Updated April 2026
How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost?
A bathroom renovation ranges from swapping out a tired suite and re-tiling to ripping everything out and starting from scratch with a new layout. The cost depends mostly on whether you're keeping things in the same place and how much you spend on fixtures and tiles. Moving the toilet or shower waste is where costs jump noticeably.
What you can expect to pay
| Description | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh (new suite, same layout) | £3,000 | £4,000 | £5,500 |
| Full refit (same layout, new everything) | £5,000 | £7,000 | £9,000 |
| Full refit (new layout) | £7,000 | £9,500 | £12,000 |
| En-suite shower room | £3,500 | £5,000 | £7,000 |
| Wet room conversion | £5,000 | £7,500 | £10,000 |
| Tiling only (floor + walls, standard bathroom) | £800 | £1,200 | £2,000 |
Prices include VAT at 20%. Material costs for fixtures and tiles are included in the supply-and-fit ranges.
What affects the price
Layout changes are the biggest cost driver. Keeping the toilet, basin, and bath or shower in their existing positions means the waste pipes and water feeds stay where they are. Moving the toilet even a short distance can add £500 to £1,000 because of soil pipe requirements.
Tiling is often the single biggest labour cost in a bathroom refit. Large-format tiles and intricate patterns take longer to cut and fit. Floor-to-ceiling tiling costs more than half-height tiling with painted walls above.
The fixtures you choose make a huge difference. A complete bathroom suite (bath, toilet, basin) starts around £300 for basic and goes to £2,000+ for designer brands. The visual difference between a £400 and £800 suite is often surprisingly small.
Underfloor heating adds comfort but also cost. Electric underfloor heating for a bathroom typically costs £300 to £600 installed. It's much easier to fit during a renovation than afterwards.
Wet rooms need tanking (waterproofing) the entire floor and sometimes walls, which adds a day or more of specialist work. The gradient on the floor must be exactly right for drainage.
How to keep costs down
- 1
Keep the toilet where it is. This single decision saves more money than almost anything else in a bathroom renovation. Soil pipe work is expensive and often involves lifting floors.
- 2
Buy your own fixtures and tiles rather than using whatever your fitter offers. You'll have more choice and can shop around for better prices. Just make sure your fitter approves the specifications before you order.
- 3
Choose standard sizes for the bath and shower tray. Non-standard sizes mean custom screens, doors, and panels, all of which cost more.
- 4
Consider a shower over the bath rather than a separate shower enclosure if space is tight. It's cheaper and frees up floor space.
- 5
Get the room fully stripped, any plumbing rough-in done, and walls made good before tiling starts. A tiler working on properly prepared walls works faster and gives a better finish.
Frequently asked questions
A cosmetic refresh takes about a week. A full refit with the same layout typically takes 10 to 14 working days. If you're changing the layout, allow 2 to 3 weeks. Delivery delays on fixtures and tiles are common, so order everything well before the start date.
Not for a standard bathroom refit. You only need planning permission if you're extending the house to create a new bathroom, or in rare cases if your property is listed. Building regulations may apply to the electrical work and drainage changes, but your plumber and electrician handle those certifications.
Technically yes, if the existing tiles are firmly bonded and the wall can take the extra weight. In practice, most fitters recommend removing old tiles because it gives a much better result and avoids problems down the line. The extra cost of removal is usually worth it.
Most people who fit it say yes. A bathroom is the one room where you regularly stand on a cold floor with bare feet. Electric underfloor heating is relatively affordable (£300 to £600 installed) and costs pennies a day to run. It's much easier to fit during a renovation than retrofitting later.
Both approaches work. A sole trader or small team who handles plumbing, tiling, and fitting can be cheaper and more flexible. A larger company may provide guarantees and project management. The key is checking references and seeing examples of previous bathroom work, regardless of the size of the operation.
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