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6 things you should know when redoing your bathroom
A new bathroom can transform your morning routine, but choosing and installing a new suite can be quite an undertaking.
Before you get started, read our expert advice on key things to bear in mind, from DIY upgrades that could transform your current set up, to how much a new suite will cost and ways to keep your water bills in check.
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1. How much does a new bathroom cost?
This depends on the quality of suite you've got your eye on, as well as the amount of redesigning and decorating involved. But it's the first thing to know when planning changes to your bathroom.
As a very rough guide, you can buy a basic bath, sink and toilet from a DIY store for around £300. A higher-end suite from a specialist bathroom company can cost well into the thousands. That doesn't include installation, decorating, tiling or any other costs.
Our guide to how much a new bathroom costs in 2026 has the latest data from the Building Cost Information Service, plus money-saving advice
2. You can transform your bathroom without buying a new suite
If your bathroom is in good shape but looking tired, consider these tips to give it a new lease of life. As well as being much cheaper than installing a new suite, they're quicker.
- Repaint the walls or change the wallpaper
- Paint bathroom cabinets or vanity units
- Regrout, paint or replace bathroom tiles
- Improve bathroom lighting and add mirrors to brighten up the room
- Remove built-up limescale from taps, tiles and showers
- Change taps and showers if they are discoloured or damaged
- Add new storage, such as cabinets or shelving or a shower caddy, to help keep your bathroom tidy.
See more ideas for updating bathrooms on a budget
3. You could change your bathroom decor yourself
Painting the walls, woodwork, bathroom cabinets, or other decorating tasks are likely to be achievable as DIY projects. You could also consider peel-and-stick vinyl tiles or bathroom wall panels for a quick, simple way to transform your bathroom.
You might also feel confident to do a small amount of tiling, rather than hire a professional.
We'd recommend you only attempt DIY tasks you can complete safely. If you're not sure, use Which? Trusted Traders to find a painter and decorator near you.
Looking for inspiration? Check out 7 bathroom trends for 2026
4. Keeping your current bathroom layout will cut costs
Moving plumbing or your waste pipe will add to the cost of your project, compared with installing a new suite and toilet in the same position as your current ones.
If you have your eye on a modern 'floating' wall-hung toilet (where the supports and plumbing are hidden behind a structural false wall) think carefully about how this will work best. The false wall will slightly change the shape of your bathroom and can be more disruptive and complicated to install. Check with your fitter how this will impact the cost.
While renovating, consider adding or upgrading a bathroom extractor fan. This will help reduce the moisture and condensation generated by showering – for advice, read how to buy the best bathroom extractor fan.
5. Luxury bathroom ideas can be pricier than you think
Statement bathroom suites and luxurious accessories can transform your bathroom into a blissful sanctuary. However, if you're keeping an eye on costs, consider your priorities.
A heavy, luxury bath might need a reinforced floor, while converting your bathroom into a wet room will need waterproofing and might also require new drainage. You'll likely need a builder to make these changes which will add to the cost, on top of plumbing in the suite.
Stone tiles, underfloor heating, new lighting and designer heated towel rails will also increase the price, as will natural stone baths and glass basins.
If you're working to a tighter budget, choose where to add a touch of luxury and where not to splash out. Standard fittings, such as acrylic baths and basic electric showers, will keep costs down.
See the best bathroom sinks, taps, toilets, baths and showers to help you find the best bathroom suite for your home
6. Saving water can save you money
While it won't cut the upfront cost of upgrading your bathroom, water-saving features could help reduce your bills in future, as well as making your home more environmentally friendly.
Dual-flush valves on toilets let you choose whether to use more or less water when you flush. Modern water-efficient toilets can reduce the amount of water used in one flush from 13 litres to 2.5 litres.
Shower timers, water-saving shower-heads and shower-flow regulators are other ways to save water.
To find out how water-efficient new bathroom products are, look out for the Unified Water Label. This tells you how much water a product uses.
Make sure you fix any leaks, including dripping taps, shower heads and cisterns that fill continually.
Need a plumber? Use Which? Trusted Traders to find a reliable plumber near you:
