How Much Does a Bathroom Refurbishment Cost in London?
Bathroom refurbishment is one of the most frequently requested home improvement projects in London — and one of the most variable in cost. A like-for-like replacement of a small family bathroom is a very different project from a large, fully tiled, freestanding bath, wet room shower bathroom with bespoke joinery. Here's a realistic cost guide for 2025, covering different bathroom types and specification levels.
What's Included in a Bathroom Refurbishment Cost
The labour and installation element of a bathroom refurbishment includes: strip-out and disposal of existing bathroom; any structural works (moving walls or creating new openings); first-fix plumbing and electrical; tiling (labour); second-fix plumbing and electrical; and making good. Client-supplied materials — sanitaryware, bath, shower enclosure, tiles, taps, shower heads, mirrors, accessories, and flooring — are typically procured separately by the client (this is rcbGroup's standard approach).
Small Bathroom (4–6m²) — Full Refurbishment
Standard specification: £6,000–£10,000 labour and contractor works (excluding client-supplied materials).
Mid-range specification (full tiling, wetroom shower): £10,000–£15,000.
High specification (premium tiling, bespoke features, underfloor heating): £15,000–£25,000.
Client-supplied materials for a small bathroom at standard specification: £2,500–£6,000. At mid-range: £6,000–£15,000. At high specification: £15,000–£40,000+.
Medium Bathroom (6–10m²) — Full Refurbishment
Standard specification: £9,000–£15,000 labour and contractor works.
Mid-range specification: £14,000–£22,000.
High specification: £20,000–£35,000.
Master Bathroom / Ensuite (8–15m²) — Full Refurbishment
Mid-range specification: £18,000–£30,000 labour and contractor works.
High specification: £28,000–£60,000+.
What Makes Bathroom Refurbishment Costs Vary
Tile format and coverage. Large-format tiles, full floor-to-ceiling tiling, and complex laying patterns significantly increase tiling labour costs. Moving walls or fixtures — changes to the layout beyond like-for-like replacement require plumbing and potentially structural changes. Heating — underfloor heating (electric or wet) adds cost but is highly valued in bathrooms. Drainage — wetroom showers, freestanding baths, and non-standard drainage positions require specialist plumbing work. The quality of the tile layer — premium tiles correctly installed by a skilled tiler will always look better and last longer than the same tiles poorly laid.