How much does a bathroom renovation cost in the UK?
The average UK bathroom renovation costs between £4,500 and £8,000 for a standard 4–6m² bathroom. Small ensuite refits can come in under £3,000, while larger family bathrooms with premium fixtures regularly cost £10,000–£15,000.
The biggest cost variable is the quality of fixtures and fittings you choose. Labour costs are broadly similar across product ranges — it's the sanitaryware, tiles, and brassware where the price range is enormous.
Cost breakdown
Labour (bathroom fitter + trades)
- Bathroom fitter: £150–£250/day (typically 5–10 days for a full refurbishment)
- Plumber (if separate): £150–£300/day
- Electrician (lighting, shaver socket, extractor fan): £150–£300 flat fee for small jobs
- Plasterer: £150–£250/day (1 day to re-skim after tiling removal)
- Tiler: £40–£70/m² (most bathrooms need 20–40m² of tiling)
Sanitaryware and fittings
- Budget suite (bath, basin, toilet): £400–£800
- Mid-range suite: £800–£2,000
- Premium suite: £2,000–£6,000+
Other materials
- Tiles: £15–£80+/m² (budget to premium porcelain)
- Shower enclosure: £200–£1,500+
- Shower tray or wetroom former: £100–£600
- Underfloor heating (electric): £50–£80/m² installed
- Heated towel rail: £150–£600 fitted
Common bathroom renovation scenarios
Like-for-like refurbishment (£3,000–£5,500)
New suite in the same positions, re-tiling, new flooring. No plumbing moves. This is the most cost-effective approach and takes around 5–7 days.
Full refurbishment with layout change (£5,500–£10,000)
Moving the toilet, bath, or shower position requires new pipework and potentially new drainage. Add £500–£2,000 for plumbing re-routes. Takes 7–12 days.
Luxury refurbishment (£10,000–£20,000+)
Bespoke fitted furniture, freestanding bath, large-format tiles, underfloor heating, steam shower, smart controls. Requires a longer project timeline of 2–4 weeks.
Wet rooms and walk-in showers
Wet rooms are increasingly popular in UK homes and can actually be cheaper than a framed shower enclosure if you're starting from scratch.
- Wet room former (tanking system): £300–£700 for materials
- Tanking and tiling: adds 1–2 days labour
- Linear drain: £100–£400 fitted
A walk-in shower with a tray and glass panel is typically £600–£1,500 for supply and fit, compared to £800–£2,500 for a full wet room — but wet rooms add more value to the property and are easier to clean long-term.
Does a new bathroom add value to your home?
A well-done bathroom renovation typically adds 4–6% to a property's value. For the average UK home (£290,000), that's £11,600–£17,400. However, over-specifying in relation to the property is a common mistake — an expensive luxury bathroom in a modest terraced house rarely returns its full cost.
Focusing on quality fittings, good tiling, and clean lines tends to add the most value. Avoid trends that date quickly (coloured suites, heavily patterned tiles).
How to save money on a bathroom renovation
- Supply your own sanitaryware: Buy the suite, tiles, and accessories yourself from trade suppliers (Victorian Plumbing, Bathstore, Plumbworld). You pay trade labour rates but can shop around for products.
- Keep the soil stack in place: Moving the toilet is expensive. If you can work around its current position, you'll save £500–£1,500.
- Choose porcelain over natural stone: Porcelain tiles at £25–£50/m² look similar to marble or slate but are far more durable and cheaper.
- Get 3 quotes from bathroom fitters: Prices vary enormously. Use Job2Build to compare quotes from local, rated fitters.
- Phase the work: If budget is tight, replace the suite and re-plumb now, then tile and add underfloor heating later.