How much does a new bathroom cost? - Grand Designs magazine

How much does a new bathroom cost?

Calculate your budget and ensure you know what to expect for your spend.

By Paula Woods |

Updating a bathroom is the second most popular home improvement, according to a 2020 study by Houzz. Its survey of nearly 7,000 UK homeowners found that the average spend comes in at around £4,000. Its bathroom trends report also revealed that 24 per cent of us will budget less than £2,500 and 10 per cent will invest more than £10,000. But what are the differences between buying a budget suite and investing in a luxury design? Essentially, how much does a new bathroom cost.

Nouveau freestanding circular bath with built-in shelf

Nouveau freestanding circular bath, West One Bathrooms

Budget bathroom cost

For £2,000-£3,000 you will be able to mix and match entry-level and more high-end baths, basins and loos or buy a matching suite. Avoid the cheapest single-skin acrylic and steel baths and look for more robust fibreglass-reinforced acrylic or 3.5mm-thick steel. It is possible to buy a standard bath, basin and loo for less than £500 in total.

What can you expect at this price point?

At this price point, bathroom furniture is machine-made in limited sizes, with both fitted and freestanding ranges available. It will be melamine-faced chipboard (MFC) or medium-density fibreboard (MDF) faced or wrapped in vinyl, laminate, melamine or timber veneers. Flat-pack cabinets are cheaper than ready-assembled ones. But in either case it is worth checking for quality runners and hinges.
Most companies offer an in-store bathroom design service. But you will need to provide detailed measurements of the room. Some fittings and units come straight off the shelves. Otherwise, delivery takes a few weeks. Installation can be arranged independently, or through some stores including Wickes and Homebase.

Freestanding bath, vanity unit and washbowls, from Bathrooms To Love

Manhattan unit, Layla washbowl, Ashbourne bath, Bathrooms to Love

Trade benefits

Take advantage of available price reductions by asking your builder or fitter to buy the designs you want. ‘Many high street and DIY stores offer discounts to trade,’ says designer Rebecca Hughes.
Installers can also buy from trade suppliers such as Howdens. Your tradesperson will provide costings prior to you committing to placing an order. If you prefer to shop online, many brands and retailers offer free planning tools. And, in the case of Victoria Plum, a full installation service.

Freestanding acrylic bath and walk-in shower enclosure, Victoria Plum bathroom

Mode Foster acrylic bath, Made 8mm walk-in shower enclosure, Made Harrison square shower valve, Victoria Plum

Updating a bathroom is the second most popular home improvement, according to a 2020 study by Houzz. Its survey of nearly 7,000 UK homeowners found that the average spend comes in at around £4,000. Its bathroom trends report also revealed that 24 per cent of us will budget less than £2,500 and 10 per cent will invest more than £10,000. But what are the differences between buying a budget suite and investing in a luxury design? Essentially, how much does a new bathroom cost.

Nouveau freestanding circular bath with built-in shelf

Nouveau freestanding circular bath, West One Bathrooms

Budget bathroom cost

For £2,000-£3,000 you will be able to mix and match entry-level and more high-end baths, basins and loos or buy a matching suite. Avoid the cheapest single-skin acrylic and steel baths and look for more robust fibreglass-reinforced acrylic or 3.5mm-thick steel. It is possible to buy a standard bath, basin and loo for less than £500 in total.

What can you expect at this price point?

At this price point, bathroom furniture is machine-made in limited sizes, with both fitted and freestanding ranges available. It will be melamine-faced chipboard (MFC) or medium-density fibreboard (MDF) faced or wrapped in vinyl, laminate, melamine or timber veneers. Flat-pack cabinets are cheaper than ready-assembled ones. But in either case it is worth checking for quality runners and hinges.
Most companies offer an in-store bathroom design service. But you will need to provide detailed measurements of the room. Some fittings and units come straight off the shelves. Otherwise, delivery takes a few weeks. Installation can be arranged independently, or through some stores including Wickes and Homebase.

Freestanding bath, vanity unit and washbowls, from Bathrooms To Love

Manhattan unit, Layla washbowl, Ashbourne bath, Bathrooms to Love

Trade benefits

Take advantage of available price reductions by asking your builder or fitter to buy the designs you want. ‘Many high street and DIY stores offer discounts to trade,’ says designer Rebecca Hughes.
Installers can also buy from trade suppliers such as Howdens. Your tradesperson will provide costings prior to you committing to placing an order. If you prefer to shop online, many brands and retailers offer free planning tools. And, in the case of Victoria Plum, a full installation service.

Freestanding acrylic bath and walk-in shower enclosure, Victoria Plum bathroom

Mode Foster acrylic bath, Made 8mm walk-in shower enclosure, Made Harrison square shower valve, Victoria Plum

Image: Arcos Edition furniture in Sencha and Grey, plus mirror, resin basin, tap and lighting, Schmidt

Mid-range bathroom cost

If you have around £4,000-£8,000 to spend, there are a wide selection of brands selling through dedicated showrooms or a network of independent retailers. Unlike the independents, a brand’s showroom will only carry its own ranges.

What can you expect at this price point?

At this price, there is a wider choice of bathroom fixtures, fittings, sizes and finishes. It may be possible to customise furniture and shower screens.
Similarly, there are more options when it comes to materials. Along with quality acrylics and enameled steel, you will find baths and basins made from ceramics, composite stone, solid surfaces, cast iron and natural stone. Timber, MDF or high-grade laminate furniture expands the choice of cabinets and shelving.
You can expect to have access to an experienced designer for consultations, site visits and a measuring service. Though this may incur an extra fee on top of the price of the products. For example, Fired Earth’s home-design service costs £200 and includes detailed plans and samples. The timeline for delivery varies from company to company but will be in the region of four to ten weeks after an order is placed.

Luxury bathroom cost

Prices start at around £8,000, rising to £20,000 and more. Commissioning a one-off design allows for a bathroom tailored to your exact specifications. Turnkey solutions include everything from planning and installation to tiling and decorating. Furniture and fittings can be individually specified for unique sizes, shapes and finishes. You can also expect greater control over every aspect of the design.

Who to commission?

Hiring an architect or interior designer is one route. The benefits include expertise in making a budget work harder, plus access to extensive supplier and tradesmen contacts. Services range from a basic design proposal to full project management. Fees can be charged by the hour, the day, or as a percentage of project cost. So, it’s important to establish the level of service you want early on. Alternatively, use a bespoke bathroom company. You will be allocated a dedicated designer and can expect regular site visits. Plus, you’ll have access to installers experienced in working with luxury and hi-tech products.

Boffi Flyer Iceland Pipe Solstice Giò Terra - boffi.com

Flyer units in wood, Iceland solid surface basins, Terra solid surface bath, pipe brushed steel taps and showers, Boffi

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