From adding a brand new, spotless and powerful shower to treating yourself to a sparkling and spacious bath, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to help you know the key costs of purchasing and fitting a new bathroom.
What is the average cost of a new bathroom in the UK?
Installing a new bathroom in 2024 will often cost you, on average, around £5,000-£7,000. However, the final costs depend on fixture and installation costs, and whether you’re opting for money-saving items or going down the more luxurious route.
To put this into perspective, some cheaper shower enclosures can range from £200-£300, whilst more enhanced, top-of-the-range designs, materials and styles can go up to £700-£1,000. The same goes for vanity units, with the lowest prices starting at £100, and the most luxurious vanities seeing prices of £2,000+.
When it comes to installation, the average day rate for a plumber is around £350, and it's likely to take, on average, a week to complete fitting a new bathroom. Larger rooms or bigger jobs may take longer, and costs can vary depending on where you live. It's also important to note that any major tiling, plastering, electrician costs, flooring expenses, building work and any major plumbing work will be additional. You should also check if the quoted price includes removal and disposal of your old bathroom suite. We would always recommend inviting your tradesperson to review the room and the work needed before finalising your budget. However, you can not always budget for every eventuality so make sure you have a little wiggle room just in case!
The below table gives an estimate of the average prices for purchasing and installing the individual elements of a bathroom. The installation costs are based on a plumber’s average hourly rate of £50 for a typical job installing a medium-priced item. For more complicated installation, higher-end products or if any major plumbing, electrical or building work is required, this may be additional.
What factors can impact your bathroom installation costs?
Not all bathroom installations will cost the same. In fact, price points will vary depending on the size and shape of your bathroom, the material quality and style you use and the type of design you want. The area you live in can also have a significant impact on the cost of the labour your renovation requires.
The types of fittings
When it comes to the types of fittings, some installations will be more complicated than others, so will require additional plumbing or wiring to be compatible. These fittings might also take longer to install, which will add to your labour costs.
The size of the bathroom
The size of your bathroom is probably one of the most significant factors affecting your installation costs. If you have a larger bathroom, there will be more surface area and wall space to fill, with more scope for bathroom furniture units. This is likely to involve more work and time than fitting a smaller bathroom, so your labour costs will increase.
The below table shows an estimate of prices for bathroom renovations based on the average size of a UK family bathroom being 2m x 2.5m. En suite and cloakroom prices are based on replacing the bathroom suite and minor touch up work. Please allow for additional building work if you’re creating or transforming an existing space into an en suite or cloakroom.
The area you live in
Not only will your actual bathroom affect installation costs, but the area you live in can also impact costs for installations. Local tradesperson hourly rate research from 2020 suggests that rates differ significantly between locations, starting at £22 an hour in Belfast to £41 an hour in Birmingham, and that’s without additional callout charges that plumbers especially tend to add, so the costs can snowball quickly.
Make sure to get a few different quotes before you commit to the service. Also, in some harder to get to areas, bathroom furniture and product delivery prices may increase for getting certain bathroom parts delivered to you.
The age of the existing bathroom
Having an older bathroom can lead to more challenges, which can lead to extra costs. This includes more plumbing and electrical work, fitting heating fixtures and ventilation, for example, some older bathrooms have air bricks instead of a bathroom extractor fan, so consider if you’d like to add one during the bathroom renovation process.
For older bathrooms, we recommend budgeting slightly extra for potential leaks and repairs of existing products if you are looking to keep them.
Style of the bathroom
When planning a bathroom renovation, the style you choose can have an impact on the overall costs of the bathroom renovation. Whether you opt for a sleek modern design with high-end finishes or a more traditional look with classic fixtures, the style you select will determine the materials, labour, and overall complexity of the project.
Traditional bathrooms tend to have more intricate and ornate details which can make the installation a little trickier. However, these period features can also add to the price you pay for specific pieces. For example, a freestanding roll top bath is very fitting of a period-style bathroom but they are much more expensive than a more contemporary straight bath.
Similarly, if you are opting for a very modern space then investing in the latest digital shower technology, modern mirrrors with bluetooth or a special finish tap then these will cost more than some less complicated traditional pieces.
The great thing about working with Drench on your bathroom project is that we offer a 3D Design Service where our skilled bathroom designers can create a visual representation of what your room will look like. Our designers can advise on layout and recommend pieces that will work best within your budget. They can also add accessories to really bring your space to life.
Take a look at some of our most recent bathroom transformations. Customer's share their stories with us.
Unsure of your preferred bathroom style? Browse our bathroom inspiration gallery or don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our bathroom designers for a consultation.
Breaking down the cost of a new bathroom
Buying new products for your bathroom can be exciting, yet slightly daunting, so to help, we’ve broken down the product and installation costs of various bathroom fixtures.
How much does it cost to fit a new shower?
The cost of installing a shower can vary depending on the type of shower you choose and the complexity of installing it, as it will influence how much it will cost to fit it.
The average price for a new mixer shower and installation is around £200-£600 and can take up to 6 hours on average to install, especially for those with concealed valves. Electric showers may cost slightly more than a standard mixer shower, averaging around £300-£500. The below is based on a standard mixer shower with concealed valves.
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Average price of a shower: £150-£350
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Average installation time needed: 4-6 hours
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Average installation costs: £300 - £500
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Average total costs (shower+installation): £450-£850
How much does it cost to fit a pedestal basin?
Installation costs for fitting a bathroom basin are, on average, around £100 - £175, as these are relatively quick and easy to do. Installation costs may be higher for larger, more complex basins, such as undermount designs or where the basin is being moved and there are pipework considerations. If you are changing the basin then it’s likely you’ll be replacing the taps also which will include standard plumbing work. Basin taps range from around £45 for cheaper options, rising to £750 + for more luxurious options and could take up to 2 hours to complete. The below costs are based on replacing a basin with a full pedestal and medium-priced mixer taps.
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Average price of a basin with pedestal: £150 - £350
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Average price of basin mixer taps: £80-£250
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Average installation time needed: 2 -3 hours
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Average installation costs: £100 - £150
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Average total costs: £330 - £750
How much does it cost to fit a toilet?
The type of toilet you choose will impact the installation price, as some toilet systems require more time for the plumber to fit than others that might be easy to replace yourself. You will usually be charged between £100-£200 to replace a standard like-for-like toilet, whilst switching from a traditional close-coupled toilet set-up to a back to wall or wall hung toilet which features a hidden cistern will take longer and cost more to install, averaging at £350. The costs below are based on replacing a standard close-coupled toilet.
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Average price of a toilet:£150-£350
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Average installation time needed: 2-4 hours
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Average installation costs:£100 - £200
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Average total costs: £250 - £550
How much does it cost to fit a bath?
Prices will vary depending on the type of bath you are after. Shape, size and material all play a factor in the price of your bathtub. If you opt for a freestanding bath, these are generally more expensive than standard fitted bathtubs. However, you will also notice a difference when it comes to the material you choose. For example, stone, steel, ArmourCast & reinforced baths are stronger and more robust so will cost a little more than acrylic baths. Generally, installation costs will remain quite similar at around £200-£400. But there may be more costs incurred if you need additional plumbing work such as moving pipework to install freestanding pipes or restoring walls and floors after removing a fitted tub. You might also require bath panels to complete the look of your new bath. Prices vary depending on the material of the panels you choose and whether you opt for a plan or more detailed design. You should expect to pay between £40 - £60 for an end panel and between £70 - £100 for a side panel.
It is also important to note, if you are wanting your previous tub professionally removed, it will cost, on average, another £75 on top of this price. The below pricing is based on an acrylic straight bath. If you are also opting to replace your bath taps then a pair of standard pillar taps will cost between £50 - £150.
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Average price of a bath: £200 - £400
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Average price of pillar taps (pair): £50 - £150
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Average installation time needed: 2-4 hours
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Average installation costs: £200 - £400
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Average total costs: £450 - £950
How much does it cost to fit a heated towel rail?
Heated towel rails can cost you anything between £60 and £800+, depending on the brand, product type, material, and features of the towel rail you decide to purchase. For example, cast iron towel rails tend to be more expensive than steel due to the raw material costs.There may be other considerations such as ensuring an electricity supply for dual fuel options and connecting to your plumbing system if you have not had a radiator installed before.
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Average price of a heated towel rail: £150 - £300
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Average installation time needed:2-4 hours
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Average installation costs: £200-£400
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Average total costs: £350 - £700
How much does it cost to fit a bidet?
Depending on the style and quality, a bidet will usually set you back around £200, but these are great for boosting hygiene in your bathroom. Plumbers or bathroom fitters will usually charge you around £160 for a professional fitting, but it’s important to be aware that if new pipework or plumbing is needed, installation may cost you more.
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Average price of a bidet: £150 - £300
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Average installation time needed: 2-4 hours
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Average installation costs: £150 - £350
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Average total costs: £300 - £650
How much does it cost to tile a bathroom?
Tiling is a great way of making a bathroom look stylish and welcoming, yet practical for protecting walls against water damage. The price of tiling can vary greatly depending on the material of the tiles, room size and design, so it’s important to know your options before you order.
For simple, square tiles, it will cost around £50 per m² for tiles + installation costs. Learn more about the costs of tiling a bathroom in our expert guide.
You may want to consider waterproof wall panels for your bathroom. These offer a long-lasting, durable solution that is easy to install and available in a variety of materials, design and colours to suit your space. They are a great alternative to tiles designed to fit to plastered walls or over your existing tiles. Find out more about bathroom wall panels.
How much do additional bathroom accessories and features cost?
As well as the flagship bathroom items, consider the costs of finishing touches and bathroom accessories that can really make a bathroom look and feel like your own.
Bathroom accessories, such as bathroom mirrors, can vary in price depending on the style and additional features. For example, a simple round bathroom mirror will cost you around £100, whereas an illuminated mirror or a steam-free mirror will have a slightly higher price, yet such a luxurious and practical update for your daily use.
Some more finishing touches could include the very practical toilet roll holders, towel hooks, toilet brushes and additional open shelving, so make sure to include approximately £100 for finishing touches.
Don’t forget, if you want to follow the new colour scheme, you might need to invest in new hand towels and complimenting bath matt!
Should I get a new bathroom?
Remodelling your bathroom in 2024 can offer numerous physical and psychological benefits, from creating that sense of luxury and relaxation to improving your overall wellbeing by addressing mould and mildew issues in your bathroom.
Not only can you tailor your bathroom to your style preferences, but upgrading your bathroom can also impact the selling price of your home one day. According to The Property Centre, a bathroom renovation could increase your property value by up to 5%.
Alongside this, updating the plumbing in your bathroom can be a very clever way to lower your energy bills. Consider opting for a water-saving shower head or a bathroom tap, which will help lower your utility costs in the future.
On the flip side, once you’ve decided to remodel, it can take a long time, energy and work to plan your project and measure your bathroom to make sure everything will fit and work exactly how you have imagined. Another potential drawback is the risk of unexpected problems that need immediate attention, which could make you go over the planned renovation budget.
How to save on the cost of a new bathroom
If you want to renovate your bathroom this year but do want to stick to a tight budget, there are ways of keeping the costs down.
Give DIY a go!
Firstly, you could try to do some elements yourself or with family and friends who have completed similar projects before. This could include removing some of the fixtures yourself, taking down existing tiles and doing some heavy lifting. Some jobs, such as installing a shower enclosure, are a lot simpler than most people think, along with fitting in a bathroom sink, which will save on needing to pay a tradesperson for their time.
To also save on the cost of a new bathroom, you might find upcycling beneficial. If you have tiles that are still good quality, you could try painting over these or drawing on a pattern rather than buying lots of new tiles.
In the following table, we have compiled our recommendations on bathroom fittings you could install yourself vs ones that we recommend to hire a professional:
Give DIY a go! |
Hire a tradesperson |
| Fitting a bathroom sink | Moving a toilet's location |
| Replacing a bathroom tap | Installing a bathroom extractor fan |
| Regrouting tiles | Installing an electric shower |
| Fitting bathroom wall panels | New or repairing pipework |
| Installing a wall hung vanity unit | New or replacing electrical work |
| Install a shower enclosure | Install and plumb a freestanding bath |
| Fit a shower screen | Install a heated towel rail |
| Fit a toilet seat | Installing concealed or hidden elements of sanitaryware such as shower valves or cistern |
| Replace light fixture | Install new light fixture |
Consider keeping the existing bathroom layout
Secondly, you can keep costs down by fitting the new products in the same place that the older ones were in and can prevent expensive and lengthy plumbing or electrical work. Moving the toilet or basin is usually the biggest issue, so you might want to keep your current layout in a similar place if looking to keep the costs of the renovation lower.
If you are paying someone to help with installation, getting the whole job done in one day means the labourer doesn't have to include repeated travel fees and setup costs. Whether or not this is possible depends on how long the workers take and if any unforeseen issues arise. You can also get a quote for the job in full, not on the tradesperson's hourly rate, to avoid getting charged for additional hours if it takes longer.
Keeping some of the existing bathroom fixtures
Consider whether you need to renew all of your bathroom fixtures. Some pieces such as your toilet or basin may actually be in great condition and simply updating the taps or toilet seat would give them the new lease of life you’re after. This way you can keep costs down and focus on the other elements of your bathroom that you really need - such as a separate shower enclosure or shower bath, for example.
You might also want to consider alternatives for some of the bigger jobs that are costly and time-consuming. Retiling a bathroom will certainly make it look like a new and fresh space but it’s an expensive and often challenging project to take on. To keep costs down, look at other ways to freshen up the walls and floors. Bathroom wall panels are particularly popular for a quick and simple update in your bathroom.
Negotiate labour prices
If you are working on a larger project in your home with more work on the horizon, you may be able to negotiate a better price with your chosen tradespeople. However, bear in mind that a reputable tradesperson will always quote a reasonable price for the job at hand.
If your chosen tradesperson does not have a trade account with Drench - point him in our direction as we have lots of benefits and discounts which he may be able to pass on.
Our 3D Design Service is also invaluable for ensuring that products and layout will work before your project gets going to avoid any unwanted complications along the way. You can also take advantage of our free phone consultations here at Drench to discuss your needs with one of our skilled designers.
Fit the bathroom of your dreams in 2024 with Drench
All in all, fitting a new bathroom can be extremely rewarding, but it does require lots of planning, researching the best deals, and coming up with the overall aesthetic and design. Our bathroom experts have ensured we stock a wide range of bathroom products so your bathroom interior visions can come to life. Not only are Drench’s products a stunning addition to your home, but they’re also a durable and long-lasting investment.
Browse bathroom products by category or book a consultation with one of our bathroom designers:
Some other helpful resources for transforming your bathroom include: ‘how to choose the right bathroom’, ‘bathroom trends to try in 2024’ and ‘the cost of tiling a bathroom’.
