Are you going to build a new bathroom or planning to thoroughly renovate an old one? Be sure of how much new bathroom cost because otherwise, you might pay a big sum without even getting the results you want. It’s always important to know what kind of investment you’re looking at before you start knocking down walls or picking out tiles. If you’re planning a home remodel, consider budgeting for a kitchen renovation as well, which can add significant value to your home while creating a more functional and enjoyable space.
Therefore, this guide will break down the costs involved in creating the bathroom you’ve been dreaming of. Whether you’re looking to install a small space or eyeing a luxurious spa-like retreat, knowing the costs upfront can help you plan more smartly and avoid surprises.
Expanding your project scope can be exciting; if you’re looking to enhance your home’s functionality, explore some kitchen extension ideas to maximize space and improve flow between your kitchen and other living areas.
So keep reading and know how much should a new bathroom cost!
How Much Does it Cost for a New Bathroom?
If you want a ballpark figure to plan a new bathroom before getting into the nitty-gritty details, that’s a smart move. Instead of worrying about what a new bathtub or floor tiles would individually cost, understanding how much the whole thing would cost gives more clarity.
So, here’s a lowdown on how much should a new bathroom cost in the UK:
Average Cost of a New Bathroom:
- Basic Bathroom: £2,500–£4,000
- Mid-Range Bathroom: £5,000–£7,000
- Luxury Bathroom: £8,000–£15,000+
Besides this estimated figure, be ready to safeguard against unexpected costs—like discovering outdated wiring or needing additional materials. You can do this by including a contingency fund in your budget and allocating an additional 10%–20% of your planned spending. Doing so will help manage any surprises without financial strain.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Bathroom Fixtures?
Now, a bathroom redo requires you to bring and install a gazillion things and having an idea of how much money they’ll eat up will simplify your budgeting.
Therefore, we have listed the main bathroom fixtures and their cost plus installation costs to paint a clearer picture. So when you’re trying to figure out new bathroom cost UK, here are the categories your money will be going into:
| Item | Cost Range (£) | Installation Cost Range (£) |
| Standard Bathtub | 200–500 | 150–300 |
| Freestanding/Luxury Bathtub | 600–2,000+ | 200–400 |
| Shower Enclosure | 250–700 | 200–400 |
| Wet Room Conversion | 5,000–10,000 | Included in Total Cost |
| Standard Toilet | 100–300 | 100–200 |
| Wall-Mounted Toilet | 250–500 | 150–300 |
| Sink Units | 50–300 | 100–200 |
| Vanity Units | 150–600 | 150–250 |
| Faucets and Taps | 30–200 | 50–100 |
What Are the Costs of Bathroom Flooring and Tiling?
The next aspect you’ll have to be clear about while estimating the total cost for new bathroom is its flooring and wall tiling. Since these bathroom tiles cover a large area, their total expense amounts to be a handsome sum. Here are some insights on bathroom renovation costs while you’re calculating walls and flooring expenses:
| Item | Cost Range (£ per m²) |
| Ceramic Tiles (Floor) | 20–40 |
| Porcelain Tiles | 30–60 |
| Natural Stone Tiles | 50–100+ |
| Ceramic Tiles (Wall) | 15–30 |
| Mosaic Tiles | 50–100+ |
| Labour for Tiling | 25–40 |
| Vinyl Flooring (Material) | 10–50 |
| Vinyl Flooring (Installation) | 10–20 |
| Laminate Flooring (Material) | 15–40 |
| Laminate Flooring (Installation) | 10–20 |
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to refresh your bathroom’s appearance, consider using bathroom tile paint to give your existing tiles a new lease on life.
How Much Does Plumbing and Electrical Work Add to the Cost?
Fixtures and flooring aside, the plumbing and electrical work also takes up a big part of the average cost of new bathroom. You cannot skimp with these sensitive installations, so make sure to hire expert contractors for this project.
Talking about their cost, here are some numbers to keep in mind:
| Item | Cost Range (£) |
| New Plumbing Installation | 700–1,500 |
| Modifying Existing Plumbing | 300–800 |
| Lighting Installation (Per Fixture) | 50-150 |
| Extractor Fan (Unit and Installation) | 150–300 |
| General Electrical Work (Electrician Rates) | 40–60 per hour |
| Underfloor Heating (Electric Systems – Material) | 50–75 per m² |
| Underfloor Heating (Electric Systems – Installation) | 200–300 |
| Underfloor Heating (Water-Based Systems – Material) | 60–90 per m² |
| Underfloor Heating (Water-Based Systems – Installation) | 1,000–2,000+ |
What Are the Expenses for Bathroom Decoration and Finishing Touches?
Bathroom decorations are totally an optional part when you construct a new bathroom because if the fixtures and plumbing is done right, you already have a functional space. But if you want to go a step above and make your space more presentable, finishing touches will also be part of the cost of new bathroom UK. Based on that, here’s what should be included in your budget:
| Item | Cost Range (£) |
| Painting and Decorating (Materials) | 100–200 |
| Painting and Decorating (Labour) | 150–300 |
| Mirrors | 50–300 |
| Cabinets | 100–500 |
| Cabinets Installation | 50–150 |
| Towel Rails | 30–200 |
| Hooks and Holders | 10–50 each |
| Accessories Installation (Total) | 50–100 |
How Much Does Labour Contribute to the Total Cost?
Hourly wages claim a major chunk of any bathroom remodelling project because you need skilled labour to get the job done right. You may have ordered the most slick-looking fixtures and accessories for the bathroom, but if the contractors aren’t experienced, the whole installation may go to the dumps. Therefore, before even thinking about the labour chunk in your new bathroom cost, know that you need experts for it.
After that, keep in mind that labour typically accounts for 50% to 60% of the total project cost. This means that if you’re budgeting £6,000 for your new bathroom, expect £3,000 to £3,600 of that to go toward paying the professionals who bring your vision to life.
Labour costs cover all the skilled work required to install your bathroom fixtures, lay tiles, handle plumbing and electrical tasks, and ensure everything is up to code. These aren’t areas where cutting corners is advisable, so hire experienced contractors.
Notably, geographical location significantly influences labour rates in the UK. For instance, in London and the South East, where the cost of living is higher and demand for skilled workers is intense, you can expect to pay around £200 to £250 per day for labour.
On the other hand, regions outside of these areas typically see daily labour rates of £150 to £200. This regional variation can impact your budget by hundreds or even thousands of pounds. For instance, a project requiring ten days of labour could cost £2,500 in London but only £1,800 in another region.
Understanding these costs upfront allows you to make informed decisions about where to allocate your funds. If you’re in a higher-cost area, you might consider obtaining multiple quotes to find competitive rates or scheduling the work during a contractor’s less busy periods. However, always be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.
How Can You Save Money on Your Bathroom Installation?
Renovating a bathroom is a big expense but you can reduce costs with smart planning. For example, one of the most effective ways to save money is by weighing the option of DIY versus hiring professionals.
If you have the necessary skills and experience, taking on some of the work yourself and DIYing bathroom improvement can save you between £1,000 and £3,000 in labour costs.
Tasks like painting, installing fixtures, or tiling can be manageable for a confident DIY enthusiast. However, you must be honest about your capabilities, as attempting complex tasks like plumbing or electrical work without proper expertise can result in costly mistakes and safety hazards. When in doubt, it’s wiser to hire a professional to ensure the job is done correctly.
Another area where you can cut costs is in sourcing affordable materials. Purchasing materials in bulk can give you big savings, as doing so often reduces expenses by 10% to 15%. So, if possible, collaborate with your contractor to see if bulk buying is feasible for your project. Also, keep an eye out for discount stores and seasonal sales, which can offer up to 50% off retail prices on tiles, fixtures, and fittings. Shopping around and comparing prices from different suppliers can result in high-quality materials at a fraction of the cost.
And most importantly, reusing existing fixtures is another savvy strategy. Instead of replacing your bathtub, consider resurfacing it. For instance, bathtub resurfacing may cost between £200 and £400, which is considerably less than purchasing a new one. Following this approach saves money and adds more sustainability to your project.
Hire Pros to Build a Functional and Aesthetic Bathroom
Hiring professionals to renovate your bathroom means you get the best of both worlds—functionality and style. Experts in plumbing, electrical work, and design can transform your space while adhering to the highest standards.
They help prevent costly errors and bring innovative ideas to the table to make sure your bathroom looks great and works perfectly. With their help, you avoid the stress of DIY mistakes and enjoy a good renovation experience.
So, when you’re ready to transform your bathroom, contact Chaboun Construction. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to delivering high-quality renovations. Don’t wait to make your dream bathroom a reality—call us now, and let’s build you a bathroom that matches your living standards.
FAQs
How much does a new bathroom cost?
On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from £2,500 for a basic setup to over £15,000 for a luxury renovation. Remember, choosing high-quality fixtures and finishes can increase the price, but it also adds long-term value to your home.
How long does it take to build a new bathroom?
Building a new bathroom can take anywhere from two to four weeks. This timeline can be affected by the extent of the work, the availability of materials, and the efficiency of your contractors. Complex projects requiring extensive plumbing or electrical changes might take longer to complete.
How often should a bathroom be renovated?
Bathrooms should be renovated every 7 to 10 years, depending on their condition. If you notice signs of wear, like cracked tiles or persistent plumbing issues, consider an update sooner.
