A bathroom renovation can completely transform your home, adding value and creating a more comfortable and stylish space. However, before diving into a remodel, it’s important to understand the costs involved. Bathroom renovation expenses can vary widely depending on the size of your bathroom, the quality of materials you choose, and whether you’re doing a simple refresh or a full overhaul.

In 2025, the cost of a bathroom renovation in the UK is expected to continue rising slightly due to inflation, material costs, and labour shortages. This guide will walk you through typical costs, key considerations, and tips for keeping your project on track and on budget.

Average Bathroom Renovation Costs in 2025

The average cost of renovating a bathroom in the UK this year typically falls between £6,000 and £12,000. However, the final figure depends heavily on the scale and complexity of the project.

Hiring professional bathroom fitters can ensure a high-quality finish, but it’s important to factor their labour costs into your budget. Labour alone can account for a significant portion of the total, especially if your project involves complex plumbing, electrics, or custom installations.

• Small bathroom refresh (new tiles, fixtures, and paint): around £3,000–£6,000
  
• Mid-range renovation (full replacement of suite, tiling, flooring, and lighting): around £6,000–£10,000
  
• High-end remodel (luxury fittings, custom features, underfloor heating): £10,000–£20,000+
  

Premium materials, bespoke joinery, and complex layouts will naturally push costs higher, while choosing more standard options and limiting structural changes can help you stay towards the lower end.

Bathroom Renovation Costs by Project Type

Breaking down the costs by task can give you a clearer idea of where your money will go:

• New bath installation: £400–£2,500 (depending on whether you choose a standard acrylic bath or a freestanding luxury model)
  
• Toilet installation: £150–£400
  
• Shower fitting: £400–£2,000 (higher for walk-in showers or wet rooms)
  
• Sink and vanity installation: £250–£1,000
  
• Wall and floor tiling: £800–£2,500
  
• Plumbing works: £800–£2,000 (if relocating pipes or fitting new systems)
  
• Electrical work: £400–£1,200 (for lighting, underfloor heating, or extractor fans)
  
• Painting and decorating: £300–£800
  

It’s important to budget carefully for each component — small decisions, such as choosing designer taps or high-end tiles, can significantly add up over the course of a project.

How to Calculate the Total Cost of Renovating Your Bathroom

Start by defining the scope of your project. Are you just updating outdated fittings, or completely reconfiguring the layout?
Ask yourself:

• Do any plumbing or electrical systems need moving or upgrading?
  
• Are you planning to tile the entire room or just certain areas?
  
• Are you opting for standard fixtures or high-end alternatives?
  

Once you’ve got a clear plan, gather multiple quotes for materials and labour. It’s wise to add a 10–20% contingency on top of your initial budget to cover unexpected expenses, such as hidden water damage or the need for extra plumbing work.

For a rough estimate, you can calculate around £150–£250 per square foot for a typical renovation, depending on your chosen finishes and contractor rates.

Hidden Costs You Might Not Expect

When budgeting, it’s crucial to account for potential hidden costs. Some common surprises during bathroom renovations include:

• Water damage repairs: Leaks behind walls or under flooring can cause extensive damage that needs fixing before the new bathroom can be fitted.
  
• Structural adjustments: Reinforcing floors for heavy freestanding baths or moving walls can escalate costs quickly.
  
• Permit fees: Major plumbing or electrical alterations may require local authority permits.
  
• Waste removal: Disposing of old fittings, tiles, and flooring might incur skip hire fees.
  
• Accessibility updates: If you plan to future-proof your bathroom with features like walk-in showers or grab rails, this can add to the cost.
  

Always allow for these possibilities in your budget to avoid unwelcome surprises halfway through the project.

Hiring Bathroom Renovation Contractors vs DIY

Choosing whether to hire professional contractors or attempt some elements yourself depends largely on the complexity of the renovation.

Hiring Contractors
Experienced bathroom fitters can ensure that plumbing, tiling, waterproofing, and electrics are done to a high standard. Labour typically accounts for around 40–50% of your total renovation cost, but it also gives you peace of mind that the work meets building regulations and will last for years to come.

DIY Approach
If you have strong DIY skills, you might be able to save on painting, minor tiling, or fitting accessories. However, unless you are fully qualified, plumbing and electrical work must be carried out by licensed professionals. Mistakes in these areas can be costly and dangerous.

In most cases, unless you are simply updating cosmetic features, hiring trusted professionals is the safer and more cost-effective choice in the long run.

Bathroom Renovation Checklist

To stay organised and ensure you don’t miss anything, here’s a simple checklist to guide your renovation project:

• Set your budget (including contingency)
  
• Finalise your design and layout
  
• Choose materials and fixtures
  
• Hire a reputable contractor or tradespeople
  
• Obtain necessary permits (if applicable)
  
• Order materials in advance
  
• Schedule demolition and waste removal
  
• Complete plumbing and electrical works
  
• Install tiling and flooring
  
• Fit bathroom suite and accessories
  
• Carry out painting and finishing touches
  
• Final inspection and snagging list
  

Having a checklist can help you stay on top of each stage and prevent costly delays.

Finding a Reputable Bathroom Renovation Specialist

Finding the right professional is key to a successful bathroom renovation. Look for bathroom fitters or remodelling specialists who are experienced, fully insured, and happy to provide references or examples of past work.
You can:

• Ask friends or family for recommendations
  
• Check online review platforms and directories
  
• Use trusted trade platforms like BookABuilder or Checkatrade to find vetted, local tradespeople
  
• Get at least three quotes to compare
  

Be wary of choosing purely based on price — cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to quality workmanship. Make sure you agree on a detailed quote and timeline before work begins, and always check whether VAT is included in your quotation.

Final Thoughts

A bathroom renovation is a significant investment, but done right, it can add value to your home and improve your everyday life.
By planning carefully, setting a realistic budget, and working with trusted professionals, you can create a beautiful, functional space that stands the test of time.

Remember to allow for unexpected costs, be patient with the process, and don’t rush key decisions. With careful planning and the right team by your side, your dream bathroom could soon become a reality in 2025.