These figures are general market indications for budget planning and are not fixed Optimum prices or quotations.

Bathroom renovation prices in the Netherlands

There is no single standard price for renovating a bathroom. Two bathrooms of exactly the same size can have very different renovation costs depending on whether the existing layout is retained or all plumbing, drainage and sanitary positions are changed.

What is included in a complete bathroom renovation?

A full bathroom remodel is much more than simply fitting a new toilet and shower. Before the visible finishes are installed, there is usually considerable preparation and technical work.

A complete renovation may include:

• removing the existing bathroom and sanitary ware;
• demolition and disposal;
• water supply and drainage modifications;
• electrical work, lighting and sockets;
• preparing walls and floors;
• waterproofing wet areas;
• floor and wall tiling;
• installation of toilet, shower, bath and vanity unit;
• concealed taps and sanitary systems;
• ventilation;
• ceiling and plastering work where required;
• silicone, finishing and final installation.

Optimum can coordinate these activities as one complete renovation. Read more about our bathroom renovation service in The Hague.

What determines the cost of a bathroom remodel?

The size of the bathroom matters, but it is rarely the only factor. In many projects the amount of technical work has a greater impact on the final price than a difference of one or two square metres.

1. Keeping or changing the existing layout

Keeping the shower, toilet and basin in approximately the same positions normally reduces the amount of plumbing and drainage work required.

Moving the toilet, relocating a shower or installing a bath on the other side of the room can require floors or walls to be opened and pipework to be rerouted.

2. Plumbing and drainage

Older properties may have existing pipework that should be replaced while the bathroom is open. This increases the initial renovation cost but can be more sensible than installing an expensive new bathroom over outdated pipes.

3. Tiles and tile format

Tile prices vary enormously. Labour requirements also differ. Large-format tiles, special patterns, niches, mitred corners and natural-stone products can require considerably more preparation and installation time.

4. Sanitary ware

A standard wall-hung toilet and vanity unit will have a very different purchase price from designer sanitary ware, premium taps or a freestanding bath.

5. Electrical work

Lighting, sockets, mirrors, ventilation, electric underfloor heating and additional circuits can all influence the total cost. Electrical work in a bathroom must also take the relevant safety zones into account.

6. Condition of walls and floor

Once an old bathroom is stripped out, the substrate may require repair, levelling or reconstruction before waterproofing and tiling can begin.

Bathroom renovation cost by bathroom size

Price per square metre can be useful for orientation, but bathrooms contain many fixed-cost elements. A toilet, mixer tap, shower and electrical work are still required regardless of whether the room is 4 m² or 7 m².

Bathroom renovation cost in The Hague

Bathroom renovation prices in The Hague are influenced by more than material and labour costs. Many properties in the city are apartments, upper-floor homes or older houses where access and existing installations require additional attention.

Common factors in The Hague include:

• older pipework and electrical installations;
• wooden floor structures in older properties;
• limited access for materials and waste;
• upper-floor apartments;
• VvE or homeowners' association rules;
• shared building elements;
• older walls or floors requiring additional preparation.

For this reason we prefer to assess the actual bathroom rather than provide a misleading fixed price based only on square metres.

Renovating a bathroom in an older Dutch property

Older bathrooms sometimes look functional on the surface while hiding outdated plumbing, damaged substrates or previous renovation work underneath.

Once tiles and sanitary ware are removed, it becomes possible to inspect the underlying construction properly. Where necessary, this is the right moment to replace or improve technical components before the new finish is installed.

This is particularly relevant in older houses and apartments in The Hague, where buildings may have been altered several times over many decades.

Is it cheaper to keep the existing bathroom layout?

Usually, yes. If the existing toilet, shower and washbasin positions are practical, retaining those positions can reduce the amount of drainage and plumbing work.

However, keeping a poor layout simply to save money is not always the best long-term decision. A bathroom renovation is also an opportunity to improve the way the room is used.

We therefore look at both the budget and the practical advantages of changing the layout before recommending an approach.

Are tiles and sanitary ware included in the renovation price?

This depends on the quotation and the agreements made for the project. Some clients prefer to select and purchase their own tiles, taps and sanitary ware, while others prefer these elements to be included within the renovation.

The important point is that the quotation clearly identifies what is included and what is supplied by the homeowner. This prevents confusion when comparing bathroom renovation prices.

Comparing bathroom renovation quotes

A lower quotation does not automatically mean the same renovation is being offered for less. Compare the scope carefully before choosing a contractor.

Check whether each quotation includes:

• demolition and waste removal;
• plumbing and drainage alterations;
• electrical work;
• wall and floor preparation;
• waterproofing;
• tiling;
• sanitary installation;
• finishing work;
• materials and provisional sums;
• VAT;
• possible exclusions and additional work.

Comparing the actual scope is more useful than comparing only the number at the bottom of each quotation.

VAT on bathroom renovation work in the Netherlands

The standard Dutch VAT rate is 21%. Certain specific renovation activities on qualifying homes older than two years can fall under the reduced 9% rate, but this does not mean that an entire bathroom renovation automatically qualifies for 9% VAT.

Different parts of a renovation may therefore need to be treated differently for VAT purposes. For the official rules, see the Dutch Tax Administration.

Do you need a permit to renovate a bathroom?

A normal internal bathroom renovation will often not require a building permit. The situation can change when structural alterations, protected elements or significant changes to the property are involved.

For projects in The Hague, permit information is available from the City of The Hague. You can also use the official Omgevingsloket to check whether your plans require a permit or notification.

How long does a complete bathroom renovation take?

The duration depends on the amount of demolition, technical alterations, drying times, tiling complexity and selected materials.

Many complete bathroom renovations take around two weeks of construction time, while more complex projects may require longer. The actual schedule should be determined after the scope and existing situation are clear.

Bathroom renovation contractor in The Hague

Optimum Bouw- en Aannemersbedrijf has been carrying out renovation and construction projects since 2014. We provide complete bathroom renovations and larger residential renovation projects in The Hague and surrounding areas.

Our approach is particularly suitable for homeowners who want the technical and finishing work coordinated through one contractor rather than organising separate trades themselves.

• English-speaking communication for international homeowners and expats;
• complete bathroom renovations from demolition to finishing;
• one point of contact during the project;
• plumbing, electrical work, tiling and finishing coordinated together;
• experience with homes and apartments in The Hague;
• clear agreements about the scope, planning and quotation.

International homeowner? Read more about Optimum as an English-speaking contractor for expats in The Hague.

Frequently asked questions about bathroom renovation costs

How much does a complete bathroom renovation cost in the Netherlands?

As a broad 2026 market indication, many complete bathroom renovations fall approximately within the €8,000 to €25,000 range. Simple projects can cost less, while luxury or technically complex renovations can cost substantially more.

What is the average bathroom remodel cost?

There is no useful single average for every bathroom. Layout changes, plumbing, tile choice, sanitary ware and preparation work can create large price differences between bathrooms of the same size.

How much does a small bathroom renovation cost?

A small bathroom can still require most of the same technical elements as a larger bathroom, including plumbing, drainage, waterproofing, electricity and sanitary installation. For that reason, the cost does not decrease proportionally with the floor area.

What makes a bathroom renovation expensive?

Major layout changes, relocating drainage, premium tiles, built-in taps, custom details, luxury sanitary ware and extensive repair work behind existing finishes are among the factors that can increase the budget.

Is it cheaper to keep the toilet and shower in the same place?

Usually yes, because fewer changes to plumbing and drainage are required. However, the best choice depends on whether the current bathroom layout works well.

Can Optimum provide a bathroom renovation quote in English?

Yes. We regularly work with international homeowners and can discuss the scope, technical choices, planning and quotation in English.

Do you renovate bathrooms outside The Hague?

Our main service area is The Hague and surrounding areas. Contact us with the project location and scope and we can confirm whether the project falls within our working area.