How Much Does a New Bathroom Cost

When considering a brand new bathroom installation, it is important to assess the costs first. Costs can vary; if you live in London, expect to pay higher prices than in other cities. The cost of labour, materials, and the wait time for luxury bathroom designs influence your decision-making. Here are a few factors to keep in mind before proceeding with a new bathroom.

Peeking Into The Average Cost of New Bathroom

On average, a brand-new bathroom costs between £7000 and £14000. The cost depends on multiple factors, including your location, labour costs and material quality. The project size is also important when asking for a quote

Grab a seat as we discuss these points:

Location

If you are located in a major city like London, expect increased prices. Tough competition, increased demand and the labour market have a shortage of employees too. These points are a factor for the current high prices. 

Labour Cost

The average cost of a labourer in the UK is between £100 and £150 per day. Add in the fact that the labour job market is at an all-time low post-COVID and has not rebounded yet. 

Material Quality

Depending on the type of materials your cost to build a new bathroom can fluctuate. Premium materials have higher demand and cost more, and depending on the type, they have a certain waiting time too.

A Look At The Unexpected Costs for a New Bathroom

There is always a chance that you may encounter unexpected delays or costs for your new bathroom. It is best to plan for such circumstances. Hidden water damage and electrical upgrades are a few factors that can increase costs.

Let’s analyze them:

Electrical Upgrades

If you are renovating, an electrician might discover faulty wires that may pose a security hazard. While building a new bathroom make sure to allocate a separate budget for electrical work or upgrades. 

Hidden Water Damage

Your bathroom needs a continuous supply of water for efficiency. Pipes make that possible. But not all pipes are visible as they are fixed within walls making it impossible to check for damages. Make sure to allocate a specific amount if a plumber detects water damage.

The Impact of UK’s Crunching Labour Market on Your New Bathroom

The UK is suffering severe labour shortages. This trend started post-COVID but is still active. Factors like early retirement, sickness and an ageing workforce have contributed to higher waiting times and significant cost increases. The result is an increased investment from the consumer i.e. you!

Let’s take a closer look:

Ageing Workforce

For the market to function smoothly, an ageing workforce needs to be replaced with young workers. Unfortunately, post-Brexit, that has not been the case. Resulting in increased demand, decreased labour supply and a significant rise in labour prices.

Early Retirement

Those workers who are already inactive are becoming further sick. This forces them into an early retirement, and no replacements are incoming. Resulting in a labour market that has a shortage of workers and is unable to fulfil customer demands.

Brexit led labour shortages

Thanks to Brexit, migration from the EU has decreased significantly. Another important factor causing labour shortage in the UK. The shortage started after COVID-19 and rebounded after vaccines but still has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels in the UK.

Knowing The Bathroom Renovation Cost

Your bathroom needs regular improvement, repair and updates. Renovation helps keep it efficient and in perfect condition. Although the costs are lower than creating a new bathroom, even a simple renovation can cut a huge chunk of your budget.

If you are in London, expect a quote between £3000 and £8000. However, prices can vary depending on the time and complexity of your project. 

Let’s discuss further about bathroom renovation prices:

Plumbing  

In the case of a bathroom renovation, one of the first things to consider is plumbing. Whether it should remain the same or require some modifications. In a few cases or for further efficiency the entire plumbing architecture has to be altered. Significantly increasing the renovation costs.

Project Complexity

If you are planning to refurbish or renovate your entire bathroom, it requires a ton of work, time and labour. This may significantly increase your costs. Although you can work with cheap materials to save costs, that is a personal choice.

Substituting Tile for Plastic Panels

Luxury bathrooms have plastic panels. These panels emit a royal look and are an aesthetic pleasure. However, it comes with a price tag. If you substitute them for tiles this can save you a ton of money. 

Conclusion

In a nutshell, multiple factors decide the cost of a new bathroom or a renovation. There isn’t a fixed cost for a renovation or a brand-new bathroom. Your location plays a role, too. If you are in London, expect higher prices if you reside in another city. Factors like labour shortage, material availability and unexpected charges decide the final cost. However, average prices are  £7000-£14000 for a new bathroom and £3000-£8000 for a renovation.