If you’re a landlord, a new bathroom installation can attract new tenants and give you a good return on investment. However, costs can vary and, depending on the location of your property, so can your budget. To help, we’ve put together an updated guide to the average cost of a new bathroom for 2021/2022, including how much you should expect to spend on a bathroom suite, along with shower, wet room kit and labour costs for things like tiling and underfloor heating.
What if I do the bathroom installation myself?
If you’re a landlord who’s considering installing a bathroom yourself, please remember that although DIYing might help to reduce your initial outlay, it may not end up being so cost-efficient in the long-run. Some of the elements and skills required to fit a new bathroom can be complex.
Why hire a professional bathroom fitter?
Hiring a bathroom installation specialist to take care of the whole job may seem more expensive, but in many cases, it’s a cost worth paying for, due to the skills needed to successfully install all the different elements. Just make sure that you hire someone with plenty of experience and consistently great reviews on sites like Trustpilot.
Do I need a full bathroom installation?
Perhaps not. A full bathroom installation can be broken down into phases – if you only plan to install or replace parts of it initially, it can help keep your costs down.
How much does it cost to install a new bathroom?
The average cost of installing a new bathroom in 2021 is around £6,500 to £7,000 according to Victoria Plum. However, you can pay anything from £1,500 to, well, the sky’s the limit, depending on your requirements, the finish you want and your location. Because you’re a landlord, however, we’re assuming that you’ll want the best possible finish and function for the most affordable price, so let’s break it down into the individual elements:
Typical bathroom installation costs
We’ve provided ballpark costs for the most common bathroom installations below:
Standard toilet installation
Average cost: £350
Average time to complete: 2 to 3 hours
Standard bathtub installation
Average cost: £380
Average time to complete: 3 to 5 hours
Pedestal basin and taps installation
Average cost: £345
Average time to complete: 1 to 2 hours
Complete bathroom retile
Average cost: About £80-90 per square metre
Average time to complete: depends on coverage required
Underfloor heating installation
Average cost: £250-£300 for average bathroom size
Average time to complete: half a day – 2 days
Shower installation (including enclosure and shower tray)
Average cost: Around £550
Average time to complete: 3-5 hours
Do I need a shower pump?
If the strength of your shower leaves a lot to be desired, you may benefit greatly as a landlord by installing a shower pump for your rental property. You can check out our guide to the different types of shower pumps and how to install one.
Do I really need underfloor heating?
You’d be surprised how inexpensive underfloor heating can be when installed as part of a bathroom renovation, helping you create a welcoming space (and upping that rental price). Check out our guide for underfloor heating installation.
How much do bathroom accessories cost?
Of course, the main bathroom fixtures are only the start when it comes to installing a new bathroom. Below are some of the costs associated with the accessories you might need.
Extractor fan installation
Average cost: £250 – £300
Average time to complete: 3 hours
Bathroom cabinet or vanity unit installation
Average cost: £80 per unit
Average time to complete: 2-3 hours
Wet room kit
Average cost: £1800
Average time to complete: 5 days
Radiator or heated towel rail installation
Average cost: £350
Average time to complete: 3-4 hours
Bathroom ceiling light installation
Average cost: £150
Average time to complete: 2 hours
Standard mixer shower installation
Average cost: £400 – £450
Average time to complete: 8-9 hours for a new installation/ 2 hours for a straightforward replacement
Why do bathroom installation costs vary so much?
Your stylistic preferences often determine the majority of the costs when it comes to considering the kind of bathroom you want for your rental property. Bear that in mind when you’re considering a roll-top bath or marble countertop. At the more practical end of the spectrum, you can also make decisions like only having a shower, rather than a bath and a shower, which affords you more space and cuts plumbing and installation fees.
Another big reason why bathroom installation costs vary is due to the location of your property. In a large city outside of London there are countless tradespeople competing for projects, so you may be able to source a plumber for less than the figures above. If your rental is in a more remote location, where there are only a couple of tradespeople with plenty of projects on the go, you can expect to pay more.
In London, where the average salary is considerably higher than the UK average, you can expect to add 10%–20% to the figures above.
Protect your investment
After you’ve done any work, the last thing you’ll want to deal with is an unexpected problem, so why not protect your new bathroom and let our experts take care of any repairs with Plumbing & Drainage Plus. If you want a policy that covers even more of your property, take a look at our full range of Landlord’s insurance.
FAQs
How much does a new bathroom cost in the UK in 2021?
The average cost of installing a new bathroom in 2021 is around £6,500 to £7,000. However, you can pay anything from £1,500 to, well, the sky’s the limit, depending on your requirements, the finish you want and your location.
Can you redo a bathroom for £5,000?
Yes. Theoretically, a new bathroom can cost as little as £1,500 – depending on your location in the UK, the size of your room and your other requirements. You’ll need to carefully weigh up the costs for each individual fixture and decide where and how to manage your budget.
