So, finally, you decided to renovate your bathroom? Updating or renovating a bathroom can be a ‘dream come true’ moment. But a bathroom renovation is more than just a makeover. It’s an exciting fantasy indeed.
Are you dreaming of a spa-like feel in your own bathroom but wondering exactly how much a bathroom renovation costs in the UK, and what if it exceeds your budget?
Unfortunately, there is no certain amount for bathroom renovation. The cost varies depending on many factors, which we will cover in this article. But don’t worry. There is always an alternative way.
Wondering if you can do it or not? In this article, you are gonna get a comprehensive guide to match the cost with your budget. Choose or skip, get a plan, for sure! From old equipment removal cost to new installation cost, we get you covered. Get insights about each and every cost. Let’s dive into the details.
How much does it cost for bathroom renovation?
A bathroom renovation can be a structural change, plumbing change, and many more. In general, a bathroom renovation costs you between £5000-£20000.
Well, budgeting plays a master role when you are planning for a bathroom upgrade. But, how? A plan without knowing the detailed costing? Not a good shot.
Whether it be raw material cost, fixtures & accessories cost, or labour cost, every single piece costs you a penny. Bathroom renovation costs vary from one renovating style to another. You might want a simple upgrade or a luxurious renovation.
But you need to calculate your estimated budget before you start your bathroom renovation.
Factors that affect the bathroom renovation cost
Some circumstances or facts influence bathroom renovation costs. There can be complexities as well. You must acknowledge those factors that might increase your bathroom renovation cost.
Layout changing
Do you want to change the layout of your bathroom? Structural changes play a significant role in a bathroom renovation. It just changes the entire scenario. For a layout change, you need to remove the old layout and the installation of the new layout.
It might need repositioning and further pipework, which affects the cost.
Size
Bathroom size matters. Smaller spaces require less time, less material, and fewer complex installations. Whereas, a large bathroom or a suite requires more time, more materials, and more complexities.
For example, a small bathroom needs less tiling than a large bathroom. That’s how the bathroom size affects the cost.
Material type
It’s up to you if you want premium materials or standard materials for your bathroom items. For example, a ceramic tile will cost you low rather than a porcelain or natural stone tile.
But the quality of the raw materials matters in the long run. So, even if you have a tight budget, you should choose raw materials wisely.
Current condition
You might not be happy with the current condition of your bathroom. Are there any malfunctions in your bathroom? Before renovation, you must repair broken things, water damage, outdated pipework, etc.
The more repairs you need, the more you have to pay. Leak pipes, moulds, rotten accumulations, etc, may increase the labour cost of bathroom renovation. Be it a major repair or a minor one, don’t skip it while budgeting.
Unit quantity
There can be many units in a bathroom, such as basins, cabinets, mirrors, toilets, heating rail, shower enclosure, bathtub, etc. You must choose which units you want to install in your bathroom. The costing depends on the unit quantity too.
Fixture type
The type of fixtures you choose can significantly impact the bathroom renovation cost. For example, premium fixtures will cost you more than the budget-friendly ones.
However, if you are on a tight budget, you can choose affordable fixtures. But remember, high-quality fixtures show their worth and durability in the long run.
Decor & design
You can have a theme in your mind for your bathroom design. Theme-based bathroom renovation raises the cost. Moreover, decoration items like flower vases, hanging plants, antique pieces, photo frames, etc, add more to the cost.
Location & duration
Looking for ‘bathroom renovators near me’ is not a big deal. Yet, somehow, your location can affect the labour cost. In London and the South England, it costs more compared to other locations in the UK.
Wait a moment! What about working duration? While a partial renovation can be completed in a few days, a full-fledged renovation may take several weeks. In that case, labour cost will increase accordingly.
Ventilation
Suffocating bathroom? No way. You know, Ventilation is a must-have for bathrooms, not only to remove suffocation but also to erase any bad smell. But installing a ventilation system will increase the refurbishment cost.
Heating
Some might have a central heating system, but still need underfloor heating. Don’t have it yet? Underfloor heating installation adds extra charges. But compromising warmth? non-negotiable. What you say?
Permits
To renovate your bathroom, you need to take permission from the house owner or the local authority. Changing the bathroom layout and renovation can go against the regulations.
Take the permissions before you start. Those permits add some cost but are worth it.
Customisation
If you want customisation in your bathroom, it might increase the cost. It can be a non-slipping floor customisation, upgrading customised lights, theme-designed bathroom renovation, etc.
Bathroom renovation cost: step-by-step guide
Budget for each installation and count them all in one! Tough. What if we make it easy for you? Let’s break down every insight into bathroom renovation cost without leaving any stone unturned.
Hire a professional for plan & design
How would you execute something without any plan or budget? Before a bathroom renovation, you must hire a professional to determine which layout and process is suitable for your project. Hiring a professional may cost you £350-£1200.
Old bathroom demolition cost
To renovate your bathroom, you must finish the demolition of your old bathroom layout. An old bathroom demolition cost may vary depending on your bathroom size, number of fixtures, complexity of removal, etc.
For instance, removing tiles or heavy fixtures like free-standing bathtubs may increase costs compared to simpler tasks like replacing a sink.
- Small Bathroom Size: Small bathroom demolition costs around £250-£600.
- Medium Bathroom Size: It is mostly used and the standard size in the UK. This will cost £600-£1000.
- Large Bathroom Size: This will cost £850-£1200 for demolition.
- Luxurious Suite: This demolition might cost around £1000-£1500+.
Installation cost
A new bath outlook feels refreshing. For a bathroom renovation, you might need everything new or some specific renovation. In this article, you will know each of the installation costs, which will make it easier for you to decide. Let’s dive into it!
Bathtub installation
There are many types of bathtubs that are popular in the UK for modern bathrooms.
| Bathtub Type | Bathtub cost | Installation Cost | Labour Time |
| Freestanding | £500-£2500+ | £350-£600 | 6-10 hours |
| Standard Straight | £150-£500+ | £250-£400 | 4-6 hours |
| Corner | £300-£1200 | £250-£500 | 5-8 hours |
| Walk-In | £1200-£3500+ | £600-£1200+ | 9-12 hours |
| Whirlpool | £600-£4000+ | £700-£1000+ | 8-12 hours |
Extra labour costs:
| Type of Work | Cost |
| Demolition of the Old bathtub | £50-£150 |
| Electrical Work & Wiring | £150-£300 |
| Plumbing Work | £50-£100/h |
| Waterproofing | £50-£100 |
Shower installation
Let’s disclose the shower installation costs in the UK. There are so many shower options. Each of their cost may vary due to designs and glass type.
| Shower Enclosure Type | Installation Cost | Installation Time |
| Square Shape | £150-£500+ | 4-6 hours |
| Rectangular Shape | £150-£600 | 5-7 hours |
| Sliding Door Shower Enclosure | £250-£500 | 5-7 hours |
| Pivot Door Shower Enclosure | £200-£450 | 4-6 hours |
| Bi-Fold Door Shower Enclosure | £200-£450 | 4-6 hours |
| Quadrant Shower Enclosure | £150-£500+ | 4-8 hours |
| Walk-in shower | £300-£800 | 6-10 hours |
| Offset shower | £150-£500 | 4-6 hours |
| Frameless Shower Enclosure | £300-£800 | 5-12 hours |
Bath tap installation
Bath tap installation is one of the most important parts of bathroom renovation. As you are renovating your bathroom, why not replace the bath tap? Let’s sneak a peek at how much bath tap installations cost.
| Bath Tap Type | Installation Cost | Installation Time |
| Piller Tap(Vanity mounted) | £50-£120 | 1-2 hours |
| Mixer Tap | £50-£150 | 1-2 hours |
| Wall Mounted Tap | £100-£300 | 3-4 hours |
| Free-standing Tap | £250-£350 | 4-6 hours |
| Thermostatic Tap | £150-£300 | 3-5 hours |
Vanity installation
Vanity unit installation costs depend on the vanity’s position. Check out the prices of vanity unit installation.
| Vanity Unit Type | Installation Cost | Installation Time |
| Free-standing Vanity | £100-£350 | 2-5 hours |
| Pre-assembled Vanity | £100-£250 | 2-4 hours |
| Wall-mounted Vanity | £200-£600 | 5-8 hours |
| Wall Hanging Vanity | £250-£600 | 6-9 hours |
| Flat-pack Vanity | £150-£600 | 4-6 hours |
Toilet installation
Toilets are must haves for a complete bathroom. But nowadays, toilets are designed uniquely to fit perfectly in modern bathrooms. There are many types of toilet commodes for UK bathrooms.
Worrying about the price and the installation cost? Chill and have a look at the estimated costing.
| Toilet Type | Item Cost | Installation Cost | Labour Time |
| WC toilet | £100-£800 | £250-£600 | 2-3 hours |
| Back-to-Wall Toilet | £150-£450 | £250-£500 | 6-8 hours |
| Close-Coupled | £100-£500 | £200-£400 | 3-5 hours |
| Wall-Hung | £200-£800+ | £450-£600 | 6-8 hours |
| Compact Toilet | £150-£500 | £300-£600 | 3-5 hours |
| Rimless | £250-£600 | £300-£500 | 4-6 hours |
| High-Level Toilet | £250-£800 | £300-£600+ | 3-5 hours |
| Smart Toilet | £800-£3500 | £500-£800 | 6-8 hours |
Electrical & plumbing cost
Only installation done? You are only a few steps away. Before the installation of bath items, start the electrical work and the plumbing work. Plumbing & electrical labour costs also fall under the overall labour cost.
Have a look at the approximate electrical and plumbing costs for a bathroom renovation. These cost ranges can vary depending on bathroom condition and complexity.
| Cost Type | Basic Upgrade | Standard Upgrade | Full Renovation/Upgrade |
| Electrical Cost | £600-£1000 | £1000-£1500+ | £1500-£3000 |
| Plumbing Cost | £800-£1500 | £1500-£2500 | £1500-£4000 |
How much does a heating system cost?
A warm, cosy bathroom eliminates all the tiredness. Without a heating rail, that can’t be possible that way. So, which heating rail do you prefer to install? The most trendy heating rail types in the UK are-
- Heated Towel Rails.
- Electric Heating.
- Radiators.
Now, let’s break down the total cost of each heating towel rail, including installation cost:
| Heating Item | Styles | Materials | Item Cost (Approx. Range) | Installation Time |
| Heated Towel Rail | Modern, Ladder, Open Ended, Bar on Bar, Shelf, Traditional, Electric, Column, etc. | Aluminum, Mild Steel, Brass, Stainless Steel | £40-£1500+ | 2-5 hours |
| Electric Heating | Traditional, Flat Panel, Modern, Column, Ladder, Floor-mounted, bar on bar, etc. | Mild Steel, Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Glass | £36-£1600 | 6-7 hours |
| Radiator | Traditional, Modern, Column, Ladder, Infrared, Flat Panel, Floor-mounted, bar on bar, | Stainless Steel, Metal, Plastic, Mild Steel, Aluminum, Brass, Cast Iron, Glass | £50-£4500 | 3-5 hours |
Labour Costs for Heating Installation:
- Plumber Cost: £40-£70 per hour.
- Electrician Cost: £45-£80 per hour.
- Heating Engineer Cost: £60-£80 per hour.
Bathroom extractor fan installation cost
A bathroom without an extractor fan? Don’t even imagine. Extractor fans prevent bathroom dampness, mould, and bad odours. It keeps the air quality fresh and prevents excess humidity.
A common question we often get is ‘ how much does a bathroom extractor fan installation cost?’ Well, that might vary based on extractor fan type, price, labour cost, etc. Let’s give you an idea about the range.
There can be standard, timer-controlled, humidity-sensing, silent, or inline extractor fans in your bathroom. Each of their cost vary from one another. The average cost for a bathroom extractor fan in the UK is between £60-£250.
Now, what is the labour cost? Well, as you know, in the UK, labour costs depend on the installation time. An extractor fan takes 2-6 hours for installation.
So, the labour cost is around £150-£400. This range may vary depending on the installation time and complexity.
How much does a bathroom underfloor heating cost?
Underfloor heating makes you feel warm with every step. The installation of underfloor heating in the bathroom makes your bathroom more inviting and cosy. What about the costing?
Well, it depends on many things such as bathroom size, underfloor heating type, etc.
In the UK, the average bathroom size is generally around 5m². You can choose electric underfloor heating or wet underfloor heating.
If you don’t go for a walk-in shower, then electric underfloor heating is perfect for your bathroom. Equipment cost depends on the size of your bathroom.
Let’s jump into the costing:
| Underfloor Heating Type | Installation Cost Per Hour |
| Electric Underfloor heating | £60-£90 |
| Wet Underfloor Heating | £95-£120 |
Now, let’s have a look at the energy cost –
If your bathroom is about 5m², it will cost £0.12 per hour for an electric underfloor heating. For a wet underfloor heating in a 5m² bathroom, it will cost around £0.07 per hour.
Bathroom renovation cost based on types
There can be many types of bathroom renovations. It depends on the scope of work. Your bathroom may need a slight change, a partial change, or a full renovation. Let’s have a look at the costings:
Cosmetic renovation:
Cosmetic renovation means simple changes to the bathroom, such as fixture replacement, Painting, Tiling, Upgrading equipment, Lighting upgrade, etc.
- Fixtures: Fixtures like faucets, door handles, cabinet handles, showerheads, etc, may cost £50 – £250.
- Repainting: Repainting with a fresh coat enhances the outlook. One coat of paint in a bathroom costs £200-£300.
- Tiling: Retiling in small areas costs around £20-£50 per m².
- Accessories Upgrade: To upgrade bathroom accessories such as towels, mirrors, mirror frames, shelves, etc, may cost you £50-£350.
- Surface Upgrade: Resurfacing on countertops, sinks, bathtubs, etc, may cost £250-£800.
- Lighting Upgrade: Lighting style or different light settings may cost you £50-£600.
- Regrouting: You might need to regrout the tiles to make them shine like new again. It will cost around £150- £320.
Partial renovation:
Planning for a partial bathroom renovation? Partial renovation includes replacing a bathtub, showerhead, sink, vanity sink, cabinets, etc. Also, upgrading fixtures, flooring, tiles, and adding cabinets, etc.
The Partial Bathroom renovation cost depends on how many upgrades need to be done. In a partial renovation, you might upgrade 2-3 things or features. This costs between £2500-£8000.
- Upgrading Showerplace: Showerplace changing may include changing bathtubs, shower enclosures, or walk-in shower spaces. It costs £500 – £4000.
- Sink Vanity/ Basin Upgrade: Changing a sink vanity, adding cabinets, or surfacing, etc, costs between £300-£1500.
- Tiles or Floor Upgrade: You can change the entire flooring or tile type. It will cost £30-£50 per m². This process has labour costs of about £150-£400.
- Fixture upgrade: Replacing old ones with the latest modern fixtures may cost you between £50-£450.
Complete renovation:
Planning for a full bathroom renovation? That’s impressive. Do you have a theme on your mind? The bathroom is the place that you use every day. Renovate it with all your desires. There are some categories of full renovation.
Choose any of them according to your budget. The more your budget is, the more scope you’ll get to furnish. Let’s break down the phases/categories of bathroom renovation:
- Basic renovation.
- Standard renovation.
- High-end renovation.
Cost of basic bathroom renovation
A basic renovation in the bathroom means upgrades, not structural or layout changes. Just a modern bathroom with simplicity. Basic bathroom renovation costs are low. A basic bathroom renovation in the UK costs around £5,000-£10,000.
These are just minor changes where you might need to remove old items and install new fixtures. Extra tiling work can be included. For enhanced tiling or detail work, it may cost around £12,000.
Cost of standard bathroom renovation
A standard bathroom includes fixture replacement, using mid-range materials, and enhancing lighting for a modern outlook. This might not be that posh, but yet modernised.
A standard bathroom renovation costs between £6,000-£15000. It depends on the changes you make and the equipment you use.
Cost of high-end bathroom renovation
High-end bathrooms give you a spa-like feel. This requires premium materials, customised items, bespoke features, luxurious lighting, and high-end tiling. A high-end premium bathroom renovation may cost a lot, but no price matters when the dream comes true.
As you are renovating, you need to remove old basic items and replace them with luxurious things.
Can you imagine feeling like being in a 5-star hotel in your own bathroom! Yeah, a bit crazy. No price is too heavy for desires. In general, luxurious bathrooms come with a large space. Including the removal and installation, a high-end bathroom renovation costs between £15,000-£20,000.
For a luxury suite-like bathroom renovation, it will cost between £14,000-£65,000. The cost varies depending on the bathroom size, fixture type, material type, labour cost, etc. For a high-end or luxury bathroom, you must hire proven experts. This renovation requires extra efficiency and expertise.
Hidden costs of bathroom renovation
Bathroom renovation includes a lot of detailed work. No matter how many times you estimate the cost, there are hidden costs that stay out of the spotlight secretly.
- Damage Repair: Suddenly, you’ve got to know there is a leak in the old pipework you haven’t noticed. Experts often find out those things we might not see. These repair charges are shocking as they jump as additional costs.
- Structural Support: For heavy fixtures or thin walls, you might need something for reinforcement. These additional supports add more costs.
- Waste Removal: When removing or replacing old items, often bathroom renovators remove and dispose of debris. But if they don’t, then you must hire a man and van waste removal service provider. They will remove all the debris and broken parts. There can be asbestos as well. If asbestos is found, that will require more labour costs for disposal.
- Repositioning: Whether you are replacing or repositioning any bath item or plumbing work, that gets added to the main cost. Repositioning needs both removal and installation, which means double labour cost.
- Additional electrical work: Repositioning bath items or installing new items in a new location might require rewiring. Moreover, you might need to add more switches or upgrade the fuse box. If you add more lighting, it will require more electrical work.
- Additional Installation: As you are renovating, you might need to install some extra items. Suppose you are installing an extractor fan; you need to install ducting, which adds to the cost.
- Unexpected Requirement: Sometimes unexpected things happen, which might disappoint you. Wastage of materials, breakage, or low-quality equipment is of no use. In that case, you will need new materials to continue the renovation. More materials mean more costs.
- Extra Labour Charges: You can’t always calculate the exact duration of installation. Moreover, some complexity can delay the work process. But labour costs keep rising with the upcoming hours. Also, your location, narrow downstairs, limited space, hard-to-access spaces, upstairs, etc, increase labour costs.
DIY vs professional bathroom renovation
Can you renovate your bathroom on your own? Maybe yes. But, not like a professional, not without any help from professionals. Technical measurements, estimation, and expertise play a major role here.
Moreover, bathroom renovation needs plumbing and electrical work, which you can’t do alone.
Learning and executing definitely deserve appreciation. But, you need to be very cautious while trying DIY. Something wrong can fall heavily on you. No, we are not discouraging you. But precautions are necessary.
Now let’s have a look at the DIY and Professional bathroom renovations’ pros and cons.
Pros of DIY bathroom renovation:
- Cost-effective.
- No labour cost is required.
- As there is no labor cost or schedule issue, you can do it in your flexible time.
- You can save some materials for further development or upcycling.
Cons of DIY bathroom renovation:
- You can’t apply the DIY method for a high-end luxurious renovation.
- Excessive time-consuming.
- There can be uneven tiling or poorly fitted fixtures.
- In some cases, it’s risky. You may get injured.
- Lack of tools and expertise.
- Electrical or plumbing works need to follow some code of conduct or building regulations that don’t allow DIY.
- If you fail, it will require a redo and cost more.
Pros of Professional Bathroom Renovation:
- High-quality service with a durable finish.
- Guaranteed to meet building regulations.
- Detect unseen damages and solve those problems.
- Quick completion.
- Your bathroom can be renovated like any custom theme or design.
Cons of Professional Bathroom Renovation:
- Sometimes the price can be a bit higher than your budget.
- Tight schedule.
- If you can’t explain properly, the final result might not be exactly alike your vision.
- You may need to wait to get the schedule of the most expert professionals.
- A wrong contractor can provide you with poor-quality work and waste your time.
Pro tips to reduce bathroom renovation costs
These amazing ideas might reduce the cost of bathroom renovation. Let’s sneak into it!
- Budget with Contingency: You must plan a budget that you can afford. But don’t forget to keep a 10-15% extra budget for contingency, as there can be some additional costs.
- Try to Keep The existing layout: Altering or relocating bath items adds a high cost. If you renovate, keeping the same layout or don’t change much of the layout, that might help lessen the cost.
- Choose Cost-effective Materials: Poor materials can waste your renovation. However, cost-effective materials might help you reduce the cost.
- Refurbish: Instead of buying new items, you can upgrade or refurbish your existing bath items for a new design or outlook.
- Search for Second-hand items: Sometimes you might get amazing deals on second-hand products. Not all second-hand products are garbage.
- Check on Sales: Try buying products in packages or when on sale. That can save some money. Keep checking on. What if an unexpected sale offer surprises you! Anything can happen, you know!
- Look for Alternatives: There is always an alternative. For example, you can decorate with plants and or handmade pieces rather than antiques. Also, laminates work well as an alternative to wood.
- Minimize the Tiling area: Look for larger tiles, which save time and labour costs. You can keep tiles on the bath, shower, floor, and sink area. Avoid tiling on the ceilings.
- Try DIY: For small bathrooms or old item removal, you can try DIY. This will save a lot of your costs.
- Utilize the grants: If you are eligible for grants, utilize your home improvement grants to reduce renovation costs.
- Choose Off-seasons: During the off-season, plumbing or electrical agencies might offer discounts on their services. Try to renovate your bathroom during the off-season to reduce the renovation cost.
Final Words
Desire or Need? A bathroom renovation may be a lot more than that. The Bathroom renovation cost can vary from time to time. Take a chill, relax your mind, and make a whole blueprint of how to budget. Plan wisely and don’t let the unexpected costs ruin your dream.
Hope this article will thoroughly help you know ‘how much does a bathroom renovation cost in the UK’!. Make your bathroom a piece of your peace. Go for it!