Bathrooms and en-suites: Costs & Planning

What is bathroom installation?

Bathroom installation covers stripping out the old suite, altering plumbing and wiring, waterproofing, tiling, and fitting the new bath, shower, toilet, basin and heated towel rail. We also build new en-suites and shower rooms in lofts and extensions.

Modern bathroom with walk-in shower, grey porcelain tiles and wall-hung vanity

Most bathroom problems come from poor waterproofing and ventilation, so we tank wet areas, fit extraction that actually clears steam, and check water pressure before choosing showers. All electrics in bathrooms are done to the special-location rules.

Typical time on site: 1 to 3 weeks
Guide price: £5,500 to £20,000
Building regulations: Some work notifiable

What is included?

Design and layout
Strip-out and disposal
Plumbing and waste alterations
Waterproofing (tanking) of wet areas
Tiling, sanitaryware and brassware
Extractor fan, lighting and heated towel rail

How much does bathroom installation cost?

Refitting a typical family bathroom costs around £7,000 to £12,000 including VAT.

Bathrooms and en-suites	Guide price incl. VAT
En-suite or shower room	£5,500 to £10,000
Family bathroom refit	£7,000 to £12,000
Premium bathroom or wet room	£12,000 to £20,000

Unit: per room. Guide ranges only; your price is fixed in writing after the survey.

Use the guide price tool for a figure based on your size and specification, or see all guide prices.

Does bathroom installation need planning permission?

England

Bathroom refits do not need planning permission. Electrical work in bathrooms is notifiable in many cases, and new bathrooms need ventilation that meets building regulations.

Wales

Bathroom refits do not need planning permission; building regulations rules for electrics and ventilation apply.

Scotland

Bathroom refits do not usually need planning permission; new bathrooms or drainage changes may need a building warrant.

Northern Ireland

Bathroom refits do not need planning permission; electrics and ventilation must meet building regulations.

What about building regulations?

New bathrooms need mechanical extraction. Electrical work in bathrooms must follow the special location rules and is often notifiable.

What should I think about before starting?

Low water pressure limits the choice of shower; a pump or unvented cylinder may be needed.
Wet rooms need a fall to the drain and full waterproofing.
Moving a toilet depends on the soil pipe route.
Large-format tiles need flat walls, which may mean re-boarding.

How does the project run?

Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

Questions about bathrooms and en-suites

How much does a new bathroom cost?

Usually £7,000 to £12,000 for a family bathroom refit including VAT, and £5,500 to £10,000 for an en-suite.

How long does a bathroom installation take?

One to three weeks depending on size and tiling.

Can you add an en-suite to a bedroom?

Yes, if a waste route to the soil stack is possible. A macerator is an option where it is not.

Do you tank the shower area?

Yes, every wet area is waterproofed before tiling.

Do I need building regulations approval?

New bathrooms need extraction to meet the regulations, and electrical work may be notifiable.

Related projects

Where do we build bathrooms and en-suites?

We take on bathrooms and en-suites across England, Wales, mainland Scotland and Northern Ireland. Choose your area: