ᐅ Bathroom material selection, any cost-saving tips?

Hi everyone,

On Thursday, we have the bathroom selection appointment. Just thinking about it makes me a bit anxious because my wife said that bathrooms are her area of expertise and she wants to choose everything there.

Well, what tips can you give me to make sure it doesn’t get out of hand?

We are dealing with 3 bathrooms, which include the following fixtures:
- 3 toilets
- 3 walk-in showers (1 rain shower, 2 standard)
- 2 single washbasins
- 1 double washbasin
- 1 bathtub
- other accessories

I have already read through some threads. My plan is to buy the ceramics, drain channels, and fittings from the plumber and to source and install the following myself:
- mirror / mirrored cabinet
- furniture
- electric towel warmer
- towel rails
- toilet paper holder
- toilet brush holder

Do you have any further ideas or (insider) tips on where to get the listed items well and affordably?

Best regards
ivenh0

That's a solid approach. Take a look at Vigour. Quality for a tight budget.

We were able to save about 50% with it.

When it comes to fixtures, there is a wide price range... just choose one in the mid-price segment. For example, instead of Hansgrohe, you could go with Hansa.

You certainly have the option to pick cheaper models, but in my opinion, considering the effort involved, it’s worth choosing something with attractive design at a reasonable price. The same applies to washbasins: often, reasonably priced wall-hung basins are also suitable as countertop basins, for example, Villeroy & Boch Architectura... but of course, that’s a matter of personal taste.

For the toilet, avoid the lotus coating on the inside, as it still requires cleaning anyway. Mirrors and lighting are available everywhere. For the vanity, you can also use a worktop or wooden surface; again, that’s a matter of preference.

Is it also about tiles? It should be noted that larger formats and higher-quality materials (even if included in the planned price per square meter) often lead to additional costs due to increased installation effort, so be sure to ask!

Thermostatic valves are often offered, but in my opinion, the added convenience is minimal (especially for bathtubs and seldom-used guest showers); here, money can be saved.

Mottenhausen schrieb:
Thermostatic valves are often offered, but in my opinion, the comfort benefit is minimal (especially for bathtubs and rarely used guest showers); this is an area where money can be saved.

Note: Thermostats are absolutely essential for women who wash their hair in the bathtub or for people who need therapeutic baths later on.

With short pipe runs in a single-family house, a very consistent hot water temperature is achieved after a short time. Once you remember the mixer setting, it remains effective indefinitely.

Regarding the bathtub: the thermostat controls the temperature at the faucet, not in the tub. In medical baths, it is necessary to measure the temperature of the finished bath. Adjustments with cold or hot water are required until the actual bath temperature is correct.