Bathroom Installers: What They Do and What to Check
Rip-out, first fix, tanking and fit — with realistic UK prices.
4 min read · Updated 2026
Key takeaways
- ›A full bathroom refit costs £2,500–£5,000 including labour and a mid-range suite.
- ›Tank the shower area before tiling to stop leaks behind walls.
- ›Use a plumber for the first fix and a tiler for the finish — or a bathroom specialist for the lot.
What a bathroom installer does
Bathroom installers rip out the old suite, do the first fix (move waste and supply pipes), install the tray, bath and sanitaryware, tank wet areas, tile, grout and seal, and fit the shower screen and trims. Many run a fixed-price package covering the whole room end to end.
Typical prices (UK 2026)
- •Full bathroom refit (labour + mid-range suite): £2,500–£5,000.
- •Suite fit only (labour): £800–£1,500.
- •Wet-room conversion: £3,000–£6,000.
- •Tiling a bathroom (labour): £600–£1,200.
Questions to ask and common mistakes
Ask whether the price includes the suite, tiles and glass, and whether tanking is done. Common mistakes: no tanking behind the shower (the leak you don't see until the ceiling below stains), undersizing the waste for a power shower, and poor silicone that goes mouldy in months.
- ☐Is the quote all-in (suite, tiles, glass, labour)?
- ☐Do you tank the shower area before tiling?
- ☐Who does the plumbing — are they qualified?
- ☐How long will the bathroom be out of use?
Frequently asked
Bathroom fitter or separate trades?
A bathroom specialist is simpler (one point of contact, fixed price). Separate plumber and tiler can be cheaper if you project-manage, but you own the risk if anything leaks.
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