Bathroom Planning in a New Build: Our Experiences with Sanitary Ware, Tiles & Costs

Floor-level shower, no bathtub in the main bathroom, and an extravagant guest toilet: We had certain ideas about how our bathrooms should look from the start. However, we were unaware of the significance of bathroom planning for the rest of the process.

The positions of the taps, toilets, and showers determine where pipes will run, water connections will be located, and how the walls need to be constructed later. And so, fittings, bathtub, and washbasin were among the first things we had to choose.

Even after the first rough floor plan, our architect sent us to a bathroom exhibition.

Sampling of Sanitary Items: What Does the Tap Cost?

For the sampling, we went to Richter+Frenzel, a sanitary wholesale supplier. As large as the selection was, the prices were just as non-transparent.

Upon inquiry, the consultant gave us the prices of individual items but concealed that many components – such as valves or other accessories – were still required in addition. A realistic comparison price? No such luck.

Normally, builders never even see the wholesale supplier's cost estimate. It goes directly to the sanitary installer, who adds their discounts and prepares the quote from that. Only through our architect did we gain insight into the actual figures, and that was revealing for us.

One example: The toilet paper holder for the guest WC was supposed to cost 220 Euros. Without the cost estimate, we would not have noticed this, or noticed it too late. This way, we were able to intervene and adjust individual items in time.

Nevertheless: Builders only find out the actual prices with a binding quote from an installation company.

Tiles: Size, Style, and the Agony of Choice

Stone, terrazzo or marble look, glossy or matt, large format or small pieces: The selection of tiles is overwhelming. Anyone who goes into the sampling without a clear idea quickly stands bewildered in front of walls of meter-long displays. Just like us.

Our tile sampling took place at Fliesenatelier Roberto in Zirndorf. After the first appointment, we were simply overwhelmed. Too many options, too many decisions.

We started the second visit with a clear plan and good advice from our consultant: It is better to stick to one product line for the floor and wall and vary the color tones and structures. This guarantees a coherent look.

We stuck to that. We are designing the two large bathrooms on the ground and basement floors uniformly with the Sensoria series from Del Conca. We particularly liked the structured variant with fine grooves. It brings movement to the surface without being intrusive.

Their format presented us with a small dilemma. We originally wanted large 80x80 cm tiles for the floor. However, the structured wall tile is only available in 60x120 cm. We had to rethink: A uniform joint pattern was more important to us than the size of the tiles. We decided on 60x60 cm floor tiles. Visually more consistent and even a little cheaper.

• 
• 

The guest WC gets a completely unique look: Here, we chose a 60x120 cm black porcelain stoneware tile (Sant Agostino Unionstone Mustang), which forms a contrast to the chosen Satin-Gold fittings. We want to wallpaper the side walls with a striking wallpaper.

Our Bathroom Concept in Detail

Over the months, our architect continued to refine the floor plan. From the position of the toilet to the precise arrangement of the tiles. She repeatedly introduced new ideas: room dividers, glass partitions, alternative arrangements. This is how our final bathroom concept gradually emerged.

Master Bathroom (Ground Floor)

• Shower: A spacious, walk-in shower with a rain shower and hand shower. It also includes an integrated seating bench and a niche for shampoo & co.
• Washbasin: A wide model from Villeroy & Boch, complemented by a custom-made vanity unit from the carpenter.
• WC: Rimless model from the Tavona series by FOR. An additional hand shower complements the bidet function.
• Extras: A wooden slatted room divider and an electric towel rail.
• Fittings: hansgrohe in black brushed chrome.

• 
• 
• 
• 

---

Guest WC (Ground Floor)

We want to design the guest WC to be more unusual. While the floor is tiled with black tiles, the Satin-Gold fittings from Newform create a strong contrast to the dark tones. We want to wallpaper the free walls so that you almost feel as if you are sitting in the canopy of a rainforest.

• 
• 
• 
• 

---

Children's & Guest Bathroom (Basement)

• Shower: Spacious, walk-in shower with a rain shower, hand shower, and a niche for shampoo & co.
• Bathtub: 180 cm acrylic double-ended bathtub
• Washbasin: Again a model from Villeroy & Boch with vanity units from the carpenter.
• WC: Rimless model from the Tavona series by FOR. An additional hand shower complements the bidet function.
• Fittings: hansgrohe in classic chrome.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Costs and Quotes for our Bathrooms

Item 1 of the quotation covers the basic installation for the entire house. Although a significant portion relates to the bathrooms, this item is a mixed calculation for the piping of all water and wastewater lines.

The sanitary fixtures in the original Richter+Frenzel cost estimate amounted to €15,490. When sourced through the contractor, the same fixtures, including installation, now total €11,640 gross. If you are interested, we can also provide a detailed breakdown of the costs for each individual item upon request.

For the tiles, we currently only have a cost estimate for the materials. We will add the tilers’ quotes as soon as they become available.