With the average cost of most things increasing in 2024, how much can you expect the average bathroom remodel to cost? Using updated data and information from our bathroom remodeling projects, we’ve outlined how much you can expect to pay for your remodel this year. Selecting the right bathroom materials, layout, and fixtures is extensive. However, this guide outlines what you can expect to pay for these and other bathroom remodeling fees.
The Average Bathroom Remodeling Cost in 2024
The average cost for a bathroom remodeling project in 2024 is £5,000 to £15,000, depending on the details of your project.
Types of Remodels & How Much They Cost
The average bathroom remodeling cost in the UK hovers between £5,000 and £8,000, but the typical remodel costs around £7,000, according to Checkatrade and other well-known portals. Here’s a closer breakdown of those costs.
Basic Bathroom Refresh £5,000 to £7,000
Replacing a bath with a shower, retiling key areas, and updating lighting will cost between £5,500 and £7,000. Materials:
- Budget-friendly tiling for the shower and floor area.
- Basic shower unit and enclosure are roughly £300 - £1,000
- Toilet and basin suite: £200 - £400
- Budget-friendly lighting fixtures: £50 - £100 Labor: Disassembly of the old bathroom, installation of a new suite and shower, basic tiling: £1500 - £2,500+
Mid-Range Bathroom Remodel £6,000 - £12,000
Replacing a bathroom suite, installing new flooring, wall tiles, and a more modern shower. Materials:
- Budget-friendly tiles for shower area and floor: £1000 - £2,000
- Basic shower unit and enclosure: £500 - £800
- Toilet basin and suite: £400 - £800
- Budget-friendly lighting fixtures: £100 - £200 Labor: Disassembly of the old bathroom, installation of a new shower unit enclosure, potentially replacing the flooring, and more complex tiling £2,000 - £3,000+
Luxury Remodel £14,000
High-end fixtures, bespoke features, and potentially moving plumbing or electrics cost over £14,000. Materials:
- High-end designer tiling £2,000
- Walk-in shower enclosures, rain showers, or intelligent features £1,000
- Bespoke or high-end bathroom suite with unique finishes £1,000
- Statement lighting fixtures £200 + Labor: Extensive tiling work, potentially moving plumbing or electrics, installing complex shower systems £3,000+
Remember, these are estimates for your bathroom remodeling costs. Your remodel’s actual costs depend on local contractor fees, materials, and more.
Hidden Bathroom Remodeling Costs
Bathroom remodeling comes with a host of fees, but one that might catch you off guard is waste disposal fees. Removing tiles, bathroom suites, and fixtures generates loads of debris, and when you add labor fees into the mix, this fee can jump up higher than you expect.
Unexpected structural issues are another area of concern. Once you break down walls, mold, rot, and even outdated electrical wiring can be revealed. Fixing these issues can lead to expensive fees. It’s a good idea to add 10% for unexpected expenses.
Another area to consider is permits and inspections. If you anticipate the requirement of additional licenses from your local council, you should factor this into your costs, too. We recommend setting aside at least £150.
If you plan on adding a new bathroom layout or design, consider the potential for rerouting pipes and electrical lines. If you are unprepared, the cost could increase significantly.
Additionally, you may need temporary housing while your bathroom is under construction. Some homeowners feel more comfortable in a place without the noise and dirt caused by a remodel.
What is the Most Expensive Part of Your Bathroom to Remodel?
The most expensive part of a bathroom remodel in Manchester is what’s known as ’the wet area.’ This includes various factors such as:
- Shower
- Bathtub
- Flooring materials
Any area exposed to moisture or direct water is considered a part of the ‘wet area.’
Other expensive components of your bathroom remodel will include:
- Moving plumbing fixtures
- Labor costs
- Bathroom tanking
Depending on the complexity of your bathroom remodel, these fees will be more or less expensive.
Why Do Bathroom Remodels Cost So Much?
Bathroom remodeling costs quite a bit because it involves skilled labor, plumbing, electrical work, and expensive materials. In some cases, the layout and design of your bathroom will change, which also increases the cost of adjusting structural elements.
How to Save Money on Your Bathroom Remodel
Tip 1. Don’t change the layout.
Adjusting the design and layout of your bathroom significantly increases costs. Minimize any design adjustment requiring changes to your plumbing or electrical systems. Prioritize functionality over luxury features.
Tip 2. Choose more affordable materials.
Companies often offer specials and discounts on certain bathroom materials, so do your due diligence and shop around. Everything from tiling to paint can be bought at a discounted rate.
Tip 3. Know what you want before you hire bathroom builders.
Communicate about your budget and vision before you hire bathroom fitters. If you’re unclear about what you want, you could spend more than you intended on your renovation.
Tip 4. Think about parts of the remodel you can do yourself.
Could you install the new fixtures for your bathroom? Can you paint your bathroom on your own and reduce labor costs? Plenty of how-to guides are available online to make the process easier. However, a word of caution: Don’t try to DIY parts of your project that require skilled professionals, like electrical work. Be smart, and only do what you’re qualified to do.
Tip 5. Consider doing waste removal yourself.
Waste removal adds to your labor costs. Consider ripping out the old fixtures and bathroom materials and hauling them to the waste disposal spot on your own. This is a fairly easy process, and it can save you a bit of money on your bathroom remodeling costs.
Tip 6. Hire reputable bathroom fitters for your project.
- Always check bathroom fitting company online presence: bathroom contractors work portfolio, their online reviews (Bathroom builders usually have an online presence, so check their online reviews thoroughly. Look for comments about communication, workmanship, and the speed of the project to get a good picture of what to expect if you hire them.), company registration details, contractors company VAT number.
- Check if contractors can provide public liability insurance.
- Ensure the fitters are responsive to your queries and provide clear answers. If they are responsive, polite and willing to work with you - it is a very good sign. Communication is key! Does the project manager answer your questions, or do they barely respond? The more communicative they are, the more your project will likely go smoothly. Ask loads of questions and interact with the team to get a feel for what they’re like before you sign a contract.
- Ask about guarantees or warranties on their work. Reputable fitters often provide a guarantee for their workmanship and materials used. Warranties and guarantees protect you and your home from bad workmanship. Don’t be afraid to ask your builder about their policies regarding warranties and guarantees, and get them in writing.
- Stay engaged with the project and fitting team. Regularly check the progress and quality of work. Address any concerns immediately with the fitters to avoid misunderstandings.
- Get your remodel quotes in writing and check the details. You don’t want to end up paying more or less than you should for the services your bathroom remodel requires. The quote you receive should break down labor and material costs and any other fees they intend to charge you.
Tip 7. Track ordered items, confirm that ordered items are compatible with your desirable bathroom layout.
Make sure sizes and design will fit purpose in your new dream bathroom.
How Long Does A Bathroom Remodel Take?
How long it takes your bathroom fitters to remodel your bathroom depends on the extent of the remodel.
The amount of work required is directly related to how much time it will take to complete the renovation.
For example, if you’re doing a basic bathroom remodel, the completion time can be anywhere from 9 to 12 days.
A more detailed, in-depth luxury bathroom remodel could take 14-25 days to complete.
Standard bathroom remodels take 9–15 days to complete.
What is the Best Time of Year to Renovate Your Bathroom
The best time of the year to renovate your bathroom in the UK is in summer. The summer months are dry, making them the perfect time to renovate a bathroom that experiences high humidity. Additionally, the winter months bring bad weather, such as snow and rain, making it more difficult to get materials to your home. Conversely, if you would like to save a bit on your remodel costs, you could hire contractors in the winter, which is their least busy time. Or you could schedule the remodel in autumn and enjoy better pricing and scheduling flexibility. Ultimately, the best time of year to hire bathroom refitters in the UK is when it works best for you. Your schedule and budget should guide you toward a schedule that works for you and your family.
Why Consider the Builders Squad Ltd for Your Bathroom Remodel?
At the Builders Squad, we take your bathroom remodel seriously. We’ve built our business on trust and don’t require any upfront payments when you hire us. Plus, all our projects come with a full warranty. We’d love to hear from you if you’re interested in a high-quality bathroom remodel for your home. Contact us for an estimate!