How much does a bathroom renovation cost in the UK? (2026)
A full bathroom renovation in the UK typically costs between £3,000 and £10,000 for a standard bathroom. Budget refits start around £3,000–£5,000, mid-range renovations run £5,000–£10,000, and premium projects with designer tiles and high-spec sanitary ware can reach £15,000–£20,000+.
A cloakroom (toilet and basin only) is much cheaper — typically £1,200–£3,800. A small en-suite shower room sits in the middle at £2,500–£6,500.
What affects the cost most?
The biggest cost drivers are bathroom size, spec level, and wet room vs standard shower. A wet room requires a full tanking system (waterproofing the entire floor and walls) which adds £1,400–£3,800 on top of the base cost, but it's the most durable and accessible option.
Tiling is one of the most labour-intensive parts of a bathroom fit — a fully tiled floor-to-ceiling bathroom in a standard room uses 20–30m² of tiles and takes 2–3 days to fit. Choosing large-format porcelain tiles (600×600 or bigger) over standard ceramics typically adds £500–£1,500 to the tiling cost.
Location plays a significant role. Labour rates in London and the South East run roughly 20–25% above the national average, so a £6,000 renovation elsewhere might cost £7,200–£7,500 in London.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
A standard bathroom refit by a single tradesperson or small team typically takes 5–10 working days depending on size and complexity. A cloakroom can be done in 2–3 days. A full wet room conversion with large-format tiling takes 10–14 days.
The work usually involves a plumber, a tiler, and sometimes a plasterer and electrician — either as a bathroom fitting specialist who handles everything, or multiple tradespeople coordinated together.
Do you need planning permission for a bathroom renovation?
In most cases, no. Internal bathroom renovations fall under permitted development and do not require planning permission, even if you're converting a bedroom into a bathroom. Exceptions include listed buildings or properties in conservation areas.
However, any electrical work (new circuits, adding sockets near water) must comply with Part P building regulations and be carried out or certified by a qualified electrician. Your plumber may also need to issue a Water Regulations compliance certificate if installing a new shower or changing pipework.
How to save money on a bathroom renovation
The best way to reduce costs without compromising quality is to get at least three quotes — prices for identical work can vary by 30–50% between tradespeople. Supply your own sanitary ware and tiles (bought online or from a trade counter) and have the tradespeople fit only — this removes their markup on materials, which can be 20–40%.
Avoid moving the toilet or soil pipe if at all possible — repositioning waste pipework is one of the most expensive parts of any bathroom job, typically adding £400–£800.
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