What is the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation?

March 26, 2025

If you’re planning a bathroom make over, it’s natural to wonder where most of your budget will go. Whether you’re giving a tired bathroom a fresh look or going for a full redesign, understanding and planning for the costs involved can help you amake the best choices. Of course We here at GW Plumbing will be here to help along the way too!

While every job is different, depending on the size of the room, the complexity of the work, and the quality of the materials chosen, there’s usually one part of the process that takes up the largest chunk of the budget: the labour!


Labour: The Hidden Heavyweight

Many assume the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation will be the bath, tiles, or high-end taps. But in most cases, it’s the labour that makes up the biggest portion of the overall cost – sometimes as much as 50% or more.

But thats for a very good reason, fitting a bathroom isn’t just a one-person job. It involves a range of skilled tradespeople: plumbers, electricians, tilers, plasterers, decorators, and some times a joiner too. Each has their own specialist role, and coordinating them takes time and planning. They are all very tricky jobs and to get the best bathroom you need the best people.


If you’re moving things around – like relocating the toilet or converting a standard bath to a walk-in shower – the costs add up. Moving pipework can be complex and time-consuming, particularly in older homes where existing plumbing may need upgrading to meet current standards.


Electrical work is another key factor. Bathrooms are considered ‘special locations’ under UK wiring regulations, meaning any electrical work needs to comply with Part P of the Building Regulations. Whether it’s installing an extractor fan, LED spotlights, underfloor heating or a new shaver socket, this work needs to be done safely and signed off properly.


Hiring an experienced bathroom fitting company such as GW Plumbing, you can make things more efficient due to the skills available in the team. The benefit, though, is peace of mind – knowing the work is done to a professional standard, complies with all regulations, and won’t cause problems later.


Tiling and Flooring: Time-Consuming and Labour-Intensive

The cost of tiles varies widely, with premium porcelain or natural stone options costing significantly more than ceramic, but the real cost often lies in the time it takes to install them properly and cutting corners here can result in a poorly finished bathroom.

Precision matters in tiling – especially around tricky areas like corners, niches, and pipework. The more intricate the layout, the more time it takes. Large-format tiles need careful handling and cutting, while smaller tiles or mosaics demand precision and patience.

Flooring, especially if you’re choosing underfloor heating or laying tiles on uneven surfaces, can add further labour and material costs. Proper subfloor preparation is essential to avoid future problems like cracked tiles or water ingress.


Your Suite: Quality Makes a Difference

While labour is usually the biggest single cost, the bathroom suite itself – your bath, shower, toilet, basin and fittings – can also take up a fair chunk of the budget, particularly if you’re drawn to luxury brands or bespoke designs. We can offer help and advice on high quality items at good value prices.


Freestanding baths, waterfall showers, sensor taps and wall-hung units all add style, but they also come with higher price tags. Not just in terms of the items themselves, but also the installation. Wall-hung toilets and basins, for example, need concealed cisterns and reinforced walls, which means more work behind the scenes.

That said, it’s often worth investing in better-quality fixtures. Cheaper fittings may save money upfront, but they’re less likely to stand the test of time, meaning you could end up paying more in repairs or replacements a few years down the line - or just not have as high quality bathroom!


Unexpected Extras

One area that can tip a bathroom install over budget is the unexpected. Once tiles are pulled off or floors are lifted, hidden issues like damp, rotten joists, or outdated wiring sometimes emerge – especially in older properties. That’s why it’s wise to keep a contingency fund of around 10–15% of your total budget. We can check for a lot of things but even best laid plans sometimes throw up unexpected issues.

There are also finishing touches that are easy to overlook in the initial planning stages but can add up fast. Things like towel warmers, mirrors with built-in lighting, storage units for example can be the finishing touches to make a room.


Utilise an experianced and reputable company such as GW Plumbing and Heating to ensure your new bathroom is the best bathroom!

Cast Iron Baths - The height of retro luxury

February 28, 2024
Cast Iron Bathtubs Cast iron bathtubs just shout luxyry and are built to last a lifetime. They bring an undeniable sense of elegance to any bathroom. Often associated with grand manor houses or vintage hotels, they have a timeless aesthetic that never goes out of style. Their solid, weighty feel gives them an air of sophistication that plastic or acrylic tubs simply can’t match. Freestanding designs, such as clawfoot or pedestal styles, add a touch of glamour and create a stunning focal point. A cast iron tub doesn’t just serve a purpose—it elevates the entire room. The luxury of a cast iron bathtub isn’t just about looks. It’s also about the experience. When you sink into the warm water, surrounded by the smooth enamel finish, it feels indulgent. The thickness of the material blocks noise, creating a quieter and more serene environment. Every aspect of a cast iron bathtub is designed to make your bath feel like a retreat from the world. How is a cast iron tub different? They are made by pouring molten iron into molds and coating it with a thick layer of enamel. This process creates a bathtub that is incredibly tough and durable. It can handle years of use without showing signs of wear. Unlike other materials, cast iron doesn’t chip, dent, or scratch easily. It’s also resistant to chemicals, meaning your cleaning products won’t damage the surface. This durability makes it a practical investment for any homeowner. They One of the standout features of cast iron bathtubs is their superior heat retention. The thick material absorbs and holds heat, keeping your bathwater warm for longer periods. This is ideal for anyone who enjoys long, relaxing soaks. You don’t have to constantly add hot water, making it a more enjoyable and efficient experience. On a cold day, there’s nothing quite like sinking into a cast iron bathtub and feeling the warmth surround you. Cast Iron Maintenance Maintenance is another area where cast iron bathtubs shine. The enamel surface is non-porous and easy to clean. A simple wipe with a soft cloth and mild cleaner keeps it looking pristine. You won’t need to worry about staining, discoloration, or the surface degrading over time. With minimal effort, your bathtub will maintain its beauty and function for decades, adding to its luxurious appeal. Choosing a cast iron bathtub is more than a practical decision—it’s a statement. It shows that you value quality, elegance, and comfort. Whether you’re updating a modern bathroom or restoring a vintage space, a cast iron tub is a feature that transforms the room. Its durability, heat retention, and timeless design make it a true symbol of luxury. Why not have GW Plumbing design your a stunning bathroom with a cast iron tub at the headline!

What is a powerflush

February 28, 2024
A well-maintained heating system is essential for keeping your home warm and energy-efficient. You hopefully do regular servicing on the boiler in your house but over time, central heating systems can accumulate sludge, rust, and debris too. This buildup reduces efficiency of radiators but can also lead to costly repairs. A solution to you might have heard of for this is a powerflush – a cleaning process designed to remove all that sludge and build up. What Is a Powerflush? A powerflush is a process that thoroughly cleanses your central heating system by removing rust, sludge, and other debris that may have settled in the pipes and radiators. A powerflush is performed using a specialised pump and a cleaning solution. Connection: we connects a powerful pump to your heating system, usually at the pump head, circulation pump, or radiator tails. Flushing: A chemical solution is then pumped through the system to dislodge built-up sludge, rust, and limescale. Cleaning: Clean water is then flushed through the pipes to remove any remaining contaminants. Disposal: The contaminated liquid is safely disposed of, leaving your system clean and efficient. Signs Your System May Need a Powerflush Not sure if your heating system needs a powerflush? The best thing is to chat to us, but these are some signs... Radiator issues: If your radiators are slow to heat up or have cold spots, it’s likely a sign of sludge buildup. Unusual noises: Excessive noise from the central heating pump or boiler could indicate blockages. Discoloured water: Bleeding your radiators and finding dirty or no water at all suggests internal contamination. Breakdowns: Recurring boiler problems often stem from system blockages. How Long Does a Powerflush Take? The duration of a powerflush depends on the size and type of your heating system: For a typical 3-bedroom house with a vented system, it may take about 5-6 hours. Sealed systems and combination boilers usually require less time to flush. Why You Should Hire a Professional Powerflushing is a complex process that should always be performed by someone with experiance. Attempting to do it yourself can risk damaging your system and may void your boiler warranty. Worse you could flood your home! Professionals have the expertise and tools to ensure the process is done safely and effectively. How Often Should a Powerflush Be Done? The frequency of powerflushing depends on several factors, such as the materials used in your heating system and the presence of corrosion. During your annual boiler service, an engineer can assess whether your system needs a powerflush. Regular maintenance ensures your heating system operates efficiently and minimizes the risk of unexpected breakdowns. There is no single rule for when to do it but every 5 years is a good starting point and the frequency increases as the system ages.