How much does a complete bathroom renovation cost?

Fitting out a bathroom is one of the most expensive outlays (second only to the kitchen). Planning a full renovation of your bathroom and wondering what costs this investment will entail? Many factors influence the final price. To give you a clearer picture, we’ll briefly run through the figures below. Take note of which bathroom fittings you’ll need to buy and work out how much a bathroom renovation costs.

How to plan a bathroom renovation? Start with the demolition costs

You should begin planning by calculating the cost of removing the existing elements. Are you only replacing the sanitaryware, or are you also going to strip off the tiles? It also matters whether the plumbing and electrical installations in the room will be replaced — as this generates fairly substantial additional costs.

The first major outlay is hiring a skip for renovation/construction waste. Depending on size, prices range from 400 to as much as 900 zł. On top of that, add labour: tradespeople charge from 40 zł/m² for removing tiles and preparing the walls for new ones. And if this includes stripping out and installing new services, you should allow at least approx. 150 zł per linear metre.

Bathroom renovation: what do you need to finish walls and floors?

Once the bathroom is prepped for finishing, it’s time to buy and lay tiles. You’ll also need the right adhesives, primers and grouts — expect to spend at least 400 zł in total on these. Walls and floors can be finished with various materials, laid in a traditional pattern or as a mosaic. This affects the cost of the service: prices start at approx. 45 zł and rise with the complexity of the task.

Besides tiles, you’ll also need to paint the ceiling. You must choose a paint with increased moisture resistance, as only that will make sense in a bathroom. For the paint and the painting service you’ll pay approx. 300 zł.

Bathroom fit-out: the essential elements and their installation

Tiles are down and the ceiling painted, so it’s time for the bathroom fittings. Depending on your needs and preferences, buy:

• a bath or a shower — approx. 1,500 zł including installation;
• a washbasin — approx. 400 zł including installation;
• a WC pan, if you’re combining this space with a toilet — approx. 600 zł including installation.

The above prices are averages — you’ll find bathroom fittings at many price points. This depends, among other things, on the material, the specific model and even the level of decorative detailing.

You also need to remember a few other items that are essential in a bathroom. Lighting plays a very important role — be sure to buy a ceiling light (approx. 300 zł) and wall lights above the mirror (approx. 150 zł each). Don’t forget items such as cabinets for storing various bathroom accessories, shelves for shower gels and shampoos, as well as a mirror. Without them the bathroom won’t be practical, and the purchase doesn’t have to be costly.

Summary: what budget should you set aside for a full bathroom renovation?

How much does it cost to renovate a small bathroom in a block of flats versus a large one in a detached house? The final cost of a full bathroom renovation will depend, among other things, on the size of the room, the types of tiles and fittings you choose, and the rates of the individual tradespeople. It is estimated that the total cost for 5 m² is at least around 10,000 zł.

This figure will of course be very variable, so before you start any changes, try to work out what it will come to based on the aspects listed above. Add a contingency for unforeseen expenses as well, e.g. around 1,000 zł. That way you’ll be sure the work won’t suddenly stop due to a lack of funds.

Remember that this kind of work requires not only financial outlay but also a lot of patience. How long does a full bathroom renovation take? It’s hard to give a definitive answer, as its duration depends on several factors. For example, how many hours per day the hired tradespeople will work, and whether they have a sufficient quantity of purchased materials to hand (e.g. tiles or adhesive).

Follow the above tips and it will be easier to estimate the amount you’ll need for your bathroom renovation. Also take a look at our online shop — you’ll find many quality and well-priced elements of bathroom fittings there. Best of luck!