Bathroom Fitters in Spain - Full Supply and Fit or Trade Only and What It Costs
A bathroom renovation in Spain involves more trades than most expats expect
Fitting a new bathroom in Spain is not a single-trade job. A full bathroom installation typically involves a plumber for the pipework and waste connections, a tiler for the walls and floor, an electrician for lighting and extraction, and in some cases a carpenter for vanity units and storage. Whether these trades are coordinated by a single bathroom fitter or managed separately by the homeowner makes a significant difference to cost, timeline, and the quality of the finished result.
Understanding how bathroom fitting works in Spain - and what a realistic budget looks like - saves significant grief before the first tile is ordered.
Full supply and fit versus trade only - understanding the difference
- Full supply and fit - the bathroom fitter or bathroom company supplies all sanitaryware, tiles, fittings, and fixtures as well as coordinating all the trades needed to complete the installation. You choose from their range, they manage the project. Convenient but typically carries a significant margin on materials.
- Trade only - labour only - you supply the sanitaryware, tiles, and fittings, the tradesperson supplies only their labour and expertise. More work for you in sourcing materials but better control over quality and cost. Particularly worthwhile if you want specific fixtures not available through a fitter's standard range.
- Partial supply - a common middle ground where the fitter supplies certain elements and the homeowner sources tiles and other finishes independently. Requires clear communication to avoid specification mismatches.
What bathroom fitting costs in Spain
- Basic bathroom refresh, same layout, new fixtures and tiles: 3,000 to 6,000 euros
- Full bathroom renovation, new layout, plumbing moved: 6,000 to 12,000 euros
- Premium bathroom with freestanding bath, underfloor heating, bespoke storage: 12,000 to 25,000 euros
- Labour only, standard bathroom installation: 1,500 to 3,500 euros depending on complexity
- Wet room or walk-in shower installation: 3,000 to 7,000 euros including waterproofing and tiling
Key considerations for bathroom fitting in Spain
- Waterproofing - tanking - in Spain, the substrate behind wet area tiles must be properly waterproofed before tiling begins. This step is sometimes skipped on faster jobs and its absence only becomes apparent when damp appears behind adjacent walls months later. Ask specifically how the wet areas will be tanked before tiling.
- Spanish plumbing conventions - Spanish bathrooms typically use different waste pipe sizes and connection methods to UK bathrooms. UK sanitaryware will generally fit but sometimes requires adaptation. If you are importing specific UK fixtures, confirm compatibility before ordering.
- Ventilation - Spanish building regulations require mechanical ventilation in bathrooms without an exterior window. Confirm the installation includes a compliant extractor fan connected to an exterior duct, not just recirculating.
- Water pressure - many Costa del Sol properties have lower mains water pressure than UK homes. If you are installing a power shower or a rain head, check the existing pressure first and factor in a pump if needed.
Finding a bathroom fitter on the Costa del Sol
SpainTrades lists vetted bathroom fitters and renovation contractors across Malaga and the Costa del Sol - all reviewed by expat clients after real jobs. Search by location to find one experienced in the type of installation you need.
Find a bathroom fitter in your area at www.spaintrades.es
