What Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost?
A standard bathroom refit in the UK typically costs between £4,000 and £10,000, depending on the quality of fittings and whether you're changing the layout. A high-end renovation with underfloor heating, walk-in shower, freestanding bath and premium tiles can cost £15,000 to £25,000 or more.
If you're adding an entirely new bathroom (such as an en-suite), costs are higher because you'll need new plumbing connections, drainage and potentially structural work. Budget £8,000 to £20,000 for a new en-suite depending on size and specification.
Does a New Bathroom Add Value?
A modern, well-fitted bathroom can add 3% to 5% to your property's value. More importantly, a tired or poorly maintained bathroom can put off potential buyers and reduce offers. Updating your bathroom is as much about protecting your home's value as increasing it.
If your home has only one bathroom and you can add a second (perhaps an en-suite or downstairs cloakroom), the value uplift can be even greater. Additional bathrooms are highly sought after by families and can set your property apart from similar homes on the market.
Is Remortgaging the Best Way to Pay?
For a typical bathroom renovation costing £5,000 to £15,000, remortgaging may not be the most cost-effective option. While mortgage rates are low, spreading a relatively small sum over 20 to 30 years means you'll pay a lot of interest over time. A personal loan over three to five years, or even a 0% interest credit card for smaller amounts, could work out cheaper overall.
Remortgaging makes more sense if you're combining the bathroom renovation with other home improvements, if your current deal is ending and you'd be remortgaging anyway, or if you need to keep monthly payments as low as possible. Running the numbers on total cost versus monthly affordability will help you decide.
Planning Your Bathroom Project
Before borrowing, get detailed quotes from at least two or three bathroom fitters. Be clear about what's included — plumbing, tiling, electrics and waste removal should all be itemised. Add a 10% contingency for unexpected issues, which are common in bathroom work (especially in older properties where hidden pipework or damp may be discovered).
Consider timing your renovation to coincide with the end of your current mortgage deal. This way you can switch to a better rate and raise extra funds at the same time, without facing early repayment charges.
Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. There will be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual rate available will depend on your circumstances. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.