A new bathroom is one of the most popular renovations in The Hague, and one where good workmanship really shows. Behind the tiles there is plumbing, waterproofing and ventilation that needs to last for decades.
What a bathroom renovation includes
- Strip-out: removing old tiles, sanitary ware and, where needed, the old floor and wall finishes.
- Plumbing: new hot and cold water pipes and drains, positioned for your new layout.
- Electrics: sockets, lighting, an extractor fan and connections for underfloor heating or a heated towel rail.
- Waterproofing and floor: a waterproof layer under the tiles and a correct fall towards the drain, essential for a walk-in shower.
- Tiling: walls and floor, including niches, sills and finishing profiles.
- Fitting: shower, bath, vanity unit, toilet, mirror and accessories.
Toilet renovation
A separate toilet can be transformed in a short time. A wall-hung toilet with a concealed cistern, a compact hand basin and a tiled niche make even a narrow toilet feel modern and easy to clean. See our toilet renovation project for an example.
Bathrooms in older homes
In pre-war homes, such as those in the Statenkwartier or the Bomen- en Bloemenbuurt, the bathroom is often on a wooden floor. Before we tile, we check the joists and make the floor stiff enough so tiles and grout do not crack later. Old lead or galvanised pipes are replaced while the walls are open.
Bathrooms in apartments
Many internationals in The Hague live in an upstairs or ground-floor apartment. Here noise insulation, drains shared with neighbours and the rules of the VvE play a role. Read our guide on VvE approval for renovations before you start.
Ventilation and lighting
A bathroom without proper ventilation will get mould, however beautiful the tiles. We fit a mechanical extractor where needed. Good lighting makes the room: think of a lit mirror, recessed spots and dimmable lighting. Combine it with our lighting plan service.
Budget and choices
As a rough indication, a toilet renovation starts from around €2,500 and a bathroom renovation costs €5,000 – €25,000 or more. The final price depends on the size, the layout changes, what we find behind the old finishes and the materials you choose. We explain the main cost factors in our guide on what drives the cost of a bathroom renovation, and you receive an itemised quote after the site visit.
Frequently asked questions
What does a bathroom renovation cost in The Hague?
As a rough indication, a bathroom renovation costs from around €5,000 for a smaller update to €25,000 or more for a large or high-end bathroom. A separate toilet starts from around €2,500. You can choose a fixed price or work on an hourly basis.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
For an average bathroom, count on a few weeks from strip-out to finish. A separate toilet is usually much quicker. Surprises behind old tiles, such as rotten floor joists or old pipes, can add time.
Can you move the toilet or shower to another place?
Often yes, but the position of the soil pipe and the floor structure decide what is possible. In older homes with wooden floors we check the joists and the fall of the drains first.
Can I choose my own tiles and fittings?
Yes. You can choose everything yourself, or we can advise on materials that suit your budget and the style of the house.
Do I need permission from the VvE for a new bathroom?
Often you do, especially if the work touches shared pipes or the floor structure, or affects noise for the neighbours downstairs. Check your VvE rules (splitsingsreglement) before you plan the work.
