How Much to Redo a Bathroom? A Complete UK Cost Guide

How much to redo a bathroom and how much to renovate a bathroom are two of the most common questions most UK homeowners ask when planning a new bathroom. The bathroom cost can vary widely depending on bathroom size, specification, and whether you’re replacing an old bathroom suite or undertaking a full bathroom remodel with plumbing upgrades, electrical work, and new layouts.

This guide provides a clear, UK-focused overview of the average cost and average renovation costs, from a basic bathroom renovation to a premium bathroom makeover. We’ll explain bathroom installation costs, key associated costs, and where to save money without compromising performance, helping you plan a realistic bathroom renovation budget for your perfect bathroom.

Typical ranges are:

• Budget refresh: £3,000–£5,000

• Mid-range renovation: £5,000–£9,000

• High-end redo: £9,000–£15,000+

A budget project may involve replacing an old suite with a basic model bathroom suite, installing a new toilet, updating bathroom taps, and fitting a modern shower enclosure with a new shower tray. Mid-range projects often include bathroom flooring, bathroom lighting, and modern bathroom fixtures such as a bathroom vanity or improved storage space with bathroom cabinets.

High-end projects with underfloor heating, electric underfloor heating, premium ceramic tiles or porcelain tiles, and designer shower heads or a power shower will carry a higher price tag.

Typical price ranges:

• Toilet cost: £150–£600+

• Bath cost: £200–£1,500+

• Shower cost: £250–£1,200+

• Basin or double sink vanity: £150–£800+

Upgrading to coordinated shower mixer taps, bath taps, and modern fixtures improves the look without significantly increasing labour.

A cloakroom or small bathroom is usually the most affordable to renovate due to its size and limited number of fixtures. Projects often involve a toilet, small basin, and minimal tiling.

• Typical cost: £2,500–£4,500

• Best suited to cosmetic upgrades with the existing layout retained

• Wall-hung fittings and compact sanitary-ware can maximise space without increasing labour significantly

A main family bathroom includes a bath or shower (sometimes both), a basin or vanity unit, and a toilet. Tiling, flooring, and improved lighting are common at this level.

• Typical cost: £5,000–£9,000

• Mid-range fittings and coordinated fixtures are common

• Keeping plumbing in the same position helps control costs while still achieving a full refresh

Ensuites are often smaller than family bathrooms but can vary in cost depending on the level of specification. Walk-in showers, frameless glass, and premium finishes are popular choices.

• Typical cost: £4,000–£8,000**

• Costs increase with high-end shower systems, full tiling, or wet room conversions

• Space-saving layouts and wall-mounted fixtures are often used to improve functionality

These ranges provide a practical starting point, but the final cost will always depend on the specification, condition of the existing space, and the complexity of the installation.

While many bathroom projects can be completed within a controlled budget, certain choices and site conditions will significantly increase the overall cost.

Moving plumbing: Relocating a toilet, basin, bath, or shower is one of the biggest cost drivers. It requires new pipework, additional labour, and sometimes alterations to floors or walls. Keeping fixtures in their existing positions is usually the most cost-effective approach.

Wet rooms: Wet room installations involve specialist waterproofing, floor grading for drainage, and more complex tiling. Although they create a sleek, contemporary finish, the additional preparation and materials increase both labour time and cost.

Full-height tiling: Tiling from floor to ceiling creates a premium look but requires more materials and significantly more installation time than half-height tiling. Large-format tiles can further increase labour costs due to the precision required.

Premium fixtures: High-spec sanitary-ware, thermostatic shower systems, and designer finishes raise material costs. However, these can also improve durability and perceived value when chosen strategically.

Structural repairs: Hidden issues such as damaged subfloors, outdated pipework, or poor waterproofing can add unexpected costs once work begins. Allowing a contingency budget of 10–15% helps manage these situations without disrupting the project.

Redesigning a bathroom doesn’t always require a full refit. A micro-renovation approach focuses on targeted upgrades that improve performance and appearance while keeping costs under control.

1. Keep the existing layout: Retaining the current position of the toilet, basin, bath, and shower avoids costly plumbing work and reduces labour time. This is one of the most effective ways to stay within budget.

2. Replace the shower system only: Upgrading to a modern or thermostatic shower can transform daily comfort without changing the rest of the room. It’s a high-impact improvement that users notice immediately.

3. Update taps and finishes: Swapping outdated taps, valves, and accessories for coordinated finishes can refresh the entire space at relatively low cost. Matching materials helps the bathroom feel more intentional and modern.

4. Install a new enclosure instead of a full refit: Replacing an old shower screen with a frameless enclosure opens up the room visually and improves usability without major structural work.

5. Upgrade lighting and mirrors: Better lighting and a new mirror, particularly with task lighting or antifog features, can significantly enhance both functionality and atmosphere.

By focusing on the elements of use every day, a budget-friendly bathroom redo can deliver strong visual and practical results without the expense of a full renovation.

Thermostatic shower performance: A high-quality shower system improves comfort, safety, and reliability every day. Consistent temperature control and smooth water flow make a noticeable difference to the user experience.

Valves and fixings: These are the components hidden behind the wall, but they play a critical role in durability and long-term performance. Choosing well-made valves and secure fixings reduces the risk of future leaks or failures.

Professional installation: Skilled installation ensures correct waterproofing, proper pipe connections, and compliance with electrical and plumbing standards. It also helps avoid costly remedial work later.

Layout changes: Moving fixtures significantly increases labour and material costs. Keeping the existing layout is one of the most effective ways to stay on budget.

Decorative accessories: Items such as shelving, towel rails, and small décor pieces can be upgraded later without affecting the core functionality of the bathroom.

Over-spec tiling: Full-height tiling and premium materials increase both material and labour costs. Using feature tiling in key areas while keeping other surfaces simpler can achieve a similar visual impact for less.

Focusing spending on performance and saving on purely aesthetic elements helps create a bathroom that feels high quality without exceeding your budget.

Even well-planned bathroom renovations can uncover additional work once the existing fittings and finishes are removed. Factoring in these potential costs early helps prevent budget overruns and project delays.

Waterproofing: Proper tanking and sealing are essential in wet areas, particularly around showers and baths. Skipping this step can lead to leaks and costly damage later, so it should always be included in the budget.

Waste removal: Disposing of old sanitary-ware, tiles, and packaging is often charged separately. Skip hire or licensed waste removal can add a few hundred pounds depending on the volume.

Subfloor repairs: Damaged or uneven flooring may only become visible once the old bathroom is removed. Repairs or reinforcement are necessary before new fixtures and tiles are installed.

Upgrading pipework: Older plumbing may not meet current standards or may need adjustment to support new fittings. Replacing worn pipes helps ensure reliability and compliance.

Contingency (10–15%): Setting aside an additional 10 to 15% of your total budget provides a safety buffer for unexpected issues. This allows the project to continue smoothly without compromising on quality.

Redoing a bathroom doesn’t always require a full refit. By keeping the existing layout and focusing on the elements you use every day, such as the shower, taps, lighting, and storage, you can achieve a noticeable upgrade without unnecessary cost. Prioritising performance, durability, and well-installed fittings will have a far greater impact on comfort and long-term reliability than purely decorative changes.

Careful planning also leads to better return on investment. Understanding your budget, allowing for hidden costs, and choosing coordinated fixtures helps create a space that feels considered and built to last. For homeowners looking to balance quality, compatibility, and value, HOUSE OF ENKI offers a range of thoughtfully designed bathroom fittings that support practical, high-impact renovations.