Bathroom renovation cost breakdown in the UK
A UK bathroom renovation typically breaks down as 40–55% labour and 45–60% materials. For a £7,500 mid-range project, expect £3,000–£4,000 on trades and £3,500–£4,500 on suite, tiles, brassware and extras. This guide splits every line item so you can compare quotes accurately.
Homeowners researching this typically also price up bathroom renovation cost in the uk, cheap vs luxury bathroom renovation in the uk and bathroom renovation timeline in the uk. For wider context, browse our kitchen pricing, boiler & heating costs and trades day rates.
Cost table
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Plumbing (strip-out, first fix, second fix) | £1,200–£2,800 |
Tiling (walls + floor, 15–25 m²) | £800–£2,000 |
Suite (bath, basin, toilet, shower) | £400–£2,500 |
Electrics (lights, extractor, shaver) | £350–£900 |
Tiles & adhesives | £400–£1,800 |
Plastering / making good | £300–£700 |
Brassware (taps, shower, wastes) | £150–£900 |
Decoration & sealant | £200–£500 |
Skip & waste | £180–£400 |
Labour costs
Labour is the single largest category. Plumbers charge £250–£450/day; tilers £180–£320/day. Most refits need 3–6 plumber-days and 3–5 tiler-days.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Plumber (3–6 days) | £1,200–£2,800 |
Tiler (3–5 days) | £800–£2,000 |
Electrician (1–2 days) | £350–£900 |
Plasterer (1 day) | £300–£700 |
Decorator (1 day) | £200–£500 |
Materials costs
Materials and fittings make up nearly half the budget. The suite and tiles are the two biggest line items.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Bathroom suite | £400–£2,500 |
Shower & screen | £250–£1,800 |
Tiles (per m²) | £20–£90/m² |
Taps & brassware | £150–£900 |
Underfloor heating | £350–£800 |
Extractor + lighting | £120–£400 |
Factors affecting cost in the UK
- ·Labour vs materials ratio shifts toward materials in high-end jobs.
- ·Regional labour rates vary 20–40% between the North and London.
- ·DIY strip-out can reduce labour by £400–£800.
- ·Supply-and-fit packages often bundle materials at trade prices.
- ·VAT at 20% applies to both labour and materials from VAT-registered firms.
Ways to reduce cost
- ·Get itemised quotes, not lump sums, to see where the money goes.
- ·Buy the suite yourself; pay labour-only for fitting.
- ·Reuse existing electrics where they meet current standards.
- ·Choose ceramic over porcelain tiles where appearance allows.
- ·Group tiling and plumbing into one fixed-price contract.
Frequently asked questions
- What percentage of a bathroom renovation is labour?
- 40–55% for most UK projects. Budget refits tilt toward materials; luxury refits toward materials even more because suites and tiles get expensive.
- Can I save money by doing parts myself?
- Yes — DIY strip-out, painting and tiling simple walls can save £800–£1,500. Leave plumbing and electrics to professionals.
- Should I get one quote or several?
- Always get three itemised quotes. Lump-sum quotes hide markups and make comparison impossible.
- Is VAT included in most quotes?
- VAT-registered builders must show it separately or state 'including VAT'. Unregistered traders under £85k turnover don't charge VAT.
- What's the smallest realistic budget for a full bathroom?
- £3,500–£4,500 for a basic suite, simple tiles, minimal layout changes and local trades outside London.