July 16, 2026, 11:35 am | Read time: 7 minutes
Renovating a bathroom is not always easy. It’s important to allocate enough time for the process. Tiles, sanitary facilities, and bathroom furniture need to be ordered weeks in advance. However, if you stick to the plan, nothing should stand in the way of your dream bathroom.
Planning a bathroom renovation is always a lot of work. But it’s worth it, as a new bathroom increases the property’s value and can enhance well-being.
Overview
Planning Before the Bathroom Renovation
Proper planning is essential for a bathroom renovation. But where is the best place to start?
Finding Inspiration
Nowadays, there are many online sources for bathroom design inspiration. Some people immediately fall in love with a particular design, while others struggle to choose. In such cases, it’s always advisable to seek as much inspiration as possible. An interior designer could help you make the right decision. Trained bathroom planners also have a good sense and can support you.
Alternatively, you can visit bathroom exhibitions in your area. There, you can get inspired and receive advice. If you don’t find something suitable right away, that’s not unusual: Each retailer has a different range of tiles and sanitary facilities. Additionally, many items are not displayed or in stock and must be ordered after purchase.
Bathroom Visualization with 3D Bathroom Planner
A three-dimensional bathroom visualization is highly recommended if you want to renovate the entire bathroom. Many bathroom studios offer this assistance because many potential buyers have trouble visualizing the new bathroom spatially. A visualization makes it much more vivid and lively. Simply ask the bathroom studios if a 3D visualization is possible and what is needed for it. Most require a floor plan showing the water and sanitary connections.
Also interesting: When a Partial Bathroom Modernization Might Be Worthwhile
How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost?
The cost of a new bathroom cannot be answered in general terms. It depends on the size of the bathroom and whether high-quality tiles and sanitary facilities are used. Bathroom furniture is generally very expensive. A 60-centimeter-wide vanity unit with two drawers in white and high gloss can cost up to 1,500 euros. The chosen material and manufacturer are crucial. It’s best to get several quotes and compare them.
However, you shouldn’t choose the cheapest materials for a bathroom renovation. For example, porcelain stoneware is often the better option for tiles–it’s harder and more durable. If something falls on the floor, you won’t immediately have a break or chip with porcelain stoneware. It can also be used on walls and floors. The same applies to sanitary facilities. If you buy a cheaper sink, it is more likely to break if a hard object falls into it than one from a brand manufacturer.
The size of the project generally affects the extent of the renovation, but also the demands you have on the equipment. You should also not overlook the costs for the craftsmen. They sometimes charge an hourly rate of 40 to 60 euros, plus 19 percent value-added tax.
What to Purchase for a Bathroom Renovation and Its Cost
- Tiles: The material costs depend on the size of the bathroom. Large porcelain stoneware tiles measuring 60 x 60 cost between 40 and 150 euros per square meter.
- Bathroom furniture: For vanity units and wall cabinets, you should expect to spend between 1,500 and 4,000 euros.
- Toilet and cistern: You can expect to spend about 1,500 to 3,000 euros for a toilet with a cistern.
- Bathtub: Bathtubs vary in price. It also depends on the design and quality. If you choose a freestanding bathtub, it is available from 1,500 euros.
- Showers and shower systems: Since complete showers consist of various parts (shower tray, shower walls, shower enclosures, shower fittings, etc.) and these must also be purchased separately, you can expect a total cost of up to 2,500 euros on average.
- Faucets: There is a wide selection of faucets–also in terms of cost. A standard washbasin faucet can sometimes be purchased for under 40 euros.
- Sinks: Whether ceramic, mineral cast, or acrylic–sinks are available as countertop or wall-mounted. A countertop sink should always be polished. The cost for a countertop sink is about 230 euros.
- Lighting: Good bathroom lighting is important. It should not be too bright or too dim. A dimmable light is best. This way, you can relax while bathing, and when applying makeup or shaving, you have enough light. Dimmable ceiling lights for the bathroom are available from 40 euros.
- Bathroom mirror cabinet: A bathroom mirror cabinet is in the higher price range. It is available from 300 euros. The cheapest bathroom mirror cabinet is around 70 euros.
Can a Floor-Level Shower Be Installed Anywhere?
Floor-level showers are easy to access and look very modern. Unfortunately, floor-level showers cannot be installed everywhere. The floor’s construction height is crucial for floor-level showers. If there is not enough space below for the shower’s drainage connections, this type is not suitable. The necessary slope for the shower must be achievable. If space is insufficient, a shower with a tray should be installed.
How Much Does a Towel Heater Cost?
A towel heater is a special radiator that offers multiple benefits. It provides heat in the bathroom, warms towels before showering, and serves as a towel holder. A towel heater definitely enhances the bathroom’s comfort. Nowadays, there are designer towel holders that have nothing in common with the original design. A designer towel holder can be purchased for around 250 euros.
Delivery Times
Long delivery times should always be considered in a bathroom renovation. In some cases, delivery times can be very long. If you order bathroom furniture online, delivery times can be 3 to 5 weeks. The key factor is whether the desired furniture is in stock or needs to be ordered. If you want a custom-made item, it can take about 2 to 5 months in some cases. Additionally, bathroom furniture, bathroom ceramics, mirror cabinets, and bathroom fittings should be ordered before the renovation phase. A bathroom renovation requires good planning and a lot of time. A well-thought-out renovation plan is always advisable.
Consider Construction Times
You should plan for 3 to 5 weeks for a bathroom renovation. Be sure to inform your neighbors in advance, as construction noise can lead to disturbance of peace. Also, expect that the bathroom will not be usable during the construction phase. Additionally, a lot of dirt and noise will be generated due to the existing construction site. If you work from home, it would be better to temporarily relocate. However, it is still important to be present for deliveries. This way, you can check if everything has arrived as ordered.
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Finding Craftsmen for the Bathroom Renovation
Many craftsmen need to be hired in advance for the bathroom renovation. Here is a list of craftsmen who are helpful in a bathroom renovation. Often, craftsmen, such as tilers, will procure the desired tiles for you and include them in the installation work invoice.
- Heating, gas, and sanitary installers handle connections relevant to the bathroom renovation. They also lay and install radiators.
- Bricklayers and drywall builders are responsible for drywall, wall and ceiling coverings, etc.
- Tilers take care of laying the tiles.
- A carpenter may be necessary to reinstall doors to fit perfectly.
- Electrical installers handle the installation of new wiring and install new sockets and switches.
- Painters repaint windows, doors, and walls.
Smooth Process
To ensure a smooth process, bathroom furniture, tiles, and sanitary facilities should be ordered, and craftsmen organized. Additionally, the date for the bathroom planning should already be in your calendar. Unfortunately, it often happens that tiles or furniture cannot be delivered on time, and you have to wait longer. This can delay the completion of the new bathroom. Therefore, you should not commit too much to a fixed date. Because even in a bathroom renovation, things can go wrong.