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Bathrooms are an exciting space to renovate, offering a chance to add value and experiment with decor. However, factors like planning, budgeting, and material selection can make the process daunting. Understanding costs and processes is key to a successful update or complete overhaul.
So, how much does it cost to renovate a bathroom in 2025? From flooring finishes to heating solutions, here I’m taking a look at what you can expect to budget for a high-quality bathroom design.
The average cost of a new bathroom in the UK ranges from £3,000 to £7,000, though this varies depending on size, design and complexity. A luxury bathroom renovation might exceed £10,000, while a budget-friendly update could start as low as £1,500. Key cost factors include:
Basic suites are cost-effective, while premium or bespoke options increase expenses. If you want to keep your bathroom renovation costs down, you can opt to procure items from a variety of sources, rather than purchasing them as part of a suite. This is more involved and can take time, but will often save you money.
Larger spaces need more materials and labour, raising your bathroom renovation costs, while small or compact areas may incur premiums due to difficult access for trades.
In this project by Welsh Oak Frame, the oak skeleton has been left exposed internally, bringing a sense of warmth and character into a space that’s otherwise finished with sleek, smooth surfaces
A simple swap of fixtures is cheaper than ripping out tiles or reconfiguring the bathroom layout, which would require plumbing and potentially structural work.
Skilled tradespeople typically account for 50%-60% of the total bathroom renovation cost. While DIYers can save money, this type of renovation is complex – only tackle the job if you’re confident in doing so. Electrical works in bathrooms are notifiable to building control; engaging a suitably-qualified electrician is the most straightforward option.
Generally, labour is more expensive in London and the South East than in most other regions – the exact price and resulting bathroom renovation costs will depend on the complexity of the job.
When it comes to this aspect of your project, there’s plenty to think about in terms of design, functionality and compliance. Typical plumbing work includes installing hot and cold water supply pipes, waste drainage and connecting fixtures (ie toilets, sinks and baths).
If the layout is unchanged, pipework costs range from £500-£1,000. Relocating items, like toilets or showers, requires additional work, with a price of £1,000-£3,000. Adding new drainage points or addressing issues in older homes may increase bathroom renovation costs, too. A full pipework installation for a new bathroom averages between £1,500 and £2,500.
This shower room features the Vos shower range (ceiling arm, £99; overhead shower, £250; round water outlet, £185; wall valves, £200) plus Cleo brushed black radiator, £725, all JTP (jtpuk.co.uk)
Electrical work is more complex than elsewhere in a house as it needs to comply with Part P of the Building Regulations. Your electrician can offer advice, but you need to think about RCD-protected circuits and IP-rated lighting. Common work includes switches and lighting, but also shaver sockets, heated towel rails and an extractor fan to avoid damp. Adding features, such as heated towel rails or underfloor heating (UFH), can increase costs to £1,000-£2,000.
Wall coverings and flooring options play a significant role in the aesthetics and durability of your space, but there are many options. With so many factors to consider, including budget, maintenance and style, it can feel overwhelming. Let’s break down the most popular solutions:
The multi-layered base of engineered flooring makes it super durable and suitable for use in bathrooms. Priced from £156 per m2, this Bristol Tectonic Oak from Chaunceys (chancey.co.uk) features a high-grade birch ply core with a top layer of European oak, in a choice of either 4mm or 6mm thickness
This aspect of your project is a delicate balancing act between efficiency, comfort and aesthetics. Key options include radiators, heated towel rails and underfloor heating (UFH). Traditional radiators are a simple solution; they provide effective warmth and are easily connected to your existing central heating. They’re also incredibly flexible in terms of style and colour.
This Costs can vary hugely – a standard white Stelrad type will set you back around £60, whereas a traditional cast iron or column appliance could run into the hundreds. Installation wise, this will be done as part of broader plumbing work but may add around £100.
Heated towel rails can be plumbed into the central heating or electrically powered. Basic models start at £50-£100, while premium designs reach £300-£600. Expect to pay from £100-£200 for installation.
Nu-Deck from Nu-Heat combines a floor deck and underfloor heating system in one – offering a low build-up alternative to between-joist system. This system won the 2024 Build It Award for Best Underfloor Heating Innovation
UFH provides even warmth and frees up wall space – ideal for smaller rooms. Electric systems are easier to install, costing £50-£75 per m² for materials, but are typically more expensive to run. Water-based solutions are more efficient long-term, but costlier to install at £1,000-£2,500, including labour. Labour costs for UFH are typically £300-£600 for an average-sized bathroom.
Buying the key components as part of a set offers a cost-effective option for kitting out your bathroom, particularly if you’re seeking a cohesive design. Suites typically include a toilet, basin and bath/shower, the idea being that you buy them together and benefit from discounted package rates. But this isn’t always the case. Prices vary hugely; a simple white porcelain toilet, sink and bath costs around £300, but the quality may be lacking – especially the bath, which may be made from poorer quality materials.
Blues, pinks and brass fixtures are set against wood-effect chevron floor tiles in this stylish bathroom, part of an interior designer’s
own self build. The suite, from Roper Rhodes (roperrhodes.co.uk), includes a Unity shower with bar valve Blues, pinks and brass fixtures are set against wood-effect chevron floor tiles in this stylish bathroom, part of an interior designer’sown self build. The suite, from Roper Rhodes (roperrhodes.co.uk), includes a Unity shower with bar valve
Bathroom suites can run into the thousands – if you’re going all out for a cast iron bath or a Thomas Crapper toilet, one item alone could be £2,000. While suites simplify decision-making and ensure compatibility between fixtures, sourcing individual pieces allows for a tailored approach. It offers flexibility to mix and match styles, materials and brands to suit your taste. However, it can be more expensive, especially when selecting premium products.
Ensuring compatibility between fixtures and managing multiple suppliers adds complexity, too. Prices vary widely: toilets from £100-£700; basins £50-£500; baths £150-£3,000+; and showers £200-£1,000+.
There’s nothing better than the feeling of getting into a warm shower – but there is an overwhelming wealth of options. Electric showers are affordable and operate independently of your boiler, costing £50-£400. Priced between £100 and £500, mixer designs deliver consistent water temperatures. Power showers boost water pressure and are priced between £150 and £600. Finally, digital products offer a high-tech solution with precise temperature control, costing £300-£1,500.
Take inspiration from this project by MAP Architects, who designed a walk-in shower with built-in toiletry storage, decorated with an impressive array of blue geometric tiles. The meticulous pattern blends together perfectly to blur the grout lines – creating a fantastic, seamless look that effectively portions off the showering section of the bathroom. Photo: Veronica Rodriguez
Shower enclosures range from compact quadrant designs (£200-£1,000) to luxurious wet rooms (£2,000-£5,000). If you need to save space and money, then a simple shower fitted over your bathtub is a great option and can look super chic with the right fittings.
Lighting and ventilation are crucial elements for a functional and inviting bathroom. Recessed spotlights or flush-mounted ceiling lights are a practical and cost-effective choice, starting at £10 per fitting. For added flair, consider LED strips or smart lighting systems, which can cost up to £500.
Proper ventilation prevents damp and mould, so extractor fans are a must. Basic fans start at £20, while humidity-sensing models cost £60-£200. Installation typically adds a further £100-£300.
In Suzie and Sam Andews’ knock-down and rebuild project in Gloucestershire, they specified rooflights in the bathroom. This provides light and privacy, with the option to open the windows for ventilation if needed. Overhead glazing allows the sun to pour into the zone, creating a bright space that doesn’t feel enclosed. Photo: Adam Carter
Fitting a bathroom involves plumbing, electrics, tiling and decorating. Hiring professionals ensures high quality and compliance with regulations but can be expensive, with labour accounting for 50–60% of the total cost. For example, in a £6,000 mid-range renovation, expect to spend £3,000-£4,000 on skilled tradespeople. Doing the installation on a DIY basis can save money, but only if you’re confident in your abilities. Mistakes in plumbing or tiling can lead to leaks, damage and additional costs to correct errors. For complex tasks, such as pipework or electrical installations, hiring professionals is highly recommended.
Ultimately, a successful renovation depends on careful planning and clear priorities. Establish a budget and stick to it, balancing quality with affordability. Select materials that suit your lifestyle and maintenance preferences, and work with experienced professionals for structural work, plumbing and electrics to avoid costly mistakes.
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