The short answer: A complete bathroom renovation in 2026 costs roughly 3,500–5,500 € per m² of bathroom area — a typical 6–8 m² bathroom lands between 20,000 and 40,000 € depending on fittings, and takes 2 to 4 weeks. Accessibility conversions attract a care-fund subsidy of up to 4,180 € per eligible person.
What makes up the cost?
| Cost block | Scope | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Strip-out & disposal | Old fittings, tiles, screed openings | 1,000–2,500 € |
| Rough-in | New water, waste and electrical runs | 3,500–7,000 € |
| Waterproofing & tiling | Bonded waterproofing, wall and floor finishes | 5,000–10,000 € |
| Sanitaryware & taps | Shower, WC, basin, furniture | 4,000–12,000 € |
| Light, ventilation, decoration | Spots, mirror, extractor, ceiling | 1,500–4,000 € |
Guide prices from Lidstein project practice, 2026. Special cases (layout changes, long pipe runs, natural stone) sit above these ranges.
What drives the price most?
- Pipe routes: moving the WC or shower to another wall means re-planning waste falls and supplies — the most common cost jump.
- Shower concept: a flush walk-in shower needs screed work and precise waterproofing — comfort and value, at a premium over a tray.
- Specification: between standard ceramics and branded fittings sit 5,000 € quickly — buying direct from the manufacturer shrinks that gap considerably.
How does it run — and how long does it take?
- Week 0: survey, planning, ordering (2–4 weeks lead time).
- Week 1: strip-out, water and electrical rough-in.
- Week 2: screed, bonded waterproofing, tiling.
- Week 3: fitting, sealing, light, decoration — handover.
At Lidstein all trades run in one schedule with one contact — and on request at a fixed price, so three weeks stay three weeks and the offer never turns into a change-order list.
Which subsidies exist?
- Care fund: with a recognised care grade, up to 4,180 € per person towards accessibility measures — flush shower, grab rails, anti-slip floors (§ 40 SGB XI).
- KfW 455-B: grant for age-appropriate conversion; the annual budget is capped — apply before starting and check availability at kfw.de.
- Tax relief § 35a/35c EStG: labour costs are partly deductible; renovation cases enjoy extended rates.
Frequently asked questions
What does a complete bathroom renovation cost?
As a 2026 guide price: roughly 3,500 to 5,500 euros per square metre. A typical 6–8 m² bathroom usually lands between 20,000 and 40,000 euros depending on fittings — a reliable figure requires a site survey.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
Two to four weeks for a complete bathroom: strip-out, rough-in, waterproofing, tiling, fitting. A single trade chain without waiting time keeps the schedule honest.
Are there subsidies for bathroom renovation in Germany?
For accessibility conversions: up to 4,180 euros per person with a recognised care grade from the care fund, plus the KfW 455-B programme (annual budget limited). Purely cosmetic updates are not subsidised.
Is a partial renovation worth it?
Only if waterproofing and pipework are demonstrably sound. Otherwise you renovate twice — the biggest costs sit in rough-in and waterproofing, and so do the most expensive consequential damages.
Your bathroom, one fixed price
Send us a floor plan or photos of your bathroom — you will get an honest first assessment with a cost range.