The three real price bands
Entry-level (£3,500-£5,500): swap-for-swap refurbishment. Same layout, budget suite from a merchant, ceramic wall tiles half-height, vinyl or budget porcelain floor. Suits rentals and preparing-to-sell scenarios.
Mid-range (£6,000-£10,000): full strip-out, minor layout changes, mid-tier suite (typically Roca / VitrA / Ideal Standard equivalent), porcelain floor and wall tiling floor-to-ceiling, thermostatic shower, LED mirror, chrome or matt-black taps. This is where most Reading and Wokingham refurbs land.
Premium (£11,000-£20,000+): re-planned layout, wet room or walk-in shower with tanking, feature wall porcelain or stone, freestanding bath, brassware upgrade, underfloor heating, integrated storage. Common in Henley-on-Thames, Ascot, Beaconsfield and larger family homes.
What actually drives the price
Suite specification: the biggest single lever. A £600 suite vs a £2,200 suite is a £1,600 swing before labour.
Tile choice and area: 25 m² of £45/m² porcelain adds £1,125 in materials alone, before labour. Large-format porcelain also costs more to lay because each tile takes longer.
Plumbing changes: moving the toilet or shower drain costs £400-£900 in labour and materials because floor and wall access is needed.
Waterproofing: a properly tanked wet room needs a membrane, formed falls and suitable drainage, so floor construction and drain position can materially change the quote.
Removal and skip: strip-out and disposal is typically £350-£600 depending on tile bed.
Where cheap quotes hide the real cost
Low quotes almost always exclude one of: waste removal, floor levelling, waterproofing membrane, sealant kits, or the electrical certificate for the extractor and lighting. Read the quote and check each line is priced.
Day-rate quotes without a fixed total are the biggest risk. We only ever quote fixed price after a free on-site survey.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a small bathroom cost to refurbish?
Compact family bathrooms and en-suites usually land £3,500-£6,500 depending on suite and tile choice. Smaller square footage doesn't proportionally reduce the price - plumbing, waterproofing and labour still apply.
How much does a luxury bathroom cost?
Premium refurbishments in Berkshire typically run £11,000-£20,000+. The main drivers are suite spec (freestanding bath, walk-in shower with fixed glass panel), feature tiling and any layout changes.
Do you give free quotes?
Yes. We come out, measure up, listen to what you want and give you a fixed written price. No obligation, no pressure.
How much does labour vs materials cost?
As a rough guide, labour is 40-55% of a full refurbishment. Materials (suite, tiles, taps, brassware, sealants, adhesives) make up the rest. This is why suite and tile choice moves the price so much.
Is VAT included in your quotes?
Yes. All our written quotes include VAT so what you see is what you pay.