Adding a new bathroom to your home is a great way to increase its functionality, comfort, and overall value. Whether you’re accommodating a growing family or looking to make your property more appealing to future buyers, a new bathroom can be a smart investment.
There are many factors that affect the price of installing a bathroom, such as the size, location, material used, and the complexity of the project.
In this guide, we’ll discuss how much does it cost to install a new bathroom, factors influencing pricing, and tips on reducing costs while achieving your dream bathroom. Let’s get started:
Factors That Influence the Cost of a New Bathroom Installation
Are you wondering which factors may influence the cost of installing a new bathroom? Consider the following aspects:
1. Renovation vs. New Construction
One of the first factors to consider is whether you’re renovating an existing space or creating an entirely new one.
- Renovation Costs: Transforming a space like a closet, basement, or attic into a bathroom can cost between £7,000 and £40,000. This option is typically more cost-effective because you’re working within the home’s existing structure and plumbing system.
- New Construction Costs: Building a bathroom as an addition to your home involves more complex structural work, such as extending foundations, walls, and plumbing. Costs for new construction typically range from £30,000 to £60,000, depending on size and materials.
2. Location of the Bathroom
The overall cost of installing a bathroom can be significantly affected by the location of your home. Rooms with easier access to existing plumbing and wiring will generally cost less to convert into bathrooms.
| Location | Cost Range (£) |
| Laundry Room | 5,000–11,000 |
| Garage | 6,500–20,000 |
| Basement | 7,000–13,000 |
| Attic | 8,000–30,000 |
| Bedroom | 12,000–40,000 |
| New Construction | 30,000–60,000 |
For example, converting a laundry room or basement is less expensive because these spaces are closer to existing plumbing systems.
Meanwhile, adding a bathroom to an attic or building out from the house requires more complex and costly work.
3. Size and Features of the Bathroom
The bathroom’s size and the features you choose will heavily influence bathroom installation costs.
- Half Bathroom: Includes just a toilet and sink, costing less because it requires fewer fixtures and materials.
- Three-Quarter Bathroom: Adding a shower to the setup increases the cost due to additional plumbing and waterproofing.
- Full Bathroom: Includes a bathtub and/or shower, vanity, and other features. Costs are higher because they require more space and fixtures.
Breakdown of Bathroom Feature Costs
Each fixture and material contributes to the total cost of installing your new bathroom. Here’s a breakdown of common features:
| Feature | Cost Range (£) |
| Toilet | 300–700 |
| Sink | 300–900 |
| Bathtub | 2,500–6,000 |
| Shower | 1,200–5,000 |
| Flooring (per sq. ft.) | 1.50–15 |
| Vanity | 2,000–3,000 |
| Light Fixtures | 150–800 |
1. Toilet Costs
Toilets can cost as little as £300 for basic models, while premium options with features like bidet attachments or dual flushing may cost £700 or more.
2. Sink Costs
Sink prices range from £300 to £900, depending on material and design. Basic ceramic sinks are the most affordable, while stone or glass options are pricier.
3. Bathtub Costs
Acrylic or fibreglass bathtubs start around £2,500, while high-end copper or granite tubs can cost £6,000 or more. Walk-in tubs are also an option, especially for those with mobility issues.
4. Shower Costs
Showers can be installed for as little as £1,200 using prefabricated units. Custom tiled showers with premium fixtures may cost upwards of £5,000.
5. Flooring Costs
Flooring costs depend on material choice:
- Vinyl or Laminate: £1.50–£4 per square foot.
- Ceramic or Porcelain Tile: £4–£10 per square foot.
- Natural Stone or Hardwood: £10–£20 per square foot.
6. Labour Costs
A significant portion of the total cost is attributed to labour. Installing a bathroom requires multiple skilled tradespeople, including plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and more.
- Plumbers: Charge £60–£110/hour, depending on location and experience.
- Electricians: Charge £40–£100/hour, depending on the complexity of the electrical work.
- Carpenters and Builders: Charge between £30 and £80/hour for structural modifications.
If you hire a general contractor to manage the project, expect to add 10%–20% to your total cost for their services.
7. Permits and Inspections
The installation of a new bathroom often requires a permit due to compliance with building, plumbing, and electrical regulations.
- Permit Costs: Range from £80 to £200.
- Inspections: Are required at various stages, including after plumbing, electrical, and structural work, adding to the overall cost.
Benefits of Installing a New Bathroom
Installing a new bathroom can bring many benefits to your home. It adds comfort, improves the look of your space, and increases the value of your property. A modern bathroom can make your daily routine easier and more enjoyable.
1. Convenience and Comfort
Adding a bathroom can significantly reduce morning queues, particularly for large families. Whether it’s a half-bathroom for guests or a luxury ensuite for yourself, the convenience is priceless.
2. Increased Home Value
A new bathroom can increase your property’s value. For those planning to sell their home, this is a smart investment because it comes with a return on investment (ROI) of 50%–55%.
3. Customisation
Building a bathroom from scratch lets you design it exactly how you want. From layout to fixtures, you have full control over the final look.
Tips to Save Money on Bathroom Installation
- Convert Existing Spaces: Choose areas close to existing plumbing, like laundry rooms or basements, to save on labour and materials.
- Keep It Simple: Stick to a half-bathroom or three-quarter bath to reduce costs.
- Choose Affordable Materials: Opt for laminate or vinyl flooring instead of natural stone, or go for prefabricated fixtures.
- Shop Around: Compare the prices of multiple contractors to find the most competitive one.
- DIY Where Possible: Handle simple tasks like painting or installing hardware yourself to save on labour costs.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Professional Installation
- Advantages: Ensures high-quality work and adherence to safety codes.
- Disadvantages: Higher upfront costs due to labour charges.
DIY Installation
- Advantages: Saves money on small tasks like painting or sealing grout.
- Disadvantages: Risky for plumbing and electrical work, which require professional expertise.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Bathroom?
The timeline for installing a new bathroom depends on the complexity of the project. On average, the process takes 2–4 weeks, including:
- Planning and permitting.
- Structural modifications and plumbing.
- Fixture installation and finishing touches.
In Conclusion
Installing a new bathroom is an investment that can improve your home’s functionality and value. But how much does it cost to install a new bathroom is a question many homeowners have, which we’ve answered in this article. Although costs can vary widely, you can make informed decisions and stick to your budget by considering the factors that affect pricing, which we have discussed.
No matter if you’re looking to convert an existing space into a bathroom or build one from the ground up, Bolton Plumbing & Heating Ltd is here to assist you. With careful planning and support from our experienced plumbers in Bolton, you can bring your dream bathroom to life.
FAQs on Cost of a New Bathroom Installation
1. How much does it cost to install a small bathroom?
The cost of a small bathroom ranges from £5,000 to £15,000, depending on features and materials.
2. Can I install a bathroom in the basement?
Yes, basement bathrooms cost between £7,000 and £13,000, with additional expenses for plumbing modifications.
3. Do I need a permit for a new bathroom?
Yes, most new bathroom installations require permits to ensure compliance with building and safety codes.
4. What’s the ROI for adding a bathroom?
A new bathroom offers a return on investment of around 50%–55%, making it a valuable addition.
5. How can I reduce bathroom installation costs?
Save money by converting existing spaces, using affordable materials, and handling minor tasks yourself.
