Important: The figures in this guide are general estimates based on typical Scottish market rates at the time of writing. They are provided to help you understand what affects bathroom renovation costs. They are not quotes. Every bathroom is different, and the only way to get an accurate price for your project is to request a free quote.
What Does a Bathroom Renovation Actually Involve?
A bathroom renovation is rarely just fitting a new bath and basin. Most projects involve stripping out the old suite, dealing with plumbing and electrical work, waterproofing, tiling, and fitting everything from scratch. The scope of work and the materials you choose determine where you land on the price scale.
If you are getting quotes for a bathroom renovation, understanding what makes up the cost helps you compare like for like and avoid surprises.
Typical Bathroom Renovation Costs in Scotland
Every bathroom is different, but these ranges give a realistic picture for Scotland in 2026:
- Budget renovation (like-for-like suite replacement, standard tiles, no layout changes): £2,500 to £5,500
- Mid-range renovation (new suite, full retile, updated plumbing, new flooring): £5,500 to £8,500
- Premium renovation (bespoke design, underfloor heating, walk-in shower, high-end tiles and fittings): £8,500 to £15,000+
These are broad industry ranges including labour and materials. Actual costs depend on the condition of your existing bathroom, your choice of fittings, and the scope of work required. Projects at the higher end typically involve moving plumbing, structural changes, or premium fittings.
What Affects the Cost of a Bathroom Renovation?
Bathroom Suite
Your suite (bath, toilet, basin, and shower) is one of the biggest cost variables.
- Budget suites (B&Q, Screwfix, Victoria Plum): £300 to £800 for a full set
- Mid-range suites (Better Bathrooms, Roper Rhodes, Ideal Standard): £800 to £2,000
- Premium suites (Burlington, Crosswater, Duravit, freestanding baths): £2,000 to £6,000+
A rimless toilet, wall-hung basin, and thermostatic shower valve are mid-range upgrades that make a noticeable difference to the finished feel without blowing the budget.
Tiling
Tiles are usually the second-largest material cost after the suite itself.
- Budget tiles (basic ceramic, standard sizes): £15 to £30 per m²
- Mid-range tiles (porcelain, larger formats, patterned feature tiles): £30 to £60 per m²
- Premium tiles (natural stone, designer ranges, large-format slabs): £60 to £150+ per m²
An average bathroom needs 15 to 25 m² of wall and floor tiles. At £40/m² for a mid-range porcelain, that is £600 to £1,000 in tile alone, plus adhesive, grout, and trims.
Labour for tiling a full bathroom typically costs £800 to £1,500 depending on the complexity. Large-format tiles, intricate patterns, and niche recesses take longer and cost more to fit.
Plumbing
If you are keeping the existing layout (bath in the same place, toilet on the same waste, basin on the same wall), plumbing costs are relatively modest: £400 to £800 for disconnection, reconnection, and any minor adjustments.
If you are moving fixtures, such as relocating the toilet to a different wall, adding a walk-in shower where the bath was, or moving the basin, plumbing costs increase significantly: £800 to £2,000+. Moving a toilet is the most expensive change because it involves rerouting the soil pipe.
Electrical Work
Most bathroom renovations need some electrical work. Common requirements include:
- New extractor fan or upgraded ventilation: £150 to £400
- Recessed downlights (replacing a single ceiling light): £200 to £500
- Heated towel rail connection: £100 to £250
- Underfloor heating mat and thermostat: £400 to £900 (materials and installation)
- Shaver socket or USB outlet: £80 to £150
All bathroom electrical work must comply with Part P building regulations and should be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Flooring
Bathroom flooring needs to be waterproof and durable. Common choices:
- Vinyl (LVT): £25 to £50/m². Waterproof, warm underfoot, wide range of stone and wood-effect designs. The most popular choice for bathroom floors.
- Porcelain floor tiles: £30 to £80/m². Hardwearing and waterproof but cold underfoot without underfloor heating.
- Natural stone: £60 to £120/m². Premium look but needs sealing and maintenance.
Our flooring service covers vinyl, laminate, and hardwood options across the home. For bathrooms specifically, vinyl or porcelain tile is usually the best choice.
Plastering and Preparation
Once the old suite and tiles are stripped out, walls usually need replastering before new tiles go on. Plasterboard may need replacing where water damage has occurred.
- Replastering a bathroom: £300 to £600
- Plasterboard replacement (where walls are damaged): £200 to £500
- Tanking and waterproofing (essential for walk-in showers and wet rooms): £200 to £500
Skipping waterproofing in a shower area is a false economy. Tanking the shower zone properly prevents leaks and damp that can cause expensive damage to the structure behind.
Walk-In Shower vs Bath: Cost Comparison
One of the most common decisions in a bathroom renovation is whether to keep the bath or replace it with a walk-in shower.
Keeping or Replacing the Bath
A standard bath replacement (remove old, fit new, tile surround) typically costs £1,200 to £2,500 including the bath, panels or tiling, taps, and waste.
A freestanding bath is more expensive: £800 to £3,000 for the bath alone, plus floor reinforcement and exposed pipework finishing.
Walk-In Shower
A walk-in shower (also called a wetroom-style or level-access shower) removes the bath entirely and replaces it with a tiled shower area, glass screen, and flush or low-profile tray.
- Budget walk-in shower (standard tray, fixed screen, thermostatic bar valve): £1,500 to £3,000
- Mid-range (flush tray or wet-room former, frameless glass, recessed valve): £3,000 to £5,000
- Premium (fully tanked wet room, underfloor heating, large-format tiles, twin showerheads): £5,000 to £8,000+
Walk-in showers are popular for accessibility, ease of cleaning, and the modern look they create. They are particularly common in smaller bathrooms where removing the bath opens up the space.
En-Suite and Cloakroom Costs
Smaller rooms cost less overall but the per-square-metre cost is often higher because the work is concentrated.
- Cloakroom or WC (toilet and basin, tiling, new flooring): £1,500 to £3,500
- En-suite shower room (shower, toilet, basin, full tile): £3,500 to £7,000
Space constraints in en-suites and cloakrooms can add to fitting costs. Tight access, awkward plumbing runs, and the need for compact fittings all affect the price.
How to Get the Best Value From Your Bathroom Renovation
- Fix the layout if you can. Keeping plumbing in its current position saves hundreds in labour. If the bath, toilet, and basin work where they are, do not move them unless you have a strong reason.
- Choose a fitter who manages all trades. A bathroom renovation involves plumbing, tiling, electrical, and joinery. If each trade is booked separately, you are coordinating schedules, handovers, and snag lists yourself. A fully managed renovation under one company is simpler and usually more cost-effective.
- Invest in the shower valve. The shower valve is the one thing you use every day. A cheap bar valve will feel and perform noticeably worse than a concealed thermostatic valve. Budget £200 to £500 for the valve alone.
- Do not overtile. Full-height tiling looks excellent, but painting the upper walls and ceiling is far cheaper than tiling them. A tile-to-1.2m approach with painted walls above is a classic, clean look that saves money.
- Get a fixed quote. Make sure your fitter has priced the complete job, including strip-out, plumbing, electrical, tiling, suite fitting, and finishing. An incomplete quote leads to unexpected extras.
What to Ask Your Bathroom Fitter
Before you commit to a bathroom renovation, make sure you have answers to:
- Is the quote fixed or estimated? Fixed means the price does not change unless you request changes.
- What is included in the quote? Does it cover plumbing, electrical, tiling, and decoration? Or just the suite fitting?
- How long will it take? A standard bathroom renovation takes 7 to 12 working days. A wet room or major layout change can take 2 to 3 weeks.
- What happens to the old suite? Confirm whether removal and disposal is included.
- Can I see examples of your work? Visit our bathroom renovation page for examples of completed projects.
Get a Free Bathroom Quote
If you are planning a bathroom renovation in Falkirk, Stirling, or Central Scotland, get in touch for a free quote. We handle everything from strip-out to final tile, including plumbing, electrical, tiling, joinery, and finishing, all under one roof.
See our bathroom fitting service page for more details on how we work, or call us on 07727 488881 to discuss your project. If you are considering a wet room installation, we have a dedicated page covering the process and pricing. Planning a new kitchen or wider property renovation at the same time? We can quote for everything together. See our home renovation cost guide for a full room-by-room breakdown.