DATA-BACKED GUIDE · UPDATED JULY 2026
How to get honest quotes for a new bathroom
A new bathroom pulls together plumbing, tiling, electrics and fitting, so quotes can vary wildly depending on what each fitter has assumed. Getting comparable quotes is the key to a fair price. Line them up against the real prices below.
The quick version
- Bathroom quotes vary most on labour and tiling, not the suite you pick.
- Ask every fitter to price the same layout and spec so you compare like with like.
- Any electrical work must meet Part P and be done by a registered electrician.
- Get three quotes so you can spot who has priced the awkward bits and who has skipped them.
What people actually paid
Real prices, in people's own words
- £1,800“£1.8k labour, £3.2k materials”
- £5,500“5.5k. Local to you.”
- £5,500“We paid around £5500 for a small bathroom with shower only”
- £8,000“My daughter paid £8000 for a large bathroom (bath and shower over the bath). We paid around £5500 for a small bathroom”
- £8,500“£8,500, stripped out old, everything new, tiling half wall, karndean flooring.”
- £11,500“11.5k for 2, an ensuite with toilet shower and sink units and cupboard using tiles and wall panels and a larger bathroom”
Genuine amounts posted publicly. We publish the price and the quote, never the person.
Why the price varies so much
Bathrooms are labour-heavy, and that labour is where quotes drift apart. Moving the toilet or basin means new pipework and can double the plumbing time, while keeping the layout keeps costs down. Tiling is another big swing, since full-height tiling costs far more than a splashback, and the tile size affects how long it takes. Extractor fans and new lighting bring in electrical work that must be certified. Whether the fitter supplies the suite or you do, and the standard of finish you expect, all move the final figure.
How to pay less
- Keep the toilet, basin and bath in the same spots to avoid costly pipework changes.
- Write down the exact spec and layout, then get three quotes against it so they match.
- Buy the suite and tiles yourself if the fitter agrees, to see the markup and shop around.
- Pay deposits by credit card for Section 75 protection, and stage payments against work done.
Common questions
How many quotes should I get for a new bathroom?
Three is ideal. With a job that mixes several trades, one quote tells you little on its own. Three lets you see where the middle sits and question anyone well above or below it, especially on labour and tiling.
Why are bathroom quotes so different from each other?
Because fitters make different assumptions. One may include moving plumbing, full tiling and a new extractor, another may price a like-for-like swap. Give them all the same spec and the quotes fall into line. Then check them against the real prices below.
Do I need a registered electrician for bathroom electrics?
Yes. Electrical work in a bathroom is notifiable under Part P because of the water risk, so it must be done and certified by a registered electrician. Make sure your quote covers the fan, lighting and certification rather than leaving it as an extra.