Bathroom planning guide
How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in the UK?
A complete guide to bathroom renovation costs in the UK. See typical prices for suites, tiling, plumbing and labour, plus tips to budget accurately.
Typical budget range
£4,000–£18,000+
Main cost drivers
Tiling, plumbing changes, suite quality
Best use
Planning before bathroom quotes
Bathroom example
The kind of clean mid-range bathroom finish many homeowners aim for before checking the real install cost.
Bathroom guide snapshot
Wet-area work makes bathroom budgets move quickly
Tanking, plumbing moves, tiling area and shower or bath decisions all matter more than the room size alone suggests.
Remember
Once wastes, waterproofing or full-height tiling are involved, the budget can climb much faster than a simple suite swap.
Good next step
Run the bathroom calculator once you know whether you are refreshing, refitting or converting to a wet room.
What Affects Your Bathroom Renovation Cost
Three factors drive the cost of any bathroom renovation more than anything else:
- Bathroom size — measured in square metres. A small cloakroom costs a fraction of a master suite.
- Quality of sanitaryware — budget IKEA suites cost a few hundred pounds; premium brands like Villeroy & Boch run into thousands.
- Project scope — a simple refresh (new suite + redecorate) is far cheaper than moving drains and converting to a wet room.
Average Bathroom Renovation Cost by Size
| Bathroom Size | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloakroom / WC (< 3 m²) | £1,500–£3,000 | £3,000–£5,000 | £5,000–£9,000 |
| Small (3–6 m²) | £3,000–£6,000 | £6,000–£10,000 | £10,000–£16,000 |
| Standard (6–10 m²) | £5,000–£9,000 | £9,000–£14,000 | £14,000–£22,000 |
| Large (10–15 m²) | £8,000–£13,000 | £13,000–£20,000 | £20,000–£35,000 |
Cost Breakdown by Item
Here's what typically makes up a bathroom renovation budget:
- Suite and sanitaryware — budget from £400; mid-range £900–£2,500; premium £2,500–£6,000
- Tiling (walls and floors) — typical bathroom £800–£2,500 depending on tile choice and area
- Labour and fitting — typically £2,000–£6,000 for a full renovation including tradespeople
- Plumbing reconfiguration — if you're moving the toilet, bath or shower, budget £600–£2,000
- Electric underfloor heating — £400–£1,500 depending on area covered
- Extractor fan and lighting — £150–£500
- Decoration and accessories — mirrors, towel rails, shelving: £200–£800
Refresh vs Full Renovation vs Wet Room
The scope of work has the biggest impact on cost:
- Bathroom refresh (£3,000–£6,000) — new suite, redecorate, new taps. No moving of plumbing.
- Full renovation (£7,000–£15,000) — new suite, full tiling, plumbing reconfiguration, new flooring.
- Wet room conversion (£12,000–£22,000+) — tanked floor, drainage changes, full waterproofing, premium finishes.
Regional Cost Differences
Labour rates vary significantly across the UK. London is typically 35–40% more expensive than the national average for bathroom fitting. Scotland and the North East tend to be the most affordable regions for bathroom tradespeople.
How to Budget Accurately
- Always get at least three written quotes from different tradespeople
- Add a 10% contingency on top of your budget for unexpected issues
- Factor in the cost of alternative bathroom facilities while work is underway
- Consider whether you'll be living in the property during the work
- Remember that removing an old suite has disposal costs — factor in £100–£300
Ready to calculate your bathroom cost?
Use our free calculator to get an instant indicative range based on your bathroom size, quality level and region.
Open Bathroom Cost Calculator →