Imagine stepping into a luxurious spa every morning. that’s exactly what I craved for my outdated master bathroom.

Tired of the boring builder-grade fixtures and lack of storage, I decided to take the plunge and renovate this spring! But with all the excitement came a big question: how much would this dream bathroom cost?

In this blog, I’m here to share my experience of transforming my master bathroom in the UK, in a way that’s easy to understand. We’ll break down the different factors that affect the cost, from the size of your bathroom to the fancy features you choose. Whether you’re aiming for a spa-like retreat or a simple refresh, this guide will help you navigate the world of master bathroom makeovers perhaps without any budget surprises.

Master Bathroom Renovation Cost By Type

Whether you are constructing a room from scratch or planning a renovation project, not every bathroom costs the same. It depends on the space, interior design, and quality of the fixtures installed.

A small entry-level bathroom costs somewhere between £1500 – £2000, whereas an average-sized bathroom with a minimal design theme would cost you about £2500 – £6000. But if you want to add some luxury and quality ambience to the bathroom, you may have to spend extra, between £7000 – £14,000. Be that as it may, if you are putting together a small-sized bathroom or cloakroom, you’d need to add £1000 – £1500 into the budget.

New Bathroom Costs According to Theme

Regardless of the expected price range of your bathroom, don’t forget to add an additional sum for the type of renovation you want. For example, simple and minimalistic bathroom themes can be renovated on a budget probably somewhere between £1000 – £3500.

However, if you want to follow the trend of a modern bathroom, the costs will jump slightly higher, to £8000. Not just that, the same goes for country bathroom setups with vintage and traditional designs. Since vintage bathroom styles can be larger and more spacious, make sure to add that additional amount. So, keep your budget range between £7000 – £9000.

If you crave luxury and opulence when it comes to style and fixtures, it is better to not put a price range on it. According to a rough estimate, luxury bathrooms are priced somewhere around £15000 or even more in some cases

Fittings and Fixtures Costs in the UK

Here we have some average estimation costs of different bathroom fittings and fixtures. 

  • Pedestal Sink Cost in the UK.   You will need to pay between £300 to £350, which will include the cost of sink taps as well. Installation will take around 1-2 hours. 
  • New Toilet Cost in the UK. However, the cost of toilet installation may vary greatly. Wall-hung toilets usually cost higher while close-coupled toilets are the more affordable option. You may expect to pay £250 on average for the close coupled toilet and £400 for a wall-mounted option.  The total time required for the installation is around 1-2 hours. 
  • New Bathtub Cost in the UK. The prices of baths in the UK vary depending on the type. For example, double-ended, or single-ended baths, fitted or straight, or shower baths may have different prices. However, our estimation indicates that you may have put aside on average £300 to £500 for it. A standard acrylic bathtub may cost around £200 on average plus around £100 for the installation. 
  • A Vanity Unit installation costs the UK. You may have to pay around £100 over the price of the vanity unit. The vanity unit price depends on the type and size of vanity units you choose. A simple basic type of 600mm vanity unit may cost around £150. Combination vanity units and double sink vanity units are usually priced higher than this. A standard vanity unit may require around 1-2 hours for installation. 
  • Cost of Shower Enclosure Installation. If you are interested in the installation of a shower enclosure, then the total costs may be around £500 to £700 depending on the type of enclosure you choose. It is important to keep in mind that wet rooms have significantly higher installation costs than standard enclosures. The time required for the installation is around 3-5 hours.

Other Costs Involved

Your new master bathroom may require a variety of other new installations like flooring, tiling lighting, etc. 

  • Cost Tiling in The Bathroom. In addition to that, if you are planning a bathroom, then the typical cost may be around £60 to £100 per square meter.  The cost of tiles differs significantly. You should choose the type of tile depending on the bathroom theme. 
  • Bathroom Flooring Costs in The UK. There are various types of flooring available in the bathrooms including engineered wood, and vinyl each with its pros and cons. The prices depend on the quality and brand but usually expect to pay starting from £21 per square meter and going up to around £60 per square meter. 
  • Bathroom Lighting Costs in the UK. When it comes to bathroom lighting, there’s no end to the range of styles and features. If you have plenty of natural light coming into the room, simple, low-cost lighting elements will do the job. But if there’s a shortage of natural light or the room is somewhat congested, you’ll have to invest in a proper lighting system that brightens up the interior. According to a rough estimate, the average bathroom lighting cost projects somewhere between £25 – £50.

It is important to note that a bathroom fitter may charge around £40-£70 per hour depending on the type of installation, and your location. The installation complexity may also be a factor in increasing the installation costs. The time required for the removal of the existing fixture will add to the cost. 

Additionally, your location in the UK may also influence the installation costs. For example, urban areas where more certified plumbers are available and compete with one another may charge slightly less. 

However, in larger cities like London, where average weekly earnings are higher than the rest of the UK, you will have to pay an extra 10% to 20%. The inflation and higher fuel prices recently have also resulted in a sharp increase in the prices of bathroom fittings and fixtures, as well as charges for bathroom fitters 

DIY (Do It Yourself Vs. Professional Installation)

Unless you have the passion and skill to take up a bathroom renovation project, relying on a professional to handle the job is the most appropriate solution. As per recent scenarios, the per-hour labour costs for most renovation projects in the UK cost between £40 – £70 per hour. While it may look expensive, you will put in the same time and effort without having to worry about any shortcomings in your work.

Budget For Unexpected Costs

The estimated costs provided in this blog provide a good starting point. However, it is important to factor in unexpected costs to avoid disappointment later. Here are some potential hidden expenses to consider:

  • Demolition Costs: When renovating a new bathroom, you may require the removal of old fixtures, walls, or floors. That’s where the demolition costs come in. These costs may add up anywhere between £500 to £1000 depending on the extent of work required. 
  • Managing Waste: If there is considerable debris and waste, then your council may charge you for removing it. Or you may even hire someone to take the old bathroom material away and dispose of it. You may have to pay depending on the weight and volume of the debris. 
  • Permits: Depending on your location in the UK and the nature of the renovation, you might need permits from the local borough. Factor in the associated fees to avoid delays.
  • Hidden Expenses: Sometimes, hidden issues like damaged pipes or mould can be discovered during the renovation process. It may add up to the overall costs. Therefore, Budgeting a contingency fund (around 10% of the total budget) can help cover these unforeseen repairs.

Saving On the Bathroom Renovation Costs

The bathroom can easily go over the budget. Therefore, it is crucial to keep an eye on spending. Here are some tips to save money.

  • Plan Ahead: When it comes to bathroom renovations, planning is key. It can save you unnecessary hassle and help you to keep the costs down. So, planning well is key. 
  • Compare Prices: Bathroom fixtures are a significant part of overall costs. Therefore, always compare prices from different retailers for fixtures, tiles, and other materials. Consider online stores like Royal Bathrooms alongside local showrooms.
  • Take Advantage of Sales and Discounts: Like anything else, bathroom retailers also have their sale offers. You can buy the fixtures at significantly lower prices during the Black Friday, Boxing Day, and Easter Day sales. There may be many other offers that you can avail of online.
  • DIY What You Can:  There are a variety of tasks that are relatively easier to handle for someone with little knowledge and experience of plumbing tools. For example, painting walls, and installing a mirror, and shelves does not require you to have a lot of experience. Simply get advice from the internet and tackle smaller tasks yourself. 
  • Prefer Needs Over Wants: Focus on the needs or basic requirements rather than wants. Allocate more budget on enhancing the functionality like a good quality shower head or sink, and be more flexible with less crucial details.

Final Thoughts

I have touched on almost every aspect of bathroom renovation costs. You can easily set up a realistic budget with the help of this guide. Remember! Every successful renovation starts with planning. Keep in mind your functional aesthetic requirements when allocating the budget. By understanding the variety of cost factors involved, you can create a beautiful and functional bathroom that fits your style and budget.