How much does it cost to renovate a bathroom in 2025: real prices, not estimates
By Mattea, co-founder and Interior Architect — Restylit
How much does it cost to renovate a bathroom? For a small bathroom of 5-6 sqm, the complete cost ranges between €4,500 and €9,000 with mid-range materials. Below €3,500, it's a restyling, not a true renovation. Above €12,000, you enter the premium range with designer materials. The final price almost always depends on three factors: whether the plumbing is touched, the quality of chosen materials, and the geographical area. For medium bathrooms (10-12 sqm), the average price is now around €15,000-€20,000.
In this guide, you'll find the real prices we see every week working with our clients — not the optimistic estimates circulating online, but the numbers that emerge when walls are opened up.
The difference no one explains: restyling vs. renovation
Before talking about costs, it's essential to understand what you're talking about. In Italy, the word "renovation" is used for many different things.
Restyling (or relooking) This involves changing the appearance without touching plumbing or structure. New fixtures replace old ones, flooring is laid over existing, new taps are installed, and walls are painted or paneled. Walls are not opened, and drains are not moved.
Indicative cost: €1,500 – €4,500 Time: 1-2 weeks When it makes sense: recent and good condition plumbing, functional layout, limited budget.
Partial renovation This involves working on some items but not everything. Tiles and sanitaryware are redone, but existing plumbing is left, or vice versa. A bathtub is replaced with a shower without moving the drains.
Indicative cost: €3,000 – €8,500 Time: 2-3 weeks
Complete renovation Total demolition: tiles removed, sanitaryware removed, plumbing removed. Starting from scratch and rebuilding everything. Allows for changing the layout, moving drains, redoing the electrical system.
Indicative cost: €8,000 – €20,000+ Time: 3-5 weeks
Real prices in 2025: table by size
These are the ranges that emerge from real quotes, cross-referenced with Italian construction sector data updated to 2025.
| Bathroom size | Restyling | Partial renovation | Complete renovation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small bathroom (3-4 sqm) | €1,500-2,500 | €2,500-4,000 | €4,000-6,500 |
| Standard bathroom (5-6 sqm) | €2,000-3,500 | €3,500-5,500 | €5,500-9,000 |
| Large bathroom (7-9 sqm) | €3,000-4,500 | €5,000-7,500 | €10,000-15,000 |
| Large+ bathroom (10+ sqm) | €4,000-6,000 | €7,000-10,000 | €15,000-20,000+ |
Prices include mid-range materials and labor. Northern Italy: add 15-25%. Premium range: add 40-60%.
Line by line: where the money goes
When a quote arrives and seems high, it's often unclear why. Here are the main items for a complete renovation of a 5-6 sqm bathroom, with indicative costs for each.
Demolition and disposal Removal of floors, wall coverings, sanitaryware, and old plumbing. Transport to authorized landfill. This item is often underestimated — debris is heavy, and disposing of it is costly. Cost: €600 – €1,000
Plumbing system New supply pipes (hot and cold water) and drains. This is the most variable item: it depends heavily on how much the points are moved. A drain moved by half a meter can add €500-800 to the quote. Cost: €800 – €1,800
Electrical system Light points, sockets conforming to CEI 64-8 standards (mandatory in bathrooms), ventilation. Often forgotten in the initial quote. Cost: €300 – €700
Screed and waterproofing The screed levels the floor and allows for new plumbing. Waterproofing — mandatory in the shower area — protects against leaks. This is an unseen item that, if skipped, will be costly later. Cost: €400 – €700
Tiles and coverings (materials) The item with the greatest variability in the entire quote. The range is enormous:
- Basic porcelain stoneware: €10-20/sqm
- Mid-range (marble effect, large formats): €25-45/sqm
- High-end (designer brands, slabs): €50-100+/sqm
For a 5-6 sqm bathroom, about 15-18 sqm of flooring and wall covering are needed. Material cost: €300 – €1,800
Tile laying (labor) The tiler calculates by sqm or by job. Laying large formats (60x60 or more) costs more because it requires more precision and cutting. Cost: €20-40/sqm for laying — total €400 – €800
Sanitaryware WC, bidet, washbasin. Variability is huge — from €150 for an entry-level set to €2,000+ for premium brands. Wall-mounted sanitaryware costs more for the product but saves on floor cleaning. Mid-range cost: €400 – €1,200 for the complete set
Shower enclosure or bathtub Shower enclosure: from €200 for an economic enclosure to €1,500-2,000 for a walk-in tempered glass enclosure. A walk-in shower (without enclosure, only fixed glass) is often more elegant but requires more attention to waterproofing. Cost: €300 – €2,000+
Bathroom vanity with mirror From €250 for entry-level solutions to €2,000+ for custom furniture or designer brands. Mid-range cost: €600 – €1,200
Taps Mixers for washbasin, shower, bidet. A complete set of medium quality: €200-600. Premium brands (Grohe, Hansgrohe, Fantini) start from €400-500 just for the washbasin mixer. Mid-range cost: €250 – €700
The geographical factor: how much it varies from city to city
Labor is the item that varies most depending on the area. Same company, same job, very different prices.
| Geographical area | Deviation from national average |
|---|---|
| Milan | +25-30% |
| Rome | +15-20% |
| Turin, Bologna, Florence | +10-15% |
| Other Northern cities | +5-10% |
| Central Italy (medium cities) | National average |
| Southern Italy | -10-20% |
Concrete example: a 5 sqm bathroom with average finishes costs approximately €5,000 in Cosenza, €6,500 in Florence, €8,000 in Milan.
What makes the quote explode: the 5 hidden costs
In our experience, quotes that double during the work almost always have these causes.
1. Moving drains The WC drain point is recessed in the floor and connected to the condominium stack. Moving it even a few centimeters means opening the screed, modifying slopes, and in some cases, working on the stack. Additional cost: €500-1,800 depending on complexity.
2. Hidden plumbing problems Rusted iron pipes, non-compliant electrical system, moisture under the tiles. These only emerge after demolition. It's impossible to quote with certainty before opening up. This is why the 15-20% buffer is not optional.
3. Replacement of the condominium drain stack In buildings from the 60s-70s, the cast iron or iron drain stack may be deteriorated. Replacing it requires coordination with the condominium and more invasive work. Cost: €800-2,000+ depending on the building height.
4. False ceiling Not mandatory, but many add it to conceal pipes or create recessed light points. Adds €800-1,500 to the quote and a few days of work.
5. Niche in the shower A highly requested aesthetic element. A niche in the shower wall requires extra masonry and waterproofing work: an additional €200-500. Not huge, but rarely included in the initial quote.
Tax bonuses in 2025: what you can recover
Bathroom renovations can benefit from tax breaks that significantly lower the real cost.
Renovation Bonus (50% IRPEF deduction) 50% deduction on a maximum expenditure of €96,000, spread over 10 years. Requires payment by traceable bank transfer and — for certain interventions — submission of a CILA practice to the municipality.
Practical example: €8,000 renovation → €4,000 tax recovery over 10 years (€400/year).
Reduced VAT at 10% For extraordinary maintenance works on residential properties, VAT drops from 22% to 10%. This applies to both labor and some materials (with specific rules).
Furniture Bonus (50% deduction) For the purchase of new furniture (bathroom vanity, mirror, storage units) made in the year following or in the year the renovation begins. Maximum ceiling: €5,000 in 2025.
How it works in practice: tax savings are not immediate — they are recovered in subsequent years' tax returns. It should be planned as part of the budget, not as immediate income.
How long it takes
The actual timeline for a complete bathroom, without unforeseen events:
| Phase | Working days |
|---|---|
| Demolition and disposal | 2-3 days |
| Systems (plumbing + electrical) | 3-5 days |
| Screed and waterproofing + drying time | 3-4 days + 3-5 days waiting |
| Laying tiles and coverings | 3-5 days |
| Installation of sanitaryware, taps, vanity unit | 2-3 days |
| Finishing and small final works | 1-2 days |
| Total | 3-5 weeks |
To these times must be added the delivery times for materials — designer tiles and branded sanitaryware often have a 3-8 week waiting period. Order before starting work, not during.
Bathtub or shower? The impact on the budget
The choice between a bathtub and a shower often affects the budget more than is anticipated.
Replacing a bathtub with a shower (without moving the drain): If the drain is correctly positioned, the work is relatively simple. The bathtub is demolished, the new shower tray is waterproofed, and the tray is installed or a floor-level shower is created. Additional cost compared to the basic quote: €400-800
Replacing a bathtub with a shower (moving the drain): The cost increases here. The bathtub drain is often in a different position than ideal for a shower. Moving it may require raising the floor and creating a step, or lowering the slab (a more expensive intervention). Additional cost: €800-2,000
Installing both (shower + freestanding tub): Increasingly requested in large bathrooms. A freestanding tub is a self-contained design object — it doesn't require demolition. But it does require space (at least 8-9 sqm total) and adequate plumbing. Freestanding tub cost: from €600 (acrylic) to €3,000+ (ceramic, stone resin)
Materials that change the budget (and those that aren't worth the cost)
After years of projects, we have a clear stance on where it's worth spending and where it's not.
It's worth spending more on:
- Faucets — quality faucets last 15-20 years, cheap ones break in 3-5. The initial savings quickly disappear.
- Waterproofing — you can't see it, but it protects the entire investment. Never compromise on this.
- Tile laying — an experienced tiler is worth the difference. Crooked grout lines are noticeable every day.
- Wall-hung sanitaryware — they cost more than the product itself, but simplify daily cleaning for years.
Where you can save without too many regrets:
- Tiles — there are aesthetically excellent tiles available for €20-30/sqm. It's not necessary to spend €80/sqm for a good visual result.
- Bathroom vanity — many mid-range brands offer excellent quality. The vanity is not subject to the same stresses as the faucets.
- Mirror — identical function at any price point.
The right quote: how to compare it without getting ripped off
A professional bathroom renovation quote must include these items, separated and with distinct amounts:
- Demolition and disposal
- Plumbing system (with indication of materials: multilayer, copper, etc.)
- Electrical system
- Screed and waterproofing
- Tile supply and installation (with reference to the specific product)
- Sanitaryware supply and installation (with brand and model)
- Shower enclosure/bathtub supply and installation
- Bathroom vanity and mirror
- Faucets
- Finishes and site cleanup
Red flags in a quote:
- Aggregated items without detail ("bathroom works: €5,000")
- Absence of references to brands and models of materials
- Discount exceeding 30% compared to the average — almost always hides something
- No mention of VAT
- No reference to timelines
Always ask for at least 3 quotes. And compare them item by item — not just the total.
The project before the quote: why it changes everything
One thing we always do before getting to the quote: the project.
Not the complete project with all technical drawings — just a definitive layout with the positions of sanitaryware, shower, vanity, and lighting points. With this document in hand, the company can provide a precise quote. Without it, the quote is an estimate — and estimates tend to increase during the work.
At Restylit, we manage this phase online: 2D layout, 3D rendering of the finished bathroom, materials list with precise specifications. The client arrives at the construction site knowing exactly what to expect. Surprises become exceptions, not the norm.
Mistakes to avoid — the ones we hear about most often
Ordering tiles without exact measurements Tiles are ordered with a 10-15% surplus for waste. Order less and you'll find yourself halting the work while waiting for a new order that might not arrive in the same shade.
Choosing sanitaryware after the pipes have already been laid The wall-mounted frame for a wall-hung toilet has specific dimensions that must be compatible with the existing or planned drain pipe. First, choose the sanitaryware, then position the plumbing system.
Forgetting ventilation Mandatory by law in bathrooms without windows, but often overlooked even in those with windows. Good ventilation reduces humidity, protects grout, and extends the life of the vanity. It costs an additional €100-200. Don't skip it.
Doing everything too quickly Screed and waterproofing need to dry. Rushing to meet a deadline creates problems that emerge months later — often with leaks on the floor below. Allow for technical drying times.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions about bathroom renovation
Do I need to submit an application to the Municipality to renovate the bathroom? It depends on the intervention. For simple replacement of sanitaryware and tiles without structural or plumbing modifications, no application is required in many municipalities. To move drains or modify the layout, CILA (Certified Commencement of Works Communication) is generally necessary. The cost of CILA includes the professional's fee: typically €300-800. Always check with your municipality before starting.
Can I use the bathroom during the work? No — during a complete renovation, the bathroom is unusable for 3-5 weeks. If it's the only bathroom in the apartment, plan alternative accommodation or organize the work during a period when you can be elsewhere.
Is it worth doing everything together (bathroom + kitchen + rest of the apartment)? Almost always yes, for two reasons: the company applies economies of scale (site mobilization, disposal), and especially the work phases overlap, reducing total times. Doing the bathroom at separate times means paying twice for demolition, disposal, and final cleaning.
How long does a well-renovated bathroom last before needing interventions? With average quality materials and correctly executed installation, a bathroom lasts 20-30 years without significant interventions. Faucets may need replacement after 10-15 years. Bathroom vanity after 15-20 years. Ceramic sanitaryware lasts decades if not mechanically broken.
Is it worth renovating the bathroom before selling a house? It depends on the current state. A clearly dated bathroom (1980s-1990s with colored tiles, bathtub, yellow sanitaryware) weighs on negotiations and the final price. A light restyling (€2,000-3,000) can yield much more money at the time of sale. A complete renovation rarely justifies the cost if the only goal is to sell.
Where to start: the Restylit method
At Restylit, we often work on the bathroom project even before the client contacts a company. The reason is simple: with a defined project — layout, specified materials, 3D rendering — the company's quote becomes precise and comparable.
Without a project, each company interprets it in its own way. With the project, you compare item by item.
If you are planning your bathroom renovation and want a professional opinion before you start, book a free 15-minute call with our team.
Restylit is an Italian interior design company, entirely online. We design bathrooms, kitchens, and complete spaces with a team of real architects — remotely, across Italy and Europe.
The prices indicated in this article are updated to 2025 and based on real quotes collected during our professional activity. They can vary significantly based on geographic area, the complexity of the specific project, and the condition of the property.
