtown Los Gatos, including structural upgrades and premium finishes (approximately 70 square feet).
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Demolition, disposal, and structural reinforcement | $7,500 |
| Plumbing (full repipe, relocated fixtures, steam shower plumbing) | $15,000 |
| Electrical (rewiring, smart controls, heated mirror) | $8,500 |
| Tile (marble walls, heated natural stone floors) | $19,500 |
| Custom double vanity with natural stone countertop | $12,500 |
| Fixtures (thermostatic shower, body jets, freestanding tub, smart toilet) | $14,000 |
| Frameless glass enclosure (custom) | $6,000 |
| Radiant floor heating | $4,000 |
| Steam shower and ventilation system | $3,200 |
| Paint, trim, custom millwork | $4,000 |
| Permits, design, and engineering | $8,500 |
| Contingency (15%) | $16,000 |
| Total | ~$130,000 |
How to Plan Your Budget in Los Gatos
Know Your Home’s History
The single biggest variable in Los Gatos bathroom remodel costs is the age and condition of your home. A pre-1950 home near downtown will require significantly more infrastructure work than a 1990s home in the hills. Get a thorough assessment before setting your material budget so you are not caught off guard by plumbing or electrical surprises.
Align with the Design Culture
Los Gatos rewards thoughtful design. Spend time in the planning phase selecting materials and finishes that feel cohesive and intentional. A well-designed bathroom with mid-range materials will look better (and sell better) than a bathroom stuffed with high-end materials that do not relate to each other. This is where working with a design-build firm pays dividends.
Plan for Hillside Logistics
If your property is in a hillside area, discuss access and staging logistics with your contractor early. Narrow roads, steep driveways, and limited work staging areas can affect scheduling, material choices, and cost. Some oversized materials (large slab tiles, freestanding tubs) may require specialized delivery.
Do Not Skip the Contingency
In Los Gatos, where housing ages range from 100+ years old to newly built, the contingency line item is not optional. Set aside 10-15% of your construction budget for discoveries behind the walls. It is far better to have a contingency you do not need than to face an unexpected $8,000 plumbing bill with no reserves.
Why Los Gatos Homeowners Choose Custom Home
Custom Home Design and Build serves Los Gatos and the surrounding South Bay. We understand the specific challenges of remodeling in this community, from the infrastructure demands of historic downtown homes to the access constraints of hillside properties. Our experience in Los Gatos spans ranch-home renovations, historic home updates, and luxury estate bathrooms.
Our two-phase process is built for the Los Gatos market. In Phase 1 (Design), we create detailed plans, 3D visualizations, and a locked-in price before construction begins. This phase is especially valuable in Los Gatos, where the wide range of housing conditions makes accurate upfront pricing essential. In Phase 2 (Build), we execute the plan with our team of licensed tradespeople.
Start Your Los Gatos Bathroom Remodel
Whether you are refreshing a guest bath in a Boulevard ranch home or creating a spa retreat in a hillside estate, the first step is understanding your project’s scope and cost.
Contact Custom Home to schedule a complimentary consultation. We will visit your Los Gatos home, assess the existing conditions, and provide a realistic estimate tailored to your goals and your home’s unique characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average bathroom remodel cost in Los Gatos?
The average mid-range bathroom remodel in Los Gatos costs $52,000-$90,000 in 2026. This includes new tile, a quality vanity with stone countertop, updated plumbing fixtures, improved lighting, and upgraded ventilation. Basic refreshes start at $38,000-$52,000. Luxury primary bathroom remodels range from $88,000 to $140,000 or more.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel in Los Gatos?
Yes, if your project involves plumbing, electrical, or structural changes. The Town of Los Gatos requires building permits for work beyond cosmetic updates. Permit fees for a standard bathroom remodel run $900-$2,800+. Properties in hillside areas may face additional requirements under Los Gatos hillside development standards.
How long does a bathroom remodel take in Los Gatos?
A basic refresh takes 3-4 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 3-5 weeks for design, permitting, and plan review before construction begins.
Are hillside properties in Los Gatos more expensive to remodel?
Yes. Hillside properties in Los Gatos often face material access challenges, steeper grading that affects plumbing runs, and additional review under the town's hillside development standards. These factors can add 10-15% to project costs compared to flatland properties in the downtown or Boulevard area.