Fredi Builders•Updated February 2026•8 min read
Bathroom Refurbishment vs Full Renovation: Cost Guide 2026
Deciding between a bathroom refurbishment and a full renovation? This guide breaks down the costs, timelines, and helps you make the right choice based on 15 years of experience and 104 completed projects.
What's the Difference?
Bathroom Refurbishment
A refurbishment updates your existing bathroom layout without major structural changes:
- Replacing fixtures (toilet, sink, bath/shower)
- New tiling over existing surfaces (where possible)
- Updating lighting and accessories
- Repainting or re-grouting
- Keeping the same layout and plumbing positions
Full Bathroom Renovation
A renovation involves complete transformation:
- Complete strip-out to bare walls
- Moving plumbing and electrical
- Changing the layout entirely
- All new fixtures and fittings
Cost Breakdown 2026
Bathroom Refurbishment Costs
- Small bathroom (under 5m²)£2,000 - £4,000
- Medium bathroom (5-8m²)£3,500 - £6,000
- Large bathroom (8m²+)£5,000 - £8,000
Timeline: 3-5 days
Full Renovation Costs
- Small bathroom£4,000 - £7,000
- Medium bathroom£6,000 - £10,000
- Large bathroom£8,000 - £15,000+
Timeline: 7-14 days
Premium/Luxury Additions
- Wet room conversion+£2,000 - £5,000
- Underfloor heating+£800 - £1,500
- High-end fixtures+£1,000 - £3,000
- Natural stone tiling+£1,500 - £4,000
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Refurbishment If:
- Your layout works well
- Plumbing is in good condition
- You're on a tighter budget
- You need it done quickly
- The bathroom is structurally sound
Choose Full Renovation If:
- The layout doesn't work for you
- You have plumbing or structural issues
- You want to add features (wet room, underfloor heating)
- The bathroom hasn't been updated in 20+ years
- You're planning to sell soon (ROI is better)
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Be aware of these potential additional costs:
- Asbestos removal (pre-2000 homes)£500 - £2,000
- Structural repairs discovered during strip-out£500 - £3,000
- Upgrading electrical to current regulations£300 - £800
- Waste removal and skip hire£200 - £400
- Temporary bathroom facilities during work
Return on Investment
According to 2026 property data:
70-80%
Bathroom Refurbishment ROI
85-95%
Full Renovation ROI
60-75%
Luxury Bathroom (£15k+) ROI
A well-executed bathroom renovation can add £10,000-£20,000 to your property value.
Expert Advice from 104 Projects
After completing 104 bathroom projects, here's what we've learned:
- Don't cheap out on waterproofing - it's the most expensive thing to fix later
- Invest in quality tiling - it's what you see every day
- Consider future needs (aging in place, resale value)
- Get multiple quotes but don't always choose the cheapest
- Check reviews - our 104 five-star reviews didn't happen by accident
Get Your Accurate Quote
Every bathroom is different. We provide free, no-obligation quotes with transparent pricing.