Blog>Expert Advice>A guide to new bathrooms: design, planning and cost help
Last updated: 2 May 2024
A guide to new bathrooms: design, planning and cost help
Discover our handy guide to new bathroom installation. We cover how to plan and design your new bathroom with prices, timescales and inspiration.
We’ve come a long way from when outhouses were used and now our bathrooms are a key part of our home’s design scheme. Plus, when it’s time to sell your home, one of the main things buyers look for is multiple, clean and well-designed bathrooms. So, when it comes to installing your new bathroom, it makes sense to take the time to plan ahead for great results.
Whether you’re looking for new bathroom ideas, are considering adding an entirely new bathroom, or you're curious about installation times and costs, keep reading to learn more.
Planning a new bathroom in the UK
When planning your new bathroom, you’ll need to do a little research to optimise the design of this essential room.
It’s important to build a space that’s practical and aesthetically pleasing as this is a room you’ll use every day. Everyone has different needs and preferences with their bathrooms, so creating a new bathroom that works for you is key.
For example, if you have young children, owning a bath is non-negotiable. Whereas if you and your partner plan to use the bathroom together, having twin basins may be essential.
One of the best ways to build a functional bathroom is to ask an expert to create a 3D model of the space to help you visualize the finished room.
There are a few key steps to planning a new UK bathroom, as follows:
Accurately measure the room
Plan your new bathroom layout
Decide on a design scheme (more on this coming up)
Choose fixtures that work for you
How to choose a new bathroom design
There are so many colours, styles and designs to choose from when building a new bathroom. This means that no matter your interior design style, you’ll be able to find the perfect bathroom for you.
Choosing a new bathroom design doesn’t need to be complicated and time consuming. In fact, using the below tips can help to make this part of the decision-making process a breeze:
Look at the design style of the rest of your home. Your bathroom is an extension of your home so flow from room to room is important. Remember, your rooms don’t need to be exactly the same, just repeating small details and colours can help tie your home together.
Consider how you’ll use your new bathroom. For example, a family bathroom should be decorated very differently to a private, spa like bathroom.
Decide on what elements to incorporate in your new bathroom. The list of options is long, including baths, sinks, toilets, showers, storage and more.
Take a little time to plan how lighting will fit in with your new bathroom design. Adding lighting can totally transform a dull bathroom, making it feel light and spacious.
Once you have the foundations (tiles, flooring etc.) for your bathroom, consider how adding details and finishing touches can enhance the space.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Finding new bathroom ideas, styles and designs
When it comes to finding inspiration for new bathroom styles, the latest shower designs, new bathroom tiles designs and more, there's a range of different options available to you. We’d recommend looking online and creating either a digital or real-life vision board to give you a rough idea of where to start.
There are many articles and magazines that can give you inspiration, but to find the best bathroom remodel ideas, check out our bathroom ideas guide. With current new bathroom design ideas, plus tips for modern, small and grey bathrooms, this guide is an excellent resource.
Read Jamie's bathroom transformation story, and get inspired for yours
Jamie’s beautiful bathroom renovation in London
Jamie used Checkatrade to help him completely overhaul his tired, dated bathroom. And he couldn’t be more delighted with the results.
How long does a new bathroom installation take?
Fitting a new bathroom isn’t always a time-consuming process that drags on for weeks. In fact, if you just choose to have new flooring or wall tiles fitted, your new bathroom installation may only take a couple of days.
It’s quite difficult to give an accurate timescale for the installation of your new bathroom as this depends on a range of factors including:
Size of the bathroom
How much you are changing
How easy it is to access your bathroom
Whether you are adding new lighting, ventilation or heating
Whether any new pipework needs to be done
Considering all these variables, your new bathroom installation may take any time from days to weeks.
How much does a new bathroom cost?
Installing a new bathroom (including materials) will cost between £5,500 - £8,000, with the average price being£7,000.
For a larger/high-end bathroom project, you'll be looking at a price of £14,000+.
The cost of your new bathroom will mainly depend on the options you choose and the size of your bathroom. This means that the price range is broad, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of pounds.
It all depends on the products you choose, the style of bathroom, the size of it, and whether you're hiring a professional to fit it all.
For more details about the cost of a new bathroom and factors that affect prices, please see our new bathroom cost guide.
Getting a professional to install your new bathroom
When it comes to fitting your new bathroom, you’ll likely need the assistance of multiple tradespeople.
You always have the option of doing the work yourself but be aware that even small mistakes could create a leak that causes untold damage to your home.
If you want your bathroom to be fitted to the highest standards, we’d recommend hiring an expert. This will give you the reassurance that your home is in safe hands and your bathroom will stand the test of time.
Our handy search engine is a great way to find a variety of local bathroom professionals in seconds. You can even see customer reviews and testimonials before you pick the right tradesperson for your project.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Start your own bathroom transformation story
You could have your own bathroom transformation story, like Jamie, who used Checkatrade to help him with his new bathroom.
Make sure to see the before and afters on his bathroom - what a difference!
Jamie’s beautiful bathroom renovation in London
Jamie used Checkatrade to help him completely overhaul his tired, dated bathroom. And he couldn’t be more delighted with the results.
Which tradespeople should you use for the job?
The type of tradesperson you need for your new bathroom installation will depend on which aspects of the room you are altering or replacing.
If you’re completely rearranging the room, you’ll definitely need a plumber to alter your existing pipework. But when it comes to tiling, most general builders and plasterers will be well suited to the job. If you're changing your lights then you'll need an electrician.
Alternatively, hiring a bathroom fitter is the best option if you’re having an entirely new bathroom installed.
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See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job