Bathroom Renovation: Offer for over 50,000

Hello,

after a sleepless night, I am looking for help from you. We have a bathroom that is about 25 years old, taken over as-is when buying the house. It is now worn out, tiles are falling off, all fittings (Dornbracht!) broken, etc.

We spoke with a highly praised company here in the region (Rhein Main) and they gave us an offer for over 50,000 euros. It is a “maximum” offer, no frills, normal fittings, store-brand tiles, etc. Maximum in the sense that everything that might possibly still need to be done is included. No additional charges, says the company.

Part of the offer is, for example, to tear out and replace the existing underfloor heating, all pipes etc. in the bathroom new. Reason: An underfloor heating of this age is no longer so fit, it should rather be done. We wonder: Is that necessary?

The bathroom has a classic layout: on one long side bathtub and shower, on the other long side double washbasin and toilet. We only want to swap the position of bathtub and shower, the shower should be built up/mosaic tiled. Everything else should stay as it is, just new tiling, new sanitary fixtures, new fittings. Otherwise drop the ceiling to install spotlights.

We had thought about 25-30,000, and imagined that maybe even a strip of [Bisazza glass mosaic] might be included for that. But the price now calculated, with e.g. still relatively simple fittings that we don’t like, is driving us into depression.

I have understood that, for example, I cannot use prices from the big online retailers, that companies create a mixed calculation including material, installation, warranty, etc. Nevertheless, are we so far off with our budget? If not – how do I find a reasonable company without pharmacy prices? One that also knows what they’re doing, that doesn’t insist on tile edge trims, that can also handle glass mosaic properly, that doesn’t just follow their scheme but is willing to listen to us?

We are definitely willing to spend money to get a great bathroom. But 50,000 for a bathroom that is still far from our dream bathroom – that won’t work.

Does anyone have tips for us?

Many thanks and best regards,
Heli

So, are the individual items listed in the offer? What does the renewal of the underfloor heating amount to? Otherwise, I agree with you, the offer seems very high. However, without a concrete breakdown of what is included, not much can be said.

Hello Tolentino,
thank you very much for your reply! I also have a black curly dog, I have to look for a photo.
Yes, the offer is itemized. Not in detail, but by item. Example:
Demolition work, containers, rough installation, then items for bathtub area, shower area, wash area, WC, whereby always the fittings, sanitary objects, washbasin etc. are named but not broken down individually, rather the price for the entire area each time. Then hourly wage, drywall construction, tiling work etc. each as totals for the item.
Underfloor heating: approx. 1,500 net.

Another example: supply and installation of drinking water pipes, wastewater pipes, heating pipes, together 4,000 net.
Shower drywall wall, suspended drywall ceiling together approx. 4,500 net.

Bathroom is approx. 9.5 sqm. Rectangular, window and door each on the short sides.

Best regards, Heli

Is there a plan of before and after? Pictures of the existing condition? Scope of work?

I am reading a complex order including renewing underfloor heating, screed, relocating pipes, building walls, etc.
With that, of course, you have really gone all out – and that costs. Of course, €50K is a substantial amount; if we could see the offer, we could say more. That might be okay, or it might not.

Just ask 1-2 more companies. Then you'll get a better feeling. My feeling tells me that it is expensive. Your 30 TEU sound plausible to me.