How much does it cost to fit a new bathroom?

Doing the work yourself might decrease initial costs, but fitting a new bathroom can be complex. Hiring a bathroom installation expert might be more expensive, but it’s worth paying due to the skills needed to install all the different bathroom elements successfully.

How much does a new bathroom cost in the UK?

Installing a new bathroom (including materials) could cost between £5,500 – £8,000, with an average price of £7,000.

For a larger/high-end bathroom project, you’ll be looking at a price of £14,000+.

In this guide, we’ve provided a range of new bathroom costs for low/medium-end projects. Generally, there’s no average upper limit, as some bathroom/ensuite elements can be considerably more expensive.

Installation of luxury or bespoke bathroom fixtures and fittings will cost around £14,000+.

When planning your new bathroom installation, it can often be broken down into different elements. Having a bath and shower will be more expensive than just having one or the other. Equally, if you only plan to install or replace parts of a bathroom, that will keep the cost down.

Before you find out more bathroom costs, make sure you check out this beautiful bathroom transformation by a Checkatrade trade.

We spoke to Jamie about his experience using Checkatrade to plan his bathroom renovation and find a tradesperson:

Additional costs to consider when fitting your new bathroom

In addition to the main bathroom suite itself (bath/shower, sink and toilet), there are several other costs to consider for your new bathroom installation, such as:

• Waste removal
• Extractor fans
• Ceiling lights
• Tiling
• Pipework adjustments
• Flooring (e.g. laminate, and wood)
• Finishing
• Underfloor heating

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Cost to install bathroom vanity

The bathroom vanity installation cost will depend on the size, design and quality of the vanity unit itself.

Often the vanity installation cost will be included in the total price you pay for the new bathroom installation cost. If quoted separately, the average cost to install a bathroom vanity is around £150 – £300.

Bath tub installation

There are a wide variety of baths to choose from, some fitted and others stand alone. On average, a standard bath installation will cost between £100 – £275.

We’ve broken down the costs of installing different types of bathtubs and any associated costs in our bathtub installation cost guide.

Average time: 3 – 5 hours

Shower installation

Depending on the type of shower you choose for your home, it will cost in the region of £250 – £400 for supply and installation. The price is affected by the cost of the shower unit itself and the labour involved.

Installing an electric shower usually costs slightly more than installing a standard mixer shower.

Average time: 2 hours (for replacement) to 8 hours (new installation)

Read our shower installation cost guide to find out installation prices for different types of showers.

Shower enclosure installation

The biggest factors affecting the cost of installing a shower enclosure are the size and the materials used. Larger showers involve more labour. And bespoke designs are often more complex to make and install, which means a higher price tag.

Supply and installation of an average shower enclosure usually cost between £250 – £750.

Average time: 3 – 5 hours

Basin installation

A simple pedestal basin is probably the most common type of basin and is fairly quick and easy to install.

For a single pedestal basin installation, you’ll be looking at paying between £175 – £350.

Average time: 1 – 2 hours

Toilet installation

The type of toilet unit you choose will be the biggest determining factor of the total price of installing a toilet. Not only for the price of the unit but also the labour that will be involved. Some toilet systems can be more complex to plumb in than others.

A standard toilet installation will cost you between – .

Average time: 2 – 3 hours

Our toilet installation cost guide will guide you through everything you need to know about fitting a new toilet, and the expected costs of installing different types of toilets.

Heated towel rail installation

Towel rails have become an integral part of many modern bathrooms, and come in a range of sizes, shapes and styles. In smaller bathrooms, they can act as a radiator on top of keeping your towels warm and fluffy.

Installing a heated towel rail costs between £350 – £800.

Average time: 2 – 4 hours

Radiator installation

As with many other bathroom elements, the type and size will greatly affect the price you pay to install a new radiator.

On average, the cost of installing a standard radiator is between £200 – £450.

Average time: 2 – 4 hours

How much do microcement bathrooms cost?

The average microcement bathroom cost is between £100 - £250 per m² – although this can vary depending on the size of the area, as well as its current condition and complexity.

Microcement bathrooms are fast growing in popularity.

This decorative concrete coating offers a sleek and seamless aesthetic while being waterproof, anti-slip, and easy to clean. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be used on bathroom floors, walls, sinks, showers, and bathtubs, offering endless possibilities.

Average time: 2 – 5 days (including drying and hardening time for each coat of product).

How long will my new bathroom installation take?

The time it will take to complete your bathroom installation depends on the amount of work required. If you’re just installing new fittings, you’ll get it done quicker than if you’re completely gutting the room and starting from scratch.

On average, it could take between 5 – 10 days for a new bathroom installation, while smaller renovations can be completed in as little as two days.

In general, a small budget bathroom may take 6 – 12 days to install. A standard bathroom could take 7 – 15 days, while a luxury bathroom could take 9 – 16 days to complete.

Things to consider when installing a new bathroom

As with all home improvement projects, there are usually a number of factors that will affect the price you pay.

With bathroom installations, this is particularly true, as there are so many different types and sizes of bathrooms, all with different elements that directly affect the overall cost of fitting your new bathroom.

The majority of your new bathroom installation costs will be affected by:

• Any electrical work that needs doing (eg. installing a power shower or a dual fuel heated towel rail)
• Plumbing work (and access to plumbing)
• The choice of bathroom suite (size, any special features etc.)
• Size of your bathroom
• Location
• Age and condition of the property
• If specialists are required (for more complex installations)

Pre-planning your bathroom layout is essential. You need to consider where existing pipes and waste disposal are. However, many of these can be relocated by a professional, but of course, that will add to your new bathroom costs, too.

Many bathroom designers provide a free planning service, and we recommend taking advantage of this and discussing your ideas with your fitter before work starts.

Old bathroom removal cost

If you’re planning to renovate your old bathroom, remember that you’d need to factor in the costs of removing the old one first. Depending on how much of it you want to change, your bathroom removal costs would include removing the bath and shower, toilet, sink, flooring, wall tiles, etc.

But, as we said earlier, you can keep costs down by replacing only the parts of the bathroom that need replacing. So, depending on the scale of the renovation, your old bathroom removal cost will fall between £600 – £1,000.

You may also need to hire a skip, which will come with its own hiring cost.

Here’s a checklist for you to help plan and budget:

• Decide on your budget upfront, this will help guide your choice of bathroom components within your budget
• Speak with a local bathroom expert for advice on the best approach for your bathroom, some bathrooms have limitations that will dictate layouts and fixtures you can use
• Remember to factor in all the associated bathroom installation costs, not just installing the bathroom suite and tiling
• When hiring a professional tradesperson, always choose someone with proven experience and the appropriate qualifications/accreditations
• Always shop around with local suppliers and bathroom specialists to get fair and competitive prices for your bathroom installation

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

FAQs

How long does it take to install a bathroom?

A standard bathroom installation usually takes 5 – 10 days. However, the size and complexity of the bathroom will affect this.

Can I install a bathroom myself?

If you’re an accomplished DIY enthusiast with experience dealing with complex home improvement projects, then you might want to attempt to install your new bathroom yourself.

To install a bathroom, you’ll need to be confident in electricals, plumbing, tiling, painting, and decorating. Otherwise, we highly recommend hiring a professional bathroom fitter to carry out the installation work.

How can I save money with my new bathroom installation?

Disposing of your old bathroom suite yourself could help you save some money. You could also consider selling it and make yourself some additional pennies to go towards the taps you want.

Do you have any bathroom tiling tips?

It’s worth hiring a professional bathroom tiler. They will achieve a consistently high-quality finish in a fraction of the time.

Best time of year to re-do your bathroom?

From experience, we know that September to December is a hectic time for families to consider having a new bathroom. Bathroom fitters are often at their busiest, and so planning it in for spring and summer could prove better for you and mean you get the fitter you want.

What is a 3 piece bathroom suite?

A bathroom suite consists of a toilet, sink or vanity unit and bath with a separate shower being optional.

Nowadays you can buy all items independently too, meaning you can mix and match to suit your own needs and tastes. Baths come in an array of sizes to suit all bathroom sizes, from compact narrow ones to large two-person baths too.

Is electrical work in a bathroom needed?

Often we forget that bathrooms can have electrics too, from shaving sockets to under unit lighting and extractor fans.

When installing a new bathroom that requires additional alterations to existing circuits, work could be notifiable to your local building control officer to meet the correct safety standards. Generally, any work carried out to the circuit within a specific zone close to the bath or shower unit is considered notifiable.

Simple ways to meet the requirements is to use a registered contractor with the Competent Person Scheme. To find detailed information on why you should use a Competent Person please download and read the scheme’s booklet. A Competent Person can self-certify the work and notify the local building control department on your behalf.

Remember that when considering electrical work, the type and quality of bathroom lighting you decide on will affect your budget, too.

Get some bathroom ideas and inspiration

If you’re exploring your options and you need some inspiration, check out these bathroom ideas:

• Small bathroom ideas
• Bathroom floor ideas
• Bathroom tile ideas
• Bathroom storage ideas
• Bathroom cladding ideas
• Traditional bathroom ideas