A tired bathroom is one of the most common renovation requests we get from homeowners across Solihull and the West Midlands. It is also one of the projects where costs vary the most, because so much depends on the size of the room, what you are keeping versus replacing, and the finish you choose. This guide sets out realistic price ranges and timescales so you can budget with confidence before getting quotes.
Average bathroom renovation cost by size
As a general guide, based on typical UK renovation pricing in 2026:
- Small bathroom or en suite (under 4m²): £2,500–£5,500 for a straightforward refit with a similar layout.
- Medium family bathroom (4–7m²): £4,500–£8,500, depending on the suite, tiling coverage and whether any pipework is moved.
- Large bathroom (7m² and above): £7,500–£12,000 or more, particularly where the layout is changing, a freestanding bath is specified, or underfloor heating is added.
These ranges cover a typical mid-range renovation: a new suite, full or partial tiling, updated plumbing and electrics, and a reasonable quality finish. A basic, like-for-like swap with a budget suite and minimal tiling can come in lower, while a high-end renovation with bespoke joinery, natural stone tiling and premium brassware can comfortably exceed these figures.
What affects the final price?
A handful of factors tend to move the price more than anything else:
Layout changes
Keeping the bath, basin, toilet and shower in their existing positions keeps plumbing work to a minimum and is the single biggest cost saver. Moving the soil pipe, relocating the toilet, or switching from a bath to a walk-in shower in a new position all add labour, and sometimes require building regulations sign-off for the drainage changes.
Tiling
Full height tiling on every wall costs considerably more than half-height tiling or tiling around a shower enclosure only, both in materials and in the time it takes to tile and grout. Large format tiles and natural stone also cost more to buy and are slower to lay than standard ceramic tiles.
Fixtures and fittings
A budget suite from a trade supplier and a designer suite with brassware from a premium brand can differ in price by several thousand pounds for what is, on paper, the same bath, basin and toilet. Walk-in showers with frameless glass, freestanding baths and heated towel rails with smart controls all add to the specification cost on top of labour.
Structural and access considerations
Underfloor heating, moving a stud wall to enlarge the room, or fitting a window where there was previously an extractor fan all add time and cost. Older Solihull properties with suspended timber floors or older lead or cast iron pipework can also need extra remedial work once the old bathroom is stripped out, which is worth budgeting a contingency for.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
A straightforward refit with no layout changes typically takes two to three weeks from strip-out to completion. A full renovation involving a new layout, moved plumbing, full tiling and underfloor heating is more realistically four to six weeks. Bespoke cabinetry, made-to-order glass shower screens or specialist tiles can extend this further if they are not in stock when the project starts, so it is worth confirming lead times for anything bespoke before work begins.
Do you need planning permission for a bathroom renovation?
In almost all cases, no. Converting an existing room into a bathroom, or renovating an existing bathroom, is internal work and does not need planning permission. The exception is if you are adding a new extractor vent or flue to an external wall in a conservation area or on a listed building, where you may need to check first. Building regulations do apply to the electrical and plumbing work, including zoning requirements around sockets and lighting near water, and ventilation to control condensation. We handle the relevant building control notifications as part of every renovation.
Getting an accurate quote
Because bathroom costs vary so much with layout and specification, the only reliable way to budget is a site visit and a written, itemised quote. We always break down labour, materials and any structural or plumbing work separately, so you can see exactly where your budget is going and adjust the specification if needed before work starts.
About HK Builders
HK Builders Ltd is an FMB-registered, fully insured, family-run building company based in Solihull, with over 20 years of experience delivering extensions, conversions and renovations across Solihull and the West Midlands. We are known for clear, itemised quotes and keeping clients informed from the first site visit through to completion. Get in touch for a free, no obligation quote.
Call 07393 194 336Get a free quote
