Bathroom renovation costs in Cape Town can vary widely depending on the size of the bathroom, the existing condition, the plumbing work required, the level of finishes selected and how much of the space is being changed.
At BOMO Renovations, we manage bathroom renovations as standalone projects and as part of wider home, apartment and rental property upgrades. Based on recent BOMO bathroom renovation estimates, many bathroom renovations in Cape Town fall somewhere between R90,000 and R280,000+ incl. VAT, depending on the scope, finishes and site conditions.
A smaller bathroom upgrade with limited layout changes may sit at the lower end. A full bathroom renovation with waterproofing, new plumbing points, custom vanity work, premium tiles, shower glass and detailed finishing will usually sit higher.
Every bathroom is different, so the figures below should be treated as a practical guide rather than a fixed price list.
Typical bathroom renovation cost ranges in Cape Town
Smaller or basic bathroom renovation
Approx. R90,000 – R140,000 incl. VAT
This may apply to a small guest bathroom or compact bathroom where the layout stays mostly the same and the finishes are kept relatively simple.
This type of renovation may include:
- Strip-out of existing tiles and fittings
- Basic plumbing reconnections
- Waterproofing where required
- Standard wall and floor tiling
- Toilet, basin or vanity replacement
- Painting and basic finishing
This range is more realistic when there are limited plumbing changes, no major layout changes and relatively straightforward site conditions.
Mid-range bathroom renovation
Approx. R140,000 – R220,000 incl. VAT
This is the range many Cape Town bathroom renovations fall into when the client wants a proper full renovation, but not necessarily a very high-spec design.
This may include:
- Full strip-out
- New waterproofing
- New floor and wall tiles
- Plumbing adjustments
- Electrical changes for lighting or extractor fans
- New shower, toilet, basin, vanity and fittings
- Shower glass
- Painting and finishing
For bathrooms where the plumbing layout remains similar, but the client wants a clean, modern finish, this is often the most realistic bracket.
Complete or higher-spec bathroom renovation
Approx. R220,000 – R280,000+ incl. VAT
This applies when the bathroom has more detailed design requirements, more complex site conditions or higher-end finishes.
This could include:
- More extensive plumbing changes
- Large-format or premium tiles
- Custom vanity or concrete-style countertop
- Frameless shower glass
- Built-in bath or wet-room-style shower area
- Feature lighting
- Niches, feature walls or decorative finishes
- More complex waterproofing and detailing
- Higher-end sanitaryware and fittings
Bathrooms with a strong design direction, custom carpentry, brass or black fittings, feature lighting or a more hotel-style finish will generally fall into this range.
What affects bathroom renovation costs most?
-
Bathroom size
A larger bathroom requires more tiles, waterproofing, labour, materials and finishing. Even a relatively simple bathroom can become more expensive if the wall and floor area is large. -
Demolition and rubble removal
Removing old tiles, sanitaryware, screeds, cabinets or built-in baths can be labour-intensive. Older bathrooms may also reveal hidden issues once stripped. -
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is one of the most important parts of a bathroom renovation. A cheaper quote may not always allow properly for waterproofing, especially in showers, wet zones and bath areas. -
Plumbing changes
Keeping the toilet, shower, bath and basin in the same positions usually helps control the budget. Moving plumbing points can increase the cost significantly, especially in apartments or older homes. -
Electrical changes
New lighting, extractor fans, heated towel rails, LED mirrors and plug points can all affect the price. Electrical work needs to be planned properly and coordinated with the rest of the renovation. -
Tiling area and tile choice
Tile size, tile type and layout make a big difference. Large-format tiles, feature tiles, mosaics and detailed layouts usually require more time and skill to install. -
Glass, mirrors and fittings
Frameless shower glass, custom mirrors, brass fittings, black fittings and premium tapware can quickly lift the overall budget. -
Shower, bath, toilet and vanity choices
Sanitaryware can vary hugely in price. A standard toilet and vanity will cost much less than a concealed cistern, wall-hung toilet, freestanding bath or custom vanity. -
Custom vanities or carpentry
A custom vanity can make a bathroom feel more finished and tailored to the space, but it will cost more than an off-the-shelf option. For more detail on this type of work, see our Custom Carpentry & Joinery service. -
Painting and finishing
Painting, sealing, trims, silicone, touch-ups and final finishing are smaller items individually, but together they form an important part of the final result. -
Access and site conditions
Apartments, difficult access, limited parking, body corporate rules, working-hour restrictions and rubble removal logistics can all affect the final quote. If your bathroom is part of an apartment renovation, access and building rules should be considered early. -
Project management and trade coordination
A bathroom renovation involves several trades: demolition, plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, electrical, glass, carpentry, painting and finishing. Coordinating these properly is part of the overall cost.
What BOMO usually includes in a bathroom renovation estimate
Depending on the project, a BOMO bathroom renovation estimate may include:
- Demolition and rubble removal
- Plumbing work
- Electrical work
- Waterproofing
- Screeding or floor preparation
- Wall and floor tiling
- Grouting and sealing
- Installation of shower, bath, toilet, basin and vanity
- Shower glass allowance
- Painting and finishing
- Site coordination and trade management
Some items may be excluded or allowed for separately, such as premium sanitaryware, imported tiles, custom mirrors, special fittings, underfloor heating or custom joinery, depending on the project.
For a more detailed overview of what can be included, visit our Bathroom Renovations in Cape Town page.
Why bathroom renovation quotes vary so much
Bathroom quotes can vary dramatically between contractors because not everyone includes the same scope.
One quote may include waterproofing, rubble removal, plumbing, electrical work, tiling, fittings installation, painting and project coordination. Another may only include labour, with tiles, sanitaryware, fittings, glass or waterproofing excluded.
This is why it is important to compare quotes carefully. A lower number is not always cheaper if many items still need to be added later.
At BOMO, we prefer to clarify the scope upfront and give clients a realistic estimate based on the actual bathroom, the desired finish and the likely work involved.
What to send before requesting a bathroom renovation quote
To prepare a realistic estimate, it helps to send:
- Photos of the current bathroom
- Videos showing the full space
- Approximate measurements
- Current layout
- Inspiration images
- Fixture preferences
- Tile or finish preferences
- Any plumbing changes you are considering
- Your budget range, if known
The more information we have upfront, the easier it is to prepare a useful estimate before arranging a site visit.
How BOMO’s bathroom renovation process works
1
Project enquiry
You send us the project details, including the scope, property location, photos, videos, measurements where available and any reference images.
2
Scope review and design guidance
We review the information and may follow up with questions, a call, layout suggestions or finish considerations around tiles, fixtures, storage, ventilation and practical bathroom use.
3
Estimated quotation
We prepare an estimated quotation so you can understand the likely project cost before arranging a site visit.
4
Site visit and final quote
If the estimate is in line with your expectations, we visit the property to confirm the scope, check practical details and finalise the quotation.
5
Coordination and renovation
Once approved, BOMO coordinates the trades, suppliers, site work and communication throughout the renovation.
6
Finishing and handover
We review the final details, manage snagging where needed and hand over the completed work as cleanly and professionally as possible.
Bathroom renovation costs in apartments and larger home upgrades
Bathroom renovations often form part of a wider property upgrade. For example, a client may renovate a bathroom together with a kitchen, apartment refresh, rental property upgrade or full home renovation.
In these cases, the bathroom cost may be affected by the wider scope. Shared labour, access, sequencing, supplier coordination and finishing work can all influence how the project is quoted and managed.
Home Renovations
Structured renovations for Cape Town houses, apartments and rental properties, including kitchens, bathrooms, finishes, carpentry and project coordination.
Commercial & Office Renovations
Workspace, showroom and commercial property upgrades with practical planning, durable finishes, custom carpentry and coordinated project management.
Construction & Home Extensions
Home extensions, new structures, patios, braai areas, pergolas, decks and outdoor upgrades coordinated as part of a broader building scope.
Kitchen Renovations
Practical, well-finished kitchen upgrades including cabinetry, surfaces, tiling, plumbing coordination, electrical coordination and layout improvements.
Airbnb & Rental Property Renovations
Targeted improvements for rental and short-term rental properties, with a focus on durability, guest experience, photography appeal and return on spend.
Custom Carpentry & Joinery
Built-in cupboards, cabinetry, shelving, vanities, storage solutions and finishing details that help complete the renovation properly.
Request a bathroom renovation estimate
Planning a bathroom renovation in Cape Town? Send us photos of your current bathroom, rough measurements, inspiration images and any fixture preferences. We’ll review the scope and prepare an initial estimate where possible before arranging a site visit if the project is aligned.
Bathroom renovation costs FAQ
Based on BOMO’s recent estimates, many bathroom renovations in Cape Town fall somewhere between R90,000 and R280,000+ incl. VAT, depending on size, plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, fittings, finishes and site conditions.
A smaller or more basic bathroom renovation may cost around R90,000 – R140,000 incl. VAT, especially if the layout stays the same and finishes are kept relatively simple.
A mid-range bathroom renovation is often around R140,000 – R220,000 incl. VAT, depending on tile choice, fittings, plumbing changes and the overall finish.
Bathrooms involve multiple trades and important technical work, including waterproofing, plumbing, electrical, tiling, glass, painting and finishing. Poor workmanship can lead to leaks and costly repairs later, so it is important that the work is properly planned and coordinated.
Yes. Moving a toilet, shower, bath or basin can increase the cost, especially in apartments or older homes where access to plumbing is more complicated.
This depends on the quote. Some estimates include allowances for tiles and fittings, while others exclude them so the client can select and purchase separately. It is important to confirm this upfront.
Yes. BOMO can usually prepare an initial estimate based on photos, videos, measurements and inspiration images. If the estimate is aligned with your budget, a site visit can then be arranged to confirm the final details.
