Separate floor area, wall finish and wet-area waterproofing
- A small bathroom is not automatically cheap: plumbing, electrics, demolition and fixtures include fixed work.
- In the BricoDato example for 5 m², a full standard renovation and three fixtures, the reference is about €7,140 and the indicative range about €5,640–€9,350.
- Changing the layout, discovering damp or choosing a built-in shower can move the figure significantly.
The line items behind the budget
A full renovation can combine demolition, plumbing, electrics, waterproofing, wall and floor finishes, sanitaryware, furniture, screen, taps and finishing work. Size matters, but many of these tasks exist even in a small bathroom.
Example for a 5 m² bathroom
With 5 m², full scope, standard finishes, three fixtures and no detected damp, the BricoDato estimator gives a usual reference close to €7,140. The example range is approximately €5,640–€9,350 using 21% VAT and contingency at the high end.
Items commonly forgotten when comparing quotes
- Waterproofing in wet areas.
- Waste removal.
- New electrical points and ventilation.
- Substrate preparation before tiling.
- Seals, profiles and finishing pieces.
- Permits or fees where applicable.
What to ask for in writing
The quote should identify sanitaryware, taps, finishes, waterproofing, plumbing and electrical points and who supplies each item. A single line saying “bathroom renovation” hides too many decisions.
Why a site visit matters
For a full renovation, a site visit is effectively essential. The contractor needs to inspect access, drainage, substrate condition, ventilation and the feasibility of the proposed layout.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a full bathroom renovation take?
It normally takes multiple working days or weeks depending on scope, drying times, materials and hidden issues.
Is keeping the existing layout cheaper?
It often reduces uncertainty and service alterations, but only if the current layout works and the installations are sound.
What usually causes the biggest price changes?
Fixtures, finishes, service changes and hidden moisture or substrate problems are common sources of variation.
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A bathroom quote can hide scope differences
A bathroom renovation estimate should show exactly which surfaces, fixtures and services are included. Two offers for the same floor area are not comparable if one includes waterproofing and plumbing changes while the other assumes they remain usable.
Example to adapt
For a hypothetical 5 m² bathroom, draw a room sketch with plumbing points, shower size, tiled wall area, floor area and ceiling height. Separate demolition, disposal, waterproofing, plumbing, electrics, tiling, sanitary ware, ventilation and finishing. Request line-item quantities rather than only one total.
| Scope item | Detail to compare | Potential surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Shower and waterproofing | System and treated extent | Waterproofing excluded |
| Plumbing and electrical | Number of points and changes | Existing connections assumed |
| Tiles and fittings | Brand, range and quantity | Low provisional allowances |
Checks before acting
- Record exact fixture models or quality ranges before comparing costs.
- Verify who supplies and transports the materials and removes rubble.
- Ask for a realistic programme and how hidden defects will be documented.
- Confirm permits, building rules, insurance and specialist requirements as appropriate to the property.
Keep a useful record: Keep measured wall/floor areas, named fittings, item quantities, exclusions, delivery and completion dates.