Before pricing the demolition and preparation phase of a renovation, there are three questions worth answering with real data, not by eye: how much rubble will be generated, how long it takes to open the chases for the new services, and whether a skip or several trips pay off.
Breaking out existing tiling doesn't always take the same time
Breaking out over old, well-bonded tile takes considerably longer than over loose tile or tile with poor mortar bedding. If the substrate ends up very uneven after breaking out, also quote a self-levelling compound or regularising render — don't assume the wall will be ready for the next material.
How long it takes to open chases
On renovations where all the electrical or plumbing installation is changed, opening chases is usually one of the items that takes longest: allow at least 3–4 metres of chase per hour in traditional brick masonry with an angle grinder and mallet.
How much rubble a bathroom renovation generates
A full bathroom renovation (breaking out tiling, sanitaryware and flooring) generates roughly 1–1.5 m³ of rubble. Take the access to the building into account: without a lift, loading time can double.
Own skip or several van trips
Hiring a skip (with collection and handling included) usually works out cheaper than several van trips to the recycling centre on medium or large renovations. Always check whether your town council requires a public-highway occupation permit if the skip is going to be on the street.
Don't forget site protection
Protecting floors, furniture and routes with plastic, cardboard or protective blanket before starting avoids damage to surfaces already finished (parquet, worktops, other rooms passed through). It's a cheap item that conveys a lot of professionalism to the client and avoids complaints afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
How much rubble does a complete bathroom renovation generate? Between 1 and 1.5 m³ approximately, counting breaking out tiling, sanitaryware and flooring.
How many metres of chase can be opened per hour? At least 3–4 linear metres per hour in traditional brick masonry, working with an angle grinder and mallet.
Is it worth hiring a skip for a small renovation? On medium or large renovations it usually works out cheaper than several van trips to the recycling centre; on very small jobs, the fixed cost of hire may not pay off.
Conclusion
Calculating the real volume of rubble and the time to open chases with concrete data —not a generic estimate— is what lets you decide between a skip and individual trips, and stops the demolition phase eating more hours than quoted. Adding site protection as its own item, not as an invisible extra, completes a realistic preparation quote.
Want to calculate this quote automatically?
PresupuestoYa calculates materials, quantities and total cost in minutes, for this and 19 other trades.
Create a free quote →