Bathroom renovation with materials: convenient or overpriced?

Bathroom renovation is one of the most difficult stages of apartment renovation. Many companies in Tbilisi and Batumi offer a “turnkey with materials” format, promising to save time and nerves. But is this option really profitable? We analyze the pros, cons, real prices, and what to look for so as not to overpay.

Why has the “bathroom renovation with materials” format become so popular?

Customers don’t need to look for tiles, plumbing fixtures, mixers, or logistics — the company promises to do everything on a turnkey basis. For those who live in another city or are simply busy, this sounds ideal. But along with convenience come markups on materials and limited choice.

Advantages of bathroom renovation with materials

1. Time savings. No need to go shopping, compare tiles, or select plumbing fixtures. The contractor prepares the estimate and completes the project themselves.
2. Responsibility in one place. One team is responsible for the materials and the work. If something goes wrong, it's not “bad tiles” or “a crooked craftsman,” but the contractor's responsibility.
3. Fast turnaround. Companies usually purchase materials in advance or work with trusted suppliers in Tbilisi, which speeds up the process by 3-7 days.
4. Clear cost. The service is sold as a package, which allows you to understand the final amount in advance — especially convenient for tenants and investors in Batumi.

Disadvantages: where people most often overpay

1. Markup on materials. It is common practice in the Georgian market to add 15-35% to the cost of tiles, plumbing fixtures, and consumables. Sometimes there are also “gray” markups: the company takes a discount at the store but charges the customer the full price.
2. Limited choice. The contractor works with certain brands. The customer gets 5-10 options instead of 50-100.
3. Risk of saving on hidden elements. If the turnkey estimate is too cheap, they often save on waterproofing, cables and ventilation ducts, the quality of mixtures, and shut-off valves.

Prices for turnkey bathroom renovation with materials in Georgia

The average cost depends on the size of the bathroom, the type of tile, the plumbing fixtures, and the brands.

Prices are calculated for Tbilisi; in Batumi, materials are sometimes 5—10 % more expensive due to logistics.

What materials are most often included in the package?

Basic list:

• tiles (wall + floor);
• mixes, grout, waterproofing;
• plumbing fixtures: toilet, sink, faucet, shower system;
• pipes, siphons, supply lines;
• electrical: cable, outlets, lighting;
• doors and accessories (not always).

Real cases

Case No. 1: Tbilisi, Saburtalo — savings of 1,200 GEL

The customer wanted the full package. The company offered a “ready-made set of materials.” We recalculated the estimate and found that:

• the tiles in the store cost 38 GEL/m²,
• while the estimate was 52 GEL/m².

After changing the supplier, the savings amounted to 1,200 GEL, while the quality of the work remained the same.

Case #2: Batumi, new building — overspending due to hidden work

The company gave a turnkey price, but did not include the replacement of the riser and waterproofing. The final budget increased by 28 %.

Conclusion: always clarify the full list of works and “hidden stages.”

How to choose a company for bathroom renovation with materials

Contractor selection checklist:

1. Request a full estimate: labor + materials with item numbers.
2. Specify brands: which stores and suppliers are used.
3. Ask to see real projects — photos and addresses.
4. Check the warranty on materials and work (minimum 6—12 months).
5. Avoid prices that are too low — most often, savings are made on waterproofing and plumbing.
6. Ask for a fixed price before work begins.

When is it profitable to take on a bathroom renovation with materials, and when is it not?

It is profitable if:

• you don’t have time to shop around;
• you don’t know much about plumbing and mixtures;
• the property is located in another city (for example, an apartment for rent in Batumi);
• turnkey deadlines are important.

It is not beneficial if:

• you have the opportunity to control the purchase;
• you want premium or designer materials;
• maximum customization is important.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)