If so, you’ll be in safe hands with Adamson’s. Got a question, want an idea of price or ready to book your FREE home design visit?
Renovating or refitting your bathroom is an effective way to improve your home’s functionality, boost it’s value and make the property marketable should you decide to sell. Whether you’re modernising a 1970’s avocado themed bathroom or remodelling the bathroom to work in another way, knowing what to expect in terms of cost and process can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, at Adamsons, we’ve been handling bathroom renovations across Manchester and Cheshire for over 40 years, so we’re here to break down everything you need to know.
Here’s your ultimate guide to bathroom refits, remodels and renovations.
Size of the Bathroom
It goes without saying that size is one of the biggest factors in determining cost. A larger bathroom will require more materials, more labour, and more time to complete, which naturally drives up the price. But it’s not just about how much you’re spending—it’s also about how that space improves your day-to-day life. In our experience, the more thought put into the remodelling and how the new layout or functionality will impact the way you use the room will increase it’s useable value to you the owner.
For example, are you upgrading to a walk-in shower, or perhaps installing a luxurious freestanding bath? With bigger spaces, there’s more flexibility, but always keep in mind that a thoughtful design can make a smaller bathroom just as impactful.
Quality of Fixtures and Materials
Bathroom fixtures and finishes can vary massively in price. A standard bathroom suite may cost around £1,000-£3,000, while high-end, bespoke fixtures can push the total far higher. But don’t assume that you have to go for luxury items to get a great result. Mid-range options often strike the best balance between quality and budget.
If you’re working with a limited budget, focus on items like taps, tiles, and fittings that still give you a sense of quality without breaking the bank. Keep an eye out for sales and bulk discounts, as many suppliers offer excellent value for larger purchases.
Labour Costs
Labour is pretty much the biggest expense in any bathroom renovation, especially if your project involves rewiring or moving plumbing. For a basic refit, you can expect labour costs to start at around £150-£250 per day, the range is dependent on where you live in the UK.
If you’re having any structural work done or moving major plumbing, expect to pay more. Keep in mind that many tradespeople specialise in certain areas, so you may need to budget for plumbers, electricians, tilers, and decorators.
Bathroom Layout
Changing the layout of your bathroom, whether it’s moving the bath, sink, or toilet, can significantly increase the cost. Plumbing and electrical adjustments can be complex, especially in older homes where the infrastructure may not be up to modern standards.
Keeping core elements like the bath and sink in the same positions can avoid unnecessary costs on moving those elements around. However, if you need a new layout, just be sure to factor in the additional plumbing work into your budget.
Now, the big question—how much does it actually cost to refit or renovate a bathroom? It’s a bit of a “how long is a piece of string” question, as it depends on several variables, but here’s a general breakdown:
Basic Bathroom Renovation (Small Size)
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, small bathroom renovation, you can expect costs to start from around £3,000 to £8,000. This will cover a standard refit, including new tiles, fittings, and labour. With this route you have to source everything including materials and work people. Creating time and hassle, prices has gone up and realistically this category is heading towards DIYers.
Mid-Range Bathroom Renovation
A mid-range bathroom renovation usually falls between £10,000 and £15,000. This level of renovation might involve better quality fixtures, more intricate tile work, and possibly some minor layout changes. Here you my still need to be the co-ordinator, with multi trades people in and out of the house. There is also no real budget for remodelling, moving fixtures around or extending spaces. This adds complexity and huge costs per trades person.
Luxury Bathroom Renovation
If you’re going all out and opting for high-end materials, bespoke fittings, or structural changes, expect to spend upwards of £15,000 plus or more. A luxury refit could include marble or porcelain tiles, underfloor heating, and even smart technology integration, like digital showers or heated towel rails. Speaking honestly, here at Adamsons, we start much higher than £15k, we project manage everything through from design to after care, these types of projects are usually larger spaces with potential extensions, remodelling and a whole level of complexity added. With larger projects we offer a fixed price (check fixed price page on website)
In What Order Should You Renovate a Bathroom?
Renovating a bathroom follows a specific order to ensure everything is done efficiently and with minimal disruption. Here’s a quick rundown of how it typically goes:
What Is the Most Expensive Part of a Bathroom Renovation?
As we have stated before, labour is usually first on the list. But if you are going for a high end refit some high-end materials can top the list when it comes to expenses. If you’re making major changes to your plumbing, this will likely be the most costly aspect of your project, as well as installing custom tiles or high-end fixtures like a freestanding bath or bespoke shower enclosure.
How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take?
A standard bathroom renovation will generally take 2 to 3 weeks from start to finish. This can be longer if you’re dealing with custom orders, extensive plumbing or electrical work, or structural changes. However, careful planning can help minimise delays.
Planning your budget carefully is essential to avoid any nasty surprises along the way. Here are a few quick tips:
Eco-Friendly Bathroom Renovation Ideas
If you’re looking to make your renovation a bit greener, there are plenty of eco-friendly options to consider. Installing water-saving taps and showers, or opting for energy-efficient lighting, can help reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, sourcing sustainable materials like bamboo flooring or recycled glass tiles can add a unique touch while being kind to the environment.
A high quality finished bathroom renovation can add anywhere from 3-5% to your home’s overall value. Although a modern, functional bathroom can significantly improve the marketability of your home if you do decide to sell. Don’t forget you get to enjoy the benefits of your new space in the meantime.
Whatever your goals for your bathroom refit or renovation, careful planning and the right team can ensure you achieve a high-quality finish that suits your budget and lifestyle. If you’re ready to start your project, book a consultation with our expert team at Adamsons today. We’re here to make your dream bathroom a reality.
We hope you enjoyed the Ultimate Guide to Bathroom Refits and Renovations, for more details on our bathrooms, click here.
