Bathroom Renovation in Luxembourg: Prices, Steps and 3% VAT
Renovating a bathroom in Luxembourg costs between €8,000 and €45,000 depending on size, equipment and finish level. It is one of the most technical projects in home renovation: plumbing, electrical installation to standards, waterproofing, tiling and ventilation must be coordinated in the right order. If your home is more than 20 years old and is your main residence, the super-reduced VAT rate of 3% (instead of 17%) applies to all works and labour, representing an immediate saving without complex paperwork. This guide gives you all prices verified in Luxembourg in 2026, the exact chronology of works, mistakes to avoid and the right questions to ask before signing a quote.
Why and when renovate your bathroom?
The bathroom is one of the most heavily used rooms in the home: constant humidity, temperature variations, cleaning chemicals. An installation more than 20 years old begins to show signs that go beyond aesthetics: blackened joints, detached tiles, dripping taps, failing mechanical ventilation. In Luxembourg, where the real estate market is particularly sensitive to interior quality, a renovated bathroom measurably increases the property’s value.
The signals that indicate it is time to renovate are concrete: persistent humidity marks or mould despite aeration, cracked or detached tiles (infiltration risk), plumbing dating from before 2000 (ageing copper pipes or, worse, lead pipes), electrical installation without a 30mA differential or proper protection for a wet room, or worn-out sanitary equipment. In these cases, waiting systematically worsens the damage and the final cost.
A complete renovation has a useful lifespan of 20 to 30 years, provided it is carried out with quality materials and competent professionals. It is therefore a long-term investment, not an expense.
Overall budget: price ranges by category and size
The prices below are price ranges observed in Luxembourg in 2026, including supplies and labour, at 17% VAT (standard rate). If you benefit from the 3% VAT, subtract approximately 11 to 12 VAT points from the total inc. VAT — see the dedicated section below.
| Configuration | Entry-level | Mid-range | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact shower room (< 4 m²) | €5,000 – €8,000 | €8,000 – €15,000 | €15,000 – €25,000 |
| Standard bathroom (5 – 7 m²) | €8,000 – €12,000 | €15,000 – €25,000 | €25,000 – €45,000 |
| Large bathroom (8 – 12 m²) | €12,000 – €18,000 | €20,000 – €35,000 | €35,000 – €60,000 + |
Entry-level: standard equipment (acrylic shower tray, basic wall-hung toilet, 60–80 cm vanity unit), standard tiling, partial plumbing refurbishment. The result is clean and functional, but without a « wow » effect.
Mid-range: tiled walk-in shower, rimless wall-hung toilet, 100–120 cm vanity unit, branded taps (Grohe, Hansgrohe), large-format tiling, electric underfloor heating, integrated LED lighting. This is the most popular category in Luxembourg.
High-end: freestanding or whirlpool bath, XXL shower with hydromassage jets, custom double vanity, recessed taps, premium materials (natural stone, polished concrete, treated wood), home automation, smart mirror. Every detail is custom-made.
The main factors that drive the price upward:
| Factor | Estimated budget impact |
|---|---|
| Outdated plumbing to fully replace (> 30 years) | + €2,500 – €4,000 |
| Moving water supply points / layout changes | + €500 – €1,500 per point |
| Creating a walk-in shower on a wooden floor | + €500 – €1,000 (reinforcement) |
| Mechanical ventilation to create (duct through several partitions) | + €800 – €1,500 |
| Property in Luxembourg city centre or Esch | + 10 – 15% |
| Difficult access (upper floor without lift, no parking) | + 5 – 10% |
Detailed costs item by item
Here is the breakdown of unit prices observed in Luxembourg in 2026, supplies and installation included. These rates allow you to break down a quote and identify the items on which trade-offs are possible.
Shower
| Shower type | Supply and install price |
|---|---|
| Acrylic shower tray + single panel | €800 – €1,500 |
| Tiled walk-in shower (90 × 90 cm) | €2,000 – €4,000 |
| Large format walk-in shower (120 × 90 cm and above) | €3,500 – €6,000 |
| Thermostatic shower column | €400 – €800 |
| Hydromassage column / lateral jets | €800 – €2,000 |
Bathtub
| Bathtub type | Supply and install price |
|---|---|
| Standard acrylic bathtub | €600 – €1,200 |
| Whirlpool bath | €2,500 – €6,000 |
| Freestanding design bathtub | €3,000 – €8,000 |
| Retro claw-foot bathtub (cast iron) | €2,000 – €5,000 |
Toilet
| Toilet type | Supply and install price |
|---|---|
| Standard wall-hung toilet + mounting frame | €500 – €1,000 |
| Rimless wall-hung toilet (easier hygiene) | €700 – €1,200 |
| Japanese wash toilet (wall-hung) | €1,500 – €4,000 |
Basin and vanity unit
| Equipment | Supply and install price |
|---|---|
| Single countertop basin | €100 – €400 |
| 60 cm vanity unit | €400 – €1,000 |
| 100 cm vanity unit | €600 – €1,500 |
| Double basin + 120 cm vanity unit | €1,000 – €3,000 |
| Custom countertop basin | €800 – €2,500 |
Taps
| Type | Unit supply and install price |
|---|---|
| Mid-range basin mixer tap (Grohe, Hansgrohe) | €150 – €400 |
| Thermostatic shower mixer | €200 – €500 |
| Concealed taps (shower or bath) | €300 – €800 |
| Matt black or gold finish (surcharge) | + 30 – 50% |
Technical works
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Complete plumbing refurbishment | €1,500 – €3,500 |
| Moving a water connection | €300 – €600 / point |
| Electrical upgrade to standard (bathroom) | €600 – €1,200 |
| Recessed LED spotlight (suitable IP rating) | €60 – €120 / unit |
| Electric heated towel rail, supplied and fitted | €300 – €800 |
| Electric underfloor heating | €80 – €120 / m² |
| Mechanical ventilation installation or grille | €400 – €1,500 |
Coverings
| Covering | Installed price |
|---|---|
| Standard wall tiles | €50 – €80 / m² |
| Quality wall tiles (large format) | €80 – €120 / m² |
| Metro tiles | €60 – €90 / m² |
| Mosaic | €100 – €200 / m² |
| Large-format floor tiles (60×60 and above) | €70 – €120 / m² |
| Special wet room paint (ceiling / upper sections) | €25 – €40 / m² |
Demolition and miscellaneous
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Demolition of old bathroom + rubble removal | €700 – €2,000 |
| False ceiling | €40 – €80 / m² |
| Sliding door | €400 – €1,000 |
| Illuminated mirror | €200 – €800 |
The order of works: the chronology to follow
The bathroom is, along with the kitchen, the room that mobilises the most different trades on a renovation site. The order of intervention is not an organisational matter: it is a technical constraint. Reversing the steps can force the dismantling of what has just been installed, generate major cost overruns and extend timelines.
Evaluation of the existing plumbing, drainage, electrical installation and waterproofing condition. This is where the decision is made to keep the current layout (less expensive) or to reposition equipment.
Removal of existing tiles (floor and walls), removal of sanitary equipment, demolition of partitions to be modified. Rubble removal. If the floor tiling is in good condition and the height gain permits, bonded installation over the existing is possible — to be validated with the tiler.
Creation or removal of partitions, drilling for cable runs, floor levelling if necessary for the walk-in shower.
The plumber installs water supply pipes and drainage before any wall closure. This is where water points are moved (or not). Any modification after tiling is a major rework.
The electrician runs cables, installs conduits and positions recessed boxes before wall closure. The bathroom is subject to strict protection zones: no electrical equipment in Zone 0 (inside the shower tray/bath), restrictions in Zone 1 (above and around). A 30mA residual current device is mandatory.
Installation of moisture-resistant boards (Aquapanel type or equivalent) on wet zones before tiling. Waterproofing of angles and junctions. This is an invisible but critical step for overall durability.
The tiler intervenes when supports are ready and dry. Floor first, then walls. Carefully sealed joints in wet zones. For a walk-in shower, waterproofing (bridging strip, liquid membrane) is applied before tiling.
Installation and connection of sanitary equipment: wall-hung toilet, vanity unit, taps, shower or bath. Equipment is installed on the finished tiles.
Installation of switches, sockets (outside protected zones), recessed spotlights, illuminated mirror, electric heated towel rail, mechanical ventilation or extractor fan.
Painting the ceiling (and non-tiled sections), installation of accessories (towel bar, toilet roll holder, hooks), silicone joints on all worktop / wall / equipment junctions. Site clean-up.
The trades and their role
Knowing who does what will allow you to verify that quotes are complete and that nobody has « forgotten » an item in their proposal. In Luxembourg, hourly rates are high and reflect the quality expected on building sites.
| Tradesperson | Role on the bathroom site | Average hourly rate LU |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitary plumber | Water supply, drainage, connection of all equipment (shower, bath, toilet, basin) | €80 – €120 / h |
| Electrician | Circuit upgrade to standard, wiring, spotlights, ventilation, heated towel rail, compliance with protection zones | €80 – €110 / h |
| Tiler | Floor and wall installation, walk-in shower waterproofing, joints, trims | €70 – €100 / h |
| Painter | Ceiling and non-tiled zone painting, special wet room paint | €60 – €90 / h |
| Plasterer / dryliner | Partitions, levelling, moisture-resistant boards, toilet mounting frame cladding | €65 – €95 / h |
General contractor or independent tradespeople? Using independent tradespeople for each trade may seem less expensive on paper. But coordinating 4 or 5 parties each with their own schedule is a major source of delays. If the tiler cannot come because the plumbing is not finished, that is a week lost. A general contractor charges a coordination margin (generally 10 to 15%), but takes responsibility for the schedule, consistency of works and the overall ten-year guarantee. For a complete renovation in Luxembourg, this is often the safest choice.
3% VAT: conditions and real savings
This is the most direct and simplest assistance to mobilise for a bathroom renovation in Luxembourg. Unlike other schemes, it does not require a complex application and applies directly on your tradesperson’s invoice — provided the conditions set by the Registration, Estates and VAT Authority (AED) are met.
Conditions to meet
To benefit from the super-reduced rate under the renovation heading (improvement works), the property must have been completed for at least 10 years. Most practical sources refer to 20 years, but the legal text (Grand Ducal Regulation of 30 July 2002) specifies that the administration considers works to be improvement works as long as they relate to a property completed at least 10 years ago. Check your building permit date.
The property must be your main residence (or that of a tenant, for landlords having works done). A secondary residence may also benefit from the reduced rate under certain conditions.
Tiling, plumbing, electrical work, sanitary equipment (with the exception of furniture and mirrors according to AED texts), paint, ventilation — all these items are eligible for 3% VAT as long as the tradesperson invoices them as part of a residential renovation contract.
This is not €50,000 of works — it is €50,000 of VAT saved. For a bathroom renovation, this cap is never reached: it concerns total house renovations.
How to benefit?
Two routes are available. The simplest: your tradesperson requests AED approval before works begin and invoices you directly at 3% (direct application). The other route: the tradesperson invoices at 17%, and you then request a refund of the difference (14 VAT points) from the AED — allow for processing delays. Check with your tradesperson which procedure they follow and clarify this before signing the quote, as an invoice issued at 17% cannot be corrected retroactively.
Concrete savings on a typical renovation
| Works budget excl. VAT | VAT at 17% (standard) | VAT at 3% (super-reduced) | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| €10,000 | €1,700 | €300 | €1,400 |
| €18,000 | €3,060 | €540 | €2,520 |
| €30,000 | €5,100 | €900 | €4,200 |
Walk-in shower: the most popular choice in Luxembourg
The walk-in shower (flush-floor shower without a raised tray) is by far the most requested service in bathroom renovations in Luxembourg. It combines contemporary aesthetics, ease of maintenance and accessibility. But it is also one of the most technical items: poor execution generates infiltrations that can reach floors or the rooms below, causing considerable damage.
What happens under the tiles
A well-executed walk-in shower rests on a succession of critical layers: the support (concrete slab or reinforced wooden floor), a screed with a drainage slope of at least 1 to 2% towards the drain, waterproofing (liquid waterproofing membrane or bridging strip at angles), and only then the tiles with epoxy joints in the wet zone. On a wooden floor, a structural reinforcement layer is necessary before the screed — this is the additional cost mentioned in the variation factors table.
Choice of drain
The drain of a walk-in shower can be linear (along the length, often at the wall) or central (round or square at the centre). The linear drain allows tiling without complex cuts and faster drainage. It is easier to maintain. The central drain requires a slope on four sides and is trickier to tile. The choice also impacts the position of the drainage in the slab — to be decided with the plumber before any demolition work.
Minimum recommended size
A 80 × 80 cm walk-in shower is possible but cramped. The comfortable standard is 90 × 90 cm. For use by two people or for tall individuals, 120 × 80 cm or 120 × 90 cm is much preferable. Large showers of 140 × 90 cm and above fall into the high-end category and often involve a fixed panel (walk-in) rather than a sliding door.
Enclosure or walk-in panel?
The shower enclosure (pivot or sliding door) is more economical. The walk-in (single or double fixed panel) is more elegant and easier to maintain (no track to clean), but requires sufficient space to avoid water projections outside the zone. Glass thickness (6 or 8 mm) and anti-limescale treatment are quality criteria to check on the quote.
Adapted bathroom for seniors and people with reduced mobility
Bathroom renovation for aging in place or in anticipation of reduced mobility is a growing demand in Luxembourg, where the population is ageing and real estate assets are kept over the long term. An adapted bathroom does not have to look like medical equipment: with current products, accessibility and design can perfectly coexist.
Key adaptations
The walk-in shower without a raised tray is the most effective adaptation to secure access. Since 1 January 2021, new individual homes must offer step-free shower access. In renovation, this is a voluntary step but highly recommended. Anti-slip floor (minimum R10 coefficient) mandatory.
In the shower (side bar at 70–80 cm from the floor) and next to the toilet (fold-down bar at 70–80 cm). Modern bars are available in all finishes (chrome, matt black, brushed stainless steel) and integrate perfectly into the room’s design.
Wall-mounted fold-down seat at 45–50 cm from the floor, vertically aligned with the taps for easy access. Retractable models are virtually invisible when not in use.
The mounting frame allows adjustment of the bowl height. Accessibility standards recommend 45–50 cm (versus 40 cm for a standard toilet). Adding a fold-down side bar facilitates transfers.
Allows wheelchair approach. Height between 80 and 85 cm, clear space 70 cm wide and 30 cm deep under the basin. Long-lever or thermostatic mixer for easy operation.
A clear circular space of at least 150 cm in diameter is necessary to allow wheelchair rotation. Door width must be at least 90 cm (clear passage). Sliding doors are preferable to hinged doors.
6 mistakes that blow the budget
This is the most frequent surprise on building sites in Luxembourg. Lead pipes (pre-1975–1980 construction) or heavily corroded copper pipes require complete replacement that is often not included in initial quotes. Always request a plumbing diagnostic before signing.
Keeping the current layout (toilet, shower, basin in the same place) is significantly less expensive than repositioning everything. Each water point relocation represents an additional €300 to €600, not counting the associated floor and wall rework.
Faulty or absent mechanical ventilation in a bathroom generates chronic humidity, mould on joints and walls, and accelerated degradation of coverings. Ventilation represents a low cost (€400 to €1,500) relative to the damage it prevents.
Waterproofing under the shower tiles (liquid membrane, bridging strip at angles) is invisible but absolutely critical. Undetected infiltration can destroy a floor within a few months. Never accept a quote that does not explicitly mention this item.
Even with a good initial diagnostic, renovation sites almost always generate surprises: old tiles bonded with epoxy adhesive (difficult removal), insufficient sound insulation, crack in the slab. Always plan a contingency reserve of 10 to 15% of the total budget.
Once an invoice is issued at 17%, it cannot be corrected retroactively. If your home is more than 10 years old and is your main residence, explicitly raise the question with your tradesperson before signing the quote — and verify that the AED approval procedure is initiated.
Ready to launch your bathroom project?
Estimate your renovation price in a few clicks with our simulator, then request free quotes from certified companies in Luxembourg.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a complete bathroom renovation cost in Luxembourg in 2026?
For a bathroom of 5 to 7 m², expect between €8,000 and €12,000 entry-level, €15,000 to €25,000 mid-range, and €25,000 to €45,000 high-end. The average cost observed in Luxembourg is around €2,000 to €2,500 per m² for a complete renovation of standard quality. If your home is more than 10 years old and is your main residence, the 3% VAT (instead of 17%) applies and represents a significant direct saving.
Is planning permission required to renovate a bathroom in Luxembourg?
Generally no. A bathroom renovation that does not affect the building’s structure (load-bearing walls, facade, roof) and does not change the room’s use requires neither a building permit nor a works declaration. It falls under the exemption scheme. However, if you remove a load-bearing partition or modify the external envelope, a declaration or permit may be required depending on your municipality.
Can you tile over existing tiles without demolishing everything?
Yes, subject to conditions. Bonded installation over existing floor tiles is possible if the existing tiling is well adhered (no detached tiles), the support is solid and the height gain is acceptable (generally + 1 to 1.5 cm). The tiler must carry out levelling and may suggest slightly planing the doors if necessary. However, for the walls of a walk-in shower, removal is often preferable to verify and redo the waterproofing.
Does the 3% VAT apply to equipment (toilet, shower, basin)?
Yes, as long as the tradesperson supplies and installs the equipment as part of a renovation contract. Sanitary equipment (toilet, shower, basin, taps) is eligible. However, furniture and mirrors are subject to a more restrictive interpretation by the AED. If you purchase the materials or equipment yourself to hand to the tradesperson, these purchases remain at 17% — only the tradesperson’s labour can then benefit from the reduced rate.
Is a shower or a bathtub better for property value?
In Luxembourg, the walk-in shower adds more value to a property than a bathtub on the current market: it meets the expectations of buyers and tenants, particularly in apartments. A bathtub remains appreciated in houses with children or in large bathrooms where both can coexist. The ideal, for an upscale property, is to offer a bathroom with a shower and a second shower room with a bathtub.
How long do the works take for a bathroom renovation?
A partial renovation (shower + basin replacement without touching the plumbing) can be done in 3 to 5 days. A complete renovation with demolition, plumbing, electrical work, tiling and finishes takes an average of 2 to 3 weeks for a 5–7 m² room. A high-end renovation with layout changes and special materials can take 3 to 4 weeks. Drying times (screed, tile adhesive) cannot be compressed.
How to prevent mould in a renovated bathroom?
Three conditions are necessary: properly dimensioned mechanical ventilation (VMC or extractor) connected to the outside, quality silicone joints renewed every 5 to 8 years, and tiling with epoxy joints in zones directly exposed to water (shower tray, bath surround). Ventilation is the most frequently neglected factor — and the most impactful on renovation durability.
Is a separate plumber AND electrician needed, or can one company do everything?
Some general renovation companies in Luxembourg have integrated teams (in-house plumbers and electricians) or work with regular subcontractors. In this case, a single contact manages everything. If you coordinate multiple independent tradespeople yourself, you assume responsibility for scheduling and any planning conflicts. For a complete renovation, the general contractor or project manager is often the safest choice.
Launch your project — simulate and get free quotes
Estimate your renovation price in a few clicks, then receive comparative quotes from certified companies in Luxembourg. No commitment, quick response.