How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in 2026?
Bathroom renovation costs are among the most frequently asked questions in renovation planning. Depending on scope, fixtures, and bathroom size, costs can range from 5,000 to 30,000 euros. In this article, we provide a detailed overview of all cost factors.
A typical German bathroom has an area of 6 to 10 square meters. Costs per square meter range from 600 to 1,900 euros depending on quality expectations. For a standard 8 square meter bathroom, you can expect total costs of 8,000 to 15,000 euros.
Costs by Renovation Scope
Cosmetic Renovation (3,000 to 6,000 Euros)
A cosmetic renovation includes painting or wallpapering walls, replacing faucets and accessories, new bathroom mirror and lighting, and minor repairs. This option is suitable when tiles and fixtures are still in good condition but the bathroom needs a visual refresh.
Standard Renovation (8,000 to 15,000 Euros)
A standard renovation includes new floor and wall tiles, new sanitary fixtures (toilet, sink, shower or tub), new faucets and accessories, updated electrics (outlets, light switches), and potentially a new ceiling. This is the most common renovation scope and offers the best value for money.
Premium Renovation (15,000 to 30,000 Euros)
A premium renovation additionally includes a flush-to-floor shower with glass enclosure, underfloor heating, high-end sanitary ceramics (Duravit, Villeroy & Boch), natural stone or large-format tiles, smart bathroom controls and LED lighting concepts, and accessible features.
Cost Factors in Detail
Tiles: 2,000 to 6,000 Euros
Tile costs consist of materials and installation. Standard tiles cost 15 to 30 euros per square meter, premium tiles 40 to 80 euros. Installation adds another 40 to 70 euros per square meter. In an 8 square meter bathroom with wall tiles reaching the ceiling, you quickly accumulate 25 to 35 square meters of tile surface area.
Sanitary Fixtures: 1,500 to 8,000 Euros
A standard toilet costs 200 to 500 euros, a wall-mounted toilet 300 to 700 euros, and a shower toilet 1,500 to 4,000 euros. A basic vanity unit starts at 300 euros, while premium vanities cost 800 to 2,000 euros. Shower trays range from 200 to 800 euros, flush-to-floor showers cost 500 to 2,000 euros including installation. Bathtubs cost 300 to 2,500 euros depending on material and size.
Labor Costs: 3,000 to 10,000 Euros
Labor costs include tilers (40 to 70 euros per square meter), plumbers (55 to 80 euros per hour), electricians (50 to 70 euros per hour), painters (35 to 55 euros per hour), and disposal of old materials (500 to 1,500 euros). Typically, several trades work together during a bathroom renovation, requiring good coordination.
Money-Saving Tips for Bathroom Renovation
1. Keep functioning plumbing and only replace visible connections.
2. Choose larger tile formats, as fewer grout lines mean less installation time.
3. Handle demolition and disposal yourself (savings: 500 to 1,500 euros).
4. Order sanitary fixtures and tiles online yourself, often 20 to 30 percent cheaper than through the tradesperson.
5. Plan during the off-season (January to March) when tradespeople are often cheaper and more readily available.
6. Take advantage of possible KfW subsidies for accessible modifications (e.g., flush-to-floor shower, grab bars).