How much does it cost to renovate a bathroom?

Main factors that influence the price of bathroom renovations

• The size of the bathroom: Although in my opinion it is not the most important thing, obviously the square meters of the bathroom will influence the final budget. Renovating a small toilet without a shower or bathtub is not the same as renovating a large bathroom.
• The quality of the materials: This is very important. Although choosing top quality materials makes the price of the renovation more expensive a priori, in the long run it can be the best option to avoid extra costs. Bathroom renovations are rarely the case in our lives. A difference of €1,000 in bathroom renovations may not be important in the long term. Especially when choosing quality bathroom tiles will avoid future problems.
• The magnitude of the renovation: There are many ways to renovate a bathroom. From redecorating it with accessories and fixtures, tidying it up by changing the sanitary ware and bathroom furniture, changing only the shower area, giving the walls a new look with new tiles, to doing a complete bathroom renovation. This is the first thing you have to decide before you start asking for a quote.

Why the price of the tiles is not the most important thing in the final budget.

As we will list later, a bathroom has many materials that influence the final budget. Not counting the labor (plumbers, electricians, tilers).

There are many tile collections and different models to 100% customize your project. And of course the price difference between all of them can be striking at first. However, bathrooms do not have such a large surface area that the purchase of one tile or another influences so much what we are going to spend in the end. 

In a medium-sized bathroom, between floor and walls, we can have a surface area of about 30m2. If the tile that we really like costs up to €15 more than the average, this would result in a total of €450 more. Of course, it is money and everything depends on the possibilities and preferences of each person. But keep in mind that the tiles are the only thing you won't be able to change during the bathroom's useful life, and the only thing that won't deteriorate with use. So I think this is the main choice to make and the most important one.

What should I look for before buying the materials for the bathroom renovation?

There are those who prefer to carry out this process through an external decorator or interior designer. Someone who advises them and takes care of everything from the beginning. If you know someone you trust, great, if not, the first thing would be to find that role. This can be very convenient for those who don't know or don't want to get into this mess alone. But keep in mind that it will increase your budget. Not only because of the work.

For those who prefer to do it on their own and save money on the bathroom renovation, the first thing is to find the trusted tile store. We often turn to someone we know who can tell us about their experience and give us advice. If not, the most common thing to do is:

• Go to a large department store
• Go to the local store
• Search online

Department stores for bathroom renovation

Nowadays, this is the first thing we all think of when we are going to undertake a new project at home. There is a large specialist store in each sector where you can choose everything you need. And one of the advantages is that you know you will find everything there.

The disadvantage of buying in a large department store is that it is not as cheap as it seems at first. If you look closely, the 4 or 5 basic products are cheaper than their competitors, but if you choose more special things that they do not have in stock, everything is much more expensive.

Another disadvantage of stores like Leroy Merlin or Bricodepot is that they are generally not very specialised. Therefore, in my opinion, this option is only interesting for someone who is handy and is looking for unusual materials.

Neighborhood renovation stores

They are usually long-standing stores, very specialized in their sector and with very personalized attention. A convenient option due to proximity and a safe option due to the attention of whoever is probably the owner of the business.

What happens with small renovation stores is that they usually do not have the necessary logistics to buy directly at factory prices,and they have to go through a third party to buy tiles. This will make the renovation more expensive. 

Specialized renovation stores.

Most tile stores are located outside of large cities. These stores like ours usually have decades of experience, and have needed a logistics center large enough to store construction materials and heavy vehicle storage, among other things.

You will find these stores today on the internet, some already selling online and delivering their products to your home. Or perhaps you know them locally if someone you know has had their renovation done through them.

I think that these have the best combination of price, specialization and infrastructurefor buying bathroom materials.

What are the estimated times for a renovation?

Roughly speaking and answering very quickly, the entire bathroom renovation process can take just over a month. This is from when you go directly to the store until the bricklayer finishes the work at your home.

The times could be detailed as follows:

1. You choose and order the materials
2. The first materials can arrive in just over a week.
3. If everything goes quickly, the bricklayers can start with the work, taking them just over a week to completely renovate the bathroom.
4. There are items with a longer delivery time or that must be assembled at the end. It may even be other professionals (assemblers): Shower screens or bathroom furniture
5. Deep cleaningof the bathroom.

This time frame is possible but not certain. The decision-making capacity of the client and the efficiency of all the workers in the transport, service and installation process all play a role here. 

However, it is well known that renovations always take longer than desired.

On the other hand, if you choose very special products, which are out of the standard in measurements or finishes, it is easy for delivery times to take longer than usual.

The installation service time may also be delayed, depending on the availability of the contractors. If they have a waiting list and make you wait a bit, it is surely the first sign that they are good at work.

Aspects where to invest more

When renovating a bathroom, it is crucial to allocate a part of the budget to elements that ensure durability and functionality in the space. Below are the key areas where it is advisable to invest more.

Quality coverings

Bathroom coverings not only play an aesthetic role, but must also be resistant to humidity and easy to maintain. Choosing quality coverings, whether tiles, ceramics or panels, can make a difference in the long term. Some important points to consider are:

• Resistance to humidity and wear.
• Ease of cleaning and maintenance.
• Options that guarantee safety, such as non-slip floors.

Including high-end coverings may mean a greater initial outlay, but in the long run, it reduces the costs of repairs and replacements due to damage or deterioration.

Shower trays and safety elements

Shower trays are a fundamental element in any bathroom. Choosing a quality shower tray is vital to ensure its durability and the safety of those who use it. Investment options should include:

• Anti-slip materials to prevent accidents.
• Antibacterial treatments to maintain hygiene.
• Efficient drainage to prevent moisture problems.

These essential elements not only provide safety, but also contribute to the overall aesthetics of the bathroom, creating welcoming and functional spaces.

Plumbing and electrical installations

It is essential not to skimp on the renovation of plumbing and electrical installations. Investing in these areas ensures safe and efficient operation of the bathroom. Some aspects to take into account are:

• Quality of pipes and connections to prevent leaks.
• Electrical installations that comply with current regulations.
• Replacement of old wiring that may pose a risk.

Investing in proper fixtures not only ensures optimal bathroom performance, but also prevents future repair expenses and improves the comfort of the space.

Bathroom Renovation Cost Breakdown

The bathroom renovation cost breakdown provides a clear view of the different elements involved in the total project budget. Each phase of the process brings with it specific expenses that must be considered for proper financial planning.

Demolition and Masonry Work

The initial phase of any bathroom renovation usually includes the demolition of existing elements, such as sanitary fixtures and cladding. This can vary depending on the complexity of the job and the size of the bathroom. Typical costs for demolition and masonry work are around €600 for an average bathroom.

Flooring and tiling

The choice of flooring and walls is crucial for both the aesthetics and functionality of the bathroom. Flooring and tiling can represent a significant expense. As a general rule, this cost ranges from €1,000 to €1,500, including materials and labour. It is essential to opt for options that are resistant to moisture and easy to clean.

Sanitary fixtures and taps

The selection of sanitary fixtures, such as sinks, toilets and showers, as well as taps, directly influences the budget. Depending on the brands and qualities chosen, the cost of these elements can vary considerably, ranging from €1,200 to €2,300. Choosing quality taps can have an impact on the durability of the bathroom.

Plumbing and electricity

Plumbing and electrical installations are essential in any bathroom renovation. If the bathroom requires a complete renovation of these installations, the expense could start at around €370 for plumbing and approximately €300 for electricity. It is essential that these works are carried out by professionals to ensure the safety and efficiency of the space.

Painting and final finishes

Finally, aesthetic finishes, which include painting and other finishing touches, must also be considered. The price of painting can vary between €200 and €500, depending on the condition of the walls and the desired finishes. A good finish not only improves the final appearance of the bathroom, but can also protect surfaces from moisture and wear.

With all this, you can get an idea that the total price of a bathroom renovation with standard measurements and medium/high quality materials can be around €5,000