How much does a full bathroom refurbishment cost?

Finishing a bathroom is one of the most expensive outlays (second only to the kitchen). Are you planning a thorough renovation of your bathroom and wondering what costs this investment will entail? Many factors affect the final price. To give you an idea, we’ll briefly try to calculate them below. Take note of which bathroom fittings you will need to purchase and work out how much a bathroom renovation costs.

How to plan a bathroom renovation? Start with strip-out costs

Planning a renovation should start with calculating the costs of removing the elements currently in place. Are you planning to replace only the sanitaryware, or do you also intend to remove the tiles? It’s also important whether the existing plumbing and electrical installations in the room will be replaced — as this generates quite substantial additional costs.

The first major expense is hiring a skip for renovation and construction waste. Depending on size, prices range from 400 to even 900 zł. On top of that, you need to add the work of tradespeople, who charge from 40 zł/m2 for removing tiles and preparing walls for new finishes. And if dismantling and installing a new system is involved, you should allow at least about 150 zł/mb.

Bathroom renovation: what’s needed to finish walls and floors?

Once the bathroom has been prepared for finishing, it’s time to buy and lay tiles. You’ll also need the right adhesives, primers and grouts, which together cost a minimum of 400 zł. The walls and floor can be finished with various materials, which can be laid in a classic pattern or as a mosaic. This, however, affects the cost of the service, where prices start from around 45 zł and rise with the difficulty of the job.

In addition to tiles, the ceiling will also need painting. You must choose paint with increased moisture resistance, as only such paint will be suitable in a bathroom. Expect to pay around 300 zł for the paint and the painting service.

Bathroom finishing, i.e. the essential elements and their installation

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

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

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

On top of that, remember a few other items that will be 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 gels and shampoos, as well as a mirror. Without them the bathroom won’t be practical, and buying them doesn’t have to be costly.

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

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

This figure will obviously be very fluid, so before you start any changes, try to calculate what it will come to based on the aspects listed above. Also add an amount for unforeseen expenses, e.g. around 1,000 zł. This way you’ll be sure that the works won’t suddenly stop due to lack of funds.

Remember that this type of work requires not only financial outlay, but also a good dose of patience. How long does a full bathroom renovation take? That’s hard to answer unequivocally, as its duration depends on several factors. For example, on the number of hours per day the tradespeople you’ve hired will work, but also on whether they will have a sufficient quantity of purchased products to hand (including tiles and adhesive).

Follow the above tips and it will be easier for you to estimate the amount you’ll need to renovate your bathroom. Also take a look at our online shop — you’ll find many bathroom fittings offering great value for money. Good luck!