Bathroom renovation: process, 2026 prices and where not to save

Per square metre, the bathroom is the most expensive room in a home — water, electricity, tiling and sanitary ware all meet here. The good news: with the right sequence it's done in 2–3 weeks and lasts the next 20 years.

What a bathroom renovation costs in 2026

Prices include demolition, new services, waterproofing, tiling and sanitary installation; excl. VAT. Premium fit-out (bath + shower, underfloor heating, large-format tiles) typically adds 25%.

The works day by day

1. Days 1–2: removing sanitary ware, stripping tiles, dismantling the core.
2. Days 3–5: new water, waste and electrical runs; masonry preparation.
3. Days 6–7: levelling walls and floor, waterproofing — the most important layer of the whole bathroom.
4. Days 8–12: wall and floor tiling, grouting.
5. Days 13–15: fitting sanitary ware, taps, lighting, door; cleaning and handover.

Where never to save

• Waterproofing: liquid membrane + tapes in corners and around drains. Its failure means a new bathroom — and often the neighbour's ceiling.
• Services: replacing old pipes after a burst costs many times more than during renovation.
• Taps and drains: cheap taps drip and corrode; quality shows quickly here.

Where you can save: tile decors, accessories, furniture — looks without impact on lifespan.

Practical tips from our sites

• A walk-in shower needs a floor gradient — plan it from the very start.
• Bathroom underfloor heating costs a few thousand extra and is the most pleasant upgrade.
• A wall niche for cosmetics looks great and costs nothing if planned ahead.

You can price your bathroom renovation in our online calculator — pick the size and standard and see the budget instantly.