Bathroom Renovation Cost Guide 2026
A bathroom renovation is one of the most common home improvement projects, ranging from a simple refresh to a complete gut-and-replace. Unlike extensions, bathroom costs are driven primarily by fixtures, tiling, and plumbing rather than structural work.
This guide covers renovation costs for existing bathrooms — if you're adding a new bathroom as part of an extension or loft conversion, refer to those guides for the full structural costs. The figures below focus on the trades relevant to a bathroom refit.
Cost summary
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5m² (small) | £1,095 | £1,850 | £2,770 |
| 8m² (medium) | £1,752 | £2,960 | £4,432 |
| 12m² (large) | £2,628 | £4,440 | £6,648 |
Costs shown are direct trade costs (national average). Apply regional factors below for your area. Main contractor route adds 20–35%.
Trade-by-trade breakdown
Standard specification, mid estimate. Per-sqm rates for direct trades.
Regional cost variations
| Region | Factor | Adjusted cost |
|---|---|---|
| Inner London | ×1.35 | £500/m² |
| Outer London | ×1.22 | £451/m² |
| South East | ×1.08 | £400/m² |
| South West | ×1.00 | £370/m² |
| East Midlands | ×0.92 | £340/m² |
| North West | ×0.90 | £333/m² |
| North East | ×0.85 | £315/m² |
Multiply the national average cost by the regional factor for your area.
Key cost factors
Sanitaryware quality
A basic toilet, basin, and bath costs £300–£600. Premium brands with wall-hung WCs, stone basins, and freestanding baths can exceed £5,000.
Tiling extent
Full floor-to-ceiling tiling costs more than splashback-only. Large format tiles are more expensive to lay but look more premium.
Plumbing changes
Moving the toilet, basin, or shower position requires rerouting waste pipes — expect £500–£2,000 extra per fixture moved.
Underfloor heating
Electric UFH in a bathroom costs £500–£1,200 installed. It's easier and cheaper to install during a renovation than retrofitting later.
Ventilation
Adequate extraction is a Building Regulation requirement. A simple extractor fan costs £150–£400 installed; humidity-sensing models cost more but prevent damp.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bathroom renovation cost?
A standard 8m² bathroom renovation costs £2,000–£4,400 for trade work in 2026. Add £1,000–£5,000 for sanitaryware and tiles depending on specification. Total project costs typically range from £3,000–£10,000.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
A complete bathroom renovation typically takes 1–3 weeks depending on complexity. If you're moving plumbing or making structural changes, allow 3–4 weeks.
Can I renovate a bathroom without removing the bath?
Yes. If the bath is in good condition, you can retile around it, replace taps, and refresh surrounding surfaces. This can save £500–£1,500 compared to a full strip-out.
Do I need Building Regulations approval?
You generally don't need Building Regulations approval for a like-for-like bathroom replacement. However, if you're adding a new bathroom, moving plumbing significantly, or altering electrics, Building Control may need to sign off.
Should I use a bathroom fitter or individual trades?
A bathroom fitter handles most tasks (plumbing, tiling, fitting) at a fixed price, which simplifies the project. Individual trades can be cheaper for larger bathrooms but require you to coordinate scheduling.
Get a personalised estimate for your project
Our free calculator uses this data with your exact location and specification for a tailored cost breakdown.
Get Free EstimateRelated guides
Kitchen Extension Cost Guide 2026
How much does a kitchen extension cost in 2026? Detailed UK cost breakdown by trade, size, and region. Free calculator included.
Read guideLoft Conversion Cost Guide 2026
How much does a loft conversion cost in the UK in 2026? Trade-by-trade cost breakdown, regional pricing, and free calculator.
Read guideHouse Extension Cost Guide 2026
How much does a house extension cost in the UK? 2026 costs for single and double storey extensions, broken down by trade and region.
Read guideRelated blog posts
Is My Builder's Quote Too Expensive? How to Tell
How to tell if a builder's quote is fair - cost per m² benchmarks by project type, regional multipliers, and the scope traps that make cheap quotes expensive.
Read articleThe Hidden Costs of Home Renovations (And How to Budget for Them)
Party wall fees, building control, skip hire, temporary accommodation... the costs that never appear on a builder's quote but still hit your bank account. Budget for these first.
Read articleUseful resources
The Ultimate Snagging Checklist
A room-by-room snagging checklist to inspect building work before final payment. Free printable list covering external, internal, plumbing, electrics, kitchen, bathroom, and documentation.
View resourceWhat to Ask Your Builder Before You Sign
30+ essential questions to ask a builder before signing a contract. Free printable checklist to protect your home improvement project.
View resource