Bathroom and Kitchen Remodel Costs in Tennessee

How much does a bathroom or kitchen remodel cost in Tennessee? In 2026, most full bathroom remodels in the Cookeville and Upper Cumberland area run between $8,000 and $35,000, while most full kitchen remodels land between $28,000 and $85,000 or higher depending on scope. These figures reflect what we at S&T Construction are seeing in actual projects right now, not recycled national averages from three years ago.

S&T Construction is a family-run, NAHB-member remodeling contractor and custom home builder based in Cookeville, serving Putnam and Cumberland Counties since 2017. Scott and Tonya founded the company on faith-driven values, clear communication, and the belief that every family deserves a contractor who treats their house like their own.

Renovating your kitchen or bathroom is almost always faster and more affordable than buying a different home or building from scratch, while still delivering real comfort and resale value improvements. Construction costs in Tennessee average below the national norm, and remodeling costs in this state generally run about 10 to 15 percent lower than the national average. Keep in mind that Tennessee's general state sales tax rate is 7 percent, which applies to materials. Costs in Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland tend to be a bit lower than in Williamson County or metro Nashville, though materials and labor have risen steadily since 2020. The sections below break down bathroom remodel costs, kitchen remodel costs, and the factors that drive your actual cost in detail.

Typical Bathroom Remodel Costs in Tennessee (2026)

The cost of bathroom remodels can vary dramatically based on scope and size. In Middle Tennessee, basic cosmetic updates to a guest bath start around $8,000 to $12,000. A basic bathroom remodel costs $12,500 to $15,000 in Nashville for comparison. Most standard full bathroom remodels fall in the $15,000 to $30,000 range, and high-end primary suites can reach $35,000 to $60,000 or more. Bathroom renovations generally range from $10,000 to $30,000 in Tennessee, with high-end bathroom remodels exceeding $35,000 depending on finishes.

These figures are realistic for Cookeville, Crossville, and surrounding Upper Cumberland towns. Expect slightly higher prices as you move closer to Nashville or Williamson County. Mid-grade bathroom remodels average about $20,000 for 35 square feet of space, which shows how concentrated costs become in a smaller room. Bathrooms cost more per square foot than most other rooms because of plumbing, waterproofing, tile, and labor density. Labor costs typically represent 30 to 50 percent of bathroom renovation budgets, which is why the scope of plumbing and tile work matters so much.

Bathroom Remodel Cost Tiers: Budget, Mid-Range, and High-End

This guide breaks bathroom remodel costs into three scope tiers so homeowners can quickly see where their project might land.

Budget bathroom remodel (guest or small hall bath)

• Cost range: roughly $8,000 to $15,000 in Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland in 2026
• Typical scope: keep existing layout, replace tub or shower insert, new vanity, standard toilet, LVP or basic tile flooring, new lighting and vent fan, fresh paint
• Materials: stock vanity from home centers, pre-fab shower or tub units, porcelain tile under $2 to $3 per square foot, chrome or brushed nickel fixtures

Mid-range bathroom remodel (typical family bath or modest primary bathroom)

• Cost range: roughly $18,000 to $35,000 depending on size and tile choices
• Typical scope: new tile shower with niche, glass door, semi-custom vanity, quartz or granite top, updated lighting, upgraded venting, some layout tweaks if needed
• Materials: better tile selections, upgraded plumbing fixtures, framed or semi-frameless glass, higher-quality cabinets but not fully custom

High-end bathroom remodel (primary suite or luxury bath)

• Cost range: roughly $35,000 to $60,000 or more in this region, especially when moving walls or adding windows
• Typical scope: large tiled shower with multiple heads, freestanding tub, custom vanity cabinetry, heated floors, upgraded ventilation, significant layout and structural changes
• Materials: designer tile, stone slabs, custom cabinetry, premium fixtures and glass, upgraded lighting and fan controls

Labor typically accounts for 40 to 60 percent of a bathroom budget at any tier, so the complexity of plumbing and tile work has a direct effect on price.

Kitchen Remodel Costs in Tennessee: 2026 Overview

Most kitchen remodeling projects in the Cookeville, Putnam, and Cumberland County area fall between $28,000 and $90,000 or more. Small pull-and-replace kitchens sit at the low end, while fully custom builds with structural changes push past six figures. For reference, minor kitchen remodels in Nashville start at $25,000 to $35,000, and most mid-range kitchen remodels in Middle Tennessee range from $25,000 to $60,000.

Kitchens almost always cost more overall than bathrooms due to larger runs of cabinetry, full appliance packages, and greater square footage. Custom cabinets take up the largest portion of a kitchen budget, followed by appliances and countertops. Cabinetry and hardware usually account for 30 to 40 percent of kitchen budgets alone.

S&T Construction frequently remodels island kitchens, U-shaped kitchens, and C-shaped kitchens in older homes throughout the Upper Cumberland. Layout complexity directly affects price. Refreshing an existing kitchen layout saves thousands compared to opening walls, relocating the sink or range, or adding new square footage.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Tiers: Budget, Mid-Range, and High-End

This section breaks kitchen remodel costs into three levels for typical Tennessee homes built between the 1970s and early 2000s.

Budget kitchen remodel (smaller or rental-style kitchens)

• Cost range: roughly $28,000 to $45,000 in Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland in 2026
• Typical scope: keep original layout, replace cabinets with stock or RTA units, new laminate or entry-level quartz counters, basic tile backsplash, new sink and faucet, repaint, LVP or mid-grade tile flooring
• Appliances: usually mid-range units, sometimes reusing existing appliances to cut costs

Mid-range kitchen remodel (most family kitchens)

• Cost range: roughly $45,000 to $75,000 based on size and cabinet quality
• Typical scope: semi-custom cabinets, upgraded quartz or granite stone countertops, full-height backsplash, new lighting layout, possibly a new island or peninsula, updated LVP or hardwood refinishing
• Layout: often keeps plumbing locations but may open a wall or widen a doorway for better flow
• Mid-grade kitchen renovations average around $190 per square foot at this level

High-end kitchen remodel (custom or forever-home kitchens)

• Cost range: roughly $75,000 to $120,000 or more in this region, especially when removing walls or adding exterior openings
• Typical scope: custom cabinetry, large island kitchens, high-end stone or wood countertops, premium hood and appliances, significant lighting and electrical upgrades, possible structural beam work
• Layout: often involves reconfiguring a U-shaped or C-shaped layout into a more open concept with better connection to living or dining spaces
• Custom cabinetry in a 20 to 25 linear foot kitchen can run $18,000 to $34,000 installed, a significant investment on its own

High-end kitchen remodels in Nashville cost around $70,000 to $85,000, and can exceed $80,000 depending on finishes. In the Upper Cumberland, you can often achieve comparable quality for somewhat less, though specialty materials and skilled trades may still carry premium pricing.

Cost Per Square Foot for Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels

Per square foot numbers are a helpful starting point for comparing projects, but they are never a substitute for a detailed estimate from a licensed contractor.

Bathroom remodel costs per square foot:

• Typical range in Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland: roughly $250 to $500 or more per square foot depending on tile, fixtures, and how much plumbing is moved
• Small baths often have a higher cost per square foot because fixed costs like design, building permits, demo, and set-up are spread over fewer square feet

Kitchen remodel costs per square foot:

• Typical range locally: roughly $160 to $350 per square foot depending on cabinets, countertops, and layout changes
• Appliance packages and custom cabinetry drive per square foot numbers up quickly in high-end kitchens
• For context, a whole home renovation in Tennessee costs $15 to $175 per square foot, while gut renovations in Nashville start at $80 to $120 per square foot

In Williamson County and Nashville, per square foot figures often run 10 to 20 percent higher due to demand and local labor rates. Major metropolitan areas in Tennessee often see higher contractor quotes than rural areas. Per square foot math is most useful when comparing a kitchen to a kitchen or a bathroom to a bathroom, not across room types.

What Drives Bathroom and Kitchen Remodel Costs in Tennessee?

Scope, finishes, and hidden conditions are the biggest remodel cost drivers for Tennessee homes. Here are the factors that move the needle most:

• Plumbing and electrical complexity: Bathrooms with multiple fixtures and kitchens with islands or upgraded lighting require more complex rough-in work. Structural changes like moving plumbing and electrical lines can significantly increase costs.
• Layout changes: Moving fixtures, opening walls, or moving walls usually adds thousands before any new finishes are selected. Keeping plumbing and appliances in their original location can help control remodeling costs.
• Gut renovation vs. cosmetic work: A gut renovation down to studs with new plumbing, electrical, and layout can approach new-build level costs per square foot. Cosmetic updates like paint, fixtures, and resurfacing keep project costs lower, typically under $15,000 to $20,000 for basic bathroom or kitchen refreshes.
• Hidden issues in older homes: Kitchen and bathroom remodels can reveal structural problems in older Upper Cumberland homes, including water damage, outdated wiring, or undersized plumbing. Older homes may require updates to comply with current building codes, adding both cost and time.
• Labor: Labor typically represents 30 to 50 percent of total renovation costs. In kitchens specifically, labor typically accounts for 20 to 40 percent of the overall project budget, with the remainder going to materials, fixtures, and appliances.
• Permit requirements: Permits and inspections may be required for remodeling projects in Tennessee, especially for structural work, electrical, and plumbing. S&T Construction handles the permitting process for clients.

Resale Value: When a Bathroom or Kitchen Remodel Makes Sense

Well-planned bathroom and kitchen renovations tend to offer some of the strongest resale value in Tennessee homes.

• In many Middle Tennessee markets, updated kitchens and baths help homes sell faster and closer to asking price, often recouping 60 to 90 percent of project cost
• Focusing on functional layouts, durable materials, and neutral finishes often makes more sense for resale than chasing short-lived design trends
• A tired hall bath or cramped builder-grade kitchen can be a sticking point for buyers, while a clean, modern remodel helps the rest of the house show better
• Bathroom and kitchen remodel costs should be weighed against how long homeowners plan to stay. Forever-home improvements can justifiably be more customized and higher-end
• A detailed comparison of bids from licensed contractors is recommended for accurate budgeting before committing to any scope
• Talk with your real estate professional and contractor about how planned remodel costs align with likely resale value in Cookeville, Fairfield Glade, Crossville, and similar neighborhoods

Remodel vs. Build New in Tennessee: Which Is More Cost-Effective?

Many families in Putnam and Cumberland Counties debate between renovating their existing kitchen and bathrooms or building a new custom home. In most cases, remodeling an otherwise solid house is cheaper and faster than building new, especially when the existing foundation and framing are in good shape.

• Full gut renovations of entire homes can approach new-construction price levels. A full gut renovation can cost $150,000 to $300,000 depending on scope and home size.
• New custom builds in nearby Williamson County can start well above $250 per square foot, while many targeted kitchen and bathroom remodels stay well below that threshold per square foot.
• A whole home remodel makes sense when you love your lot and neighborhood but need the interior brought up to current standards. A targeted kitchen or bath remodel is the most cost-effective path when the rest of the home is in good condition.

If you are still weighing whether it makes more sense to remodel or start from scratch, our guide to buying versus building in Tennessee walks through both paths with real numbers. S&T handles both custom home builds and remodels, so we can honestly evaluate your options based on your family's goals and budget without pushing one direction over another.

How S&T Construction Estimates and Manages Remodel Costs

Our process starts with an on-site consultation at your home in the Cookeville or Upper Cumberland area. We discuss your goals, walk through the existing space, and talk through budget expectations before putting together a detailed written estimate.

• We break out major cost categories — demolition, framing, plumbing, electrical, cabinets, countertops, tile, fixtures, and labor — so homeowners understand exactly where their remodel costs are going
• We provide weekly updates during active remodeling projects and help clients make cost-conscious selections that align with their design vision
• S&T has completed a wide range of projects: full bathroom renovations, island kitchens, U-shaped and C-shaped kitchen conversions, staircase remodels, and fireplace refreshes, often alongside kitchen and bath upgrades
• A contingency fund of 10 to 20 percent of the total budget is recommended for unexpected issues. Emergency buffers should account for structural repairs, water damage behind walls, or outdated wiring uncovered during demolition, particularly in homes older than 25 to 30 years
• We keep a clear scope of work documented from day one, so there are no surprises about what is and is not included in your project

Next Steps: Get a Local Bathroom or Kitchen Remodel Estimate

If you are a homeowner in Cookeville, Baxter, Algood, Crossville, or the surrounding communities, we would welcome the chance to walk through your space and discuss what a remodel could look like for your home and your budget.

• Typical bathroom remodel costs in 2026 range from $8,000 for a basic refresh to $60,000 or more for a luxury primary suite. Kitchen remodel costs range from $28,000 for a simple update to well over $100,000 for a fully custom overhaul. A tailored estimate is the only way to get real numbers for your specific home.
• S&T offers free estimates, a clear scope of work, and honest guidance on whether a bathroom remodel, kitchen remodel, or broader renovation plan is the right move.
• Contact S&T Construction by phone or through our website to schedule an on-site visit and start planning.

We are a family-run, faith-driven construction company that has been building long-term relationships with homeowners across the Upper Cumberland since 2017. Whether you are considering a simple guest bath update or a complex kitchen transformation, we would be honored to help you spend wisely and end up with a room your family loves.