The bathroom is the most renovated room in second homes on the Costa Brava — and often the most dated in apartments from the 1960s to 1990s. How much does a bathroom renovation cost in 2026, and how long should you allow? Here are real figures from our projects in Palamós, Platja d’Aro, Palafrugell, Begur and Calonge.
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in 2026?
The price depends on three factors: the size, the condition of the systems (plumbing, electrics) and the level of finish. These are the ranges we have seen this year on the Costa Brava:
- Partial renovation (€2,500–5,000 incl. VAT): replacement of the shower tray, taps and vanity unit, refreshing the wall tiles. Without modifying the systems.
- Full renovation (€6,000–10,000 incl. VAT): complete strip-out, renewal of plumbing and electrics, new walk-in shower, floor and wall tiling, vanity unit and lighting. This is the most common project.
- High-end renovation (€10,000–15,000 incl. VAT and above): XXL tiles, bespoke double vanity, wall-hung toilet, heated towel rail, lighting automation, premium materials.
These ranges include labour, materials and the coordination of all trades. In older apartments in Palamós or Platja d’Aro, allow a margin of 10–15% for the classic surprises: original water risers to replace, electrics to bring up to standard, substrate to redo after strip-out.
How long does the project take?
Allow on average 3 to 5 weeks for a full renovation:
- Week 1: protection, complete strip-out, rubble removal.
- Week 2: renewal of the systems — plumbing, electrics, possibly relocating water supplies.
- Weeks 3–4: floor and wall tiling, shower installation, painting.
- Week 5: furniture, taps, finishes, cleaning and handover.
A point of attention specific to the Costa Brava: good tilers and plumbers are in high demand before the summer. A project booked in winter for the spring secures both the price and the timeline.
The specifics of bathrooms by the sea
On the Costa Brava, sea air and humidity demand precise technical choices: reinforced waterproofing under the tiles (Schüter-type systems), stainless steel or marine-grade brass taps and fittings, mechanical ventilation or efficient extraction in windowless bathrooms. In apartment buildings, replacing a water riser or working hours are governed by the residents’ association: we handle these formalities for you.
Which VAT on a bathroom: 10% or 21%?
If the property is over 2 years old, you are a private individual and the materials supplied account for less than 40% of the pre-tax total, VAT is 10% instead of 21%. On an €8,000 pre-tax renovation, that is €880 saved. Beware: a high-end shower and vanity unit can tip the ratio. Full details in our article VAT on Renovation Works in Spain: 10% or 21%?.
Renovating your bathroom remotely
Not on site? That is our everyday work. After a free assessment, you receive a detailed item-by-item quote, then a photo report every week until handover, with 3 months of after-works follow-up. Our article Renovating Your Second Home Remotely on the Costa Brava explains the full method.
In summary
For 2026, budget €6,000–10,000 incl. VAT and 3 to 5 weeks for a complete bathroom renovation on the Costa Brava. The best approach: an on-site assessment followed by a detailed, item-by-item quote with the VAT rate justified.
Do you have a bathroom to renovate in Palamós, Platja d’Aro, Palafrugell, Begur or Calonge? Discover our services and request your free quote: reply within 24 hours, in English.