How long does a bathroom renovation take?

A complete bathroom renovation typically takes 5 to 10 working days, depending on the complexity, the size of the bathroom, and the contractor. If you only replace the fixtures (without tiling), this can often be done in 2 to 3 days.

What does tiling cost in a bathroom?

Tile materials cost on average €15 to €80 per m² depending on the type. Labour costs for a tiler are €25 to €45 per m². For a bathroom of 8 m² with 25 m² of wall and floor surface, expect around €1,000 to €3,000 for tiling alone.

Can I save money on a bathroom renovation?

Yes. You can save by choosing fixtures and tiles yourself (store brand vs. designer), keeping the plumbing connections in the same location, requesting multiple quotes, and doing preparatory work (demolition, cleaning drain connections) yourself if you are handy.

Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation?

For renovating an existing bathroom, you generally do not need a building permit. If you change the layout of your home, move load-bearing walls, or change the use of a room, you may need a permit. Always check with your local municipality.

Bathroom renovation: what does it cost in 2026?

Q: What is cheaper: installing a shower or a bathtub?

A walk-in shower is generally cheaper than a freestanding bathtub. A walk-in shower costs €500 to €2,000 including installation, while a freestanding bathtub easily costs €1,500 to €5,000 or more excluding installation.

Cost Overview

Average bathroom renovation costs 2026

The costs of a bathroom renovation vary considerably depending on the size, materials, and the condition of the existing bathroom. The table below provides a realistic overview based on common projects in the Netherlands.

Bathroom type	Size	Budget	Mid-range	Luxury
Small (shower only)	3–5 m²	€3,000	€5,500	€9,000
Medium (shower + bathtub)	6–10 m²	€6,000	€10,000	€18,000
Large (en-suite)	10–15 m²	€10,000	€18,000	€30,000+

⚠️ Please note: the amounts above are indicative. Local labour costs, the condition of existing installations, and your choice of materials have a significant impact on the final price. Always request at least 3 quotes.

Price Breakdown

Costs per component

A bathroom renovation consists of multiple components. Below is an overview of the average costs per element, including materials and installation.

🪟

Tiles

€15 – €80 per m²

Material costs. A tiler charges €25–45/m² in additional labour costs.

🚿

Shower / walk-in shower

€400 – €2,500

Including shower tray or tiled floor and glass partition.

🛁

Bathtub

€600 – €5,000

Built-in bath (more affordable) or freestanding designer bath (more expensive).

🚽

Toilet

€250 – €900

Wall-hung or floor-standing toilet incl. cistern. Concealed cistern: +€300–600.

🪥

Washbasin + vanity

€200 – €1,800

From standard vanity unit to custom washbasin unit with countertop.

🔧

Plumbing

€800 – €3,000

Supply and drainage, taps, thermostatic mixer. Higher costs when relocating pipes.

💡

Electrics

€400 – €1,500

Lighting (LED spotlights), power sockets, underfloor heating connection.

🌡️

Underfloor heating

€600 – €2,000

Electric mat system (simplest for bathrooms), including thermostat.

Price Factors

What determines the price?

In addition to materials, there are other factors that significantly influence the final costs:

Condition of existing installations: Outdated pipes (pre-2000) often need to be replaced — this significantly increases plumbing costs.
Relocating connections: Keeping taps and drains in the same position? You can easily save €1,000–2,000 in extra installation work.
Region: In the Randstad (Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague) labour costs are on average 10–20% higher than in the rest of the Netherlands.
Material grade: The difference between store-brand tiles (€8/m²) and designer tiles (€60+/m²) can easily add up to €1,000 extra for an average bathroom.
Contractor availability: During busy periods (spring/summer) contractors sometimes charge a premium. Plan for autumn for better availability and pricing.

Smart Savings

How to keep costs under control

Request at least 3 quotes — the cheapest and most expensive contractor can differ by up to 40%.
Do the demolition work yourself (remove tiles, fixtures) — this can easily save €300–600 in labour costs.
Buy tiles and fixtures yourself from a DIY store or online — contractors often add a markup on materials.
Keep the existing layout (drain points, taps in the same position) to minimise plumbing costs.
Choose an electric underfloor heating mat — cheaper to install than a water-based system.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ — Bathroom renovation

An average bathroom renovation in the Netherlands costs between €6,000 and €15,000 for a bathroom of 6–10 m². For a small bathroom (4–6 m²), expect €4,000 to €8,000. A large or luxury bathroom (10 m²+) can cost €15,000 to €30,000 or more.

A complete bathroom renovation typically takes 5 to 10 working days, depending on the complexity and the size of the bathroom. If you only replace the fixtures (without tiling), this can often be done in 2–3 days.

Tile materials cost on average €15 to €80 per m². A tiler charges €25 to €45 per m² in labour costs. For a bathroom with 25 m² of wall and floor surface, expect around €1,000 to €3,000 for tiling.

For renovating an existing bathroom, you generally do not need a building permit. If you change the layout or move load-bearing walls, this may be different. Always check with your local municipality.

A walk-in shower is cheaper than a freestanding bathtub. A walk-in shower costs €500 to €2,000 including installation, while a freestanding bathtub easily costs €1,500 to €5,000 or more excluding installation.

Bathroom renovation: what does it cost?