Bathroom fixtures and finishes represent 15–25% of most commercial tenant improvement budgets, yet many tenants and contractors underestimate both costs and lead times. Getting pricing right early in your build-out planning prevents budget overruns and construction delays later. This guide breaks down what you'll actually pay for common bathroom elements in a TI project.
Standard Fixture Price Ranges
Bathroom fixtures fall into three tiers that correlate directly with project scope and tenant expectations.
Budget fixtures (builder-grade commercial) typically cost $300–$600 per toilet, $200–$400 per sink, and $150–$300 per faucet. These are durable, code-compliant, and appropriate for standard office or retail spaces where aesthetic impact is secondary. Kohler Wellworth, American Standard Cadet, and Delta commercial lines dominate this range.
Mid-range fixtures ($600–$1,200 per toilet, $400–$800 per sink, $300–$600 per faucet) include semi-custom options with better finishes, quieter flush mechanisms, and improved accessibility features. Popular choices include Toto Drake II, Kohler Cimarron, and Moen or Hansgrohe faucet systems. Many Class A office and hospitality builds gravitate here.
High-end fixtures ($1,200+ per toilet, $800+ per sink, $600+ per faucet) cover luxury brands, bespoke finishes, smart technology, and custom ADA configurations. These appear in upscale restaurants, hotels, and premium office leases where tenant identity matters.
Labor and Installation Costs
Fixture installation isn't just about the piece itself. Rough-in plumbing, wall preparation, and finish work drive the total build-out cost.
A single toilet installation in a tenant improvement project typically runs $400–$800 in labor, depending on whether existing rough-in matches your new fixture. Sink and vanity installation averages $600–$1,200 when you factor in supply lines, drain connections, and finish carpentry. Faucet installation alone can be $200–$400 if plumbing modifications are needed.
If your TI involves moving fixtures, expect additional costs: a relocated toilet rough-in can add $1,500–$2,500; moving a sink location often runs $1,200–$2,000. Always request a site survey from your contractor before finalizing fixture selections.
Material Lead Times and Availability
Supply chain delays have become a real TI variable. Most standard fixtures ship within 2–4 weeks, but premium brands and custom finishes can stretch to 8–12 weeks.
If your project timeline is tight, confirm lead times in writing with your supplier before you lock in selections. Semi-custom vanities and specialty tile finishes are common culprits for delays. Budget an extra 10–15% of your project timeline as a cushion if you're specifying anything beyond stock items.
Finishes and Accessories Add Up Quickly
Mirrors, lighting, hardware, and tile selection multiply your fixture budget substantially.
- Mirrors and lighting: $300–$1,000 per bathroom (LED vanity fixtures run $150–$500 each)
- Tile and wall finish: $15–$50 per square foot installed; a small 5×8 bathroom easily reaches $1,500–$3,000
- Grout, caulk, and sealing: $500–$1,500 per bathroom
- Hardware (towel bars, soap dispensers, toilet paper holders): $100–$400 per bathroom
Coordinate finishes with your design intent early. A mismatch between fixture style and tile aesthetic signals poor planning to tenants and can trigger change orders.
Code Compliance and ADA Considerations
Commercial bathrooms must meet specific spacing, grab bar, and accessibility requirements. These aren't optional cosmetics.
ADA-compliant toilet heights, accessible sinks, and accessible stall dimensions add cost but are legally required for public or shared spaces. Budget an extra $500–$1,500 per bathroom for compliant fixtures and related modifications. Water-efficient fixtures (WaterSense certified) sometimes qualify for rebates—worth exploring with your local utility.
Questions to Ask Your Contractor
Before signing off on bathroom specs, confirm fixture selection timelines, whether rough-in modifications are included in labor quotes, and whether warranty coverage transfers to the tenant. Request product data sheets and installation manuals for every fixture so change orders don't derail your schedule.
Comparing quotes across multiple TI contractors helps ensure you're not overpaying. Platforms like Mercoly let you find and compare trusted tenant improvement providers in your area, making it easier to validate pricing and scope before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I upgrade fixtures mid-project if I'm under budget? A: Only if it doesn't delay your critical path; changing selections after rough-in plumbing is complete often costs more than buying quality upfront.
Q: Are commercial bathroom fixtures more expensive than residential ones? A: Yes—commercial fixtures are built for higher-use cycles and code compliance, typically costing 20–40% more than residential equivalents for the same product line.
Q: What's the most common bathroom build-out mistake? A: Underestimating lead times and overlooking finish coordination; fixture selection should happen 6–8 weeks before rough-in to prevent schedule compression.
Start your fixture selection process with a detailed site survey and locked-in timeline—both are non-negotiable for accurate TI pricing.