Bathroom labour vs materials cost: where the money goes

Short answer: on a typical full bathroom refurbishment, labour is around 40 to 55 per cent of the total and materials make up the rest. On budget jobs labour is the bigger share, and on premium jobs materials take over.

That matters because most people try to save on labour, when the choices that really move the total are the suite and the tiles.

What the labour actually covers

Strip-out and disposal of the old bathroom, including the tile bed.

First fix plumbing and electrics, then boarding, levelling and waterproofing.

Tiling, which on a floor-to-ceiling room is often the single longest task.

Second fix, sealing, testing and a clean handover.

What the materials cover

The suite: bath, toilet, basin, shower valve and enclosure or screen.

Tiles, adhesive, grout, trims and waterproofing membrane.

Brassware, taps, wastes and a heated towel rail or radiator.

The unglamorous consumables: boards, sealants, fixings and the extractor.

Where saving money actually works

Keep the layout. Moving plumbing is pure added labour with nothing visible to show for it.

Choose a mid-tier suite with a better shower valve rather than a premium suite with a basic valve.

Reduce tiled area rather than tile quality. Half-height tiling with good paint above can look better than cheap tiles everywhere.

Do not save on waterproofing, extraction or the electrical certificate. Those are the ones that cost more later.

Frequently asked questions

Can I supply my own materials?

Yes, plenty of customers do. We will tell you honestly if something you have chosen will not work with the rest of the specification.

Why is tiling such a large part of the labour?

Because preparation, levelling, setting out and cutting take longer than the laying itself, especially with large-format porcelain.

Do you use subcontractors?

No. One team handles plumbing, tiling and fitting, which is why our timescales hold.

Does supplying my own suite reduce the labour cost?

No. The fitting work is the same whoever buys the suite. Supplying your own items changes the materials side only.

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