How much to renovate a bathroom? Budgeting tips for East Anglian homeowners

You spend several hours a week in there, often for fairly long periods at a time, so making your bathroom renovation a priority is just good sense for a happy homelife.

And with a bit of careful planning and a realistic budget, your bathroom renovation doesn’t need to break the bank.

But how much does it cost to renovate a bathroom in England and what exactly can you get for your money?

Price range and average costs of a bathroom renovation

Homeowners in England spend between £1,500 to £7,500 for a full bathroom renovation, according to Checkatrade.

For an idea of what some of the bigger ticket items will set you back: an average shower remodel costs around £500 including installation, while a new bathtub costs around £850.

However, according to Rated People’s Home Improvement Trends Report 2022, bathroom renovations can run up to 40% more expensive today than before the pandemic.

Before you work out your bathroom renovation budget

One of the first things you need to do when planning a bathroom renovation is to decide exactly what work needs to be carried out.

Will you be completely gutting the bathroom and starting from scratch? Or are you simply looking to update the fixtures and fittings? What style are you going for? What type of flooring?

Once you have a clear idea of the scope of work involved, you can start to get some estimates from local tradespeople (be sure to get references and read reviews before making your decision).

If you’re planning on doing any of the work yourself, this will help keep costs down. Tasks like painting and tiling can be easily taken on by most DIY enthusiasts.

However, if you’re not confident in your ability, it’s always best to hire a professional. Trying to do too much yourself could end up costing you more in the long run if you make mistakes that have to be corrected later on.

An example budget for your bathroom renovation

Once you’ve got a good idea of the costs involved in your bathroom renovation, it’s time to start planning your budget.

As with any home improvement project, it’s best to set a realistic budget and stick to it as much as possible to avoid any nasty surprises down the line.

If you’re not sure how much you can afford to spend, there are several online calculators that can help you figure it out.

Assuming you’re planning on hiring a professional to do the majority of the work, your budget might look something like this:

Of course, this is just a rough guide and your actual costs will depend on the size of your bathroom, the materials you choose and the tradespeople you hire.

Bathroom renovation hidden costs and savings tips

The location of your property will make a huge difference to your budget. If you live in the centre of Cambridge, for example, labour costs will be higher than if you live in a smaller town or village in Suffolk.

The type of materials you choose will also affect the overall cost of your renovation. If you opt for high-end finishes like marble countertops and heated floors, your budget will need to reflect that.

But there are more cost-effective alternatives. One way to keep costs down is to use recycled materials. For example, instead of buying new tiles, you could try using recycled ones.

Factor in potential return on investment

If you’re planning to sell your property in the near future, then it’s worth considering how much of a return on investment (ROI) you can expect from your bathroom renovation.

According to The Property Centre, the average ROI for a bathroom renovation is between 4 and 5%. For example, you might spend £4,000 on a bathroom renovation in a property previously worth £300,000 and see an increase of £15,000 in the value of your home.

Of course, the actual ROI will depend on a number of factors, including the quality of the renovation, the current market conditions and the location of your property.

Calculate how long the renovation will take

A typical bathroom renovation can take anywhere from four to eight weeks, depending on the size of your bathroom and the extent of the work required.

If you’re planning on doing any of the work yourself, it’s a good idea to factor in additional time – especially if you’ve never done it before. Those working with a professional should make sure to ask about their estimated timeline and whether there are any potential delays that could impact the completion of the project.

Once the work is underway, be prepared for a bit of dust and disruption – but it’ll all be worth it in the end when you have a beautiful new bathroom to enjoy.

MORE: How much to renovate a kitchen: Cost breakdown for the heart of your home

Don’t forget the waste management

Bathroom renovations often generate a lot of waste, so it’s important to plan for this in advance.

For the environmentally friendly option, see if any local businesses, tradesmen or DIY enthusiasts would be interested in your leftovers. If you’re replacing a bathtub with a newer model, chances are there’ll be someone out there who’d love to have the old one.

Posting an ad online or in your local paper is a great way to find someone interested in taking some of your old bathroom stuff off your hands for free (or for a small fee).

If you only have a small amount or waste, driving it to your local recycling centre might be the cheapest way to go.

MORE: DIY waste disposal: How to get rid of renovation rubbish

For the most hassle-free bathroom renovation waste disposal possible, SunSkips is the best choice for a professional service and great value for money in East Anglia.

Bathroom renovations can be a costly affair. But by sticking to a budget and being mindful of waste management from the start, you can get the bathroom of your dreams for just the right price.

Get in touch with our friendly team at SunSkips for advice on the right skip size for your bathroom renovation in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.