Bathrooms are the smallest rooms in most Bangalore flats, yet they are the ones that go wrong most expensively. A leaking shower floor can stain the ceiling of the flat below, loosen tiles and undo a brand-new wardrobe on the other side of the wall. Whether you are upgrading builder-grade bathrooms in a new apartment or renovating a 15-year-old one, this guide explains what bathroom renovation typically costs in Bangalore in 2026, where the money goes and the order in which the work should be done.
Typical bathroom renovation costs in Bangalore
Published 2026 guides give broadly similar bands for a standard apartment bathroom of about 40–45 sq ft:
- Essential – about ₹90,000 to ₹1.5 lakh: ceramic tiles, standard waterproofing and entry-level sanitaryware and fittings.
- Mid-range – about ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh: vitrified tiles, branded waterproofing systems, a full set of mid-range fittings and a glass shower partition.
- Premium – about ₹3 lakh to ₹6 lakh and above: large-format or imported porcelain, premium fittings, rain showers, niches and detailed lighting.
These bands are from the MyNivasa 2026 Bangalore bathroom renovation guide. NoBroker’s guide quotes a comparable spread – roughly ₹1–1.8 lakh for basic, ₹1.8–2.8 lakh for mid-range and ₹3–5 lakh or more for premium work. Both are indicative ranges, not quotes: the real figure depends on the size of the bathroom, the condition of the existing plumbing and the fittings you choose. Most guides quote before 18% GST, so check what is included.
Where the money goes
1. Demolition and preparation
In a full renovation, old tiles, screed and fittings are removed down to the slab. This is noisy, dusty work, and most apartment associations restrict it to weekday daytime hours – check your society’s rules before fixing dates. Debris removal is often a separate line item, so ask whether it is included.
2. Waterproofing
This is the part you will never see and should never skimp on. MyNivasa puts waterproofing at roughly ₹35–85 per sq ft, while NoBroker quotes a starting figure of about ₹12,000 per bathroom. The membrane should cover the entire floor and run up the walls – higher in the shower zone – and be followed by a ponding test, where the floor is flooded and left for at least 24 hours to confirm nothing seeps through. Insist on seeing the test before tiling begins.
3. Plumbing
Concealed plumbing for a typical bathroom is quoted at around ₹28,000–40,000 in both guides. If your building is older, this is the moment to replace corroded lines rather than tile over them. Decide the positions of the WC, basin, shower mixer, geyser and washing-machine point (if any) before pipes are laid; moving them afterwards means breaking new tiles. A pressure test on the new lines before they are closed up is a sensible precaution.
4. Tiles and tiling
Tile material ranges widely – MyNivasa cites about ₹35–150 per sq ft and NoBroker ₹60–250 or more – with laying charges of roughly ₹100–200 per sq ft on top. Three practical points:
- Floor tiles should be anti-skid. Matt or textured finishes are safer when wet, particularly in homes with children or elderly parents.
- Large-format tiles mean fewer grout lines, which are easier to clean, but they need a flatter base and more skilled laying.
- Use epoxy grout in wet areas. It costs more than cement grout but resists staining and water far better. Our materials guide covers more finish choices.
The floor must slope gently towards the drain. Ask for this to be checked with water before the grout sets.
5. Sanitaryware and fittings
This is where budgets vary most. MyNivasa quotes sanitaryware and fittings sets from about ₹18,000 to ₹2.5 lakh or more depending on brand and specification. Wall-hung WCs with concealed cisterns look clean and make mopping easier, but they need a sturdy wall or a support frame and access for maintenance. Single-lever diverters, thermostatic mixers and rain showers add comfort and cost. Whatever the tier, buy fittings with easily available spares and a clear warranty.
6. Shower partition, vanity and storage
A fixed glass panel or a hinged shower enclosure – roughly ₹12,000–25,000 according to MyNivasa – keeps the rest of the bathroom dry, which protects the vanity and makes the room feel larger. For vanity cabinets, use moisture-resistant boards such as BWP plywood, WPC or HDHMR, raise the unit off the floor on legs or wall brackets, and seal every edge. A mirror cabinet and a recessed niche in the shower wall add storage without taking floor space.
7. Electrical, lighting and ventilation
Plan a dedicated geyser point, a shaver or hair-dryer socket away from splash zones and an exhaust fan sized for the room. NoBroker puts individual electrical points at about ₹1,000–2,000 each. Layer the lighting: a ceiling light for general use and a front-lit mirror for grooming. Good ventilation matters as much as waterproofing in keeping mould away, especially during the monsoon.
The right sequence of work
Bathroom problems usually come from doing things in the wrong order. A sound sequence looks like this:
- Finalise the layout, fittings and tile selection.
- Demolition and debris removal.
- Plumbing and electrical conduits, followed by pressure testing.
- Waterproofing in two coats, then the ponding test.
- Screed with correct slope, then floor and wall tiling.
- Grouting and curing.
- False ceiling (if any), painting and the door.
- Sanitaryware, fittings, glass partition, vanity and accessories.
MyNivasa estimates 12–20 working days for a full renovation of one bathroom, including waterproofing cure time and the ponding test. Rushing the cure times is the most common cause of later leaks. For how this fits into a whole-home schedule, see our guide on how long home interiors take.
New flat or old flat: what changes?
Newly handed-over apartments
If the builder’s waterproofing and tiling are sound, you may not need a full renovation. A lighter upgrade – better fittings, a glass partition, a vanity, a mirror cabinet and improved lighting – costs far less and avoids disturbing the builder’s waterproofing warranty. Check for hollow tiles, poor slopes and damp patches at handover; our possession checklist lists what to look for.
Older apartments and independent homes
Where there is seepage, rusted pipes or loose tiles, a full strip-out is usually the honest answer. Tiling over old tiles hides the problem rather than solving it. Budget a contingency of 10–15% for surprises found after demolition.
How to keep the budget under control
- Do not move the WC or drain unless you must. Relocating drainage lines adds cost and risk.
- Spend on what is hidden. Waterproofing, pipes and valves are hard to redo; a tap can be swapped later.
- Limit premium tiles to one feature wall and use a simpler tile elsewhere.
- Compare like-for-like quotes. Ask each vendor to state the waterproofing system, tile allowance per sq ft and fitting brands. Our article on what actually drives interior cost explains why quotes differ.
- Combine it with the rest of your interiors. Doing bathrooms before woodwork arrives avoids dust and water damage to new furniture. A turnkey approach keeps one team responsible for the sequence.
Frequently asked questions
Published 2026 guides put a standard 40–45 sq ft bathroom at roughly ₹90,000 to ₹3 lakh for essential to mid-range work, and ₹3 lakh or more for premium specifications, before GST.
Around two to three weeks of working days for a full renovation of one bathroom, according to MyNivasa’s 2026 guide. Lighter upgrades without re-tiling can be much quicker.
If you are removing the floor tiles, yes – the existing membrane is damaged in the process and must be redone before new tiles are laid.
It is possible on sound, dry walls, but it raises the floor level and hides any underlying seepage. It is not advisable where there is dampness or hollow-sounding tiles.
Can I use the other bathroom while one is being renovated?
Usually yes. In a home with two bathrooms, renovating them one after the other keeps the home liveable, though it extends the overall schedule.
Planning your interiors? Book a free design consultation or WhatsApp us on +91 88845 55998.