How much does it cost to renovate a small bathroom?

For a small bathroom of 3-6 m², costs typically range between 3,000 and 9,000 euros. A budget renovation starts at 3,000-4,500 euros, while a standard renovation with new sanitary ware and tiling runs 6,000-9,000 euros.

What work can I do myself to save money on a bathroom renovation?

You can save on labour costs by doing cosmetic work yourself, such as painting, tiling over existing tiles and replacing basic sanitary ware. Doing the finishing yourself can save you 500-1,000 euros in labour costs.

When should I hire a professional for a bathroom renovation?

Always call in a professional for rerouting pipework, shower installation, electrical work and waterproofing. Labour costs average 40-70 euros per hour, and for a small bathroom you should expect around 40-80 hours of work.

What are the best ways to make a small bathroom feel more spacious?

A walk-in shower without an enclosure saves 20-30 cm of space, and wall-hung sanitary ware creates a more open feel. Large-format tiles of 60x60 cm or more, a large mirror panel and light-coloured finishes also help the room feel bigger.

How can I keep costs down when renovating a small bathroom?

Buying during sales periods, sourcing second-hand sanitary ware via platforms like Facebook Marketplace, and comparing at least 3 quotes can save you 20-30% on overall costs. Tiling over existing tiles and keeping the current pipework in place also reduces both material and labour expenses.

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):

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

Cost breakdown by element:

Element	Budget	Standard	Luxury
Shower/bath	500-1,000€	1,500-2,500€	3,000€+
Washbasin/vanity	300-600€	800-1,500€	2,000€+
Tiles + fitting	30-50€/m²	60-80€/m²	100€+/m²
Pipework/structural work	500-1,000€	2,000-3,000€	4,000€+
Labour (per hour)	40-50€/hr	50-60€/hr	70€+/hr

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.