How much does a bathroom fitting cost?

• Bathroom fitting costs: £4,000 to £10,000+ 

• Full shower installation: £400 to £1,200+ 

• Acrylic bathtub installation: £200 to £250+ 

• Professional plumber rates: £40 to £80+ per hour 

Fitting a bathroom can range from a simple refresh of one component, to a full overhaul of fixtures and fittings, including toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs.   

Changing basic fittings start around £4,000+, but more elaborate changes, like replacing a bath with a walk-in shower, can increase costs significantly.  

This guide provides a breakdown of common bathroom fitting tasks and their associated costs, helping you plan and budget effectively. 

Data for this guide was collected in November 2024 from Yell proprietary data and online data sources.  

Consulting the property experts at Jackson-Stops

We spoke to Chris Jarrett, a property expert and Director at Jackson-Stops, to learn more about the cost and value of bathroom fitting.

Chris Jarrett has been in residential property agency since 1996 and his career spans almost 30 years. A third generation property professional, for most of his career, Chris has been involved in the sale of prime property across Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

From country and coastal homes to townhouses and apartments, Chris’s experience is broad and far reaching. He spent 8 years as head of the Honiton office of Stags, then 12 years as a Director and Head of Office at Savills Cheltenham. He now leads the successful Jackson-Stops franchise in Cheltenham.

Read on to learn how much bathroom fittings cost – and how they can affect your home's value – in the UK.

Below is a breakdown of costs for fitting different bathroom items, including various shower and bath types, toilet options, and other essential installations. 

Bath fitting costs 

Costs accurate as of November 2024 

Acrylic bathtubs are lightweight and durable, and known for their excellent heat retention and smooth, easy-to-clean surface. These range from £200 to £250+ to fit.  

Steel bathtubs are strong, heat-conductive tubs made from enamel-coated steel, valued for their durability and resistance to scratches and stains. They cost around £250 to £450+ to fit.  

Cast iron bathtub are heavy, durable tubs made from cast iron and coated with enamel, prized for exceptional heat retention and classic, timeless appearance.  

Cast iron bathtubs cost around £1,250 to £1,650+ to fit.  

Walk-in bathtubs cost around £1,500 to £1,700+ to fit. They have low-entry doors and built-in seating, providing safe and easy access for individuals with mobility challenges. 

A natural stone bathtub is a luxurious, solid tub carved from natural stone, offering a unique, elegant look with exceptional heat retention and long-lasting durability. 

Natural stone bathtubs cost £1,500 to £4,000+ to install.  

A single ended bath is a bathtub with the taps and drain positioned at one end, allowing for comfortable reclining at the opposite end. 

Single ended bathtubs cost £240 to £3,500+ to fit, depending on the materials.  

A double ended bathtub has the taps and drain located in the centre, with both ends sloped for comfortable reclining, making it ideal for shared or relaxing baths. 

Double ended bathtubs cost £1,570 to £4,650+ to fit.  

Free standing baths are designed to stand independently in a bathroom rather than being attached to walls or built into the structure.  

These bathtubs are versatile in terms of placement and are often used as a focal point in bathroom design but come with complex plumbing requirements.  

Freestanding baths cost £520 to £4,650 to install.  

Take a closer look at these expenses with our guide on the cost of replacing bathtubs. 

Showers fitting costs  

Costs accurate as of November 2024 

An electric shower is a type of shower unit that heats water on demand using an electric heating element.  

It does not rely on your home’s boiler or hot water system, making it a popular choice for homes where hot water is limited or unreliable. 

Electric showers cost £207 to £1,150+ to fit.  

Power showers use a built-in pump to increase the water pressure, providing a stronger and more invigorating shower experience.  

Power showers are typically used in homes where the water pressure is low or inconsistent, they cost £345 to £1,240+ to install.  

Digital showers are modern shower systems that use advanced technology to provide precise temperature control and customisable shower settings. 

Digital showers cost £550 to £1,600+ to fit.  

The key feature of a thermostatic mixer shower is its built-in thermostatic valve, which automatically adjusts the balance of hot and cold water to prevent sudden temperature fluctuations, even if someone else in the house uses water.  

Thermostatic mixer showers cost £175 to £1,600+ to fit.  

If you’re just looking to have a like-for-like shower fitted in your home, it will limit the amount of work involved with fitting and installation. 

You can expect to pay £150 to £300+ to a like-for-like shower fitting.  

For a more in-depth look, read our guide on shower fitting costs. 

Toilets fitting costs  

Costs accurate as of November 2024 

Close coupled toilets have the water tank (cistern) directly attached to the back of the toilet, making it a singular unit.  

They cost around £100 to £200+ to fit.  

Low level cistern toilets cost around £150 to £230+ to fit. They are mounted on the wall at a lower height, with a visible flush pipe connecting the cistern to the toilet pan. 

High level cistern toilets cost £150 to £230+ to fit.  

These types of toilets have a water tank mounted high up on the wall, connected to the pan by a long, visible flush pipe. 

Hidden cistern toilets cost £300 to £400+ to fit.  

They are a space-saving toilet design where the toilet pan is mounted on the wall, and the cistern is hidden behind a wall or in a bathroom unit. 

Specialist hands free toilets cost £400 to £500+ to fit.  

They feature automated functions, such as touchless flushing, seat opening and closing, and integrated bidet systems. 

When fitting a new toilet, the old sanitary ware may need removal. You can expect to pay £75+ for this service, depending on complexity.  

Learn more about these expenses by reading our guide on toilet installation costs.  

Hiring qualified tradespeople for bathroom fitting ensures quality and compliance with safety standards.  

Costs accurate as of November 2024 

You can trust qualified plumbers to have the skills and expertise to handle the installation of bathroom fixtures.  

They’ll ensure proper connections to water supply and drainage systems, and they can address any unforeseen plumbing issues that may arise.  

In the UK, plumbers have an hourly rate of £40 to £80+ per hour, or £180 to £350+ per day. Learn more about these expenses by reading our plumbers cost guide.

Costs for bathroom installations vary across the UK due to labour rates and seasonal or regional demand. 

Below is an overview of average bathroom design and installation job costs by region.  

These costs include design and fitting costs, as well as plumbing and renovation requirements.   

Costs accurate as of November 2024 

When installing or fitting a new bathroom, Scotland and Wales have the highest average job costs.  

Yorkshire and the Humber and the South West, instead benefit from lower average job costs.  

You can learn more about these wide-ranging expenses with our bathroom renovation cost guide. 

Why can costs vary by region? 

Costs can vary across the UK due to many factors, including regional living expenses. 

It can also depend on the average scale of the projects required by those living in the area, as multiple smaller jobs will usually drive the average cost down.  

Remote areas may require additional travel expenses, which may also influence pricing.  

Always ask for a range of quotes when looking into a new home improvement project, as this can help you get the best deal.  

Have more questions about bathroom fitting costs? Read on for answers to your most-asked questions. 

How much does it cost to fit a new electric shower? 

Electric shower fitting typically ranges from £207 to £1,150+, depending on the model and complexity of installation. 

You may also need to hire an electrician for some electric shower installations, unless your plumber has the required qualifications to handle electrical components. 

Can I fit a wall-hung toilet on my own? 

Wall-hung toilets are complex and usually require a professional plumber for proper frame installation and secure plumbing, with costs averaging £500 to £800+. 

If you’re looking to save on costs, you could try removing the current toilet yourself. You can follow our guide on how to remove a toilet if this is something you’re planning. 

Is it possible to fit a new shower in one day? 

Yes, a like-for-like shower replacement can be done within a day, with costs starting at £150+ for labour, depending on the setup. 

This is a much less demanding process than fitting a completely new shower, since existing plumbing connections are present. 

How can I keep my bathroom fitting costs down? 

To save money, consider reusing existing plumbing, selecting affordable materials, or handling small DIY tasks like painting or minor tile repair. 

Only take on DIY projects that you’re comfortable with, as attempting more complex work could result in costly accidents and damage to your home. 

You’ll find plenty of instructional content on the Yell blog. 

How do I prepare my home for bathroom fitting work? 

You can do a few things to prepare your home for bathroom fitting work:  

• Clear bathroom space 

• Protect other areas (floors/furniture) 

• Make sure there’s easy access 

• Plan for disruptions 

• Secure pets or children 

• Prepare for noise and dust  

The more preparations you make, the quicker your professionals can start and finish – potentially saving you money on hourly costs. 

What should I look for when hiring a bathroom fitter or plumber? 

When hiring a bathroom fitter or plumber, it's important to consider several factors to ensure you get a qualified and reliable professional:  

• Experience in bathroom fitting projects  

• Certifications in plumbing, such as City & Guilds or NVQ  

• Status of public liability insurance 

• Previous references and reviews 

• Clear and specific quotes 

• Provided warranties and guarantees 

• Availability  

If you need more help finding a plumber or bathroom fitter, don’t worry. Check out TrustMark’s tips for finding great tradespeople now. 

Is it more expensive to fit a bath or a shower? 

The overall cost depends on the type of bath or shower you choose.  For example, a high-end freestanding bath can be more expensive to fit than a basic thermostatic mixer shower unit.  

Additionally, if significant plumbing alterations are needed to replace a bath with a shower (or vice versa), this can impact the cost as well.  

It's best to get quotes for both options from local professionals to understand the exact pricing for your specific project. 

How easy is it to replace a bath with a shower? 

Replacing a bath with a shower can vary in difficulty depending on several factors, such as the existing plumbing layout, the type of shower system you want, and your bathroom’s condition.  

Generally, it’s a manageable project for a professional plumber or bathroom fitter but can be complex for a DIY enthusiast. 

What value does a second bathroom add to a home?

Weighing in, Chris explains that “With so many factors influencing the value of a property, it’s challenging to quantify exactly how much a second bathroom adds to this. But what we can say is that it can help to make a property more desirable by adding flexibility and versatility.

"An extra bath or shower room can change the way that a property is used and can make it more or less suitable for traditional family life or co-living. This, in turn can affect competition and drive values.

“The extent to which this is true will be determined by whether the additional bath or shower room is deemed necessary. For example, a one-bedroom flat with a second bathroom feels unnecessary and won’t add value. Whereas a four-bedroom house with only one bathroom could detract from the selling price for this reason.

“If you are considering adding a bathroom to your home to increase value, consider how it might positively impact the use, convenience or luxury attributes of the property.”

What's the takeaway, then? The key is making changes that suit the space you’re working on, positively impacting its practical value and thereby increasing its saleability and, possibly, valuation.

Bathroom fitting costs can vary widely, starting from £4,000+ for basic fittings and reaching £10,000+ for premium upgrades.  

By carefully selecting materials and planning, you can create a stylish, functional bathroom within your budget. 

Hiring a plumber or bathroom fitter is the best way to get yourself a high-quality, lasting bathroom installation. 

On Yell, you can browse nearby plumbers and bathroom fitters, checking profiles and reading reviews to find your favourite. 

Or you can post a free enquiry, provide a few project details, and wait to hear back from local experts by phone or email. 

Not quite ready to hire someone? Browse our blog for more cost-saving tips, DIY guides, and home improvement suggestions today. 

Cost data was gathered from business estimates, profiles and websites captured on Yell.com, in up to 12 UK regions, combined with an analysis of wider industry data. Actual costs may vary depending on location or complexity of the task, project, or service. We encourage customers to reach out to industry professionals for specific quotes based on their unique requirements.