How Much Does It Cost to Install a New Bathroom?

Planning a bathroom renovation is exciting, but when it comes to budgeting, the question everyone asks is, “How much does it cost to install a new bathroom?” Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious retreat or aiming for a functional upgrade, understanding the costs and processes involved is key to a successful project. In this guide, I’ll break down the essential factors affecting installation costs, provide a comprehensive installation schedule, and share insights on making informed decisions.

Why Bathroom Installation Costs Vary

After over 20 years in the bathroom renovation industry, I’ve seen the cost to install a new bathroom evolve significantly. It’s not just about the installation itself; you also need to account for waste disposal, preparation materials, labour time, and the complexity of the job. Even though some online resources provide price calculators or itemized estimates, the reality is that every bathroom project is unique.Factors such as your chosen products, bathroom design, and the quality of your installer impact the cost to install a new bathroom. While it’s common for installation teams to quote a project as a whole, a detailed, inclusive quote provides peace of mind, covering all essential work so you can focus on the results.

A Comprehensive Breakdown of a Bathroom Installation

To give you a clear picture of the cost to install a new bathroom, here’s a typical schedule for a complete bathroom renovation. This list reflects the level of detail and labour that goes into a standard-sized bathroom overhaul.

Bathroom Installation Schedule – 

1. Protect all flooring and wall areas en-route to the bathroom from the entrance.
2. Shut off the water supply to the bathroom.
3. Remove the entire existing bathroom suite, tiles, woodwork, electrics, and pipework.
4. Clear all waste from the site.
5. Reroute waste and plumbing lines as needed.
6. Perform all first-fix plumbing and preparation work.
7. Perform all first-fix electrical work and preparation.
8. Prepare walls for plastering or board installation.
9. Prepare the floor for proper subfloor installation.
10. Apply plasterboard on walls where necessary.
11. Apply cement board on walls where necessary.
12. Re-tack the ceiling to prepare for plastering.
13. Install cement board on the floor.
14. Install a wetroom tray forma and waste.
15. Construct stud walls in the shower area.
16. Build recessed shelves in the shower area.
17. Install a concealed body for the shower valve.
18. Install a concealed body for a ceiling showerhead.
19. Install a concealed body for a hand-held showerhead.
20. Install a shower pump and run pipework.
21. Install a wall-hung toilet frame.
22. Set up pipework for the radiator.
23. Run waste and pipework for the basin.
24. Tile all walls up to 24 square meters.
25. Install underfloor heating and a thermostat.
26. Tile the floor up to 6 square meters.
27. Grout all walls and floor.
28. Prepare and paint the ceiling.
29. Prepare and paint all bathroom woodwork.
30. Install the shower valve trim set.
31. Install the ceiling showerhead.
32. Install the hand-held showerhead and hose.
33. Fit the wall-hung toilet and seat.
34. Install the basin and drawer unit.
35. Fit a heated towel warmer and electric element.
36. Install the shower screen or enclosure.
37. Fit an illuminated mirror cabinet.
38. Install bathroom ceiling spotlights.
39. Install a PIR lighting sensor.
40. Set up recessed lighting.
41. Fit an extractor fan.
42. Install all bathroom accessories.
43. Inspect and finalize all paintwork.
44. Clean the bathroom thoroughly to prepare for sealing.
45. Seal the bathroom completely with matching sealants.
46. Clean the bathroom for a pristine, ready-to-use finish.

Each step involves materials for protection, plumbing, electrical work, tiling, painting, and waste removal. Once again, you can see how much goes into a truly professional installation and shows why the cost of a new bathroom needs to be fully understood.

Example Cost Breakdown

For a standard bathroom, the average installation cost might be around £9,815, covering all the steps and materials above. Note that this price holds for two weeks from the date issued, and any material cost increases after this period would need to be adjusted.

Understanding the Cost of Materials and Labour

Regardless of the suite price, skilled installation ensures lasting quality. Whether you’re installing a £1,000 or £20,000 bathroom suite, quality workmanship is non-negotiable. However, with high-end products, labour charges may rise due to the complexity of the cost to install a new bathroom.The layout and style of your bathroom play a significant role in shaping these costs. Knowing your bathroom design upfront lets installers quote accurately, avoiding conflicts later. I’ve seen clients face delays and extra costs simply because products ordered didn’t match the installer’s initial plan.

Key Takeaways for Choosing an Installer

Finding a trustworthy installer involves careful research:

1. Request Detailed Quotes – Get at least three quotes with itemized costs to compare services.
2. Check for VAT Inclusion – Confirm if VAT is included in quotes to avoid unexpected fees.
3. Evaluate Quality – Price alone shouldn’t dictate your choice. Consider the installer’s experience, materials used, and overall reputation.

Final Thoughts

Estimating the cost to install a new bathroom can be complex due to various moving parts. By understanding the details involved and educating yourself on the process, you’ll make better decisions for your project. Always ask questions, review detailed quotes, and choose an installer who aligns with your vision and expectations.Empowering you to make informed choices about the cost to install a new bathroom is the aim of this guide—and every other article I write. So, as you embark on your bathroom transformation journey, I hope this information guides you toward a seamless, successful renovation. 

Helpful Resources to Kickstart Your Bathroom Journey

Embarking on your bathroom renovation journey can feel overwhelming, but having the right resources at your fingertips makes all the difference. Below, I’ve shared a few trusted suppliers, local service providers, and inspiration platforms to help you make informed decisions. These are just a starting point—there are so many fantastic options available, and I’ll be sharing a detailed guide on my favourite suppliers and products in a future post.In the meantime, if you have questions about specific suppliers or services, feel free to drop me a message. I’ll happily share my honest opinion and experiences to guide you toward the best choices for your needs.

Top Bathroom Suppliers

Explore high-quality products from some of the most reputable bathroom brands:

• Fiora Bath – Innovative and stylish bathroom collections.
• Novellini – Beautiful and functional shower solutions.
• Laufen – Elegant Swiss-made bathroom designs.
• Hansgrohe – Premium fixtures with cutting-edge technology.

Trusted Local Service Providers

Finding the right professionals is key to a smooth renovation. These platforms connect you with experienced, vetted tradespeople in your area:

• Checkatrade – Trusted tradespeople with verified reviews.
• MyBuilder – Find reliable bathroom installers near you.

Bathroom Design Inspiration

Need ideas to spark your creativity? Check out this resource:

• Houzz – Thousands of bathroom designs to inspire your vision.

By starting with these resources, you’ll be well on your way to creating a bathroom you’ll love for years to come. Remember, making the right choices upfront—whether it’s selecting a skilled installer, choosing quality products, or finding inspiration—will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.Stay tuned for my upcoming post where I’ll dive deeper into some of my favourite suppliers and products, explaining why they stand out and how they can transform your space. Until then, feel free to reach out with any questions—I’m here to help you make confident and informed decisions for your dream bathroom.Gary Fullwood