How Much Does a New Bathroom Really Cost?
Comprehensive analysis of bathroom renovation costs, from simple suite replacement to full wet room installation.
Sarah Thompson
Complete Guide to Bathroom Renovation Costs
A bathroom renovation is a significant home improvement project that can dramatically improve your daily life and add value to your property. Understanding the costs involved helps you plan effectively and avoid budget overruns.
Average Bathroom Renovation Costs in the UK
| Project Type | Budget Range | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small bathroom/ensuite | £3,000 - £6,000 | £8,000 - £12,000 | £15,000 - £25,000 |
| Standard family bathroom | £6,000 - £10,000 | £12,000 - £18,000 | £25,000 - £40,000 |
| Large master bathroom | £8,000 - £15,000 | £18,000 - £30,000 | £40,000 - £60,000 |
Breakdown of Bathroom Renovation Costs
Bathroom Suite (25-35% of total cost)
- Basic suite: £300-£800
- Mid-range suite: £800-£2,000
- Premium suite: £2,000-£5,000
- Designer suite: £5,000-£15,000
Tiles and Flooring (15-25% of total cost)
- Ceramic tiles: £15-£40 per m²
- Porcelain tiles: £25-£60 per m²
- Natural stone: £40-£100 per m²
- Luxury vinyl tiles: £20-£50 per m²
Labour Costs (40-50% of total cost)
Professional bathroom fitting includes:
- Bathroom fitter: £200-£300 per day
- plumbing work: £400-£1,200
- electrical work: £300-£800
- tiling: £25-£45 per m²
Different Types of Bathroom Projects
Simple Suite Replacement
Cost: £2,000-£4,000
Like-for-like replacement keeping existing layout:
- Remove old suite
- Install new bathroom suite
- Basic tiling refresh
- Minimal plumbing changes
Full Bathroom Renovation
Cost: £6,000-£15,000
Complete redesign and renovation:
- Strip out existing bathroom
- New suite, tiles, and fixtures
- Replumbing and rewiring
- Waterproofing and ventilation
Wet Room Conversion
Cost: £8,000-£20,000
Converting to a level-access wet room:
- Floor preparation and tanking
- Drainage installation
- Waterproof membrane
- Specialist tiling
Additional Costs to Consider
Structural Work
- Moving walls: £1,000-£3,000
- Floor reinforcement: £500-£2,000
- Ceiling work: £300-£1,000
Plumbing Considerations
- Boiler upgrade: £2,000-£4,000
- New pipework: £500-£1,500
- Waste pipe relocation: £200-£800
Electrical Work
- New lighting: £200-£600
- Extractor fan: £100-£300
- Heated towel rail: £150-£400
Cost-Saving Tips
Keep the Layout
Maintaining existing plumbing positions saves £1,000-£3,000.
Shop Smart
- Compare prices online and in showrooms
- Look for end-of-line deals
- Consider trade accounts through your fitter
Phase the Work
Split major renovations across financial years if budget is tight.
Return on Investment
A well-executed bathroom renovation typically adds:
- Budget renovation: 60-80% of cost back in property value
- Mid-range renovation: 70-90% of cost back
- Luxury renovation: 50-70% of cost back
Choosing the Right Professionals
When selecting bathroom fitting professionals:
- Check qualifications and insurance
- View previous work and references
- Get detailed written quotes
- Ensure all trades are coordinated
Timeline Expectations
- Simple suite replacement: 3-5 days
- Full renovation: 1-2 weeks
- Complex projects: 2-4 weeks
Conclusion
A bathroom renovation requires careful planning and budgeting, but the results can dramatically improve your home's functionality and value. Understanding the costs involved helps you make informed decisions about your project scope and specifications.
Ready to start your bathroom renovation? Get a quote to compare prices from qualified bathroom fitters in your area.
