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-sized house. Actual cost depends on size, access and region. Lifespan means technical lifespan with normal upkeep.

Component	Lifespan	Replacement cost
Complete bathroom renovation	27 yrs (25-35)	150 000-400 000 kr
Wet room membrane	27 yrs (25-30)	80 000-200 000 kr
Wall and floor tiles	40 yrs (30-50)	50 000-150 000 kr
Floor drain	35 yrs (30-40)	5 000-15 000 kr
Sanitary porcelain	27 yrs (25-30)	15 000-40 000 kr
Shower enclosure	17 yrs (15-20)	10 000-30 000 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 inspectors count 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 porcelain 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 a certified tradesperson 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.

Asbestos Houses built 1930–1982

Asbestos was widely used during this period. Sampling is required before renovation.

Bathroom near the end of its life Houses built 1980–2000

A bathroom has a service life of 25-30 years. The waterproofing layer can fail even if the surfaces look fine.

How do I know the bathroom was done properly?

Ask for the quality 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.

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 association. See the guide on water damage in a co-op flat.