According to MyBuilder.com, the average cost of a new bathroom in the UK ranges between £5,000 and £10,000. However, if you want to remodel your entire bathroom, the removal of any old fixtures will cost you extra.
If your new bathroom is smaller than average, you are in luck. A small bathroom typically costs less and can be completed much faster than a mid-sized or large bathroom.
In this in-depth blog post, we will discuss the complete cost breakdown from initial design and planning fees to the cost of materials and labour.
- The Average Cost of a New Bathroom
- New Bathroom Installation Cost
- Cost of a New Small Bathroom
- Cost of a New En-Suite Bathroom
- Bathroom Remodel Cost
- Hidden Costs and Unexpected Expenses
- Tips for Reducing Bathroom Installation Costs
Navigate to any section of this post by clicking on the links above.
The Average Cost of a New Bathroom
Basic Option
The average cost of a new bathroom that includes basic, affordable fixtures such as a toilet, vanity unit, bath, taps, tiles, shower enclosure, mirror, and extractor fan will be between £3,000 and £5,000.
If you are a savvy price-comparison shopper, you can even get this price to below £2,500 by shopping during a sale.
Luxury Option
Compared to a basic bathroom, a luxury bathroom can cost a fortune – 5 to 10 times, or even more.
As there are no limits to luxury, a bathroom with premium fittings and fixtures will cost between £15,000 and £60,000.
The price of high-end materials such as natural stone flooring, tiles, and countertop can be high, depending on the material rarity, level of customisation required, and brand reputation.
Custom-designed bathroom furniture and fixtures coupled with spa-like features such as Jacuzzi or steam showers will all add up to the cost.
Before making your purchase, consider company reputability. A reputable company with decades of industry expertise will give you a competitive quote.
New Bathroom Installation Cost
The following is the detailed breakdown of all the individual costs that make up the total expense of a new bathroom.
1. Design and Planning Fees
- Materials used
- Labour (plumbing, electric work, tiling, fixtures, and fittings)
- Design and Planning Fees
In the UK, design and planning fees are typically between 8 and 12 percent of the project cost, depending on the nature of the building.
2. Materials, Fixtures, and Fittings Used
3. Labour
The labour component includes the cost of plumbing, electrical work, tiling, and installing the various fixtures and fittings.
The labour cost is dependent on the size of your bathroom. The installation of complex fixtures and multiple electrical points also means extra costs. Hence, the bigger your bathroom, the higher will be the labour cost.
a. First Fix Plumbing Cost
A plumber charges between £250 and £500 per day. The plumber’s work involves drilling for and laying new plumbing pipes.
The plumber will get the right pipes in place under the floor and walls, ready to be connected to the respective fixtures.
The labour cost for plumbing will be around £500 for a small bathroom, £1,000 for a medium-sized bathroom, and £1,500 – £2,000 for a large-sized bathroom.
b. Electrical Work
In a new bathroom, lots of electrical tasks need to be completed. The scale of the work includes fitting new lights, electrical shower, water heater, extractor fans, electrical points, and more.
The labour cost for electrical work will be between £150 and £500.
c. Plasterer
After the plumbing pipes and electrical wires are in place, you’ll need to hire a plasterer.
A plasterer charges between £100 and £150 per day. Plasterers apply cement mortar that coats and protects the interior walls and ceiling of the bathroom.
The labour cost for plastering will be £390 – £510 for a small bathroom, £430 – £560 for a medium-sized bathroom, and £550 – £700 for a large-sized bathroom.
d. Fitter
A fitter is the next. Hiring a bathroom fitter will cost you anywhere between £150 and £250 per day, depending on the complexity of the work. You’ll need two tradesmen, and the project will take 4 to 6 days to complete.
Bathroom fitters install various fixtures and fittings, such as a shower enclosure, bath, toilet, and vanity unit.
e. Tile Setter
A tile setter is the next. A tile setter charges between £200 and £350 per day. Tile installation covers laying the tile of your choice: hard-wearing natural stone, glass, ceramic, or porcelain tiles to cover the walls, floor, and countertop.
The cost to tile a small bathroom completely, including the floor and walls, can vary between £500 and £1,200. Again, your bathroom size will be the major factor that influences the tiling cost.
However, the tiling cost for a mid-sized or larger bathroom will be much higher.
Cost of a New Small Bathroom
Planning a small bathroom is a challenge. The following are the four major factors that determine the specific costs related to designing and installing a small bathroom:
- The quality of fixtures
- The type of finishes
- The local labour market
- The size of the bathroom
The price of a fixture is directly proportional to the quality. Likewise, glossy finish is more expensive than matt finish.
The local labour market is unpredictable, and it can move up or down. However, the size of the bathroom is predictable, and the installation cost of a small bathroom is lower than that of a medium or large bathroom.
How to Maximise Space and Budget
A well-planned bathroom design is essential for your new space to be aesthetic and functional. You need to come up with creative solutions to transform the available space into a cosy sanctuary.
A functional space will have all the features and fixtures you want – e.g., toilet, basin, bath, shower enclosure, and adequate storage space.
The best way to maximise space and budget is to evaluate the available space and prioritise the fixtures you want the most.
For example, let’s say you want to accommodate both a shower enclosure and a bath but have space or budget constraints. A shower bath is the right solution in this case. You can have the best of both worlds, as this fixture serves both functionalities to perfection.
Cost of a New En-Suite Bathroom
The expenses involved in adding an en-suite bathroom to an existing bedroom are relatively low. You can create a new bathroom that matches your needs and tastes within a budget of £2,500 – £6,000.
Plumbing and sanitary costs may be high if the water and drain pipes have to travel a long distance, around your house, or through several walls.
A new en-suite bathroom has the potential to increase the value of your home by 4 to 5 percent. However, the value can also go down if the project is not executed well.
The main point of concern is that a home without enough bathrooms can be difficult to sell. Potential buyers might simply be unwilling to take that property off your hands. As a result, it can remain unsold for several months.
Bathroom Remodel Cost
The costs associated with remodeling an existing bathroom can vary a great deal, depending on its size and the condition of the flooring and tiles. The quality of the fixtures, fittings, and materials you choose can also be a decisive factor.
A bathroom remodel cost, including materials, can vary between £1,500 and £7,500.
Comparison of the Remodel Cost and the New Installation Cost
The remodelling cost is typically lower than new installation cost. However, the removal of the existing fixtures will become an additional cost.
A minor remodeling project will cost between £1,500 and £3,000, while a new bathroom installation will cost between £5,000 and £10,000.
The cost of a remodeling project can be higher than that of a new installation when the flooring and tiles need to be replaced in addition to all the existing fixtures. Floor and tile replacement is major work, as it involves the removal of the existing floor and wall tiles and clearing the debris.
In a remodeling project, any change in the placement of the toilet or shower enclosure will necessitate rework in the layout of the water and drainage pipes. This is an additional expense.
Further, an important consideration is that adding custom features such as wall-to-wall furniture, marble countertop, and illuminated mirror, and expensive upgrades such as a digital shower, waterfall shower head, underfloor heating, and whirlpool bath can all drive up the remodeling cost.
Hidden Costs and Unexpected Expenses
1. Replacement of Old Door
An unexpected expense in a remodeling project can be the replacement of the bathroom door, as an old door will be an eyesore in an otherwise brand-new bathroom.
2. Rusted Fittings and Disposal of Old Fixtures
Removing existing fixtures can be time-consuming, especially if the taps are rusted. So, factor in some additional time for this.
Also, getting rid of the old fixtures can cost you extra. Hence, you must ensure that your contractor agrees to dispose of the existing fixtures at a reasonable price.
3. Old Bathroom Floor
If the floor has been untouched for decades, the surface may not be level once the original finish is removed. The contractor may need to lay a special compound to maintain the previous floor level, which would be an unexpected expense.
4. Delay in the Delivery of Bespoke Furniture
Custom-made items like wall-to-wall bespoke furniture will have a longer lead time. Any delay in delivery can result in an unexpected expense for you. So, you must ensure these items are delivered in time so your contractor can work in a timely manner.
5. Change in the Placement of Lights and Rewiring Costs
In a remodeling project, if you’ve changed the position of the fixtures, such as the sink, vanity unit, or shower enclosure, you’ll also need to relocate the lights and switches.
Remember to factor in the cost of rewiring and electrical fittings.
6. Change in the Layout of Fixtures
Any change in the layout of existing fixtures will result in a change in the layout of the new plumbing lines. Remember, rearranging the pipes is expensive and most often not needed.
Tips for Reducing Bathroom Installation Costs
Buying fixtures and fittings for a new bathroom installation isn’t as straightforward as it seems. When you’re on a budget, doing it on your own is tempting. But resist the urge, and bring in a bathroom professional.
The advantage of hiring a professional is that you can still make all the decisions, as it’s your bathroom. The following tips are areas where you can reduce the cost of your new bathroom.
1. Sourcing Materials
If you buy the materials needed for the project yourself, you’ll not need to pay the higher prices that contractors typically charge.
Take care to source materials from reliable industry experts.
Place your orders for materials with companies that will charge you a competitive price. Ensure that the quality of the materials you purchase exceeds your contractor’s expectations.
2. Negotiating with Contractors
If the project cost is high, it’s best to get multiple bids.
Once you pick the contractor you want to work with, set the right tone by treating them with respect. Before you sign a contract, work out the project details meticulously.
Get itemised quotes for different labour costs. Likewise, if you are not purchasing the materials and fixtures directly, get itemised quotes for them as well.
Discuss your budget and be clear about it. Give your contractor a lower figure than you can afford, as that would be the right strategy if you want to stay within your budget.
3. Choosing Budget-Friendly Fixtures
When you buy fixtures, make sure that you buy from industry experts who have been in the business for decades.
For every fixture and fitting, check the product warranty carefully. Look for reasonably priced products with an extended warranty.
Shop Complete Bathroom
At Bathroom City, our range of matching bathroom suites, bespoke furniture, baths, shower enclosures and more will make your new bathroom installation or remodeling project a stress-free experience.
Whether you’re looking to create a contemporary bathroom or a traditional one, we have furniture options for all styles, bathroom sizes, and budgets.
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