In Altea and the Marina Baixa, material prices are similar to the rest of Spain, but labor can fluctuate with seasonality (higher demand in summer because of second homes). Below I explain how to estimate a luxury bathroom, when a facelift is enough, and what to watch on site to avoid surprises.
1) Price tiers in luxury: entry-level, mid-tier, and high-end (Altea & nearby)
For a 4–6 m² bathroom around Altea/Calpe/La Nucía, a compact “standard” renovation often lands around €3,200–€3,800. Stepping up to luxury multiplies budget due to materials, large formats, and bespoke solutions:
- Entry-level luxury (≈ €6,000–€8,500)
Quality porcelain tiles, a solid shower tray, reliable screen, decent wall-hung vanity, trusted-brand faucets (Grohe/Jacob Delafon), checked services, and good lighting. Clean execution, no shortcuts. - Mid-tier luxury (≈ €9,000–€13,500)
More large-format surfaces, custom shower screen, made-to-measure vanity with refined countertop (compacts like DEKTON or engineered stone), wall-hung WC with frame, shower niches, and higher-grade trims. Layered lighting (4,000 K at the vanity + indirects). Feels like a boutique bathroom. - High-end (≈ €14,000–€24,000+)
Natural stone or premium panels, designer faucets (Gessi, Dornbracht), smart controls, near-invisible profiles, frameless screens, lacquered or treated-wood furniture, underfloor heating, and five-star details.
What each tier typically includes (materials, labor, extras)
- Materials: wall/floor finishes (porcelain/microcement/stone), sanitaryware, faucets, shower tray, screen, vanity/countertop, mirrors, and lighting.
- Labor: demolition, masonry, plumbing, electrics, waterproofing, tiling (prefer double-buttering), sealants, installation, and finishing.
- Luxury extras: custom screen, wall-hung WC, bespoke vanity/countertop, large-format cladding, lit niches, concealed profiles, underfloor heating, and smart features.
2) Premium-looking facelift without building works (from €500–€1,100 in the area)
If services and tiling are sound, a facelift can deliver a “new” bathroom look without full works:
- Tile paint (≈ €120).
- Self-adhesive vinyl flooring (≈ €50 per small-area pack).
- Vanity + mirror with style (≈ €230) and new faucet (≈ €50).
- Neutral 4,000 K task light at the vanity (≈ €50).
- Gentle home staging: a plant and gold-toned accents to match taps/sconces.
In my real cases, this package lands between €500 and €1,100 if I add a fixed glass panel or refinish enamel on tub/sink. The visual jump is huge. When it does not work: tiles detaching, leaks, or you need redistribution.
3) Factors that push (or lower) budget in Altea
- Seasonality: higher demand in summer; book trades early.
- Area & formats: more m² and more large-format means more installation hours.
- Condition of services: renewing plumbing/electrics adds cost but buys 10–15 years of peace.
- Layout changes: moving the toilet is the trickiest (stack Ø110 with 2–3% slope). In many cases you can move it ≈1 m around the stack; beyond that, consider small platforms, a wall-hung WC with frame, or a macerator.
- Screen & vanity: off-the-shelf vs bespoke changes both look and price.
- Logistics: building access and removing heavy pieces (that cast-iron tub…), protecting common areas.
Site tip: “A tray with a lip is your friend.” It prevents “lakes” outside the shower—especially vital in coastal homes where humidity is a recurring villain.
4) Cost breakdown for a 4–6 m² bathroom (Altea)
Think in labor (40–60%) vs materials. Typical local ranges:
- Demolition & removal: €350–€650 (depends on floor, lift, debris).
- Plumbing + drains: €650–€1,300 (changes and number of points).
- Electrics: €250–€550 (new circuits, outlets, and lights).
- Waterproofing: €200–€450 (tray + perimeter).
- Tiling (installation): €900–€1,700 (large-format increases time).
- Quality shower tray: €300–€800; screen: €500–€1,800 (custom).
- Sanitaryware & faucets: €600–€2,000 (Grohe, Gessi, Dornbracht, etc.).
- Vanity + countertop + mirror: €600–€2,000 (standard vs bespoke).
- Lighting & ventilation: €150–€500 (includes extractor).
Whenever possible, itemize the quote to control the total. I’ve seen compact standard remodels around €3,200–€3,800 and premium versions that double that due to finishes and detailing.
5) Minimum clearances & layout rules that prevent mistakes
- Side clearances: leave 20 cm between fixtures and walls (15 cm in a pinch).
- Front clearance: aim for ≈60 cm in front of WC, vanity, or screen.
- Shower: minimum 70×70 cm; if you can, rectangular feels roomier day-to-day.
- Stack & slope: 2–3% to the stack. “Often you can move the WC ≈1 m; beyond that, evaluate raising the floor, using a frame, or a macerator.”
Real-life anecdote: “With an 80 cm tray I almost hit my head when standing up from the WC. Measure the front before deciding tray size.”
Short on space? A sliding door (surface-mounted or pocket) frees up crucial centimeters.
6) Waterproofing & shower tray: how to avoid leaks and overflows
Moisture is the enemy on the coast. My protocol:
- Solid, level base under the tray.
- Waterproof mortar or membrane turned up a few cm on walls.
- Tiles sitting over the tray edge to close the joint.
- Avoid a double trap (air bubbles that slow drainage).
- If ultra-thin flush trays tempt you, double-check falls and flow rate.
I say it on site all the time: “A tray with a lip is your friend.” In seaside homes, even more so.
7) Electrics & lighting for luxury bathrooms without shadows or noise
- Two outlets in the right spots. “Two outlets are better than one—no fights over the hairdryer.”
- 4,000 K task lighting at the vanity (downlight + mirror or side sconces) to avoid harsh shadows.
- Pleasant general light (discreet downlights or a small track).
- Extractor with a separate switch if there’s no natural ventilation.
- Leave a spare feed behind the mirror in case you add integrated light later.
8) Site supervision: six tips to stay in control
- Setting out: final dimensions, axes, and “pretty cuts” (no 2 cm slivers at edges).
- Approved sample: confirm tone/batch of porcelain and 0.5–1.5 mm joints.
- Waterproofing: ask for photos of each phase (base, membrane, overlaps).
- Tiling: require a leveling system and double-buttering. My red line: “never with blobs.” Besides being weak, they create bug “highways.”
- Services: leak and drainage tests (I like ≈3% fall—very effective).
- Handover: check sealants, silicone lines, edges, manuals for screen/faucets, and warranties.
Quick tiers table (Altea, 4–6 m²)
| Level | Indicative range | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Entry luxury | €6,000–€8,500 | Quality porcelain tiles; reliable shower tray & screen; dependable faucets. |
| Mid luxury | €9,000–€13,500 | Large-format tiles; custom vanity/countertop; wall-hung toilet; niches. |
| High-end | €14,000–€24,000+ | Stone/DEKTON; “invisible” frameless screen; smart controls; concealed profiles. |
FAQs on price and timelines (Altea)
How long does a luxury bathroom remodel take?
Between 1 and 3 weeks of site work plus lead times (custom screens can add days). In summer, schedule with buffer.
What share goes to labor?
In luxury, 40–60%. Good execution makes or breaks the result.
Can I get a “luxury look” for under €1,100?
Yes, as a facelift: tile paint, vinyl, vanity, 4,000 K task light, and accents. It’s not a full remodel, but it freshens a lot.
Is a wall-hung WC worth it?
Cleaner look and easier floor cleaning. Needs a frame and sometimes height tweaks.
Macerator, yes or no?
It’s the solution when the stack won’t let you move the WC. Pros: flexibility. Cons: price, noise, maintenance, and a strict no-wipes rule.
Wrap-up
A luxury bathroom in Altea comes down to tier (entry/mid/high), a clear line-item budget, and impeccable execution. With this guide you can ask for and compare quotes with confidence. If you want firm numbers, at tucasaenbuenasmanos.es I’ll pr
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