Bathroom Refit Costs at a Glance (2026)
| Job Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Suite swap (same layout) | £1,500–£3,000 | No pipe moves, existing tiles kept |
| Basic full refit | £2,500–£5,000 | New suite, tiling, flooring — standard layout |
| Mid-range refit | £4,500–£8,000 | Better quality suite, full retile, towel rail |
| High-end refit | £8,000–£15,000+ | Premium fixtures, underfloor heating, bespoke storage |
| Wet room conversion | £4,000–£10,000 | Tanking, linear drain, glass screen |
| En-suite (new room) | £5,000–£12,000 | Partition wall, plumbing run, electrics |
These figures cover labour and basic materials. The suite itself (bath, toilet, basin, taps) adds £400–£3,000+ depending on brand.
What's Included in a Bathroom Refit Quote?
A good bathroom fitter quote should itemise:
- Strip-out — removing the old suite, tiles, and flooring (usually included)
- Plumbing — repositioning pipes, fitting new waste traps, connecting to supply
- Electrical work — shaver socket, extractor fan, lighting (must be Part P compliant)
- Tiling — wall and floor tiles, including adhesive and grout
- Suite supply and fit — bath or shower tray, toilet, basin, taps, shower
- Flooring — vinyl or tiles
- Boxing in pipework and finishing touches
What's often not included: tile supply, suite supply, skip hire, and any structural changes. Always ask what the quote covers before signing.
What Drives the Price Up?
- Moving pipework — if your new layout puts the toilet or shower in a different position, expect £300–£800 extra for pipe runs
- Solid walls — cutting into brick or block instead of stud walls adds labour time
- Underfloor heating — electric mat UFH adds £400–£900 fitted; wet system more
- Wet room — requires full tanking (waterproofing membrane behind tiles), which adds £500–£1,500 and cannot be skimped on without risking structural damage
- Premium tiles — large format tiles (600x600+) take longer to cut and lay; stone tiles require specific adhesive
- Freestanding bath — needs a waste in the middle of the floor, harder to fit than a standard panel bath
- London and South East — labour typically runs 25–40% higher than the national average
Bathroom Fitter vs Separate Trades: Which Is Cheaper?
You have two main options:
Main contractor (bathroom fitter) — one person or team manages and coordinates the whole project. They'll subcontract or handle plumbing, tiling, and basic electrical. You pay a premium for that coordination (typically 10–15% over using separate trades) but save significant stress.
Separate trades — you hire a plumber, tiler, and electrician independently. Can save £300–£800 on a mid-range bathroom, but you manage the scheduling. If the tiler arrives before the plumber has set the shower tray, you've wasted a day.
For most homeowners doing a first bathroom refit, the main contractor route is worth the premium.
How Long Does a Bathroom Refit Take?
| Scope | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Suite swap | 1–2 days |
| Basic full refit | 3–5 days |
| Mid-range refit with tiling | 5–8 days |
| High-end or wet room | 8–14 days |
| En-suite (new room) | 2–4 weeks |
Allow extra time for tiling: adhesive and grout both need 24 hours to cure before the room can be used. Don't let anyone rush this — it's how grout cracks form within months.
How to Get the Best Price on a Bathroom Refit
- Get three quotes — bathroom refit prices vary more than almost any other trade. Three quotes costs you nothing and can save £1,000+
- Supply the suite yourself — buy your own bathroom suite from a trade counter or online and have the fitter supply labour only. Can save 15–25% on suite costs versus a fitter's supply margin
- Book early — good bathroom fitters are booked 4–8 weeks ahead. Last-minute jobs attract a premium or go to less experienced fitters
- Keep the layout — every pipe move adds cost. If you can live with the toilet and bath in the same position, do it
- Avoid January and August — peak demand periods. February–March and October–November tend to have more availability
Red Flags in Bathroom Quotes
- No written breakdown — a verbal "£4k all in" is not a quote
- Cash-only insistence — no paper trail means no comeback
- Pressure to sign immediately — genuine tradespeople don't need same-day decisions
- No mention of Part P compliance for electrical work — this is legally required
- Suspiciously low price — if a quote is 40% below two others, ask why in detail before accepting
- No public liability insurance — ask to see a certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bathroom refit cost in the UK in 2026?
A basic full bathroom refit typically costs £2,500–£5,000 including labour and basic materials. A mid-range bathroom runs £4,500–£8,000. High-end refits with premium fixtures start at £8,000 and can exceed £15,000.
How much does it cost to retile a bathroom?
Retiling a standard bathroom (walls only) costs £400–£900 for labour, plus tile costs. Full retile including floor runs £700–£1,400. Large format tiles or complex patterns cost more.
Is a bathroom refit VAT exempt?
No. Bathroom refits are standard-rated for VAT at 20%. However, if you're a disabled homeowner qualifying for adaptations, some work may qualify for zero-rating — speak to your local council.
Does a new bathroom add value to a house?
Yes, generally. A well-fitted bathroom adds roughly 3–5% to a property value according to estate agent surveys. A tired or poorly fitted bathroom can actively reduce saleability.
Do I need planning permission for a new bathroom?
No, for a like-for-like replacement in an existing bathroom space. You will need Building Regulations approval (Part P) for any new electrical circuits. An en-suite in a new room may need planning if it involves structural work.
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