Bathroom renovations are one of the most popular home improvement projects in the UK. With the average bathroom getting outdated after 20-25 years, most homeowners will need to overhaul their bathroom at some point. Before starting any bathroom remodel, it's important to set a realistic budget that factors in all potential costs. This allows you to choose fixtures and finishes that fit your budget, without any stressful surprises down the line.

When budgeting for a new bathroom, suite costs make up a major component. A bathroom suite consists of the major sanitaryware pieces - shower unit, bathtub, toilet, and basin. Additional costs come from cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and other accessories. In this cost breakdown, we will analyze typical prices for full bathroom suites across the UK. We'll also explore ways you can save money on your bathroom renovation.

Average Cost of a New Bathroom Suite in the UK

It is always better to have a good idea about the average cost of bathroom suites UK. It will help you to plan your budget accordingly. This understanding can be highly beneficial for anyone looking to get cheap bathroom suites.

National Average Cost Range

According to HomeAdvisor UK, the average cost to install a basic, mid-range bathroom suite falls between £3,000-£6,000. Here is a more detailed breakdown of typical suite costs:

· Basic Budget Bathroom Suite - £1,500-£3,000

· Mid-Range Bathroom Suite - £3,000-£5,000

· High-End Luxury Bathroom Suite - £5,000-£15,000+

As you can see, costs can vary drastically depending on the quality of the products you choose. Basic suites use inexpensive materials that tend to have a shorter lifespan. Mid-range options provide better durability and aesthetics for a moderate price tag. Premier designer suites offer the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, along with cutting-edge tech features.

Regional Cost Variations

It's important to note that labour and material costs vary significantly by region. Bathroom installation costs in an expensive area like London or Surrey can be up to 25% higher than the national average. More remote areas may have lower rates. When setting your budget, research average bathroom costs in your specific part of the UK.

Cost Comparison: Cheap vs Premium Bathroom Suites

The main factors that affect suite pricing are:

· Materials

Higher end tiles, fixtures, tubs and cabinets come at a premium cost. For example, a ceramic sink can cost £50-£250, while a porcelain or glass vessel sink ranges from £150-£500+.

· Brand

Well-known brands like Roca, Victoria Plum, and Heritage Bathrooms charge more for their products compared to lesser known or private label brands.

· Performance & Technology

High tech features like heated floors, mood lighting, and touch screen controls boost the price. When getting cheap bathroom suites, options available to you could be limited.

· Customization

Fully customized suites with tailored cabinets, engraved glass, and premium finishes are pricier. It is still possible to get affordable bathroom suites with a higher level of customization.

· Warranties & Certifications

Better consumer protections through extended warranties and green certifications increase costs. When getting low cost bathroom suites, you need to be extra careful about warranties and certifications.

Keep these factors in mind when deciding between budget and high end bathroom options. Make sure to get quotes from at least 3 bathroom suppliers before setting your budget.

Bathroom Suite Materials Cost Breakdown

Now let's analyze the typical costs of the major components that make up a bathroom suite. Prices are rounded up to the nearest £50 based on market research. These numbers will help you get a better overview of the cost associated with bathroom suites UK.

Shower Units

· Basic Shower Unit - £250-500

· Corner Shower Enclosure - £500-1,000

· Quadrant Shower Enclosure - £750-1,500

· Walk In Shower Enclosure - £1,500-5,000+

Bathtubs

· Standard Acrylic Bathtub - £250-750

· Freestanding Tub - £500-1,500+

· Corner Bathtub - £500-1,500

· Air Spa Tubs/Jacuzzis - £2,500-10,000

Toilets and Basins

· Standard Close Coupled Toilet - £150-300

· Wall Hung Toilet - £250-500+

· Counter Top Basin - £50-250

· Semi-Recessed Basin - £100-500

· Vessel Basin - £150-1,000+

Cabinetry and Storage

· Base Unit - £100-500+

· Tall Cabinet - £250-1,000

· Mirror Cabinet - £150-750

Tiles and Flooring

· Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiles - £5-50 per m2

· Porcelain Tiles - £10-100+ per m2

· Natural Stone Tiles - £30-250+ per m2

· Underfloor Heating - £500-2,500+

Fixtures and Accessories

· Taps & Mixers - £50-500+

· Lighting - £50-500+ per fixture

· Radiators - £50-500+

· Bathroom Extractor Fan - £100-300

While keeping these costs in mind, you can plan to get low cost bathroom suites in the UK. But make sure that cost is not the only determining factor.

Labor Costs for Bathroom Suite Installation

In addition to materials, you'll need to budget for professional labor if you don't plan on DIYing the renovation. Labor accounts for 50-75% of total bathroom installation costs. As you can see, this is a significant percentage of the overall bathroom suite cost. Hence, anyone who is trying to get affordable bathroom suites should think about minimizing the labor costs as much as possible.

Plumbing and Installation Fees

For any bathroom installation, specialized plumbing work is essential. Licensed plumbers handle critical tasks like installing new pipes and drainage, connecting water supplies to fixtures, adjusting water pressure, and testing for leaks. Rates typically run from £150-£250 per day, or plumbers may charge by the hour for smaller jobs.

The total plumbing costs for a full bathroom remodel often land between £500-£1,500 or more. The scale of the project significantly affects plumbing fees - adding a second bathroom on another floor could cost upwards of £3,000-5,000. Be sure to get an itemized plumbing quote rather than Estimate pricing.

Tiling and Waterproofing

Tiling bathroom walls and floors is an intricate process that requires an experienced tile setter, especially for large format tiles. Tilers usually charge £100-£200 per day, with a typical 5x3 bathroom costing £1,000-£3,000 in labor fees. This covers tasks like laying tile patterns, grouting, cutting custom pieces, and sealing.

If adding special details like mosaic inlays or border designs, expect supplemental fees from £250-500+. Waterproofing using membranes and sealants is also critical before tiling wet areas. This prevents leaks and moisture damage.

Electrical Work

While tiling and plumbing get more attention, it's just as vital to upgrade the electrics in any bathroom renovation. This includes adding outlets, installing recessed lighting fixtures, wiring smart controls, and improving ventilation with powerful extractor fans.

A licensed electrician charges around £40-60 per hour. Budget £500-£2,000 for the full electrical package based on the bathroom's size and tech requirements. This cost comes on top of the price for lighting fixtures and fans themselves.

Plastering and Painting

The final vital step after installing a bathroom suite involves plastering and painting. Smoothing surfaces, filling holes, priming walls, and applying 2-3 finish coats of moisture resistant bathroom paint takes skill. Professional plasterers charge around £100-£200 per day, while painters cost £150-£250 or more daily. For a 10 m2 bathroom, plastering and painting comes out to roughly £1,000-2,500 depending on the complexity of the job.

How to Save Money on a Bathroom Suite

There are some steps that you can follow to save money when getting a bathroom suite. Let’s take a look at those steps in detail.

DIY vs Hiring Professionals

Doing all or part of the renovation yourself can severely reduce labor fees. But keep in mind that bathroom installation requires expertise in tiling, plumbing and electrics. If you don't have renovation experience, you risk making expensive mistakes. Consider taking on more straightforward tasks like repainting while hiring pros for complex installation work.

Choosing Cost-Effective Materials

Here are some money-saving tips when selecting bathroom materials:

· Choose ceramic over more expensive porcelain or natural stone tiles

· Select acrylic over cast iron or steel for bathtubs

· Opt for thermostatic vs digital mixing valves

· Purchase close coupled toilets rather than wall hung toilets

· Use melamine instead of solid wood for cabinets

· Install LED lighting for energy efficiency

Reusing Existing Fixtures

In some cases, you can refurbish your current bathroom fixtures rather than replacing everything. For example, bathtubs can often be reglazed for £200-£700, avoiding the £500-1,500+ cost of a brand new tub. Just make sure to inspect all existing fixtures carefully as they may be too worn out to salvage.  This is one of the proven methods to get low cost bathroom suites.

Timing Your Renovation

Bathroom companies tend to offer major sales during off-peak periods like January. You can save up to 25% or more by scheduling your remodel in winter rather than spring or summer. Retailers also often run promotions around holiday weekends and events. If you are planning to get affordable bathroom suites, timing is essential.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Budgeting Your Bathroom Suite

When getting quotes for affordable bathroom suites, be sure to obtain detailed cost breakdowns for both materials and labor. Confirm exactly which items are covered in the suite package vs add-ons that inflate the price. Get start and end dates in writing to avoid delays.

While premium designer suites offer gorgeous aesthetics and luxury features, you can save 50% or more by opting for mid-range bathroom solutions without sacrificing style. Setting a maximum budget upfront is key to sticking to your target spend and getting low cost bathroom suites UK.

By following the pricing estimates and cost-saving tips provided above, you can create a beautifully renovated bathroom without breaking the bank. Be sure to get multiple quotes and take advantage of winter sales. And don't be afraid to negotiate prices with bathroom retailers - especially if providing your own cabinets or fixtures.

Visit Elegant Showers Online Shop for the best bathroom suites at the lowest UK prices. Our expert design consultants offer free bathroom plans to help you actualize your dream bathroom within your budget. Get started today!