Bathroom Caulking and Grout Repair Pricing
Charge $150–$300 for a full tub/shower recaulk job including removal of old caulk, cleaning, and application. Grout repair runs $8–$15 per square foot for removal and replacement. Spot grout repairs cost $75–$150 per area. Caulk-only jobs (countertops, baseboards, fixtures) are $75–$150 each. Set a minimum service charge of $150 for any bathroom caulk or grout visit.
Bathroom caulking and grout repair is bread-and-butter handyman work — nearly every homeowner needs it eventually, and most do not want to do it themselves. While the materials cost almost nothing, the skill required to produce clean, professional results justifies premium pricing. This is also preventive work: properly sealed joints and intact grout prevent water damage that could cost thousands to repair.
Tub and Shower Recaulking
A full tub/shower recaulk is one of the most requested bathroom services. The job involves completely removing old caulk (using a razor scraper, oscillating tool, or manual caulk removal tool plus a chemical remover like 3M Caulk Remover or Goo Gone Caulk Remover at $8–$12), cleaning the joint with isopropyl alcohol to remove residue and mildew, applying blue painter's tape for clean lines, and running a smooth bead of 100% silicone caulk. Charge $150–$300 depending on the size of the tub/shower and condition of the old caulk. A standard bathtub with three walls takes 1–1.5 hours. A walk-in shower with a glass door, bench, and multiple joints takes 1.5–2.5 hours. Always use kitchen-and-bath silicone with mildewcide — DAP Kwik Seal Ultra ($8–$12), GE Supreme Silicone ($10–$15), or Gorilla Silicone Sealant ($8–$12). Never use latex caulk in wet areas — it shrinks, cracks, and grows mold.
Grout Repair and Regrouting Pricing
Grout repair ranges from spot fixes to full-area regrouting. Spot repairs — filling cracked, missing, or crumbling grout in a small area (under 10 square feet) — run $75–$150. Full regrouting (removing all old grout and replacing it) costs $8–$15 per square foot. A standard bathtub surround (30–40 square feet of tile) runs $250–$500 for complete regrouting. The labor-intensive part is grout removal: use an oscillating multi-tool with a grout removal blade (DeWalt, Bosch, or Dremel make dedicated grout blades at $10–$20 each) for efficiency, or a manual grout saw for small areas. For new grout, use sanded grout for joints 1/8 inch and wider (Mapei Keracolor U at $15–$20 per bag, or Custom Building Products Polyblend at $12–$18) and unsanded for narrower joints. Epoxy grout like Mapei Kerapoxy ($40–$55 per unit) is ideal for showers because it is waterproof and stain-resistant.
Dealing with Mold and Mildew
Moldy caulk and grout are the primary triggers for bathroom recaulk calls. Surface mold on grout can be cleaned with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or commercial grout cleaners like Zep Grout Cleaner or RMR-86 ($10–$15). Charge $75–$125 for grout cleaning and mold treatment as a standalone service. If mold has penetrated deeply into the grout or is growing behind the caulk line, removal and replacement is necessary — not just cosmetic cleaning. When you remove caulk and find black mold on the substrate behind it, document it with photos and assess the extent. Surface mold on the tub flange or backer board can be treated with a mold-killing primer (Zinsser Mold Killing Primer at $20–$30 per quart) before recaulking. If you find soft or crumbling backer board, that indicates moisture intrusion that needs deeper repair — quote the substrate repair separately.
Other Common Caulking Jobs
Beyond tub/shower work, several other caulking jobs are common handyman calls. Kitchen countertop-to-backsplash caulk replacement runs $50–$100 per countertop section. Sink-to-countertop caulking (kitchen or bathroom) costs $50–$75 per sink. Toilet base caulking is $30–$50 per toilet — use clear silicone so moisture can still be detected if the wax ring fails. Window and door caulking for energy efficiency runs $5–$10 per window and $10–$15 per door for interior caulking. Baseboard caulking in rooms being repainted costs $0.50–$1.00 per linear foot. Exterior caulking around penetrations (pipes, vents, electrical boxes) runs $75–$150 per visit. For multi-area caulking jobs, bundle the work and offer a package price — a bathroom that needs tub recaulk, toilet base caulk, and sink caulk should be quoted as one job at $200–$350.
Materials Guide and Application Technique
The difference between amateur and professional caulking is technique. Use 100% silicone for all wet areas — never acrylic latex. For dry areas like baseboards and crown molding, paintable acrylic latex caulk (DAP Alex Plus at $4–$6 or Big Stretch at $8–$12) works well and can be painted. Apply blue painter's tape on both sides of the joint for perfectly straight lines. Cut the caulk tube tip at a 45-degree angle to match the joint width. Apply steady pressure and run a continuous bead without stopping. Smooth the bead with a wet finger or a caulk finishing tool (Dap Pro Caulk tool kit at $5–$8) in one continuous stroke. Remove the tape immediately after smoothing, before the caulk skins over. This technique takes practice but produces results that clients will notice and compliment — and it justifies your professional pricing over a DIY attempt.
Grout Sealing as an Add-On Service
Grout sealing is a fast, profitable add-on after any grout repair or cleaning job. Charge $1–$3 per square foot for sealer application, or $75–$150 as a flat add-on for a standard bathroom. An impregnating sealer like Miracle Sealants 511 Porous Plus, StoneTech BulletProof, or Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold ($15–$30 per pint) penetrates the grout and creates a moisture barrier without changing the appearance. Application takes 15–30 minutes for a typical bathroom floor or shower — apply with a small foam roller or brush, let it penetrate for 5–10 minutes, and wipe off excess. Sealed grout resists staining and is dramatically easier to clean, which extends the life of your grout work and builds client satisfaction. Recommend resealing every 1–2 years, creating a recurring service opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Charge $150–$250 for a standard bathtub recaulk that includes complete removal of old caulk, surface preparation, mold treatment if needed, and application of new 100% silicone caulk. Larger walk-in showers with multiple joints, glass door tracks, and bench seams run $200–$300. These prices reflect the 1–2 hours of careful work required for a professional result.
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