A bathroom renovation in the UK ranges from £3,000 to over £15,000, depending on size, finish, and work involved. Materials, fittings, layout changes, and labour all drive the price up or down. Hidden costs pile up quickly if not planned well.
Basic Bathroom Renovation Costs
A small bathroom with modest fittings and minimal changes costs around £3,000–£5,000. It includes:
- Bath, toilet, basin, and taps: £500–£1,000
- Tiling (walls and floor): £400–£800
- Plumbing work: £500–£1,000
- Labour (two-person team for 5–7 days): £1,200–£2,000
- Fixtures like mirrors, shelves, towel rails: £200–£400
Expect plain white ceramic, mixer taps, and basic acrylic panels or vinyl flooring in this range. It covers ripping out the old suite and installing new items without layout changes.
Mid-Range Bathroom Renovation
A mid-range bathroom sits between £6,000 and £10,000. It typically covers:
- Upgraded fittings – freestanding baths, wall-hung toilets, designer taps
- Walk-in showers with glass panels and rainfall heads
- Porcelain or natural stone tiling
- Underfloor heating
- Better lighting, including recessed LEDs or wall-mounted lights
Reworking the layout, moving a toilet, basin or shower, adds at least £1,000–£2,500, depending on pipework and floor access. Electrical upgrades, extraction fans, and concealed cisterns also increase the cost. This budget suits most homes. It offers quality without going overboard.
High-End Bathroom Renovation
Luxury bathrooms go from £10,000 to £20,000+. The cost climbs with:
- Solid stone baths and basins
- Custom-made cabinetry
- Smart toilets with bidet functions
- Digital showers and waterproof speakers
- Full wet room conversions
- Bespoke lighting and mood controls
- High-end brands like Villeroy & Boch, Hansgrohe, Crosswater
Labour for premium bathrooms costs more. Specialist tilers, electricians, and plumbers take longer due to the precision needed. Expect projects to last up to three weeks, especially for structural changes or full wet room conversions.
Additional Costs You Should Budget For
Costs creep up through small decisions. Don’t ignore these:
- Disposal of old materials: £200–£500
- New boiler or upgraded water pressure: £1,000–£3,000
- Structural changes – knocking walls down or adding stud walls
- Decorating afterwards – painting ceilings, re-skimming walls
- Building control approval is required if the layout impacts drainage or electrics
Get a detailed quote in writing. Avoid vague figures or lump sums. Ask what’s included: materials, fittings, VAT, waste removal, floor prep, and electrical work.
What Affects the Final Price the Most?
The key factors are:
- Size of the bathroom
- Quality of materials
- Layout changes
- Labour rates in your area
- Choice of supplier or bathroom company
London and the South East tend to cost more. Rural areas may save you on labour, but delivery costs can increase. Need help planning your upgrade? Speak to trusted house renovation experts in Cumbria for detailed guidance.
Should You Do It Yourself?
DIY saves money. But most bathrooms involve plumbing, tiling, electrics, and structural work. Mistakes cost more to fix than hiring the right tradespeople in the first place. Waterproofing errors cause long-term damp and mould. If you’re not sure, don’t risk it.
Final Word
Bathroom renovation costs vary widely. Plan your budget by size and style Don’t cut corners with plumbing or waterproofing. Spend where it counts, on layout, function, and lasting finishes. Cheap fittings break. Poor tiling ruins the look. Focus on doing it once, doing it properly, and it will pay off for years.
