Bathroom Renovation Cost Guide for Spain (2024)

One of the most common questions I hear from British property owners is: "How much will a bathroom renovation cost in Spain?" After completing hundreds of bathroom projects across Axarquía, I can give you realistic figures and explain what affects pricing.

The Short Answer

A complete bathroom renovation in Axarquía typically costs between €4,000 and €12,000+, depending on size, quality of fixtures, and extent of work required. That's for a full strip-back and professional rebuild with quality materials.

But that's a wide range, so let me break down what drives costs and what you get at different price points.

Budget Bathroom Refresh: €2,000-€4,000

What this covers:

Surface-level improvements only
New toilet, sink, and basic shower screen
Budget fixtures and fittings
Basic tile refresh (walls only, perhaps)
New paint and minor repairs
No major structural changes
No moving plumbing

When this works: Your existing bathroom structure is sound, you're just updating tired fixtures and finishes. The waterproofing and plumbing are still adequate.

Reality check: Many older Spanish village properties need more than a cosmetic refresh. Poor original waterproofing, inadequate ventilation, or underlying damp issues mean a surface-level job won't last.

Standard Full Renovation: €5,000-€8,000

What this covers:

Complete strip-back to bare walls and floor
Proper waterproofing system (tanking)
New plumbing and waste pipes
Updated electrical work
Full wall and floor tiling (mid-range tiles)
Good quality toilet, sink, and shower
Proper ventilation installation
Professional finish throughout

When this works: Most standard bathroom renovations in typical village properties. You're getting a properly done job with decent quality materials that'll last 15-20+ years.

This is what I'd recommend for most British owners wanting a reliable bathroom meeting UK expectations within Spanish building codes.

Premium Bathroom: €8,000-€12,000+

What this adds:

Premium fixtures (Grohe, Hansgrohe, Villeroy & Boch)
High-end tiles (large format, natural stone, designer ranges)
Underfloor heating
Walk-in shower with rainfall head and body jets
Better storage solutions (custom vanity units)
Upgraded lighting design
Any structural changes (moving walls, creating ensuites)

When this makes sense: High-value properties, premium villas, or when you simply want the best quality throughout.

What Affects Costs?

1. Property Condition

Older village properties often have hidden issues discovered during strip-out: inadequate floor structure, damp problems in walls, outdated plumbing that needs full replacement. These add to costs but avoiding them just stores up problems.

2. Bathroom Size

Obviously, a 2m² shower room costs less to tile than a 6m² bathroom. But labor costs don't scale linearly – a tiny bathroom can be challenging to work in, affecting efficiency.

3. Access

Properties in old village centers with narrow street access cost more. If materials need carrying the final 50 meters by hand, that's factored into quotes.

4. Fixtures and Fittings Quality

A basic toilet costs €100-200. A premium brand can be €400-800+. Multiply this across all fixtures and the difference adds up. My advice: go mid-range. The quality jump from budget to mid-range is significant; mid-range to premium is diminishing returns for most people.

5. Tiling Choices

Basic ceramic tiles: €15-25/m² (material only). Mid-range porcelain: €25-40/m². Premium large format or natural stone: €40-80+/m². Plus, complex patterns or very large tiles cost more in labor.

6. Structural Changes

Moving a toilet or creating a new doorway adds significantly to costs. If you can work within the existing layout, you save money.

What's Included in My Quotes

When I quote for a bathroom renovation, it covers:

All labor (my team and any specialist subcontractors)
Materials (tiles, waterproofing, adhesives, grout, etc.)
Plumbing and electrical work
Waste removal and site cleaning
Any necessary permits and building control coordination

What you typically supply separately: Toilet, sink, shower/bath, taps, shower screen. This lets you choose exactly what you want and shop around if you prefer.

Why Proper Waterproofing Matters

I can't stress this enough: proper waterproofing is not optional. It's the difference between a bathroom lasting 20+ years trouble-free and one with problems within 5 years.

A full tanking system (waterproof membrane on walls and floor) adds maybe €400-600 to material costs but prevents water damage, protects structural timbers, and eliminates moisture problems. It's always worth it.

Realistic Timeline

Standard bathroom renovation: 2-3 weeks from start to completion, assuming no major surprises. Premium complex jobs might take 3-4 weeks. Plan for being without that bathroom during this time.

Money-Saving Tips (That Don't Compromise Quality)

Work with existing layout: Not moving plumbing saves significant costs
Choose mid-range fixtures: Best value for quality
Simple tile patterns: Straight-lay is cheaper than intricate designs
Standard size tiles: Easier to work with than very large formats
Do it once, properly: Cutting corners on waterproofing or preparation costs more long-term

Red Flags to Avoid

If a quote seems too cheap, question why. Common corners being cut:

No proper waterproofing system
Skipping preparation work (just tiling over existing surfaces)
Using inappropriate materials for Spanish climate
Not addressing underlying damp or structural issues
Poor quality adhesives and grouts that fail quickly

Getting Accurate Quotes

For accurate pricing, I need to see the space. Photos help for initial ballpark figures, but a site visit reveals the true scope. Hidden issues (damp, structural concerns, awkward pipework) often only become apparent in person.

I always provide written quotes detailing exactly what's included. No surprises, no "additional costs" appearing later unless you request changes to the agreed specification.