Bathrooms

Tips and guidance on bathroom renovations, design ideas, budgeting and professional installation.

Bathroom Budget Breakdown

25th September 2020

A helpful guide to typical bathroom renovation costs, breaking down prices for suites, showers, baths, toilets, and installation so you can plan your budget.

If you are planning on fitting a new bathroom, it is important to consider what you want, and your budget first and foremost. Like many home improvement projects, it doesn’t take much for the costs to spiral out of control, particularly when it comes to bathrooms and kitchens.

Last week we went over the average cost of installing a new bathroom; this week we will go into a little more detail and break down how much each element is likely to cost you.

Shower installation

The cost of shower installation will very much depend on the plumbing that you are working with, and your tastes. A mixer shower can be easily fitted to your bath or can be installed in a shower enclosure. By choosing valves with built-in thermostats you will avoid the blast of freezing (or boiling) water when someone else in the house uses the water. Mixer shower installation: £150-£250

Electric showers are a cheap, easy choice – you might not get the same power as mixer ones, but some higher end showers offer great water pressure – and unlimited hot water. Electric shower installation: £250-£500

And the shower enclosure

Once again, the cost of your shower enclosure comes down to the size and shape restrictions and price. Your main considerations are the door: hinged, bi-fold, sliding, curved – there are plenty of styles to choose from; and the thickness of the glass that you choose. The more modern the style and the thicker the glass, the more expensive your enclosure will be. Add the shower tray, which comes in an array of styles and materials – acrylic can be cut to shape, is light and easy to install, which can be a bonus if you are working with a tight or irregular space. Shower enclosure: £400 - £950

New bath

Steel baths can be cumbersome and hard to install. Fibreglass or fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), while cheap, can bend. Acrylic is lighter than steel but tougher than FRP, so inevitably costs more. Choose from regular size and shape to roll-top, corner or L-shaped baths – the more “fancy” the shape, the bigger the price tag. New bath: £150-£750

Bathroom sink

A basic bathroom basin can come in pretty cheap, but if you want a whole new vanity unit, fitted, the price will leap. Choose from ceramic, porcelain or marble which increase in price as they increase in durability. The cost of fitting your new sink will also depend on whether the plumber will have to adapt the existing plumbing. New bathroom sink: £80-£320

And the tap

The cost of your tap will depend on the style and whether your tap is wall mounted or attached to the sink. New tap: £50-£120

Toilet

The cost of a basic toilet is around £50, but if you want something a little more stylish, the price will rise. The cost of installing a toilet will depend on the existing plumbing – the more work your bathroom installer will have to do, the more it will cost. New toilet: £100-£350

Next up: what you need to know about tiling. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to stay updated.

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Looking for more bathrooms advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common bathrooms questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

Do I need a plumber or a bathroom fitter to install a new bathroom?

For a simple swap - same bath, toilet, or basin in the same spot - a plumber can usually handle it. For a full renovation with layout changes, tiling, and proper waterproofing, a bathroom fitter is the better choice. Many larger jobs need both, or a fitter who subcontracts the plumbing. Be upfront about what you want when you're getting quotes - it makes a difference.
What are the most popular bathroom design trends right now?

Walk-in showers with frameless glass are still the most popular choice - they look great and make the space feel bigger. Wall-hung toilets and basins are increasingly common for the clean look and easier cleaning underneath. Brushed brass and matte black are the tap finishes people are going for right now, largely replacing chrome. Warmer tones - stone, clay, warm whites - have pushed out the all-grey bathroom of the last decade. And underfloor heating and digital showers are increasingly being planned in from the start rather than added as an afterthought.
What is the difference between a wet room and a shower room?

A shower room has a shower enclosure - the shower is contained within its own space. A wet room is different: the whole floor is waterproofed and slopes to a drain, with no enclosure at all. Wet rooms look clean and minimal and work really well for people with limited mobility. The catch is they need far more thorough waterproofing during installation - any gaps and you'll get water getting into the structure. Using a professional is an absolute must!
Do bathroom renovations require Building Regulations approval?

A like-for-like replacement generally doesn't. But if you're moving a soil pipe, adding new electrical circuits, or making structural changes, it might. The one constant: any electrical work in a bathroom has to comply with Part P, regardless of how small the job is. If you're unsure, your installer or local building control team can tell you what's needed before you commit.
How long does it take to fit a new bathroom?

A full installation in an average bathroom typically takes five to ten working days, depending on how complex the layout is and how much tiling's involved. A straight swap with no layout changes can often be done in two to three days. Plan for some disruption either way, and make sure you've got access to another bathroom while the work's on.
Can I install a walk-in shower myself or do I need a professional?

The enclosure and screen? Potentially DIY-able if you're confident. But the plumbing and electrical side - no. Electrical work in bathrooms falls under Part P regulations with strict rules around anything near water. Waterproofing is also something people tend to underestimate - get it wrong and you're looking at expensive water damage down the line. For a full walk-in shower installation, get a professional in.

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