Bathroom: lifespan and cost
The bathroom is the room where a hidden fault costs the most, and the membrane is what decides. The table shows how long the parts last and what a renovation usually costs.
The ranges apply to a normal house. Actual cost depends on size, access and region. Lifespan means technical lifespan with normal upkeep.
| Component | Lifespan | Replacement cost |
|---|---|---|
| Complete bathroom renovation | 25 yrs (20-35) | 200 000-500 000 kr |
| Wet room membrane | 25 yrs (20-30) | 60 000-150 000 kr |
| Wet room tiling | 30 yrs (25-40) | 40 000-120 000 kr |
| Floor drain | 30 yrs (25-40) | 8 000-25 000 kr |
| Sanitary fixtures | 25 yrs (20-35) | 15 000-50 000 kr |
How long does a bathroom last?
The surface can look fresh for a long time, but it is the membrane behind the tiles that sets the lifespan. As it ages it lets water into the structure without showing. That is why a surveyor counts a bathroom’s age from the membrane, not from how new the tiles look. The floor drain is a separate part, and older models may need replacing so a new membrane can connect correctly.
What does renovating a bathroom cost?
A complete renovation with a new membrane, tiles and sanitary fixtures is one of the larger single items in a house. The price follows the size of the room and how much is stripped out. A bathroom done by an approved wet-room firm with documentation is worth more and gives fewer problems in an insurance claim. The cost in the table is for a normal-sized bathroom.
What the age of the house tells you
Some build years carry known risks for exactly these parts. Here are the most common ones.
Wet room without an approved membrane (before 1997) Houses built 1950–1997
A pre-1997 bathroom may lack a membrane — a common hidden moisture source.
How do I know the bathroom was done properly?
Ask for the documentation or wet-room certificate from when it was done. If it is missing, count the bathroom as older than it looks and allow for a renovation in your calculation. The condition report often states whether the work looks professionally done.
Who pays for water damage in a co-op flat?
It depends on where the damage started and what the by-laws say about surfaces and membrane. Responsibility is often split between the member and the co-op, and is covered through the association’s building insurance and your contents insurance. Ask the board or read the by-laws before you buy.
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