Bathrooms FAQs

1. How much does a new bathroom cost in the UK in 2026?

A budget bathroom refit costs £3,000-£6,000, covering a basic suite, ceramic tiles, and an electric shower. Mid-range renovations with branded sanitaryware, thermostatic or digital showers, porcelain tiles, and underfloor heating typically run £6,000-£15,000. Premium bathrooms with designer fittings, natural stone, walk-in showers, and smart technology start at £15,000 and can exceed £30,000 for bespoke designs. These prices include supply and installation but exclude structural work. A wet room conversion adds £2,000-£4,000. Always get three or more itemised quotes from verified companies on HouseJester to ensure fair pricing.

2. How long does a full bathroom renovation take?

A straightforward bathroom refit — removing the old suite, tiling, fitting new sanitaryware, and decorating — takes 5-10 working days for an experienced team. If plumbing needs relocating, walls need removing or building, or a wet room requires tanking, allow 2-4 weeks. Before the on-site work begins, there may be a 2-6 week lead time for ordered products such as bespoke vanity units, specialist tiles, or digital shower systems. From first consultation to handover, a typical mid-range bathroom project takes 6-10 weeks. Discuss the timeline at the quoting stage so you can plan around the disruption.

3. What is the difference between a wet room and a walk-in shower?

A wet room has no shower tray — the entire floor is waterproofed (tanked) and gently slopes towards a floor drain. This creates a seamless, open look and is particularly popular for accessible and contemporary designs. A walk-in shower uses a low-profile or flush tray within a defined shower area, often with a glass screen. Walk-in showers are simpler to install (no tanking or floor gradient needed) and slightly cheaper, while wet rooms offer maximum design flexibility and accessibility. Both are excellent alternatives to shower-over-bath arrangements, especially in smaller bathrooms where the open feel makes the room appear larger.

4. Should I choose a bath or a shower for a small bathroom?

For a small bathroom under 4m², a walk-in shower or wet room will make the space feel larger and is more practical. If you have young children and need a bath, consider a compact 1500mm bath or a Japanese-style deep soaking tub that has a smaller footprint. Estate agents note that having at least one bathtub in the home can affect resale value, so if this is your only bathroom, weigh the practicality benefits of a shower against potential impact on property value. A shower room plus a separate bathroom elsewhere in the home is the ideal combination.

5. What tiles are best for bathroom floors?

Porcelain tiles are the most popular choice for bathroom floors. They are extremely durable, water-resistant (absorption rate under 0.5%), and available in finishes that replicate natural stone, wood, or concrete. Choose tiles with an anti-slip rating of R10 or R11 for safety. Natural stone (marble, limestone, slate) looks stunning but requires sealing and more maintenance. Ceramic tiles are cheaper but less durable than porcelain for floor use. Vinyl and LVT (luxury vinyl tile) are warm underfoot, waterproof, and budget-friendly alternatives. For wet rooms, mosaic tiles are often used around the drain area to accommodate the floor gradient.

6. Do I need an extractor fan in my bathroom?

Yes. Building Regulations Part F requires adequate ventilation in bathrooms. If your bathroom has an openable window, an extractor fan is still strongly recommended to prevent condensation and mould. If there is no window (an internal bathroom), a mechanical extractor fan is legally required. Modern fans are quiet (as low as 25dB), energy-efficient, and many include humidity sensors that activate automatically. For new builds under the Future Homes Standard, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems are increasingly specified, which extract moist air from bathrooms while recovering heat energy.

7. How do I prevent mould in my bathroom?

Adequate ventilation is the single most effective measure — ensure your extractor fan runs for at least 15 minutes after showering. Use anti-mould grout and silicone sealant, which contain fungicidal additives. Choose moisture-resistant paint formulated for bathrooms. Wipe down wet surfaces (especially shower glass and tile grout lines) after use. If condensation is persistent, consider upgrading to a continuous-running extractor fan with a humidity sensor. Heated towel rails and underfloor heating also help by warming the room and reducing condensation. Address any underlying issues such as leaking seals or inadequate drainage promptly to prevent mould establishing.

8. What is the best material for a bathroom vanity unit?

Solid timber vanity units look premium but must be treated or sealed to withstand bathroom moisture — oak and walnut are popular choices. Engineered wood with a moisture-resistant coating (such as marine-grade MDF or plywood with a lacquer finish) offers good durability at a lower price. High-gloss lacquered units are easy to clean but show fingerprints. Wall-hung vanity units are practical for smaller bathrooms as they create the illusion of more floor space and make cleaning easier. Budget units start from £150-£300, mid-range from £400-£800, and designer units from £1,000 upward. Ensure the unit is specifically designed for bathroom use, not repurposed bedroom furniture.

9. Is underfloor heating worth it in a bathroom?

Underfloor heating is one of the most popular bathroom upgrades, and for good reason. It eliminates cold tile shock, reduces condensation by gently warming the floor and air, and frees wall space that would otherwise be occupied by a radiator. Electric underfloor heating mats are ideal for bathrooms — they are thin (3-4mm), easy to install beneath tiles, and cost approximately £200-£500 for a typical bathroom. Running costs are modest: heating a 4m² bathroom for 2-3 hours daily costs around £15-£25 per year. For renovations where the floor is being retiled, it is an easy add-on that significantly enhances comfort.

10. Will a new bathroom add value to my home?

A modern, well-fitted bathroom is consistently ranked by estate agents as one of the top value-adding home improvements, alongside kitchens. A mid-range bathroom renovation costing £8,000-£12,000 can add 3-5% to a property's value, with a typical return on investment of 50-70%. Adding an en-suite to a master bedroom is particularly effective, potentially adding £10,000-£20,000 to a property valued at £300,000-£400,000. The key is to keep the design in proportion with the property — over-specifying luxury fixtures in a modest home yields diminishing returns. Browse trusted bathroom companies on HouseJester to start your project.