A turnkey bathroom renovation consists of work whose order must not be broken: demolition and pipe runs, screed and waterproofing, tiles, plumbing fixtures. The bathroom is the most technical room in an apartment. Water, electricity, ventilation and humidity all meet here, so engineering comes first and aesthetics second.

What the cost of a turnkey bathroom renovation depends on

The price is affected by:

  • the area of the bathroom and the amount of demolition;
  • moving plumbing and pipes;
  • the choice of fixtures and equipment: an in-wall installation, a shower, a bathtub;
  • tiles and materials: format, layout, cutting;
  • underfloor heating, ventilation and lighting;
  • joining the bathroom and the toilet.

The budget splits into three parts: fixtures and equipment, tiles and materials, and labor. You cannot save on waterproofing and pipe runs: redoing them means full demolition.

We calculate the exact cost of a bathroom renovation after measuring, when the area, the amount of demolition and the chosen materials are clear. For an estimate of a whole-apartment renovation there is the style configurator: the estimate is preliminary.

The order of work in a bathroom

  1. Demolition.
  2. Pipe runs.
  3. Rough screed and waterproofing.
  4. Wall plastering.
  5. Laying tiles.
  6. Ceiling installation.
  7. Installing plumbing fixtures.
  8. Connection and sealing.

If you lay tiles first and then remember the pipe runs, you will have to open the floor.

Waterproofing: where it is needed

Saving on waterproofing is the most expensive mistake in a bathroom, because the consequences are paid for together with the neighbors' renovation. The required zones are:

  • the whole floor, extending up the walls;
  • the walls of the shower area;
  • the areas around the bathtub and the sink;
  • all joints and corners, taped with a sealing strip.

The height of the wall upturns, the number of layers and the drying time are set by the manufacturer's instructions for the compound. Before tiling, a flood test is done: this way a leak is found while the walls and floor are still open.

Tiles and layout

A large format reduces the number of joints and makes cleaning easier, but it needs a flat base: any wave in the wall will show at the joint. The layout is made before purchase. It shows how much tile will go into cutting and how the joints will sit relative to the faucet, the mirror and the hatch.

  • One collection for the floor and walls creates unity.
  • Matte porcelain stoneware on the floor is safer than glossy.
  • Rectified tiles give a thin joint and a neat look.

Light and ventilation

Light in a bathroom works in two scenarios: bright at the mirror for makeup and shaving, and soft general light for the evening. Mirror lighting is better placed on the sides, otherwise shadows appear on the face. Lamp manufacturers recommend 3000-4000K for a bathroom, more in the article lighting in an apartment.

Ventilation decides the fate of the renovation. Natural extraction is often not enough, especially with a tight door. A forced fan with a humidity sensor and an air inlet, such as a gap under the door or a grille, helps against condensation and mold.

Hidden hatches and storage

Access hatches under the tiles give access to utilities and stay unnoticed. Storage is solved by wall niches, hanging vanities and mirror cabinets: they do not take space from a small bathroom. Other ideas for small areas: small apartment design.

What to plan in advance

  1. A socket by the mirror for a hair dryer and an electric toothbrush.
  2. An access hatch to meters and filters.
  3. A towel warmer on a separate circuit, or an electric one.
  4. Underfloor heating with a thermostat.
  5. A connection point for a washing machine with a separate tap.
  6. Lighting for the shower niche.

Sockets and protective devices in a bathroom are chosen under local electrical safety rules and agreed with an electrician. These items add almost nothing at the project stage and noticeably improve convenience.

How long a bathroom renovation takes

The timeline depends on the area, the amount of demolition, moving plumbing and the curing time of materials. Most of the time goes into preparing the base, waterproofing with its curing time, and laying tiles. A bathroom with a toilet takes longer than one without. We name the exact timeline after measuring and fix it in a schedule.

What to check at acceptance

  • slopes toward the drain;
  • no voids under the tiles;
  • how the ventilation works;
  • access to the shut-off valves;
  • the quality of joints and seams;
  • a leak test: it is done before tiling, not after.

Frequently asked questions

What does a "turnkey" bathroom renovation mean? One contractor is responsible for all stages: from demolition and engineering to finishing, installing fixtures and connection. The scope of work is fixed in the contract.

How long does waterproofing dry before tiling? It depends on the compound and the conditions: the time is given in the manufacturer's instructions. Rushing leads to peeling.

Do I need underfloor heating in a bathroom? Most often it is justified: besides comfort, it speeds up drying of the floor and reduces the risk of mold in the corners. The decision depends on the floor structure and the budget.

Can I put a washing machine in the bathroom? Yes, if you provide a separate socket with a protective device (an RCD) and a tap on the supply line. It is advisable to put a tray or a threshold under the machine so a leak does not reach the neighbors.

Want a bathroom that is beautiful and properly built inside? Write to us, and we will design it for your area and budget. All services: services.