Quoting a bathroom refit is one of the most common — and most nerve-wracking — tasks for UK plumbers and builders. Get it right, and you win work at a healthy margin. Get it wrong, and you're either doing the job for free or losing it to a competitor.
This guide walks you through exactly how to build a bathroom refit quote, with real pricing examples for 2026.
Step 1: Site Survey
Never quote a bathroom without seeing it first. A 30-minute site survey saves you from nasty surprises. Check for:
- Access: Can you get a bath up the stairs? Will you need to remove doors?
- Existing plumbing: Copper, plastic, or lead? Where are the soil pipes?
- Electrics: Location of existing circuits. Will you need a Part P electrician?
- Ventilation: Existing extractor fan? Window? Building regs require adequate ventilation.
- Damp or rot: Check under the bath and behind tiles. Factor in remedial work.
- Asbestos: Properties built before 2000 may have asbestos in tiles, adhesive, or pipe lagging.
Step 2: Scope of Work
Break the job into clear phases and list exactly what's included:
1. Strip out existing suite, tiles, and fittings
2. Plumbing first fix — hot/cold supplies, waste runs
3. Electrical first fix — extractor fan, lighting, shaver socket
4. Tanking/waterproofing wet areas
5. Install bath/shower tray
6. Wall and floor tiling
7. Plumbing second fix — sanitaryware, taps, shower
8. Electrical second fix — fan, lights, heated towel rail
9. Silicone, grouting, snagging
Step 3: Example Pricing (2026)
Here's a realistic breakdown for a standard bathroom refit in the South West of England:
| Item | Cost |
|---|
| Strip out and waste removal | £400–£600 |
|---|
| Plumbing first fix | £600–£900 |
|---|
| Plumbing second fix | £400–£600 |
|---|
| Electrical work (Part P) | £300–£500 |
|---|
| Tiling (walls and floor) | £800–£1,200 |
|---|
| Tanking/waterproofing | £200–£350 |
|---|
| Bathroom suite (supply) | £800–£2,000 |
|---|
| Sundries and materials | £300–£500 |
|---|
| **Total** | **£3,800–£6,650** |
|---|
London and the South East: add 20–30%. North and Midlands: reduce by 10–15%.
Step 4: Add Contingency
Always add 10–15% contingency for hidden problems — rotten joists, lead pipes, asbestos. State this on your quote: "Quote is based on current visible conditions. If additional work is required, we will discuss with you before proceeding."
Step 5: Present Professionally
Your quote should include: itemised costs, scope of work, what's excluded (redecoration, flooring outside bathroom), estimated timeline, payment terms, and validity period. Use our free quote template generator to create a professional PDF.
Step 6: Follow Up
Most customers get 3 quotes. The contractor who follows up within 48 hours — with a friendly call, not a pushy message — wins significantly more work. If you use Muster, quote follow-ups are automated.