Bathroom renovation: compare quotes and prices

Distinguish partial and complete renovation

Partial renovation renews selected areas, such as the shower, basin or furniture. Some existing finishes and installations remain. It can be sensible when their condition is suitable and the desired use is possible without complete demolition.

Complete renovation is a larger intervention. Specify which pipes, waterproofing, coverings and fittings are included. Complete alone is not a full description of the work.

Even a small bathroom can involve considerable work: site setup, connections and coordination do not shrink proportionally with floor area. Conversely, a new vanity unit does not automatically require renovating the entire room.

Plan the layout and connections together

Keeping the toilet, shower and basin in place may limit the work. Moving them needs assessment alongside water pipes, drainage, floor construction and existing service shafts. A position drawn on a plan does not establish technical feasibility.

A level-access shower requires coordinated drainage, available build-up height, falls and splash protection. An open shower does not automatically suit every layout. Doors, drawers and shower screens should not obstruct each other during use.

Say whether the layout should stay or is still open. Pipe dimensions and technical solutions belong with specialist planning. Necessary assessments and consents for changes to walls, shared pipes or the structure should be clarified before commissioning.

Waterproofing sits beneath the visible finish

Tiles, joints and an attractive finish do not replace suitable waterproofing. Junctions, corners, penetrations and connections to the drain also form part of the wet area. The substrate, waterproofing and covering must work together.

Partial work needs assessment of the transition between new construction and retained areas. Renewing a silicone joint alone does not establish whether there is damage underneath. Ask the contractor to explain necessary work and outstanding assessments.

Agree documentation of important concealed details before surfaces are closed. This makes it possible to identify what was renewed and how connections were made.

Choose fittings around everyday use

Prioritise what the current room lacks: easier access, storage, a second basin or reachable controls. That helps more than an unranked wish list. Consider lighting, sockets, ventilation and maintenance access too.

A shower without a threshold does not make the entire room accessible. Movement space, the door, reachable controls and potential grab rails need consideration together. Mention concrete needs early; the appropriate solution depends on the building and its use.

Choose finishes for cleaning, wet-area suitability and desired slip resistance as well as appearance. Ask to see access to drains, traps and isolation valves. Concealed parts should not become inaccessible for maintenance.

Assess damage and older materials before strip-out

Damp areas, recurring mould, loose tiles or leaks should be assessed before a purely cosmetic renewal. A new finish does not automatically resolve their cause. Describe visible problems without having to diagnose them yourself.

In buildings dating from before 1990, older materials such as tile adhesive may contain asbestos. Assess potential hazardous materials before disturbing or removing them. The building date informs the assessment; it is not proof of the actual composition.

Agree how the contractor will handle unexpected damage discovered after opening up. Additional work and costs should be agreed before execution.

What does bathroom renovation cost in Switzerland?

One published regional guide puts complete renovation to a mid-range standard at around CHF 20,000–30,000. This is neither a guaranteed final price nor a Swiss average; VAT and precise inclusions need checking in the actual quote.

Partial renovation, full strip-out and a new layout are different jobs. A flat rate per square metre cannot represent them reliably. The floor area is also different from the additional wall surfaces to be treated.

Compare fittings and materials with clear delivery scope and quality levels. An allowance for products not yet selected should remain distinct from a confirmed price. Keep a reserve for justified open points rather than treating unknown existing conditions as fully priced.

Agree supply and responsibilities early

A main contractor can coordinate the work; separate specialists are also possible. What matters is who manages dates, interfaces and release for the following work. A plumbing quote does not automatically include tiling, electrical or painting work.

If you buy fittings or furniture yourself, clarify dimensions, complete accessories, delivery dates and responsibility for unsuitable or damaged items first. An inexpensive individual purchase is only a complete cost comparison once installation, transport and adjustments are included.

Agree protection of the transport route, access and working hours. In an occupied home, plan water interruptions and temporary toilet and shower arrangements early.

A realistic schedule allows for necessary waiting times

Timing depends on the work, deliveries, drying and coordination. A quote should include a project-specific schedule. A promise of a few days does not automatically account for concealed damage or following trades.

Completed installation does not always permit immediate use. Waterproofing, adhesives and joints have system-specific conditions. Agree when following work and normal use can begin.

1. Planning and selection. Agree scope, feasibility, materials and the complete quote.
2. Strip-out and preparation. Assess existing conditions and carry out agreed preparatory work.
3. Services and finishes. Coordinate concealed work, waterproofing and following trades.
4. Installation and handover. Check function, results, outstanding work and use together.

Check more than appearance at handover

Ask for a demonstration of taps, toilet flushing, drainage, lighting and other agreed functions. Check access and results against the agreed specification. Record remaining work, contacts and completion dates.

Keep product details, care instructions and documentation of completed checks. Information about concealed connections and clear maintenance access helps with later work.