What are the costs of renovating a bathroom?

1. Total prices per finishing level

2. Price structure per component (average for a €12,000 project)

3. Average price per m² of bathroom surface

For small bathrooms, the fixed costs are relatively higher per m².

4. Price examples based on size (excluding material)

5. Common surcharges (optional)

Conclusion

The average cost of a bathroom renovation in 2025 is between €6,500 and €25,000+, depending on the finish, technical requirements, the use of custom work and the chosen sanitary ware. Maintaining the layout and working with standard materials provides substantial savings, while built-in systems and luxury finishes result in higher costs. with them.

1. Layout and relocation of connection points

• Highest cost item when changing the layout.
• Relocating the toilet, shower, or sink requires adjusting water pipes, drainage, and possibly electricity.

Additional cost: € 800 – € 3,000, depending on accessibility and structural situation.

2. Type of sanitary ware

• Large price difference between standard solutions and luxury design parts.
• Built-in systems (toilet, faucet, bath) are more expensive than surface-mounted versions.

Example: surface-mounted shower € 150 – € 400 vs. built-in rain shower € 600 – € 1,200

3. Wall and floor finishes

• Luxury finishes such as concrete wax or natural stone are considerably more expensive than standard ceramic tiles.

Ceramic tiles: € 60 – € 100/m²
Concrete wax: € 110 – € 180/m²
Natural stone: € 120 – € 250/m²

4. Work on piping and electrical systems

• Renewal or expansion of the piping system (water, drainage, electricity) can significantly increase costs.
• Installation of underfloor heating, extra sockets, or moving switches requires skilled workmanship.

Indicative price for piping and installation work: € 1,500 – € 2,500

5. Bathroom size

• Smaller bathrooms have relatively higher costs per m² (fixed basic components).
• Larger bathrooms require more tiling, sanitary ware and labor, but benefit from economies of scale.

Small bathroom (5 m²): €1,800 – €2,600 per m²
Average bathroom (9 m²): €1,400 – €1,800 per m²

6. Labor costs and planning

• Labor accounts for 40–50% of the total costs.
• More disciplines (plumber, electrician, tiler, plasterer) and complex planning increase the budget.

Average hourly rate: € 50 – € 80
Additional costs for rush jobs, weekend work, or poor accessibility

7. Additional features and customisation

• Features such as underfloor heating, wall niches, designer lighting or home automation increase the project budget.
• Custom furniture or adapted mirrors or shower walls also incur additional costs.

Additional options: €500 – €5,000 depending on the number and complexity

8. Contractor vs. independent specialists

• A total project through one contractor is clear but usually somewhat more expensive.
• Coordinating specialists yourself is cheaper, but involves more risks and planning time.

Conclusion

The biggest cost-increasing factors in a bathroom renovation are changing the layout, opting for luxury or built-in sanitary ware, and high-quality finishing of the floor and walls. A realistic budget starts with understanding these determining factors. Clear specifications per item in the quote prevent misunderstandings in price and execution.

1. Compact Bathroom – 5 m²

Total costs | € 6,800 – € 8,500 |

2. Standard Bathroom – 9 m²

Total costs | € 11,500 – € 14,000 |

3. Luxury Bathroom – 12 m²

Total costs | € 18,000 – € 25,000+ |

4. Budget Renovation – Modernizing an existing bathroom

Total costs | € 5,500 – € 7,500 |

5. Care bathroom / Senior bathroom – 7 m²

Total costs | € 8,000 – € 11,500 |

Conclusion

Depending on the wishes, technical condition of the space and chosen finish, the total renovation costs vary from € 5,500 for a simple modernization to more than € 25,000 for a luxury project with customization and home automation. A well-considered balance of comfort, lifespan and installation requirements is crucial in determining the right renovation type.

1. Keep the existing layout

• By keeping the plumbing (toilet, shower, sink) in the same place, you avoid costs for pipework and demolition.

Savings: €1,000 – €3,000

2. Opt for construction cranes and standard toilets

• Built-in solutions are aesthetically more pleasing, but considerably more expensive in assembly and finishing.

Savings: € 500 – € 1,500

3. Limit tiling to necessary areas

• Tiling only wet areas (e.g., shower wall and floor) and opting for water-resistant paint or wall panels elsewhere reduces material and labor costs.

Savings: €500 – €1,000

4. Perform preparatory work yourself

• Dismantling old sanitary ware, removing tiles, or disposing of rubble yourself can save costs, provided it is carried out professionally.

Savings: €300 – €800

5. Use standard sizes and materials

• Opt for standard tile sizes, white wall tiles, and sanitary ware in common dimensions. Custom work is more expensive in both material and installation.

Savings: € 500 – € 2,000

6. Request multiple quotes

• Compare at least 2 to 3 specified quotes. Pay attention to differences in hourly rates, material specifications, and costs for additional work.

7. Combine small jobs into one project

• By including demolition, piping, and installation in one renovation, you avoid double call-out fees or inefficient work.

Efficiency advantage: lower labor costs per component

8. Choose sanitary ware yourself from a wholesaler or outlet

• By supplying the sanitary ware yourself (in consultation with the installer), you can benefit from special offers or outlet prices at showrooms or online specialists.

Savings: up to 30% on material costs

9. Omit non-essential extras

• Think critically about amenities such as home automation, illuminated mirrors, double sinks, or freestanding tubs if space is limited.

Savings: €1,000 – €4,000, depending on the number of extras

10. Plan the renovation outside of peak season

• During holiday periods and in autumn, many installers are less busy, which allows for better rates or flexibility in execution.

Conclusion

By making smart choices in design, layout, materials, and execution, you can quickly save several thousand euros on a bathroom renovation. The biggest savings come from limiting technical complexity and making conscious choices in finishes and features. A detailed quote and clear agreements with the contractors are essential.

1. Average renovation time

This planning excludes preparation time, waiting time for materials or waiting time for combined projects.

2. Global phasing of the work

3. Factors that influence the renovation duration

• Structural condition: Poor subfloor, crooked walls or hidden defects can lead to cost overruns.
• Built-in solutions: Built-in faucets, wall niches and underfloor heating require more labor.
• Availability of professionals: Coordinating multiple individual specialists can lead to delays.
• Delivery times for sanitary ware or custom work: Waiting for specific parts (e.g. furniture or glass walls) can delay the project.
• Unforeseen circumstances: Consider leaks, extra piping or errors in the subsurface.

4. Preparation time

• Allow for a preparation period of 2 to 6 weeks, depending on:
• Quotation requests and measurement
• Delivery time of sanitary ware and tiles
• Planning space at the executing party

Conclusion

A complete bathroom renovation takes an average of 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the scope and complexity of the project. Good preparation, timely ordering of materials and clear agreements with tradespeople are essential to avoid delays. Preferably choose a party that takes care of the coordination itself to limit failure costs and planning problems.

1. What does an average bathroom renovation cost?

The total costs average between €6,500 and €25,000, depending on the area, finishes, chosen sanitary ware, and technical adjustments. Most bathrooms of 6–9 m² fall within the range of €9,500 – €14,000.

2. How long does a bathroom renovation take?

The average duration is 10 to 15 working days, excluding preparation. For complex projects or custom solutions, this can take up to 3 to 4 weeks.

3. Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation?

No, in most cases not. Exceptions are:

• Renovation of a monumental building
• Change of load-bearing structure
• Adjustment to the exterior facade or foundation

4. Can I continue to use the bathroom during the renovation?

No, the bathroom will be out of use during the entire renovation. Arrange for an alternative shower and toilet facility, especially for homes with only one bathroom.

5. Can I carry out parts of the renovation myself to save costs?

Yes, this is possible for preparatory work such as:

• Demolition of old tiles or sanitary ware
• Removal of furniture
• Disposal of rubble
  Technical parts such as piping, tiling, or waterproofing are best left to specialists.

6. What determines the price the most?

The main cost factors are:

• Changing the layout (relocating pipes)
• Quality and type of sanitary ware
• Finishing level (tiles, plaster, natural stone)
• Built-in systems and custom furniture
• Number of working hours and disciplines

7. How do I know if a quote is realistic?

Pay attention to the following elements in a quote:

• Clear specification of materials and brands
• Separate entry for labor and additional work
• Duration of execution
• Warranty provisions
• Including or excluding VAT and disposal

Always request at least 2–3 quotes for comparison.

8. What is the lifespan of a renovated bathroom?

A well-executed bathroom lasts an average of 15 to 25 years, depending on usage, chosen materials, and maintenance.

9. Can I get a subsidy for a bathroom renovation?

No, not for regular bathrooms.
Exceptions:

• Wmo provision via the municipality in case of medical necessity (e.g. care bathroom)
• ISDE subsidy when integrating energy provisions (e.g. heat pump or insulation)

10. What are common mistakes during bathroom renovations?

• Unclear agreements about additional work or material choices
• Not considering ventilation and moisture protection
• Incorrect slope for walk-in shower
• Too few electrical outlets or light points
• No budget margin

11. Can I still make changes during the renovation?

To a limited extent. Changes during execution often lead to additional work, delays, and higher costs. Discuss as many choices as possible beforehand and have them recorded in the quote or order confirmation.

12. What is included in a 'total package' for a bathroom renovation?

Usually:

• Demolition of old bathroom
• New plumbing and electrical work
• Tiling and wall finishing
• Supply and installation of sanitary ware
• Finishing, sealing, lighting
• Coordination of all work

Always ask for a detailed specification of included and excluded items.

Conclusion

Those who prepare well, ask questions in a timely manner and work with a clear quote, avoid surprises and increase the chances of a smooth and professionally executed renovation project. This FAQ forms a solid basis for any private client with serious plans.