Planning a Bathroom Renovation: A Complete Guide

A bathroom renovation is one of those projects that sounds simple until you start planning it. There are more decisions to make than you expect, more trades involved than you realise, and more things that can go wrong if you do not plan properly. This guide walks you through the whole process from start to finish.

Set your budget first

Before you start browsing tiles on Pinterest, decide what you can realistically afford to spend. In the North East in 2026, a basic bathroom refit (new suite, tiles, and flooring in an existing layout) costs £3,000 to £6,000. A mid-range renovation with better fixtures, full re-tiling, new flooring, and possibly a layout change costs £6,000 to £12,000. A high-end renovation with underfloor heating, a walk-in shower, designer tiles, and premium fixtures can run from £12,000 to £20,000 or more.

Build in a contingency of at least 10% to 15% on top of your budget. Bathroom renovations almost always throw up surprises once you start pulling things apart. Rotten floor joists, hidden leaks, and outdated plumbing are all common in older North East properties.

Think about layout carefully

Changing the layout of a bathroom is possible but adds significant cost because of the plumbing involved. Moving a toilet is particularly expensive because of the soil pipe. If your current layout works well, keeping it and simply upgrading the fixtures, tiles, and finishes will save you a lot of money.

If you are changing the layout, think about practicality. Where will the door open? Is there enough space to get in and out of the shower or bath comfortably? Can you reach the toilet roll holder from the toilet? These sound like small things, but they make a big difference in daily use.

Choose your fixtures

The main decisions are bath or shower (or both), toilet type (close-coupled, back-to-wall, or wall-hung), basin type (pedestal, wall-mounted, or vanity unit), and taps (deck-mounted or wall-mounted). Visit a bathroom showroom to see things in person rather than relying on online photos. Showrooms in the North East include those at Victoriaplum, Better Bathrooms, and local independent suppliers.

Wall-hung toilets and vanity units are increasingly popular because they make the room feel bigger and are easier to clean around. They do require a sturdy wall or a concealed cistern frame, which adds to the installation cost.

Tiles and flooring

Tiles are usually the second biggest cost after the fixtures and labour. For walls, you need to decide whether to tile full height or half height. Full height tiling looks more finished and is more practical in wet areas, but costs more. Tile prices range from £15 per square metre for basic ceramic to over £100 per square metre for designer porcelain or natural stone.

For flooring, vinyl (LVT) is the most popular choice in bathrooms because it is waterproof, warm underfoot, and available in realistic wood and stone effects. Budget £300 to £600 for supply and fitting in a standard bathroom. Porcelain floor tiles are another option, but they are cold underfoot unless you add underfloor heating.

Underfloor heating

Electric underfloor heating is a relatively affordable addition at £200 to £500 for a bathroom-sized area including the thermostat. It makes a genuine difference to comfort, especially with tile or stone flooring. It adds around half a day to the installation time. If you are doing a full renovation anyway, it is worth seriously considering.

Finding a bathroom fitter

A good bathroom fitter will handle the whole project, including tiling, plumbing, and basic electrical work. Some work as a single tradesperson, others bring in a tiler and electrician as part of their team. Either way, you want one point of contact who is responsible for the whole job.

Get three quotes. Each fitter should visit your bathroom, discuss what you want, and provide a detailed written quote. Compare the quotes item by item, not just the bottom line. Ask to see photos of previous bathroom work and check their reviews on Google and North East Trades.

The renovation timeline

A typical bathroom renovation takes 5 to 10 working days depending on the scope. Here is a rough timeline:

Day 1: Strip out the old bathroom, remove the suite, tiles, and flooring. Day 2: First fix plumbing and any electrical work. Repair or replace the subfloor if needed. Day 3 to 5: Wall preparation, waterproofing, and tiling. Day 6: Floor tiling or vinyl fitting. Day 7 to 8: Second fix plumbing, fitting the suite, connecting everything. Day 9: Finishing touches, silicone, grouting, and snagging.

Allow extra time if you are changing the layout, doing structural work, or if the property is older and likely to have hidden issues.

Managing the project

Agree a start date and expected completion date upfront. Confirm which materials you are supplying and which the fitter is supplying. Make sure everything (suite, tiles, flooring, accessories) is delivered and on site before the work starts. Delays waiting for materials are the most common reason bathroom renovations overrun.

Visit the bathroom at the end of each day to check progress. If something does not look right, raise it immediately rather than waiting until the end. It is much easier to fix a tile that is slightly off before the grout goes in than after the whole wall is finished.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not buy the cheapest suite you can find. Budget fixtures look and feel cheap, and they do not last. A mid-range suite from a reputable brand will give you years of trouble-free use.

Do not forget about ventilation. A bathroom without proper ventilation will develop mould. If you do not have a window, you need an extractor fan. If you have one already, check it is working properly and consider upgrading to a more powerful unit.

Do not skip the waterproofing. Any areas that get direct water contact (shower walls, around the bath) should be tanked with a waterproof membrane before tiling. This prevents water getting behind the tiles and causing damage to the wall structure.

Do not try to save money by doing the tiling yourself unless you genuinely know what you are doing. Bad tiling is very obvious and very expensive to put right. Pay a professional and get it done once, properly.