A bathroom renovation is one of the most impactful home improvements you can make. A well-executed bathroom adds real value to your property, transforms your daily routine and — if you're planning to sell — is one of the first things buyers look at. But bathroom renovations are also notoriously easy to get wrong. Cramped spaces, hidden pipework and the number of trades involved make them one of the most complex renovation projects in the home.
This guide covers everything you need to know to plan your bathroom renovation properly — from setting a realistic budget to finding the right tradespeople and managing the project from start to finish.
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in the UK?
Bathroom renovation costs vary significantly depending on the size of the room, the quality of sanitaryware and tiles you choose, and the complexity of the plumbing and electrical work involved. Here are typical UK cost ranges:
| Project | Budget | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full bathroom renovation | £3,500–£6,000 | £7,000–£12,000 | £15,000–£30,000 |
| Ensuite renovation | £2,500–£4,500 | £5,000–£9,000 | £10,000–£20,000 |
| Wet room conversion | £4,000–£7,000 | £8,000–£14,000 | £15,000–£30,000 |
| Bathroom refresh (cosmetic only) | £1,500–£3,000 | £3,500–£6,000 | £7,000–£15,000 |
These figures include labour and materials but exclude VAT. Always add a 15-20% contingency for unexpected costs — hidden pipework and structural surprises are common in bathroom renovations.
Step 1: Define your scope
Before spending anything, decide what kind of renovation you're doing:
- Full strip and refit: Everything comes out — suite, tiles, floor, sometimes walls. Maximum disruption but maximum transformation.
- Partial renovation: New suite but keeping existing tiles, or retiling but keeping the suite. Good middle ground on cost.
- Cosmetic refresh: New taps, accessories, paint and lighting. Minimal disruption, surprisingly big impact.
Changing the layout — moving the toilet, basin or shower position — significantly increases cost and complexity. If you can work with the existing positions, you'll save money and time.
Spend a week noting every frustration with your current bathroom before writing your brief. Not enough storage? Poor shower pressure? No natural light? Your brief should fix these problems, not just make things look nicer.
Step 2: Do you need building regulations approval?
Most bathroom renovations don't require planning permission, but building regulations approval is often needed for:
- Any new electrical circuits or consumer unit work (Part P)
- New or relocated soil pipes
- Installing a bathroom in a room not previously used as one
- Structural changes such as removing walls
Your plumber and electrician should handle their respective sign-offs. Always ask upfront who is responsible for obtaining the relevant certificates — a Part P certificate from a registered electrician and a Gas Safe certificate for any boiler or heating work are essential documents you'll need when you sell.
Step 3: Choose your sanitaryware and tiles
This is where the budget can spiral quickly. Here's how to make smart choices:
Sanitaryware
Back-to-wall toilets and wall-hung basins look premium and make cleaning easier — but they require a frame (or "frame and cistern") built into the wall which adds cost. Close-coupled suites are the traditional option and simpler to install. The quality difference between mid-range and premium sanitaryware is less than most people expect — focus your budget on taps and showerhead, which you touch every day.
Tiles
Large format tiles (600x600mm or bigger) are trending and make small bathrooms feel bigger. Porcelain is more durable than ceramic for floors. Rectified tiles (with consistent, precise edges) allow for thinner grout lines which look more contemporary. Budget for 10-15% extra tiles for wastage and cuts.
Shower enclosures
Walk-in showers without a door or tray are the most desirable but require proper waterproofing. Frameless glass looks the most premium. Wet rooms need specialist tanking throughout. For a budget renovation, a quality shower tray with a simple enclosure is perfectly effective.
Step 4: Find your tradespeople
A bathroom renovation typically requires at least three trades:
- Plumber: For suite installation, pipework and shower installation. Check they're registered with the relevant bodies — Gas Safe if any gas work is involved.
- Electrician: For lighting, extractor fan, underfloor heating and shaver sockets. Must be Part P registered for notifiable work.
- Tiler: Some plumbers tile as well — always ask to see examples of their tiling work before agreeing.
Alternatively, hire a bathroom fitter who can manage all trades — this simplifies coordination but usually costs more overall. Get at least three quotes and ask for references from recent bathroom projects specifically.
Check Checkatrade, Rated People or TrustATrader for reviews. Always verify that your electrician is NICEIC or NAPIT registered before they do any notifiable electrical work.
Step 5: Plan the timeline
A typical full bathroom renovation takes 5-10 working days. Here's a realistic breakdown:
- Day 1-2: Strip out existing bathroom, first fix plumbing and electrics
- Day 2-3: Boarding, waterproofing and plastering if required
- Day 3-6: Tiling — floor and walls
- Day 6-8: Suite installation, second fix plumbing and electrics
- Day 8-10: Grouting, sealing, accessories, final decoration
Order sanitaryware and tiles before work starts — some tiles have long lead times and you don't want the project paused waiting for a delivery.
Step 6: Manage the project
Keep a snagging list from day one. Photograph everything before walls are tiled — you'll need to know where pipes and cables run if anything goes wrong later. Track every expense against your budget as you go.
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Download Free on the App StoreCommon bathroom renovation mistakes
- Skimping on waterproofing: The most common cause of bathroom failures. Proper tanking behind tiles and around the shower area is not optional.
- Choosing tiles before fixing layout: Always finalise your layout before ordering tiles so you know exactly what you need.
- Forgetting ventilation: An adequate extractor fan is essential — without it, condensation causes mould within months.
- Underestimating tiling time: Tiling always takes longer than expected. Build buffer time into your timeline.
- Not planning storage: Beautiful bathrooms always have enough storage. Plan this from the start — not as an afterthought.
A well-planned bathroom renovation adds genuine value to your home and transforms your daily routine. Take the time to define your scope clearly, choose materials carefully and vet your tradespeople properly — and the result will be a bathroom you'll love for years.