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Bathroom Renovation Costs UK 2025: Complete Price Guide
Bathroom renovations are one of the most cost-effective home improvements, adding both value and daily comfort to your property. Whether you’re updating a tired en-suite or completely gutting a family bathroom, understanding the real costs is essential for budgeting and avoiding expensive surprises.
The challenge with bathroom renovations? Quotes can vary wildly from £3,000 for a basic refresh to £15,000+ for a luxury renovation. This comprehensive guide breaks down actual UK bathroom renovation costs by scope, bathroom type, and quality level, giving you the real numbers you need to plan your project.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Average bathroom renovation costs by size and quality
- Detailed cost breakdown (suite, tiling, plumbing, labor)
- En-suite vs full bathroom vs cloakroom costs
- Hidden costs most homeowners miss
- How to save money without sacrificing quality
Bathroom Renovation Cost Overview
UK bathroom renovation costs typically range from £3,000 for a small cloakroom refresh to £15,000+ for a large luxury bathroom with premium fixtures. The final cost depends on six key factors:
What Affects Bathroom Renovation Costs?
1. Bathroom Type & Size
Cloakrooms (2m²) cost significantly less than full family bathrooms (6-8m²). En-suites typically fall in between at 3-5m². More space means more tiling, more flooring, and potentially more fixtures.
2. Suite Quality
Budget bathroom suites from B&Q or Wickes start at £400-£800. Mid-range brands like Duravit or Roca cost £1,000-£2,500. Premium brands like Villeroy & Boch or Burlington can exceed £3,000-£6,000. The suite is your second-largest expense after labor.
3. Layout Changes
Keeping your existing bathroom layout (toilet, sink, and shower/bath in same positions) saves £1,500-£3,000 in plumbing and waste pipe modifications. Moving soil pipes is particularly expensive.
4. Tiling Coverage
Half-height tiling (1.2m up walls) costs £600-£1,200. Full-height tiling to ceiling costs £1,200-£2,500 for an average bathroom. Large-format tiles are faster to install (cheaper labor) but material costs are higher.
5. Wet Room vs Traditional
Wet rooms require specialized tanking (waterproofing) and floor formers, adding £1,000-£2,500 to standard bathroom costs. However, they’re more accessible and can add property value.
6. Location & Access
London bathroom renovations cost 20-30% more than North England. Upstairs bathrooms cost more than ground floor due to carrying materials. Difficult access (narrow stairs, small doors) increases labor time and costs.
Average Bathroom Renovation Costs UK (2025)
Here’s what you can expect to pay for a complete bathroom renovation in 2025:
| Bathroom Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloakroom (2-3m²) | £3,000-£5,000 | £5,000-£8,000 | £8,000-£12,000 |
| En-suite (3-5m²) | £4,000-£6,000 | £6,000-£10,000 | £10,000-£15,000 |
| Full Bathroom (6-8m²) | £5,000-£8,000 | £8,000-£12,000 | £12,000-£20,000+ |
Luxury bathrooms with high-end fixtures, underfloor heating, and bespoke features can exceed £20,000-£30,000 for large master en-suites.
Bathroom Renovation Cost Breakdown
Understanding where your money goes helps you make informed decisions and prioritize spending. Here’s a detailed breakdown of bathroom renovation costs by component.
1- Bathroom Suite (30-40% of Budget)
Your bathroom suite—toilet, basin, bath/shower is typically the second-largest expense after labor. Quality varies dramatically by brand and material.
Budget Suite (£400-£800)
Basic white ceramic suite from B&Q, Wickes, or Screwfix. Close-coupled toilet, pedestal basin, standard acrylic bath or basic shower enclosure. Functional and reliable, suitable for rental properties or tight budgets.
Mid-Range Suite (£1,000-£2,500)
Quality brands like Duravit, Roca, or Ideal Standard. Wall-hung toilet with concealed cistern, semi-recessed basin or vanity unit, shaped acrylic bath or quality shower enclosure with thermostatic valve. Most popular choice for homeowners.
Premium Suite (£3,000-£6,000+)
Designer brands like Villeroy & Boch, Burlington, or Victoria + Albert. Freestanding stone resin or copper baths, designer basins, wall-hung toilets with soft-close mechanisms, frameless glass shower enclosures, digital shower systems. Bespoke finishes available (matte black, brushed brass, copper).
Key suite components:
- Toilet: £150-£600 (standard), £600-£1,500 (wall-hung with concealed cistern)
- Basin: £100-£400 (standard), £400-£1,200 (designer/vanity unit)
- Bath: £200-£600 (acrylic), £800-£3,000+ (freestanding stone resin)
- Shower: £300-£800 (basic enclosure + valve), £1,200-£3,000+ (digital system)
- Taps: £80-£200 (budget), £200-£600 (mid-range), £600-£1,500+ (designer)
2- Tiling (15-25% of Budget)
Tiling is labor-intensive and costs vary dramatically based on tile choice and coverage. Prices below include materials and installation.
Budget Ceramic Tiles: £30-£50/m²
Standard ceramic wall tiles from B&Q or Topps Tiles. Simple designs, limited sizes. Suitable for rental properties. Typical bathroom (6m² floor, 15m² walls half-height): £750-£1,200 total.
Mid-Range Porcelain: £50-£80/m²
Quality porcelain tiles in various sizes and finishes. Wood-effect, stone-effect, or geometric patterns available. More durable than ceramic. Better water resistance. Typical bathroom: £1,200-£1,800 total.
Premium Natural Stone/Large Format: £80-£150/m²
Natural marble, travertine, or large-format porcelain slabs (1200x600mm+). Unique patterns, luxury aesthetic. Requires skilled tiler. Typical bathroom: £1,800-£3,500 total.
Tiling coverage options:
- Wet areas only: Shower cubicle + splashbacks (£400-£800)
- Half-height: 1.2m up all walls (£800-£1,500)
- Full-height: Floor to ceiling (£1,500-£3,000)
- Feature wall: One accent wall in premium tile (£300-£800 extra)
3- Plumbing & Installation (30-40% of Budget)
Labor is typically the largest cost in bathroom renovations. Multiple trades are required: plumbers, electricians, tilers, and sometimes plasterers.
Day Rates by Trade:
- Plumber: £200-£350/day
- Electrician: £180-£280/day
- Tiler: £150-£250/day
- General builder/plasterer: £150-£220/day
Typical Installation Timeline:
- Week 1 (Days 1-3): Strip out old bathroom, first fix plumbing and electrics
- Week 1 (Days 4-5): Plastering, prep walls
- Week 2 (Days 6-9): Tiling walls and floor
- Week 2 (Days 10-12): Install suite, second fix plumbing/electrics
- Week 3 (Days 13-14): Finishing touches, grouting, sealing, decoration
Total labor cost for standard bathroom: £2,000-£4,000 (2-3 weeks work)
Additional plumbing costs:
- Moving toilet position: £500-£1,500 (soil pipe modifications)
- New waste pipes: £300-£800
- Pressurized system/pump: £400-£1,200 (for poor water pressure)
- Underfloor heating: £600-£1,500 (electric mat system)
4- Flooring (5-10% of Budget)
Bathroom flooring must be waterproof and slip-resistant. Prices below are for materials plus installation for a typical 6m² bathroom.
- Vinyl (Sheet or Luxury Vinyl Tile): £300-£600 – Waterproof, warm underfoot, affordable. Wide design range. Easiest DIY installation.
- Porcelain/Ceramic Tiles: £400-£900 – Most popular choice. Durable, waterproof, timeless. Can be cold without underfloor heating.
- Natural Stone: £600-£1,500 – Premium aesthetic. Requires sealing. Travertine, marble, or limestone. Cold underfoot without heating.
- Heated Flooring Upgrade: +£600-£1,200 – Electric mat system. Warm tiles, faster drying, comfort. Running costs low (£50-£100/year).
5- Other Essential Costs
- Lighting: £200-£800 – Downlights, mirror lights, IP44-rated bathroom fixtures, dimmer switches, extraction fan with light
- Ventilation: £150-£400 – Extraction fan (standard or humidity-sensing), required by Building Regulations for bathrooms without windows
- Bathroom Furniture: £300-£1,500 – Vanity units, storage cabinets, mirrored cabinets, shelving, heated towel rail
- Mirrors: £80-£400 – Standard mirror, LED-backlit mirror, heated demister mirror
- Accessories: £100-£300 – Towel rails, toilet roll holder, shelves, soap dispenser, toilet brush
- Waste Removal: £150-£400 – Skip hire or waste collection for old bathroom removal
- Decoration: £200-£600 – Paint, waterproof paneling, skirting boards
Bathroom Renovation Costs by Type
Cloakroom/Downstairs WC (£3,000-£12,000)
What’s included: Toilet, basin, small amount of tiling, flooring, lighting
Typical size: 2-3m²
Budget (£3,000-£5,000): Basic white suite, standard tiles, vinyl flooring, simple lighting. Perfect for utility or guest WC. Timeline: 1 week.
Mid-range (£5,000-£8,000): Quality suite, wall-hung toilet, attractive tiles (half-height), porcelain floor tiles, vanity unit, good lighting. Timeline: 1-2 weeks.
Premium (£8,000-£12,000): Designer suite, full tiling, natural stone flooring, custom vanity, feature lighting, premium taps. Timeline: 2 weeks.
Key considerations: Small space but high impact. Quality matters as guests see it. Wall-hung toilet makes tiny space feel bigger. Good ventilation essential (no window usually).
En-suite Bathroom (£4,000-£15,000)
What’s included: Toilet, basin, shower (rarely bath), full tiling, flooring, storage
Typical size: 3-5m²
Budget (£4,000-£6,000): Basic suite, shower cubicle with standard tray, standard tiles, vinyl flooring. Functional but simple. Timeline: 1-2 weeks.
Mid-range (£6,000-£10,000): Quality suite, walk-in shower or quality enclosure, porcelain tiles (half or full height), vanity unit with storage, heated towel rail, good lighting. Most popular choice. Timeline: 2 weeks.
Premium (£10,000-£15,000): Designer suite, frameless glass shower with digital controls, full-height tiling with feature wall, underfloor heating, LED mirrors, premium fixtures. Timeline: 2-3 weeks.
Key considerations: En-suites are about efficiency and convenience. Walk-in showers more popular than baths. Storage crucial in bedroom bathrooms. Good ventilation prevents bedroom dampness.
Full Family Bathroom (£5,000-£20,000+)
What’s included: Toilet, basin, bath, separate shower (or bath/shower combo), full tiling, flooring, storage, lighting
Typical size: 6-8m²
Budget (£5,000-£8,000): Standard white suite, P-shaped shower bath (dual purpose), basic tiles, vinyl flooring, standard taps and fittings. Practical family solution. Timeline: 2 weeks.
Mid-range (£8,000-£12,000): Quality suite, separate bath and shower cubicle, porcelain tiles throughout, heated flooring, vanity unit, good storage, quality fixtures. Timeline: 2-3 weeks.
Premium (£12,000-£20,000+): Designer suite, freestanding bath, large walk-in shower with body jets, full-height premium tiles, underfloor heating, custom cabinetry, LED mirrors, smart features. Timeline: 3-4 weeks.
Key considerations: Family bathrooms need durability and function. Separate bath and shower ideal but requires space. Storage essential for family toiletries. Non-slip flooring important with children.
Bathroom Renovation Costs by Region
Location significantly impacts bathroom renovation costs. Labor rates vary by up to 30% across the UK, with London commanding premium prices.
| Region | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | £7K-£10K | £10K-£15K | £15K-£25K+ |
| South East | £6K-£8K | £8K-£12K | £12K-£18K |
| Midlands | £5K-£7K | £7K-£10K | £10K-£15K |
| North | £4K-£6K | £6K-£9K | £9K-£13K |
| Scotland | £5K-£7K | £7K-£10K | £10K-£14K |
Why the variation?
- Labor rates: London plumbers and tilers charge 25-30% more than North England
- Living costs: Higher property values and cost of living justify higher trade rates in South
- Competition: Rural areas have fewer tradespeople, reducing competition and increasing prices
- Material delivery: Remote locations may incur £50-£150 delivery surcharges
Hidden Bathroom Renovation Costs
Most homeowners underestimate bathroom renovation budgets by forgetting these common expenses. Add £1,500-£4,000 to your base quote:
1. Structural Issues: £500-£3,000
Rotten floorboards under old vinyl, damp joists, damaged walls behind tiles. Very common in older bathrooms. Budget 10-15% contingency for surprises.
2. Asbestos Removal: £500-£1,500
Pre-1999 bathrooms may have asbestos in old tiles, vinyl, or Artex ceiling. Professional removal required. Survey costs £50-£150.
3. Water Pressure Solutions: £400-£1,200
Poor water pressure discovered during installation. Electric shower pump or pressurized system needed. Common in older properties with combi boilers.
4. Waste Pipe Modifications: £300-£1,000
Old lead pipes need replacing. Waste pipe routes need changing. Soil stack modifications for moved toilets. Building Regulations compliance.
5. Electrical Upgrades: £300-£800
New circuits for shower, additional sockets, extractor fan. Consumer unit upgrades if old. All bathroom electrics must be IP44-rated and RCD-protected.
6. Ventilation Compliance: £150-£500
Building Regulations require adequate ventilation. Extractor fan with humidity sensor. External ducting if wall extraction not possible (£200-£400 extra).
7. Tanking/Waterproofing: £400-£1,200
Wet rooms need full tanking. Shower areas need waterproof membrane. Essential to prevent leaks to rooms below. Often skipped by budget installers.
8. Temporary Bathroom: £200-£500
Portable shower unit, gym membership, or staying with relatives during 2-3 week installation. Factor in convenience costs.
How to Save Money on Bathroom Renovations
Keep the Layout – Saves £1,500-£3,000
Avoid moving toilets, sinks, and showers. Existing plumbing and waste routes save massive labor costs. Only move if layout is genuinely impractical.
Mix Quality Levels – Saves £1,000-£2,500
Premium tiles on feature wall + budget tiles elsewhere. Designer taps + standard toilet. Quality shower + basic bath. Strategic spending on visible items.
DIY the Demolition – Saves £300-£600
Strip out old bathroom yourself. Remove tiles, old suite, and flooring. Saves 2-3 days of labor. Hire skip for £150-£250.
Shop Sales & Ex-Display – Saves £500-£1,500
End-of-line bathroom suites at 30-50% off. Ex-display items from showrooms. Last season’s tile ranges. Victorian Plumbing and Bathroom Mountain have regular sales.
Choose Simpler Tiling – Saves £400-£1,000
Large-format tiles (600x300mm) install faster than mosaics or small tiles. Straight-lay pattern cheaper than herringbone or diagonal. Half-height tiling vs full-height.
Avoid Peak Season – Saves 10-15%
Book for November-February when tradespeople are quieter. Summer (May-August) is peak renovation season with premium rates.
What NOT to Skimp On:
- Qualified plumber and electrician (safety and building regs)
- Proper tanking/waterproofing (prevents expensive leaks)
- Quality shower valve (cheap ones fail within 2 years)
- Adequate ventilation (prevents mold and damp)
Final Thoughts
Bathroom renovation costs in the UK typically range from £5,000 to £12,000 for most homeowners, with bathroom type, suite quality, and location being the primary cost drivers. A standard 6m² family bathroom with mid-range fixtures and full tiling costs £8,000-£12,000 including labor.
The key to staying on budget is realistic planning: get three detailed written quotes, add 15-20% contingency for structural surprises (very common in bathrooms), and resist mid-project upgrades. Keep the existing layout wherever possible moving a toilet alone can add £500-£1,500 to costs.
Remember that bathrooms have strict Building Regulations for ventilation, electrical work, and waterproofing. Always use qualified tradespeople with proper certifications. Cutting corners on waterproofing to save £400 now could cost £4,000 in leak damage later.
Ready to plan your bathroom renovation? Use Havnwright’s free Bathroom Renovation Calculator to get a personalized cost estimate based on your bathroom size, desired fixtures, and location. Get an accurate budget range in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bathroom renovation cost UK?
UK bathroom renovations typically cost £5,000–£12,000 for a standard family bathroom. Small cloakrooms start at around £3,000–£5,000, while en-suites usually cost £4,000–£10,000. Premium luxury bathrooms with high-end fixtures can exceed £15,000–£20,000. Costs depend on bathroom size, suite quality, tiling coverage, and whether you change the layout.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
Most bathroom renovations take 2–3 weeks. Week 1 typically covers strip out and first fix plumbing and electrics. Week 2 is usually tiling and plastering. Week 3 is for installing the suite and finishing. Small cloakrooms may take around 1 week, while large bathrooms with complex work can take 3–4 weeks. Delays are common if structural issues are discovered.
Can I renovate a bathroom for £3,000?
Yes, but only for a small cloakroom with a basic refresh. A £3,000 budget typically covers a budget white suite, standard tiles in wet areas only, vinyl flooring, and basic lighting. A full family bathroom usually requires at least £5,000–£8,000 for a complete renovation with decent quality fixtures.
What is the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation?
Labor costs are usually the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation at around 30–40% of the total budget, roughly £2,000–£4,000 for a standard bathroom. The bathroom suite is the second largest cost at around 30–40%, typically £1,000–£3,000 for mid-range, followed by tiling at about 15–25%, roughly £800–£2,000. Plumbing modifications add significantly if you change the layout.
Should I install a bath or shower?
Install a bath if it is your only bathroom or you have young children. Showers are more practical for en-suites and usually cost less to install, around £800–£1,500 compared with roughly £1,200–£2,500 for baths. The ideal solution is a separate bath and shower if space allows, typically in bathrooms of 6 m² or more. P-shaped shower baths, usually £600–£1,200, can offer both in smaller spaces.
Do I need Building Regulations approval for bathroom renovation?
You typically need Building Regulations approval for new electrical work such as new circuits or additional sockets, significant plumbing work such as new waste pipes and drainage, structural changes including removing walls or altering floors, and installing new bathrooms where none existed before. Your contractor should usually arrange this. Approval and inspections often cost around £300–£500, and wet rooms always require approval.
Is a wet room more expensive than a traditional bathroom?
Yes, wet rooms are usually £1,000–£2,500 more expensive than traditional bathrooms because they require specialized tanking for full waterproofing, floor formers for drainage, and non-slip tiling throughout. You should budget around £7,000–£15,000 for a quality wet room compared with £5,000–£12,000 for a traditional bathroom. However, wet rooms are more accessible, easier to clean, and can add property value.
How much does it cost to move a toilet?
Moving a toilet typically costs £500–£1,500 depending on how far it is moved and whether soil pipe modifications are needed. Moving within 1–2 meters usually costs around £500–£800, while moving it across the room or onto a different wall can require new soil stack connections costing roughly £1,000–£1,500. Keeping the toilet in the same position saves significant money.
Should I tile bathroom floor to ceiling?
Full-height tiling from floor to ceiling typically costs £1,500–£3,000 compared with around £800–£1,500 for half-height tiling to about 1.2 meters. Full-height tiling is more waterproof, easier to clean, and looks more luxurious but can roughly double tiling costs. A good compromise is full-height tiling in the shower area and around the bath with half-height tiling elsewhere. Wet rooms generally need full-height tiling throughout.
What's the ROI on bathroom renovation?
Bathroom renovations typically return around 60–80% of their cost when selling. For example, a £10,000 bathroom renovation might add roughly £6,000–£8,000 to property value. En-suites can add more value than simply updating an existing bathroom. ROI varies by property type and local market, and the primary value is often improved daily comfort and faster property sales with modern bathrooms.
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