A new bathroom is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your home. Whether you’re giving a tired family space a fresh look, planning a full bathroom renovation, or starting from scratch in a new build, understanding what’s involved—and how it affects your budget—is essential.
From bathroom installation costs and plumbing considerations to choosing the right bathroom fixtures and finishes, every decision will influence the overall cost of your project. Factors like layout changes, materials, and labour all play a role in shaping both the price and the final result.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from the average bathroom remodel cost to smart ways to save, so you can plan a beautiful, functional space that fits your style, needs, and budget.
Let’s start with the most common question: How much does a new bathroom actually cost?
The average new bathroom cost in the UK falls between £4,500 and £8,000, depending on the size of your bathroom, the quality of the fittings, and the complexity of the job. If you're simply replacing like-for-like components in your existing bathroom, costs will be lower. But prices can climb quickly if you're planning a full bathroom renovation, moving plumbing, or upgrading to luxury features.
Here’s a general breakdown:
These figures include both bathroom installation costs and materials, but not necessarily bathroom removal or specialist upgrades like underfloor heating.
If you’re working with a professional bathroom fitter, they’ll usually include a quote that bundles together plumbing, tiling, electrical work, and installation—though it’s always worth checking what’s included and what isn’t.
One of the most effective ways to manage your new bathroom cost is to understand where your money is actually going. The majority of your budget will be spent in three key areas: the layout, the labour, and the fixtures and fittings.
Sticking with your existing bathroom layout—keeping the toilet, basin, bath, and shower enclosure in the same position—can dramatically reduce your bathroom installation costs. Avoiding the need to move plumbing and electrics cuts down on both materials and labour.
By contrast, moving a shower enclosure, vanity unit, or toilet to a new location requires rerouting pipework and wiring. This adds complexity, time, and expense to the project.
If you're planning to open up the floor space, remove walls, or reconfigure the room, be prepared for extra labour costs and possibly even structural work. This is especially important in older homes, where unexpected obstacles—like hidden pipework or outdated electrics—can slow down the process and increase costs.
If budget is a concern, keeping your layout as close as possible to the original design is one of the easiest ways to save money. Every metre of pipe moved adds labour and materials, so keeping toilets, basins, and showers in place can reduce both plumbing and electrical expenses.
Labour costs can account for 40 to 60 percent of your total bathroom refurbishment cost. Hiring skilled tradespeople—such as bathroom fitters, plumbers, electricians, and tilers—ensures your project meets building regulations, runs smoothly, and avoids costly mistakes.
A team of professional bathroom installers will usually charge between £1,500 and £5,000, depending on the complexity of the work and your location in the UK. Labour rates may be higher in urban areas or for more complex projects requiring specialist skills.
Essential tasks like electrical work, plumbing, tiling, waterproofing, and sealing must be done by qualified professionals. Cutting corners on labour can result in leaks, poor drainage, or compliance issues that may cost even more to fix later.
Always ask your installer for a cost breakdown so you understand what’s included in their quote. And don’t be afraid to get multiple quotes from reputable bathroom fitters to compare both price and scope of work.
Your choice of bathroom fixtures will have a major impact on your overall cost. A basic bathroom suite—including a standard toilet, basin, and bath or shower—might cost £500 to £1,000. However, if you opt for designer brands, high-end materials, or custom features, you could easily spend £3,000 or more just on the suite alone.
The same price range applies to shower enclosures, vanity units, and taps. For example, a basic glass shower screen and tray might be budget-friendly, while a custom frameless walk-in shower enclosure will cost more.
Even your choice of flooring makes a difference. Vinyl flooring is an affordable, water-resistant option, while natural stone or porcelain floor tiles create a luxury look, but require more time and skill to install.
When planning your bathroom renovation, balance your wish list with practicality. Spending more on key fixtures like a shower enclosure or vanity unit can elevate the space, while choosing budget-friendly materials elsewhere can help control costs without sacrificing quality or style.
A full bathroom renovation is more than simply swapping out your old bathroom suite for something shiny and new. Behind every new bathroom is a combination of materials, skilled labour, fittings, and finishing touches—all of which contribute to the overall cost.
Understanding what’s included in your bathroom installation helps you plan your budget, compare quotes from bathroom fitters, and avoid unexpected expenses along the way.
Here’s what’s generally included in a new bathroom installation, along with an estimated price range for each element:
Total average new bathroom cost: £4,500–£10,000
These figures represent an approximate range and can vary depending on the size of your space, the quality of your bathroom fixtures, and the complexity of the project.
Depending on the condition of your existing bathroom, you may also need to account for additional costs that aren’t always obvious at first glance. These can include:
Removing an old bathroom suite involves not only the physical labour of taking out the fixtures but also safely disposing of them. Some installers include waste disposal in their quote, while others charge separately, so it’s worth checking before work begins.
If your bathroom walls or floors are hiding problems like water damage or rot, repairing them before tiling or fitting new fixtures will add to your budget. This is especially common in older properties, where plumbing leaks or poor ventilation have caused slow, unseen deterioration over time.
Every contractor works differently. Some quotes will cover everything from start to finish—including bathroom removal, tiling, plumbing, electrics, and final clean-up. Others may only include the core labour and leave you responsible for sourcing materials or hiring separate trades for specific tasks.
To avoid surprises, always ask your bathroom installers:
Getting answers to these questions early will help you compare quotes fairly, budget more accurately, and ensure nothing vital is left out.
Even with a detailed quote, it’s wise to build a contingency of 10–20% into your budget to cover hidden costs. These might include:
These “just in case” costs are often unavoidable during a bathroom renovation, especially if you’re working in an older home or making significant changes to the layout.
A professional, transparent installer should be happy to provide a full cost breakdown that explains where every pound is going—from the price of your bathroom suite and shower enclosure to labour, materials, and clean-up.
A detailed breakdown not only gives you confidence in your investment but also helps you spot areas where you could potentially save money, whether by choosing more budget-friendly fixtures, reducing the scope of tiling, or sticking to your original layout.
By understanding exactly what’s included in the cost of a bathroom renovation, you’ll be better equipped to plan, budget, and avoid any unpleasant surprises, ensuring your new bathroom installation runs smoothly from start to finish.
If you’re renovating a small bathroom, there are plenty of ways to save money while still achieving a high-end finish. In fact, smaller spaces can offer a great return on investment because every decision has a big impact.
Compact vanity units, wall-mounted toilets, and walk-in showers with glass screens help open up limited floor space. A separate shower instead of a bath can free up space for storage or movement.
Use large-format floor tiles to create the illusion of space and bounce light around the room. Consider vinyl flooring or ceramic tiles for an affordable, low-maintenance style.
Focus your budget on one or two attractive features—a statement basin, a brushed gold tap, or a built-in shower tray with a premium shower head. In a compact space, small upgrades go a long way.
Renovating an existing bathroom can come with surprises—some good, others less so. Here’s what to watch out for:
To avoid surprises, add a 10–20% contingency to your bathroom renovation cost. And before ripping anything out, get your bathroom surveyed by a reputable professional bathroom fitter.
Websites like Victorian Plumbing and local bathroom showrooms often run seasonal discounts on bathroom fittings and installation packages.
A new bathroom installation is a major project, but with the right planning and knowledge, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re embarking on a full bathroom refurbishment, making modest improvements, or aiming for a complete high-end overhaul, the key to success is understanding what to expect to pay, where your budget is going, and how to make smart, informed decisions along the way.
The cost of a new bathroom can vary widely depending on the scale of the project and the quality of the bathroom fixtures you choose.
Ultimately, the overall cost of your bathroom project will depend on your priorities, your space, and your willingness to balance budget with the features that matter most to you.
By taking the time to gather quotes, ask detailed questions, and plan ahead, you’ll be better equipped to manage costs, avoid unexpected expenses, and create a beautiful, functional bathroom that enhances both your home and your daily routine.
Are you ready to take the plunge and transform your bathroom into an oasis? Well, look no further! The Conversion Guy is committed to providing you with a bathroom renovation experience that is unparalleled.
With over 40 years of experience in bathroom remodelling, we are looking forward to helping you create the most amazing bathroom of your dreams! We love talking bathrooms, so be sure to get in touch today or book a free consultation and start your journey towards creating the perfect bathroom retreat!