Renovating your bathroom: how to save time and money

Author: Bernhard Bircher-Suits, FundCom AG

Why renovate your bathroom every 20 to 30 years? According to the Raiffeisen Switzerland real estate barometer, upgrading your bathroom can do a lot to retain and increase the value of your property. A study by Wüest Partner confirms that a renovated bathroom has a positive effect on property value, especially in urban areas with high demand.

Even minor bathroom works mean a lot of time, money and stress

At the end of 2022, Gerhard Meier (name changed) wanted to increase the value and comfort of his old holiday home. Among other things, he had the small bathroom of his apartment redesigned and renovated. A new rain shower with a folding glass screen was installed above the bathtub to enhance the shower experience. The bathroom furniture, toilet, tiles and heated towel rail were also replaced.

Looking back, Gerhard says, ‘Planning, finding and coordinating tradespeople and comparing offers took me what felt like several weeks and was very stressful – all for a bathroom of just 2.5 square metres.’ According to Gerhard, it cost him a whopping CHF 15,000 to renovate his small bathroom.

Leaking glass screen and stains on the floor

Gerhard hired a plumber from Basel, as there were no tradespeople available in his local area. After the renovation, the glass screen began leaking, leaving the bathroom floor covered with water after every shower. Gerhard’s new heated towel rail was also dripping and leaving stains on the stone floor.

A local installer stopped the dripping, but recommended that the shower screen be reinstalled for CHF 1,700 due to defects.  ‘I should have complained about the defect at the snagging stage,’ says Gerhard regretfully. The original installer denied any responsibility.

Calling in construction experts can pay off

This example shows that it’s worth calling in specialists in project management, cost control and final approval, even for small bathroom renovations. Renovations of any size can be complex and expensive, as several tradespeople are usually involved, including electricians, tilers and plumbers. In addition, older bathrooms are often contaminated by materials such as asbestos or have pipes that need to be replaced.

Planning a bathroom renovation step by step

Renovating a bathroom is not a project that should be tackled based on snap decisions and without expert help. To be clear about your requirements for your bathroom renovation, you should identify your current and future needs, the condition of your bathroom and the improvements you want to make. Here’s a rough guide on how to proceed step by step:

Step 1: Identify your requirements

Make a note of what you don’t like or what isn’t working in your existing bathroom. Ask yourself the following:

• Are there any defects like broken tiles, mould, asbestos or leaking fittings?

• Does the bathroom feel outdated or impractical?

• Does it get congested when being used by several people?

• Are the sanitary ware or pipes outdated and in need of updating or complete replacement?

Tip: Make a list of all the technical and visual defects to get a clear idea of what really needs to be renovated.

Step 2: Check your functional requirements

Think about how you currently use your bathroom and how your requirements might change in the future. These include:

• Family needs: Is your family likely to grow? Or are your children likely to move out? You can redesign your bathroom to create more space or make it smaller according to your needs.

• Age-appropriate adaptations: Do you want to make your bathroom accessible, so that everyone will be able to use it for a long time to come? Walk-in showers and grab handles are a sensible investment for the future.

• Extra comfort: Would you like to give your bathroom a wellness vibe, perhaps with a free-standing bathtub, sauna or special shower system? Think about what’s practical and what’s really necessary – a shower room with a toilet in it might offer additional convenience, for instance, but it will consume electricity and may be prone to malfunctions.

Tip: Think long term and consider how your circumstances might change. Andrea Ruepp from the Ruepp carpentry workshop in Sarmenstorf (Aargau) advises: ‘Think about your personal needs, especially with regard to your age, so that you can enjoy bathing for a long time.’ Grab handles can be retrofitted, but a wheelchair-accessible bathroom would need to be planned from the outset. 

Step 3: Check the available space and room layout

Take a look at the existing floor plan of your bathroom. Is there enough space, or would you like to enlarge the room? Consider the following:

• Use of space: Are the current fittings well placed, or would it make sense to move things around?

• Storage space: Do you have enough space for towels, toiletries and other bathroom items? If not, a better room layout can help.

• Check the new layout: A sensible arrangement of bathroom furniture, shower, toilet and mirror cabinet can significantly boost comfort and convenience in your bathroom. Yvonne Fischer, consultant at bathroom furniture company Talsee in Hochdorf (Lugano), says: ‘Make sure your bathroom design takes account of your daily routine.’ After showering, you will need an area to dry off – ideally with seating. Consider whether a free-standing bathtub makes sense or whether a large shower would work better in the room. If necessary, you could dispense with a bathtub altogether, thus freeing up a lot of space and reducing water usage.

Tip: Sketch out the layout of your bathroom on paper or using one of the many bathroom planning tools available online and think about how you could improve the arrangement of the sanitary ware. Storage space is essential in the bathroom. Built-in cupboards with adjustable shelves and drawers save space while still providing plenty of room for storage.

Step 4: Define your design and material requirements

Think about the style and materials you would like to have in your new bathroom:

• Timeless design: Opt for simple, durable materials such as natural stone, wood or corian that will stand the test of time. ‘Interest in different textures and materials has also grown,’ says Fabian Roth, co-CEO of bathroom furnishings company Talsee. ‘The desire for a unique look is very important.’ Natural materials such as wood are particularly sought after, as they give the room a cosy feel.

• Practical and easy to maintain: Seamless shower walls and easy-to-clean surfaces will save you time and effort in the long term. Walk-in, wheelchair-accessible showers are a future-proof option for old age, and are also in high demand.

• Lighting: Think about how you can create more light and a feel-good atmosphere, especially in windowless bathrooms. You can use well-placed LED spotlights to create the right mood and make sure that you see yourself clearly in the mirror.

Tip: Exhibitions, home interiors magazines and the bathrooms of friends and hotels can all provide good sources of inspiration for your dream bathroom. Write down your ideas and think about what would work best for you and your family.

Step 5: Set a budget

Draw up a rough budget based on your wishes and requirements. Your renovation costs will depend on factors such as floor space, layout, sanitary ware, any installation of electrical cables and water pipes, extras and hourly rates for tradespeople. In Switzerland, bathroom renovations cost between CHF 15,000 and CHF 70,000, depending on the scope. Factor in buffers for unforeseen costs such as laying pipes or disposing of old materials. Never pay for all the work in advance, but only in instalments based on actual construction progress.

Here is an overview of possible budget items for your bathroom renovation:

• Planning costs and project management

• Building preparations: Covers and dust protection walls

• Adjustments to installations and disassembly

• Disposal costs: construction rubble, old furniture

• Possible asbestos removal: in old tiles or ceilings

• Structural alterations: changes to the floor plan

• Floor and wall coverings: painters, tilers

• Electricians: power connections and lighting

• Sanitary ware: shower, bathtub, toilet, mirrored cabinets, furniture 

Step 6: Select and coordinate craftsmen

Decide whether you’d like to coordinate the bathroom renovation yourself or call in an architect, building consultant, bathroom planner or plumbing company. A professional will not only help you with the planning, but also ensure that the budget is adhered to and that the different trades work together seamlessly. 

Tip: Obtain at least three quotes for exactly the same work and products. Ask tradespeople for references from similar projects and speak to their clients in person. Look at Google ratings of companies and choose those that are financially sound (if unsure, request extracts from debt collection register).

Step 7: Plan your time realistically

Bathroom renovations don’t just require solid planning, but also plenty of time. In addition to the time needed for actual renovation work, ranging from a few days to several weeks, you should factor in delivery times for tiles or bathroom furniture. These can take up to 12 weeks. Try to avoid having times where there is nothing being done, as this can quickly lead to high additional costs (rental costs for builders’ toilets, rental of waste containers, etc.).

Tip: Draw up a detailed schedule for the necessary renovation work or request a schedule from your project manager.

In summary: Effective planning for a functional dream bathroom

A bathroom renovation is a big investment, but it’s usually worthwhile. With good planning, careful consideration of your needs and experienced professionals, you can create a functional, stylish and future-proof bathroom. Plan your budget realistically and make sure that your bathroom offers lasting comfort.