How much does a bathroom renovation cost

The biggest item in the budget is almost always the tiles and sanitaryware, which together account for 40–55% of the total. Basic tiles can be found from €18/m², mid-range tiles cost around €35/m², and Italian porcelain stoneware and ceramics cost between €60 and €100/m². In a small 5 m² bathroom tiled throughout (walls + floor), that difference comes to between €600 and €2,500 on the tiles alone.

The second big item is the plumbing and electrical work, especially when the risers are replaced, a concealed floor drain is added, sanitaryware is moved or underfloor heating is fitted. In an old bathroom in a prefab panel block, where the plumbing and wiring are worn out, this work can add €800–1,600 on top of the base labour budget. That is why a site visit before the quote is critical – it gives an accurate picture of what is hidden behind the old tiles.

The third item is waterproofing. A good-quality waterproofing system (primer + waterproofing coating or membrane + sealing tapes for junctions and corners) costs between €250 and €500 for a standard bathroom. It is what protects the home below yours for the next 20 years – any savings made here usually turn into a problem after the first leak.

A specific example: a 5 m² bathroom renovation in Sofia in 2025 – demolition, new plumbing (2 risers), waterproofing, mid-range tiles (€40/m²), standard sanitaryware (€1,200), taps for €350, installation and finishing work. €6,800 in total for labour + materials, completed in 18 working days. Had the client chosen premium tiles and sanitaryware, the same bathroom would have cost around €9,500.

When you compare bathroom quotes, ask specifically: which waterproofing system is included, which risers will be replaced, which tiles and sanitaryware have been priced, whether waste removal is included, and what happens if a hidden problem is found after demolition (mould, a corroded pipe, an uneven base). A quote that does not answer these questions is not a quote – it is a rough figure.

We offer a free site visit in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Pleven and Blagoevgrad. After the visit you receive a written quote that sets out the scope, materials, timeline and a fixed price – usually within 3–5 working days.