Small bathroom renovation cost in the UK
A small bathroom renovation in the UK (3–5 m²) typically costs between £3,000 and £7,500, with most homeowners spending around £4,500–£6,000 for a complete refit. The compact footprint cuts tile and suite spend, but labour per square metre is often higher because access and manoeuvring are tighter.
Homeowners researching this typically also price up bathroom renovation cost in the uk, ensuite bathroom renovation cost in the uk and shower installation cost in the uk. For wider context, browse our kitchen pricing, boiler & heating costs and trades day rates.
Cost table
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Budget refit (basic suite, ceramic tiles) | £3,000–£4,500 |
Mid-range refit (mid-tier suite, porcelain tiles) | £4,500–£6,500 |
High-end refit (premium fittings) | £6,500–£9,500 |
Tiny cloakroom-style bathroom (under 3 m²) | £2,200–£4,000 |
Labour costs
Labour is typically 45–55% of a small bathroom refit. Even a tiny room still needs a plumber, tiler, electrician and decorator.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Plumber (strip-out + first/second fix) | £900–£2,000 |
Tiler (walls + floor, 8–14 m²) | £500–£1,300 |
Electrician (Part P, lights, extractor) | £300–£700 |
Plasterer | £250–£550 |
Decorator | £150–£400 |
Skip / waste removal | £140–£300 |
Materials costs
Fewer fittings reduce material cost, but small-format tiles and compact suites can carry a premium per unit.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Compact suite (toilet, basin, bath or shower tray) | £350–£1,800 |
Shower & screen | £220–£1,400 |
Tiles (per m²) | £20–£80/m² |
Taps & brassware | £120–£700 |
Extractor fan + lighting | £100–£350 |
Cost per m²
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Budget small bathroom | £800–£1,100/m² |
Mid-range | £1,100–£1,500/m² |
High-end | £1,500–£2,200/m² |
Factors affecting cost in the UK
- ·Region — London adds 20–30% over national pricing.
- ·Bath vs walk-in shower — shower-only setups are cheaper to fit and tile.
- ·Tile size — large-format tiles in small rooms need more cutting and waste.
- ·Layout changes — moving the toilet adds £400–£1,000.
- ·Ventilation — adding ducted extraction in flats can add £200–£500.
Ways to reduce cost
- ·Keep the existing layout to avoid moving soil pipes and waste runs.
- ·Choose a shower over a bath if you don't need to bathe children — saves on suite and tiling.
- ·Buy the suite from a trade merchant such as Wickes or City Plumbing for trade pricing.
- ·Use ceramic tiles up to 600 × 300 mm — easy to cut, fast to fix.
- ·Bundle a plumber and tiler on a fixed quote rather than separate trades.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a small bathroom refit take?
- Typically 5–9 working days from strip-out to final decoration in a 3–5 m² room.
- Is a small bathroom cheaper per m² than a large one?
- No — labour per m² is usually higher because access is tight and fixed costs like skip hire and travel don't shrink.
- Can I keep the existing bath to save money?
- Yes, refurbishing an existing cast-iron bath costs £200–£500 vs £400+ for a new suite item, and avoids re-tiling the surround.
- Do I need an electrician for a small bathroom?
- Yes, any electrical work in a bathroom must be carried out by a Part P registered electrician and notified to Building Control.
- Will VAT be charged?
- Yes, 20% VAT applies on labour and materials from VAT-registered contractors.
- Can I DIY a small bathroom?
- Tiling and decorating can be DIY. Plumbing connections, gas and electrics should be done by qualified trades to comply with regulations and protect insurance.