How much does a bathroom renovation cost in 2026?

A bathroom renovation is one of the biggest repairs most homeowners ever make. It’s also one of the hardest to budget for: two bathrooms of the same size can end up at very different prices.

So how much does a bathroom renovation cost? The honest answer: no single price per square metre fits every home. The final figure depends on how deep the work goes, whether the plumbing moves, which materials you choose and what turns up behind the old tiles.

The good news is that you can find out almost all of this before work starts. This guide explains what drives the bathroom renovation cost, where the money goes and how to get quotes you can actually compare.

What affects the price the most

Size matters less than people think. A small bathroom needs the same work phases as a large one, so the price doesn’t shrink in proportion to the floor area. The biggest cost drivers are the scope of the work and what is found once the old surfaces come off.

• Scope: a full renovation down to the structures costs far more than replacing surfaces.
• Waterproofing: a new waterproofing layer is essential in a full renovation, and it has to be done by the book, following the manufacturer’s instructions and drying times.
• Plumbing and drains: moving the shower, toilet or floor drain adds work and cost.
• Electrical work: new lighting, sockets or a heated floor must be installed by a registered electrical contractor.
• Materials: tiles, fixtures and furniture range from budget to premium.
• Hidden damage: moisture or mould found during demolition can add work.
• Site conditions: in a block of flats, waste removal, stairwell protection and permitted working hours affect the price.

Two quotes for the “same” bathroom often differ because they assume a different scope — so define the work before you compare prices.

Full renovation or surface renovation?

Most bathroom projects are one of two kinds, and knowing which one you need comes first.

A surface renovation refreshes what you see: paint or wall panels, a new vanity unit, mirror, lighting or tap. It can be enough when the waterproofing is in good condition. Note that tiling over old tiles or drilling through them can damage the waterproofing underneath, so even a light job deserves a professional opinion.

A full renovation strips the room down to the structures: old tiles, waterproofing and often the floor screed come off, pipes and drains are renewed as needed, and everything is rebuilt layer by layer. It’s the only sensible option when the waterproofing has reached the end of its life or there are signs of moisture damage.

Signs that a surface renovation is no longer enough:

• loose, cracked or hollow-sounding tiles
• grout that crumbles or keeps darkening
• a musty smell that doesn’t go away with cleaning
• water that doesn’t run freely to the floor drain
• nobody knows when the waterproofing was last renewed

If you’re unsure, a moisture measurement or condition inspection before you ask for quotes gives every contractor the same starting point.

Where the money goes

In a typical full renovation, most of the budget goes to labour: demolition, waterproofing, plumbing, electrical work and tiling. Several phases also need drying time, which is why a bathroom can’t be finished in a few days.

Materials are the part you control most directly — choosing mid-range tiles and fixtures can lower the total noticeably without compromising the result. The waterproofing, floor drain and pipes are not the place to save: they end up hidden, and fixing them later is expensive.

Remember to plan for the time the bathroom is out of use. A full renovation usually takes several weeks, and in a block of flats the schedule also depends on the housing company.

How to set a realistic budget

A good budget is built from a quote, not from an average found online. Start with a written quote based on an inspection, then add what it doesn’t cover:

• materials you buy yourself, and who is responsible if they arrive late or damaged
• furniture and accessories chosen after the quote
• waste removal and final cleaning, if they aren’t included
• a contingency for hidden damage found during demolition
• housing company costs, such as supervision, if charged to you
• extra living costs if you need to shower elsewhere

The right contingency depends on the bathroom’s age and condition, so ask the contractor what they usually find in similar buildings. Decide in advance which extras you would drop if surprises appear.

Can you lower the cost?

In Finland, part of the labour cost may be deductible through the household tax credit (kotitalousvähennys). The percentage and the maximum change from year to year, so check the current rules on vero.fi before you sign.

A few things are worth knowing at the quote stage. The credit covers work, not materials, so ask for the labour share to be shown separately on the quote and invoice. The company should be in the prepayment register, and the credit goes to the person who pays. It’s personal, so spouses can each claim it for what they have paid. Work that received another public subsidy generally doesn’t qualify — see the Finnish Tax Administration’s guidance for details.

Planning ahead also saves money. Decide on the layout and materials before work starts — changes in the middle of a project are expensive. Keep the shower, toilet and floor drain where they are if you can, and save on visible finishes rather than hidden layers.

Renovating in a housing company

In a block of flats or terraced house, you need to notify the housing company in writing before the work starts. The company can set conditions and supervise the work, and the cost of supervision is usually charged to the shareholder.

Maintenance responsibility is split between the company and the shareholder, which affects who pays for what. Ask the property manager early which parts belong to whom, and check the articles of association for exceptions.

Also ask whether a pipe renovation is planned. If it is, timing your project with it usually makes sense — otherwise your new bathroom may be opened up again. Check the house rules for permitted hours for noisy work, and tell the neighbours in advance.

In a detached house, check with your municipality’s building control whether a permit is needed if you plan to change the structures or build a new wet room.

How to compare quotes

Ask at least three companies for a quote based on the same description of the work. If you don’t have one, write down your wishes before the site visits so everyone hears the same things. A good quote states clearly:

• what is included and what isn’t
• how waterproofing is done and documented
• the schedule and payment instalments
• how unexpected damage is handled and priced
• who does the plumbing and electrical work, and whether they’re qualified
• whether the waterproofer holds a wet-room waterproofing certificate
• the warranty and how defects are handled
• whether labour is itemised for the household tax credit

The cheapest quote isn’t always the most affordable. Compare what you actually get, not just the bottom line.

Check the company’s background too: business ID, prepayment register entry and liability insurance (the registration details are on ytj.fi). Ask for references, and agree everything in writing — including changes and extra work.

What happens during the renovation

Knowing the phases makes the quote and schedule easier to understand. A full renovation usually goes roughly like this:

• Planning: the condition is checked and the layout, materials and schedule agreed.
• Notifications: in a housing company, the written notice and any conditions are settled first.
• Demolition: old surfaces come off and the moisture in the structures is measured. Any damage is agreed on before work continues.
• Plumbing and electrical work: pipes, drains and wiring are renewed or moved.
• Waterproofing: the floor is sloped towards the drain, then waterproofed and left to dry.
• Tiling and grouting.
• Finishing: the toilet, shower, vanity unit and lighting are installed.
• Handover: you inspect the work together and receive the documents.

Keep at least the waterproofing records and product information with your home’s papers. They’re useful if you sell, and the housing company may ask for them.

Summary

The cost of a bathroom renovation comes down to scope, waterproofing, plumbing changes and materials. Get comparable quotes, check what they include and leave room in the budget for surprises — and your new bathroom will serve you for decades.

Start by checking your bathroom’s condition, decide on the layout before asking for prices and don’t save on the hidden layers. With quotes based on the same description, the price you sign is much closer to the price you pay.