Cost calculator
Bathroom renovation cost calculator
Bathrooms are small, expensive and unforgiving. Most of the cost sits behind the tiles — waterproofing, pipework, ventilation and floor build-up — which is exactly the part that never appears on a one-line quotation.
Floor area of the room. Wall tiling area drives cost more than floor area.
Broad trade availability keeps day rates near the national average.
Estimated range, ex VAT
£8,050 – £19,500
- Labour (typical)
- £7,500
- Materials (typical)
- £6,150
Guidance only. A real quotation depends on site conditions, specification and access — which is exactly what an independent review of your own quote will tell you.
What affects the cost
Tiling area and format
Large-format and patterned tiles take longer to set out and cut. Full-height tiling can double the tiling cost versus half-height.
Wet room vs tray
A formed wet room floor with tanking is typically £1,200–£2,500 more than a shower tray installation.
Moving the soil pipe
Relocating the WC needs a new soil connection with fall — frequently means lifting floors in the room below.
Ventilation and electrics
Zoned lighting, a heated towel rail, underfloor heating and an extractor to current regulations all add fixed cost.
Sanitaryware level
A basic suite is a few hundred pounds; a wall-hung pan with concealed frame plus a thermostatic brassware set can be several thousand.
Regional pricing differences
Materials cost roughly the same everywhere in the UK; labour does not. Use the region selector above to apply a local index — London and the South East typically run 15–30% above the national average, while the North East, Northern Ireland and Yorkshire sit below it.
Labour vs materials
Roughly 55% of this type of work is labour and 45% materials. Bathrooms are labour-heavy: tiling and plumbing alone are usually more than half the bill. Sanitaryware is often the smallest line on the invoice.
Common hidden costs
- Repairing rotten or uneven floors discovered after strip-out — very common in 1930s and Victorian homes.
- Tanking and waterproofing where the quote assumes tile-on-plasterboard.
- Boiler or pressure limitations: a mixer shower that will not perform on a gravity system means a pump or unvented cylinder.
- Making good the ceiling below after pipework alterations.
How to save money
- Keep the WC where it is; every other fitting is comparatively cheap to move.
- Tile full height in the wet zone only and paint elsewhere with a quality moisture-resistant finish.
- Choose a mid-range tile in a standard format — labour is the expensive part, not the tile.
- Order all sanitaryware before the start date; waiting for a delivery mid-job costs you a return visit.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a small bathroom cost to renovate?
A straightforward 5–6m² refit with mid-range fittings typically costs £6,500–£12,000 ex VAT nationally.
How long does a bathroom take?
Usually 8–15 working days. Anything advertised as 'five days' rarely includes tanking, drying and second fix properly.
Is a wet room worth the extra?
For accessibility and small rooms, often yes. Insist the quote states the tanking system by name and its warranty.
Do bathroom fitters include tiling?
Not always. Confirm in writing whether tiling, tile supply, adhesive, grout and sealing are inside the price.
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