Renovating a Small Bathroom: Costs, Tips and Step-by-Step Plan

Renovating a small bathroom can often feel like an impossible task: limited space, high costs and that one pipe always in the wrong place. Yet with smart choices and a solid plan, even the most compact bathroom can be transformed into a functional, stylish retreat. For a small bathroom (3-6 m²), expect costs of between 3,000 and 9,000 euros, depending on the finish and the extent of structural work. This article gives you a step-by-step plan, a cost overview and 5 tips to gain space without blowing your budget.

Cost overview: small bathroom renovation

The price depends on the scope: are you simply replacing the sanitary ware, or going for a complete makeover?

Budget renovation (3,000-4,500 euros):

• Reuse existing sanitary ware where possible
• New shower screen, washbasin, tiles laid over existing floor
• Entry-level tiles, standard fittings

Standard renovation (6,000-9,000 euros):

• Completely new sanitary ware (walk-in shower, wall-hung toilet, vanity unit)
• New floor and wall tiles, paintwork
• Rerouting of pipes where necessary

Luxury renovation (10,000+ euros):

• Rain shower, double washbasin, designer tiles
• Full strip-out and rebuild

Cost breakdown by element:

Step-by-step plan: small bathroom renovation

Step 1: Assess and plan

• Measure carefully: usable space, pipe positions, natural light
• Set your priorities: shower, washbasin, storage?
• Put together a moodboard with dimensions

Step 2: Gain space with a smart layout

Small bathrooms call for multi-functional design:

• Walk-in shower without an enclosure: saves 20-30 cm
• Wall-hung sanitary ware: visually more spacious and easy to clean
• Corner washbasin: compact yet practical
• Mirror cabinet: storage plus light reflection

Step 3: Budget-friendly materials

• Large-format tiles (60x60 cm+): fewer grout lines = greater sense of space
• Vinyl or PVC flooring: affordable, waterproof alternative to tiles
• Matt/grey tiles: timeless and they hide limescale well
• IKEA hacks: adapt PAX wardrobes for bathroom use

Step 4: Minimise the work

• Tiling over existing tiles: lay new tiles on top of the old ones (up to 2 cm total thickness)
• Keep existing pipework: only reroute if absolutely necessary
• Paint and plaster yourself: save 500-1,000€ in labour costs

5 tips for a successful small bathroom renovation

Tip 1: Make use of vertical space

• High shelves, a niche in the shower wall
• Mirror reaching up to the ceiling for a spacious feel
• Vertical towel radiator

Tip 2: Maximise light

• Large mirror panel (120 cm+ wide)
• LED downlights in the shower plus general lighting
• Light-reflecting tiles and wall finishes

Tip 3: All-in-one solutions

• Shower-toilet combinations for extremely tight spaces
• Vanity unit with integrated washbasin and storage
• Fold-away shower seat for limited mobility

Tip 4: Colour and material tricks

• Light-coloured tiles and finishes (white, light grey, pastel)
• Gloss finish on walls, matt on the floor
• Wooden accents to add warmth

Tip 5: Professional measurements

• Hire a bathroom designer - pay 50-100€ for a 3D plan
• Avoid costly remedial work caused by incorrect measurements

Sample layouts for a small bathroom (3-4 m²)

Layout A: Linear (long and narrow)

text[Shower]--[Washbasin]--[Toilet]
     ↑ Mirror wall ↑ Mirror

• Perfect for narrow spaces
• Keep pipework in a single line

Layout B: Corner arrangement

text┌─────────────┐
│ Shower │ Washbasin
│        │
└──┬─────┘Toilet

• Maximum free floor area
• Ideal for square-shaped bathrooms

When to call in a professional

Do it yourself for:

• Cosmetic refreshes (painting, accessories)
• Tiling over existing tiles without structural work
• Replacing budget sanitary ware

Call a professional for:

• Rerouting pipework
• Shower installation
• Electrical work and waterproofing

Labour costs average 40-70€/hr. For a small bathroom, expect 40-80 hours of work.

Money-saving tips for your small bathroom renovation

• Buy during sales periods (January, summer)
• Second-hand sanitary ware (Facebook Marketplace, up to 50% off)
• Do the finishing yourself (painting, tile adhesive)
• Kitchen and bathroom outlet stores (Brico, Gamma)
• Compare at least 3 quotes (save 20-30%)

A small bathroom renovation does not have to be a financial nightmare. With a budget of 3,000-6,000 euros, you can create a contemporary, practical bathroom. Start with a good plan, a smart layout and budget-conscious choices - and you will be enjoying your new personal wellness retreat in no time.