The cost of a new bathroom in the UK ranges from £4,500 to £11,000. Materials cost £2,000–£6,000. Labour costs £1,800–£4,000. Pricing depends on room size, fixture type, layout, plumbing, tiling, and region. London costs 12–18% more than the UK average. This guide defines every cost factor, including installation duration, post-project cleaning, and the price difference between DIY and professional fitting.
How Much Does a New Bathroom Cost?
A new bathroom in the UK in 2025 costs between £4,500 and £11,000 depending on size, specification, and installation complexity. This includes supply, labour, plumbing, electrics, and finishing.The lowest observed cost for a basic renovation is £2,000, a medium-range bathroom typically costs £6,000–£8,000, while high-spec luxury bathrooms exceed £20,000.
According to the UK Bathroom Market Report 2024 by AMA Research, the average spend per full bathroom renovation is £6,500. Data from Checkatrade and Rated People confirm that labour accounts for 45–60% of total cost, with regional differences of 10–20% between Northern and Southern England.
Budget Bathroom: £2,000–£4,500
A budget bathroom renovation costs between £2,000 and £4,500 and includes low-cost materials, minimal plumbing alterations, and basic labour.
- Room type: Typically a cloakroom or compact en suite
- Fixtures: Close-coupled toilet, pedestal basin, acrylic straight bath (£400–£800)
- Tiling: Budget ceramic tiles (£10–£20/m²)
- Plumbing: Replacement-only (£600–£1,200)
- Electrics: Basic LED lighting and fan (£300–£500)
- Labour: 5–7 working days, £180–£250/day outside London
Standard Bathroom: £4,500–£9,000
A standard bathroom installation in 2025 ranges from £4,500 to £9,000. This covers an average UK family bathroom with mid-range finishes and moderate layout changes.
- Room type: Family bathroom or mid-sized en suite
- Fixtures: Wall-hung WC, vanity basin unit, P-shaped or shower bath (£1,200–£2,500)
- Tiling: Porcelain or patterned ceramic tiles (£25–£40/m²)
- Plumbing: Partial reconfiguration or pressure upgrade (£1,000–£2,000)
- Electrics: Shower lighting, shaver sockets, mirror demister (£500–£1,200)
- Labour: 7–10 working days, £250–£350/day in London
Premium Bathroom: £10,000–£20,000+
A premium bathroom renovation costs £10,000 to £20,000 or more. This tier includes custom design, luxury materials, and complex plumbing or structural work.
- Room type: Large en suite, master bathroom, or spa-style wet room
- Fixtures: Freestanding stone bath, rimless wall-hung WC, sensor basin taps (£3,000–£6,000)
- Tiling: Natural stone, microcement, or wood-effect porcelain (£50–£70/m²)
- Plumbing: Full repositioning, dual-feed shower systems, or boiler integration (£2,000–£4,000)
- Electrics: Underfloor heating, RGB ambient lighting, smart controls (£1,000–£2,000)
- Labour: 10–14 working days+, multi-specialist team, premium rates
Primary Cost Factors Include:
- Room size: A cloakroom costs £1,500–£3,000. A family bathroom ranges from £5,000–£10,000. A large en suite can reach £12,000+.
- Fixture type: Basic ceramic WC, basin, and straight acrylic bath sets cost £400–£800. Wall-hung toilets, stone resin basins, and freestanding baths can total £2,000–£4,000.
- Plumbing and pipework: Standard replacements cost £600–£1,200. Full layout changes or boiler upgrades cost £2,000+.
- Electrical work: Basic lighting and fan installation costs £300–£500. Electric showers, underfloor heating, or mirror demisters increase the cost to £800–£1,500.
- Tiling and flooring: Entry-level ceramic tiles start at £10/m². Natural stone, wood-effect porcelain or luxury vinyl tiles range from £25–£70/m².
- Installation labour: Installer day rates range from £180–£250 outside London and £250–£350 within Greater London.
Additional price influences:
- Structural changes: Moving walls, doors, or ceilings adds £1,500–£3,000.
- Water damage repair: Rotten joists, damp-proofing, or subfloor replacement adds £800–£2,000.
- Compliance upgrades: Electrical Part P and Water Regulations 1999 compliance can introduce extra costs.
Most UK homeowners should expect to pay around £6,000–£8,000 for a fully fitted mid-range bathroom in 2025. Price variation depends on brand choice, material quality, and site conditions.
What Is the Total Cost of Materials for a New Bathroom?
The total cost of materials for a new bathroom in the UK typically ranges from £2,000 to £6,000, depending on the quality of the fixtures, type of bathroom or finishes, and the number of items required. This figure includes the bath or shower, toilet, basin, taps, tiles, flooring, lighting, and accessories.
Breakdown of Typical Material Costs
- Toilet: £100–£500
Close-coupled models are the most budget-friendly. Wall-hung toilets or rimless toilets with concealed frames can exceed £400. - Basin and Vanity Unit: £150–£600
Includes countertop, semi-recessed, or wall-mounted styles with storage. Designer units and solid surface tops are more expensive. - Bath or Shower: £200–£1,500
Acrylic straight baths cost £200–£400. Freestanding or stone resin baths range from £800–£1,500. Shower enclosures and trays range from £300–£900. - Taps and Brassware: £100–£400
Basin mixer taps, bath fillers, thermostatic showers, and diverters. Wall-mounted or brushed finishes cost more. - Tiles and Wall Finishes: £200–£1,200
Basic ceramic tiles start at £10/m². Natural stone or large-format porcelain tiles can exceed £60/m². - Flooring: £150–£500
Options include vinyl, ceramic tiles, or waterproof laminate. Wet room systems and underfloor heating raise this cost. - Lighting and Electricals: £100–£300
Includes LED ceiling lights, mirror lights, extractor fan, and shaver socket. - Heating: £100–£300
Chrome towel rails or panel radiators. Dual-fuel or electric-only units are more costly. - Accessories and Finishing: £100–£400
Includes mirrors, shelving, toilet roll holders, robe hooks, and bath panels.
For a standard mid-range bathroom, most homeowners spend £3,000–£4,000 on materials alone, excluding labour. Opting for branded fixtures or custom fittings can increase the material cost by 20–40%. Choosing complete furniture packs or bundle deals can reduce the unit cost of individual items.
Material selection plays a major role in determining the overall budget, and even small upgrades — such as switching from chrome to brushed brass — can significantly raise the final total.
What Is the Labour Cost for Full Bathroom Installation?
The labour cost for a full bathroom installation in the UK ranges from £1,800 to £4,000, depending on bathroom size, location, fixture complexity, and whether individual trades or all-in-one installers are used.
Breakdown of Typical Labour Costs
- General Fitting: £1,000–£1,800
Includes removal of old fittings, fitting of new suite, trims, sealing, and surface preparation. - Plumbing: £500–£1,200
Covers WC, basin, bath, or shower connections. Moving pipework or installing new water feeds increases cost. - Tiling: £600–£1,500
Cost varies by surface area, tile format, and layout pattern. Mosaic and herringbone layouts require more labour. - Electrical Work: £250–£500
Includes lighting, extractor fan, shaver socket, electric shower, or underfloor heating. Part P compliance required. - Joinery and Panel Fitting: £200–£400
Covers boxing, bath panels, vanity unit installation, or storage assembly.
Labour is often quoted as a package by bathroom fitters and typically represents 45–60% of the total project cost. Regional rates differ, with Greater London charging 15–25% more than the UK average due to higher day rates (£300–£350).
Full installation by a multi-trade team usually takes 6–10 working days, including rip-out, first fix, tiling, fixture fitting, and finishing.
Using one experienced installer for all trades reduces coordination issues but may result in longer project duration. Alternatively, hiring separate trades increases speed but raises coordination costs.
How Much Do Bathroom Fitters Charge Per Day in the UK?
Bathroom fitters in the UK charge between £180 and £350 per day depending on region, qualifications, and job complexity. The national average daily rate is £245. Fitters operating in London charge the highest rates, while those in Northern regions charge the lowest.
Regional Daily Rates for Bathroom Fitters
North West, North East, Yorkshire: £180–£220 per day
Midlands, Wales, South West: £200–£275 per day
South East (excl. London): £250–£300 per day
Greater London: £300–£350 per day
This data is based on Checkatrade’s 2024 Trade Price Index and UK-based fitter quote samples.
Key Factors Influencing Day Rates
- Job scope: Full renovations increase fitting time and complexity. Tiling, plumbing, and electrical tasks add trade-specific labour costs.
- Skill level: Multi-skilled fitters (who handle plumbing, tiling, joinery) charge 15–25% more than single-trade installers.
- Project duration: Larger jobs lasting 7+ days may qualify for reduced day rates. One-day jobs often attract premium charges.
- Location access: Flats above ground floor or properties without off-road parking can increase logistical time, raising the rate.
- Certification: Gas Safe and Part P qualified installers charge higher due to compliance responsibilities.
How Much Does it Cost to Install Bathroom Fixtures?
Installing bathroom fixtures in the UK costs between £500 and £2,500, depending on the number of fittings, the complexity of the installation, and whether existing plumbing needs to be altered. Most full bathroom installations include a toilet, basin, bath or shower, taps, and accessories — each with individual fitting costs.
Average Installation Costs for Common Fixtures
- Toilet Installation: £150–£300
Standard close-coupled toilets cost less to install. Wall-hung or back-to-wall toilets with concealed frames require extra plumbing work. - Basin Installation: £120–£250
Pedestal and semi-pedestal basins are simpler to fit. Countertop or wall-mounted sinks may need additional bracket supports or vanity units. - Bath Installation: £200–£400
Straight acrylic baths are the most economical. Freestanding or corner baths take longer to install and require stronger floors. - Shower Installation: £250–£500
Electric and mixer showers are more straightforward. Thermostatic showers, rainfall heads, and digital controls increase the labour time and cost. - Tap Fitting: £50–£150 per pair
Deck-mounted taps are quicker to install. Wall-mounted or floor-standing taps are more labour-intensive and often require chasing into walls or floors. - Heated Towel Rail / Radiator: £120–£250
Cost depends on whether you’re replacing an existing radiator or installing new pipework from scratch.
Fitting costs are often bundled within full bathroom installation quotes, but when itemised separately, they account for a significant portion of the budget. Replacing fixtures like-for-like is cheaper, while layout changes — such as moving the toilet or switching from bath to shower — involve pipe rerouting and can double the labour cost.
Installation costs also increase in flats, listed buildings, or homes with old plumbing systems, where additional time is needed to meet compliance, remove outdated materials, or work around restricted access.
How Long Does It Take to Fit a New Bathroom?
Fitting a new bathroom typically takes between 6 and 10 working days, depending on the size of the room, the scope of work, and whether structural or plumbing alterations are required. Standard replacements with no major layout changes are completed faster than full renovations.
Average Bathroom Fitting Timelines
- Small Cloakroom or En Suite: 3–5 days
Involves minimal pipework, fewer fixtures, and limited tiling. Ideal for downstairs WCs or compact shower rooms. - Standard Family Bathroom: 6–10 days
Includes removal of old suite, plumbing and electrical work, tiling, fitting of new fixtures, and finishing. - Large Bathrooms or Layout Changes: 10–15+ days
Required for projects involving wall demolition, new plumbing runs, bespoke furniture, or high-end design features.
The process usually follows a sequence: strip-out and waste removal (1–2 days), first fix plumbing and electrics (1–2 days), wall and floor preparation (1–2 days), tiling (2–4 days), fixture installation (1–2 days), then snagging and finishing touches.
Delays can occur due to late deliveries, unforeseen repairs, or outdated plumbing. It’s common for fitters to build in a contingency of 1–2 extra days to allow for adjustments. Wet rooms, freestanding baths, and custom-built cabinetry also increase installation time.
For most UK households, a standard bathroom renovation without major alterations takes around 7 working days from start to finish.
What’s the Difference in Cost Between DIY and Professional Bathroom Fitting?
A professionally fitted new bathroom in the UK costs £4,500–£11,000, while a DIY-fitted bathroom costs £2,000–£4,000. The primary difference is labour cost, which accounts for 45–60% of the total professional installation price.
Key Cost Differences Between DIY and Professional Bathroom Fitting
- Labour Exclusion: DIY projects eliminate plumbing, tiling, electrical, and fitting labour costs, reducing the total spend by £1,800–£3,500.
- Material Similarity: Both approaches use the same suite components — toilets, basins, baths, tiles, flooring, and accessories — with comparable material cost ranges.
- Tool Investment: DIY fitting requires purchasing or hiring tools, adding £200–£500 in upfront cost.
- Installation Timeframe: DIY installations take 2–4 weeks for completion. Professionals fit standard bathrooms in 6–10 working days with coordinated trades.
- Compliance Risk: UK regulations require certified installers for electric and gas work. DIY projects risk non-compliance with Part P (Electrical Safety) and Water Fittings Regulations, potentially invalidating warranties or home insurance.
- Defect Resolution: DIY errors — including uneven tiling, leaking pipework, or incorrect gradient levels — may result in higher corrective costs compared to a qualified installer.
- Finish Quality and Warranty: Professional installations include workmanship warranties (typically 12–24 months). DIY installations provide no labour guarantee or aftercare unless certified trades are involved.
The cost advantage of DIY is only achievable if all installation tasks, excluding legal electrical and plumbing works, are completed accurately and to regulation standards. Partial DIY with subcontracted trades offers a hybrid model, preserving budget control while ensuring compliance and quality.
How Do I Keep Bathroom Costs Low?
You can keep the cost of a new bathroom low by simplifying the layout, selecting standard fixtures, and avoiding premium materials. Each change in pipework, surface finish, or fixture type increases the supply and installation cost.
Practical Methods to Reduce New Bathroom Costs
- Keep the Layout Fixed: Installing new fixtures in the original positions avoids pipe rerouting, reducing plumbing labour by £500–£1,500.
- Use Standard-Sized Fixtures: Wall-mounted toilets and bespoke vanity units raise both material and fitting costs. A standard close-coupled toilet, pedestal basin, and 1700mm acrylic bath are more affordable.
- Choose Entry-Level Finishes: Ceramic tiles at £10–£15/m², acrylic baths at £200, and LVT flooring at £25/m² provide durable value.
- Select Packaged Bathroom Suites: Full suites priced at £500–£1,000 cost less than sourcing items separately.
- Limit Decorative Features: Designer taps, LED mirrors, niche shelves, and digital shower controls increase electrical and installation time.
- Minimise Wall Tiling: Half-height tiling in splash zones combined with wipeable paint reduces tile cost and fitting time by 30–50%.
- Use Dual-Function Furniture: Combination WC-basin units save floor space and reduce separate fixture installation fees.
Avoiding unnecessary design complexity is the most effective way to control cost in a new bathroom. Opting for mainstream dimensions and readily available fittings lowers both purchase price and labour time.
Additional Cost-Control Tips
- Get Itemised Quotes: Clarify what’s included in fitting, waste disposal, surface prep, and finishing to avoid hidden charges.
- Source Materials Independently: Purchasing from trade suppliers or online marketplaces may reduce unit costs by 10–25%, if allowed by your installer.
Controlling the specification, layout, and material choices during the planning stage can reduce the total cost of a new bathroom by £1,000–£3,000 without affecting performance or compliance.
How to Save Money on Your New Bathroom
You can save money on a new bathroom by reducing labour scope, selecting cost-effective materials, reusing existing plumbing positions, and planning efficiently.
Bathroom installations in 2025 cost more due to rising supply and fuel costs. However, smart decisions at the planning stage reduce spend without compromising function or style. The following cost-saving strategies are recommended by UK bathroom installers and renovation consultants:
- Keep existing layout: Reusing toilet, bath, basin, and shower locations reduces plumbing costs by up to 35%.
- Use back-to-wall or close-coupled toilets: These cost less to fit than wall-hung models that require concealed frames.
- Choose standard tile sizes: Large-format or metro tiles (300x600mm or 75x150mm) are quicker to lay and reduce labour charges.
- Install acrylic or laminate panels: Wall panels cut labour time in half compared to full-height tile installations.
- Opt for vinyl or SPC flooring: Cheaper than porcelain tiles and easier to fit. Suitable for rental or low-traffic bathrooms.
- Buy bundle packages: Many suppliers offer matching toilet and basin sets, saving up to 20% versus individual purchases.
- Avoid structural changes: Moving soil pipes, knock-throughs, and floor levelling increases total spend significantly.
- Limit bespoke items: Custom furniture and made-to-measure glass increase both lead times and labour costs.
- Select electric showers: These cost less to install and are independent of your hot water system.
- Fit dual-use items: For example, mirrored cabinets with built-in lighting or combination tap/shower mixers reduce hardware count.
The biggest savings come from optimising installation time and reducing trades overlap. Booking all trades in the right order — demolition, first fix, tiling, second fix — avoids project delays and rework. A well-sequenced installation can reduce labour costs by up to 25%.
What Is the Cost of Post-Project Bathroom Cleaning?
Post-project cleaning for a newly installed bathroom in the UK costs between £50 and £150, depending on room size, waste volume, and cleaning method. This service removes dust, grout residue, adhesive splashes, and builder debris left after fitting work is complete.
Breakdown of Post-Fitting Cleaning Costs
- Standard Bathroom (up to 6m²): £50–£90
Includes surface cleaning, limescale removal, tile polishing, and sanitary ware wipe-down. - Large Bathroom (over 8m²): £90–£150
Requires more intensive grout haze removal, corner detailing, and floor sealing. - Add-on Waste Disposal: £30–£60
Charged separately if packaging, old fixtures, or unused tiles remain on-site.
Professional after-build cleaners use pH-neutral tile-safe chemicals, microfibre cloths, and vacuum extraction to prevent surface damage. Cleaning is typically done within 24–48 hours of final installation to ensure grout has cured and silicone is set.
Some bathroom fitters include basic cleaning in their service, while others leave final cleaning to homeowners. Specialist post-construction cleaning companies quote based on floor area, finish type (e.g. matt vs gloss), and level of debris.
For most households, allocating £100 for post-installation bathroom cleaning ensures the room is safely usable, residue-free, and ready for sealant protection or furniture placement.
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Summing Up
The total cost of a new bathroom in the UK is defined by three core variables: materials, labour, and installation scope. Materials cost between £2,000 and £6,000, covering toilets, basins, baths, showers, tiles, flooring, brassware, and accessories. Labour costs between £1,800 and £4,000, depending on region, fixture complexity, and project duration. A full bathroom installation typically takes 6–10 working days, completed by a team of qualified trades.
Tiling, plumbing, and electrical work are the most cost-sensitive components. Regional rates, especially in Greater London, increase total spend by 12–18%. Additional costs may apply for structural changes, layout modifications, or post-project cleaning. DIY installations reduce labour costs by 40–60%, but introduce compliance risks and finish quality issues if not executed to regulation standards.
Keeping costs low depends on minimising layout changes, using standard-size fixtures, and selecting durable, entry-level materials. Comparison of at least three quotes, clear scope definitions, and early decisions on finish level prevent budget overruns. For most households, a total budget of £6,500–£8,000 supports a complete, mid-range installation that meets UK compliance and performance expectations.
