Planning a renovation of your kitchen or bathroom and worried about skyrocketing costs? Many homeowners underestimate their budget by up to 50%. This guide will show you how to accurately calculate the real renovation costs for your kitchen and bathroom using our calculation approach and avoid hidden cost drivers.
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The topic briefly and concisely
A complete bathroom renovation costs an average of €3,000 to €5,000 per square metre, with labour costs potentially accounting for up to two-thirds of the total.
The cost of a kitchen renovation usually ranges between €4,000 and €10,000, depending on the size, materials, and extent of electrical work.
Always plan for a financial buffer of 15-20% for unforeseen costs such as outdated pipes or the disposal of construction debris.
Is your property due for modernisation? Renovating the kitchen and bathroom is among the most effective yet also the most expensive measures. The average costs have increased significantly in recent years, and without data-driven planning, unpleasant surprises may arise. A simple online calculator for renovation costs can provide initial insights, but the crucial factors often lie in the details. In this article, you'll learn which cost items you really need to budget for, how the expenses are composed, and how to make an informed decision that sustainably increases the value of your property.
The essentials at a glance: Your checklist for budget planning
A bathroom renovation will typically cost you between €3,000 and €5,000 per square metre. For a complete kitchen modernisation, you should budget between €4,000 and over €10,000. Craftsman services often make up to two-thirds of the total cost in a bathroom renovation. Never underestimate the additional costs, which can account for up to 15% of the budget. Detailed planning is the first step towards a cost-efficient implementation.
Cost Analysis of Bathroom Renovation: What Really Appears on the Invoice
The question “What does a new bathroom cost?” cannot be answered generally, but can be specified with data. For a medium-sized bathroom of about 8 square metres, the costs quickly add up to over €30,000. The pure material costs for standard fittings like the toilet, sink, and shower often make up only a third. The much larger expense is the labour costs for dismantling, installation, tiling, and electrical work. A simple replacement of fittings can be done for a few hundred euros, but a complete bathroom renovation in an older building often requires the renewal of pipes, which can increase the costs by another 20-30%. Bathrooms are usually only renewed every 20 to 30 years, which explains the high investment needed.
The price range for individual elements is enormous and significantly influences your budget. Here is a brief overview:
Sink: A standard ceramic sink costs from €30, while models made of natural stone can reach up to €1,500.
Tiles: Expect to pay between €50 and €150 per square metre including installation, depending on the material and complexity.
Tradesmen: A plumber charges between €60 and €80 per hour. With an average renovation duration of 15 days, this adds up to a significant amount.
Accessibility: Installing a walk-in shower costs an extra €2,500 to €5,000 but increases the property's value.
These figures show how important it is to have a detailed breakdown before obtaining quotes. The next cost block, the kitchen, follows a similar pattern.
Kitchen Renovation: Investing in the Heart of the Home
The average cost of a kitchen renovation in Germany is around €6,500, but it can vary significantly. While a simple visual update with new fronts and a new worktop can be achieved for under €3,000, a complete redesign with branded electrical appliances can quickly exceed the €15,000 mark. You can budget with costs of €750 to €950 per square meter. A crucial factor is whether the kitchen layout is changed and connections need to be relocated. The new electrical appliances alone can amount to €1,000 to €4,000. A professional kitchen installer charges between €50 and €60 per hour. A detailed cost-benefit analysis is therefore essential.
The costs can roughly be divided as follows:
Kitchen furniture (cabinets, fronts): 40-50% of the total budget.
Electrical appliances: 20-30% of the budget.
Worktop: 10-15%, with prices ranging from €200 for laminate to over €1,200 for ceramics.
Labour costs (assembly, installation): 15-20% of the costs.
Both in the kitchen and bathroom, cost traps lurk, which often only become apparent during the work.
Hidden Cost Drivers: What Online Calculators Often Ignore
A simple calculator for renovation costs can only partially capture the complexity of a renovation. Particularly in older buildings, there are often unforeseen expenses lurking. You should plan for a buffer of up to 20% of the budget for unexpected problems. These include outdated electrical installations that no longer meet current standards or deteriorated water pipes. The disposal of old tiles and construction debris can also cost several hundred euros. Especially in buildings constructed before 1993, asbestos inspections and remediation can cause costs to skyrocket. A renovation potential report can provide clarity in advance and help to identify such risks early. Also, consider the costs for permits if you want to remove load-bearing walls. These factors often determine the financial success of your project.
Value Increase versus Costs: When the Investment Really Pays Off
Not every expensive renovation leads to a proportional increase in the value of your property. A luxury kitchen in an otherwise unrenovated apartment may not fully realise its value. Before investing, consider the question: Is renovation worth it before selling? A rule of thumb suggests that a well-planned bathroom renovation can increase property value by 5-10%. A modern, functional kitchen can have a similar effect. However, the overall condition of the property and the target audience of potential buyers are crucial. Instead of investing blindly, a data-driven analysis is the better approach. A professional property valuation before renovation shows you exactly which measures have the greatest potential for increasing value. Sometimes a smaller, targeted refresh is more profitable than a full renovation. Do you have questions about your specific case? Our ImmoGPT chat is available for an initial assessment free of charge.
Conclusion: Precise planning is the key to success
The renovation costs for the kitchen and bathroom are a significant investment that can quickly spiral out of control without careful planning. Use the average values mentioned here as a starting point, but do not rely solely on a general online calculator. Consider the specific conditions of your property, plan for a buffer of at least 15%, and obtain several detailed quotes. However, the key step is to view the renovation not only as a cost factor but as an investment in the value of your property. A data-driven strategy protects you from bad investments and maximises your returns. This way, your renovation becomes a manageable success.
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Additional useful links
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides comprehensive information on construction prices and real estate price indices in Germany.
The KfW informs about its funding products for existing properties that private individuals can take advantage of.
Wikipedia offers a detailed article on the basics and aspects of kitchen planning.
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive article on the topic of bathrooms.
The Consumer Advice Centre delivers important information and advice on the energy-efficient refurbishment of buildings.
The Chamber of Crafts Munich offers a brochure on setting up a business in the craft industry with current information (as of 2023).
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) releases a press release here, the content of which may refer to April 2025.
Interhyp provides current information on real estate prices.
The German Crafts Newspaper elaborates in an article on the costs of an hour's work by a craftsman.
FAQ
How can I save costs when renovating the kitchen and bathroom?
You can save costs by comparing several offers, undertaking tasks such as dismantling and painting yourself, and opting for affordable materials with good quality. Also, check whether a <a href="/solutions/subsolutions/foerdermittel-check">funding check</a> for barrier-free renovations is applicable.
How long does an average bathroom or kitchen renovation take?
A complete bathroom renovation takes an average of 15 working days. A kitchen renovation is usually quicker and can be completed in 3 to 10 days, depending on the scope.
Is an expensive renovation always a good investment?
Not necessarily. The increase in value always needs to be considered in relation to the current market value and the condition of the entire property. A <a href="/blog/wertsteigerung-renovierungskosten-verkaufsforderung">targeted sales promotion</a> through renovation is most effective when it's based on a professional analysis.
What is the greatest unforeseen cost factor?
The replacement of old water and electrical lines is often the biggest unforeseen cost factor, especially in older buildings. This can strain the budget by several thousand euros.
Is it worth just replacing the kitchen fronts?
Yes, replacing the kitchen fronts is a very cost-effective measure. For between €500 and €2,500, you can give your kitchen a completely new look without having to renew the entire structure.
Which renovation measure has the greatest effect on the selling price?
A modernisation of the bathroom often has the most significant positive impact on the sale price, as bathrooms are a very emotional and important criterion for buyers. A bright, modern, and functional design really pays off here.
