How to Quote a Bathroom Renovation: UK Pricing Guide

Bathroom renovations are among the highest-value domestic jobs a tradesperson can quote for in the UK, with typical project values ranging from 4,000 to 15,000 pounds. They are also among the most complex to price accurately, because they involve multiple trades, significant material costs, and a high degree of variability depending on the customer's chosen fixtures and finishes. Get your quote wrong on a bathroom and you can easily lose 1,000 pounds or more.

This guide walks you through the complete process of quoting a bathroom renovation in the UK, from the initial site survey through to presenting a detailed, professional proposal. Whether you are a general bathroom fitter, a plumber who takes on bathroom projects, or a builder managing bathroom refits as part of larger works, the principles are the same.

Step 1: Conduct a Detailed Site Survey

A bathroom renovation quote starts with a thorough site survey. This is not a 10-minute walkthrough — you need to spend at least 30 to 45 minutes assessing the existing bathroom and discussing the customer's requirements. Here is what to assess.

Existing Layout and Services

Map the current positions of the toilet, basin, bath or shower, and any radiator or towel rail. Identify where the hot and cold water supplies enter the room, where the waste pipes are, and the route they take to the soil stack or external drainage. Note the position of the boiler and whether the existing system is combi, system, or gravity-fed — this affects what shower options are available. Check the water pressure at the existing taps.

Room Dimensions and Structure

Measure the room accurately — length, width, floor to ceiling height, and the position of the door, window, and any structural features. Note what the walls are made of (solid brick, block, stud/plasterboard) and what the floor is (concrete, timber joists). Stud walls are easier to chase pipes into but cannot carry heavy wall-mounted basins or toilets without additional framing. Timber floors may need reinforcing or overboarding for tiling.

Electrics

Check the existing electrical installation — lighting, extractor fan, shaver socket, electric shower circuit (if applicable). Any electrical work in a bathroom must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations and needs to be done by a qualified electrician or certified by Building Control. If the customer wants recessed spotlights, underfloor heating, a digital shower, or a new electric shower, these all require electrical work that needs to be quoted for.

Customer Requirements

Discuss exactly what the customer wants. Are they keeping the same layout or moving things? Do they want a bath, a shower, or both? What is their budget range? Have they already chosen fixtures and tiles, or do they want you to advise? Do they want floor-to-ceiling tiling or half-height tiling with painted walls above? Do they want a heated towel rail? An illuminated mirror? These details all significantly affect the price.

Access and Logistics

Consider the practical logistics. Where will the skip go? Is there good access for carrying materials upstairs? Will the customer be living in the property during the work (which means you may need to maintain a working toilet)? How far is it from your base (travel time affects your costs on a multi-week project)?

Step 2: Scope the Work — What Is Included

Before you start pricing, write a clear scope of work. This is critical for bathroom renovations because there are so many individual elements. A typical scope for a full bathroom renovation includes the following.

Demolition and strip-out. Remove existing fixtures (bath, toilet, basin, shower), remove existing wall tiles and floor tiles, remove old plumbing, disconnect and remove existing electrics as needed.

Plumbing first fix. Run new hot and cold water supplies to the new fixture positions, run new waste pipes, install new isolation valves.

Electrical first fix. Run new circuits for lighting, extractor fan, shaver socket, underfloor heating (if applicable), shower circuit (if applicable).

Structural and prep work. Repair or replace any damaged plaster, board out walls with cement board or moisture-resistant plasterboard if needed, level the floor, install any boxing for concealed cisterns or pipe runs.

Tiling. Floor tiles and wall tiles, including waterproof tanking (if required for wet areas), adhesive, grout, silicone, and trims.

Plumbing second fix. Install toilet, basin, bath or shower tray, taps, waste traps, shower valve, shower screen or enclosure, heated towel rail.

Electrical second fix. Install light fittings, extractor fan, shaver socket, connect underfloor heating thermostat.

Finishing. Silicone sealing, painting (ceiling and any untiled walls), install accessories (mirror, toilet roll holder, towel hooks), final clean.

Step 3: Price the Labour for Each Phase

Breaking the labour down by phase helps you price accurately and makes your quote transparent to the customer. Here are typical labour costs for each phase of a standard bathroom renovation in 2026.

Demolition and Strip-Out

A full bathroom strip-out (remove all fixtures, strip all tiles, remove old plumbing) typically takes 1 to 2 days for one person. Labour cost: 200 to 450 pounds. Add skip hire at 250 to 400 pounds for a 4 to 6 yard skip. Bathroom demolition generates a lot of heavy waste (tiles, plaster, old cast iron bath) that is surprisingly expensive to dispose of.

Plumbing

Plumbing labour for a standard bathroom (no layout changes) typically takes 2 to 3 days split across first fix and second fix. If you are moving fixtures to new positions, add 1 to 2 extra days for re-routing pipes and waste. Labour cost for plumbing: 500 to 900 pounds for a standard re-fit, or 800 to 1,500 pounds if the layout is changing significantly. Use our day rate calculator to work out the right figure for your business.

Electrics

Electrical work in a bathroom must be done by a Part P qualified electrician. If you subcontract this, a typical bathroom electrical package (new lighting circuit with 3 to 4 downlights, extractor fan, shaver socket, and certification) costs 350 to 600 pounds. Add 200 to 400 pounds if underfloor heating is being installed, and 150 to 250 pounds for a new shower circuit.

Tiling

Tiling is often the most time-consuming element of a bathroom renovation. A standard bathroom with approximately 15 to 20 square metres of wall tiling and 4 to 6 square metres of floor tiling typically takes 3 to 5 days, depending on the tile size, pattern, and complexity of the layout. Labour cost for tiling: 600 to 1,200 pounds. Large format tiles (600mm x 600mm or larger) look impressive but take longer to install in a small bathroom because of the precise cutting required.

Plastering and Prep

If walls need replastering (common after stripping old tiles), budget 1 to 2 days at 200 to 350 pounds per day. Floor levelling with self-levelling compound costs approximately 100 to 200 pounds in materials and half a day of labour.

Joinery and Boxing

Boxing in pipes, building stud frames for concealed cisterns (wall-hung toilets), and any other carpentry work typically takes half a day to 1 day. Labour cost: 150 to 300 pounds.

Decoration

Painting the ceiling and any untiled walls (typically above the tile line) takes half a day. Labour cost: 100 to 200 pounds.

Step 4: Price the Materials and Fixtures

Materials and fixtures typically account for 40 to 60 percent of a bathroom renovation budget. Here is a breakdown of typical costs in 2026.

Bathroom Suite (Toilet, Basin, Bath or Shower Tray)

Budget range: 300 to 600 pounds for a complete suite (close-coupled toilet, pedestal basin, standard acrylic bath).
Mid-range: 600 to 1,500 pounds (back-to-wall or wall-hung toilet, vanity unit basin, better quality bath or large shower tray).
Premium: 1,500 to 4,000 pounds or more (wall-hung toilet with concealed cistern, designer basin, freestanding bath or walk-in shower).

Taps and Shower

Budget taps: 30 to 60 pounds per pair. Budget mixer shower: 80 to 150 pounds.
Mid-range taps: 60 to 150 pounds per pair. Thermostatic shower valve: 150 to 350 pounds.
Premium taps: 150 to 400 pounds per pair. Digital shower system: 400 to 1,000 pounds.

Tiles

Budget tiles: 15 to 25 pounds per square metre.
Mid-range tiles: 25 to 55 pounds per square metre.
Premium tiles (porcelain, natural stone, designer): 55 to 150 pounds per square metre.
Tile adhesive and grout: approximately 8 to 12 pounds per square metre.
Tile trims and silicone: approximately 30 to 60 pounds total.

Shower Enclosure or Screen

Basic shower screen: 100 to 200 pounds.
Framed shower enclosure: 200 to 400 pounds.
Frameless glass enclosure: 400 to 1,000 pounds.

Heated Towel Rail

Standard chrome towel rail: 50 to 150 pounds.
Designer towel rail: 150 to 400 pounds.
Dual fuel (central heating + electric element): add 40 to 80 pounds.

Other Materials

Plumbing consumables (pipe, fittings, waste traps, valves, flexi connectors): 100 to 200 pounds.
Cement board (for tiling substrate): 8 to 12 pounds per sheet (1200 x 800mm).
Tanking kit (waterproofing): 60 to 120 pounds for a full bathroom.
Paint (bathroom-grade emulsion): 25 to 40 pounds per 2.5L tin.
Sundries (screws, fixings, sealant, dust sheets): 30 to 60 pounds.

If you are supplying fixtures and tiles, add a markup of 15 to 25 percent on top of your trade cost. This covers your time sourcing, ordering, checking deliveries, and the risk of damage or returns. Our profit margin calculator can help you work out the right markup to protect your margin.

Step 5: Sample Quote — Full Bathroom Renovation

Here is a detailed sample quote for a common bathroom renovation project — a full strip-out and refit of a standard family bathroom (2.2m x 1.8m), keeping the same layout, mid-range fixtures, half-height wall tiling with painted walls above.

Demolition and Strip-Out
Remove existing suite, strip wall and floor tiles, remove old plumbing — 350.00
Skip hire (4-yard) — 280.00

Plumbing
First fix — new hot/cold feeds, waste pipes, isolation valves — 400.00
Second fix — install toilet, basin, bath, taps, waste traps, towel rail — 450.00

Electrics (subcontracted)
New downlights (4 no.), extractor fan, shaver socket, certification — 480.00

Prep Work
Replaster walls above tile line, board around bath, level floor — 380.00

Tiling
Wall tiling — half height, approx 12m2 at 35/m2 (supply and fit) — 420.00
Floor tiling — approx 4m2 at 40/m2 (supply and fit) — 160.00
Tile adhesive, grout, trims, silicone — 95.00
Tiling labour (3 days) — 750.00

Fixtures and Fittings (supply)
Close-coupled toilet — 185.00
Vanity unit with basin — 280.00
Standard acrylic bath (1700mm) — 160.00
Thermostatic bath/shower mixer — 195.00
Glass bath screen — 165.00
Chrome heated towel rail — 95.00
Basin mixer tap — 75.00
Illuminated mirror cabinet — 120.00

Plumbing Consumables
Pipe, fittings, valves, flexi connectors, waste traps — 140.00

Decoration
Paint ceiling and walls above tile line (2 coats) — 150.00
Paint and sundries — 35.00

Accessories
Toilet roll holder, towel hooks, robe hook — 45.00

Total (excl. VAT): 5,410.00

This is a mid-range bathroom renovation. A budget version of the same scope (cheaper fixtures, cheaper tiles) could come in at 3,800 to 4,500 pounds. A premium version (wall-hung toilet, large format porcelain tiles, walk-in shower, designer fixtures) could be 8,000 to 12,000 pounds or more.

Step 6: Plan the Timeline

Customers always want to know how long the bathroom will be out of action. Here is a realistic timeline for the project quoted above.

Day 1: Strip-out and demolition. Skip delivered.
Day 2: Plumbing first fix, electrical first fix.
Day 3: Prep work — plastering, boarding, floor levelling.
Day 4: Drying day (plaster and levelling compound). Can work elsewhere.
Days 5-7: Tiling (floor and walls).
Day 8: Plumbing second fix — install suite, taps, shower.
Day 9: Electrical second fix — lights, fan, shaver socket. Painting.
Day 10: Silicone sealing, fit accessories, final clean, snagging.

Total: approximately 2 weeks including one drying day and one contingency day. Be honest with the customer about the timeline and build in a buffer. It is far better to finish a day early than a day late.

Step 7: Address Common Complications

Bathroom renovations frequently throw up surprises once you start stripping out. Your quote should include clauses that address these common complications.

Hidden Damp or Rot

Old bathrooms often have damp issues that are only visible once the tiles come off. Rotten floor joists under the bath, damp-damaged plaster, or failed waterproofing can all add significant cost and time. Include a contingency clause: "If hidden damage is discovered during the strip-out phase, any additional remedial work will be quoted separately and agreed with you before proceeding."

Asbestos

Properties built before the mid-1980s may contain asbestos in floor tiles, pipe lagging, or Artex-type textured coatings. If you suspect asbestos, it must be tested before proceeding. Licensed asbestos removal is expensive (500 to 2,000 pounds depending on the extent). Mention this risk in your quote if the property is of the relevant age.

Drainage Complications

If the customer wants to move the toilet to a new position, you need to verify that the waste pipe can reach the soil stack with the correct fall (minimum 1:80 gradient for a 100mm soil pipe). Sometimes this is not possible without raising the floor level or re-routing drainage externally. Flag this risk early.

Building Regulations

Bathroom electrical work requires Part P compliance. If the bathroom is being added where there was not one before (such as a loft conversion), Building Regulations approval is required. Include a note in your quote about who is responsible for obtaining any necessary approvals.

Step 8: Present Your Quote Professionally

A bathroom renovation is a significant investment for the customer — typically the second most expensive room renovation after a kitchen. Your quote needs to reflect this. Present it as a professional branded PDF that includes your business details and accreditations, the customer details, a detailed scope of work, itemised pricing for labour and materials, the proposed timeline, payment terms (deposit, stage payments, final balance), your guarantee, and your terms and conditions.

Do not lump everything into a single total. Customers want to see what they are paying for, and an itemised breakdown gives them confidence that you have thought the project through properly. It also makes it easier for them to compare your quote against competitors. Our guide on why professional proposals win more work covers the evidence behind this.

Send your quote within 48 hours of the site visit. Bathroom renovations are considered purchases — customers take their time deciding — but you still need to be prompt. If you have not heard back within a week, follow up with a phone call. Our guide on how to follow up on a quote covers best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in the UK?

In 2026, a standard bathroom renovation in the UK typically costs between 4,000 and 8,000 pounds for a basic to mid-range finish, and between 8,000 and 15,000 pounds for a high-end finish. This includes demolition, plumbing, tiling, electrics, fixtures, and labour. A small en-suite costs less at 3,000 to 6,000 pounds. The biggest variable is the quality of the fixtures and tiles chosen by the customer.

How long does a bathroom renovation take?

A complete bathroom strip-out and renovation typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for a standard bathroom, depending on the scope of work and the number of trades involved. A simple re-fit (replacing fixtures without moving plumbing) can be done in 5 to 7 days. Complex renovations involving structural work, moving waste pipes, or reconfiguring the layout can take 3 to 4 weeks.

Should I include fixtures in my bathroom renovation quote?

This depends on your business model. Some bathroom fitters supply and fit everything as a complete package, which gives the customer a single point of contact and allows you to mark up materials. Others quote for labour only and have the customer purchase their own fixtures, tiles, and materials. The supply-and-fit model typically generates higher revenue and gives you more control over the project timeline, but it also requires more upfront capital and carries the risk of customer dissatisfaction with your product choices.

What trades are needed for a bathroom renovation?

A typical bathroom renovation requires a plumber (pipework, fixture installation), an electrician (lighting, extractor fan, shower circuit — must be Part P certified for bathroom electrics), a tiler, a plasterer (if walls need replastering), a joiner (if there is boxing, shelving, or door work), and a decorator (painting). Many bathroom fitters handle the plumbing, tiling, and general work themselves, subcontracting only the electrics and any specialist plastering.