Bathroom Budgets In Sussex: What A Realistic Renovation Costs In 2026

Bathroom remodel in Hove completed in 2025. Baxter Interior Design

Thinking about updating your bathroom in 2025? You are not alone. Sussex homeowners are planning ahead to improve comfort, value and day to day usability. This guide sets clear, UK grounded cost expectations, explains where the money goes, and shows how to spend wisely without false economies. You will also find a quick checklist you can print and use to brief a designer, plus typical timelines aligned with how I work at Baxter Interior Design.

What a realistic bathroom budget looks like in 2026

Costs vary by size, condition, access and specification, but here are transparent ballpark figures we see across Sussex this year. These figures include labour and VAT where relevant and assume competent trades.

• Partial remodel, fixtures replaced like for like: £10,000 to £15,000

  • New bath or shower tray, screen, WC, vanity, taps, towel rail, mid range to upper mid tiles and porcelain flooring, modest electrical and plumbing updates. Most typical family bathroom upgrade at a quality level that lasts.

• Full remodel, minor alterations to services: £15,000 to £25,000

  • Higher specification sanitaryware, full height tiling, underfloor heating, bespoke storage, better ventilation and lighting control, some pipework moved within the same room, new subfloor where needed.

• Full reconfiguration or wet room, services moved: £20,000 to £35,000+ Structural alterations, new drainage routes, shower former and tanking, large format porcelain or terrazzo, concealed cisterns, custom joinery, premium brassware. Allow contingency for older properties.

So, what is the average cost of refurbishing a bathroom, and how much will it cost to redo a bathroom in 2026?c

Most Sussex projects land between £10,000 and £20,000, with compact shower rooms at the lower end of that range and fully detailed family bathrooms moving higher.

Modern Bathroom designed for a Penthouse on Hove Seafront. Baxter Interior Design

Can you get a new bathroom for less? In 2025 and into 2026, quality full renovations that elevate layout, waterproofing, ventilation and specification typically start from £15,000 in Sussex and rise with complexity and finishes. If your

goal is a complete transformation, cohesive materials, robust tanking, refined lighting, and storage that fits your life, plan at the £15,000 to £25,000 range, and allow more for reconfigurations or wet rooms.

Where the money goes

Understanding the cost drivers helps you prioritise.

• Plumbing and drainage: Often the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation. Moving the soil stack, shifting the shower to an opposite wall, or converting to a wet room adds time and specialist work. Like for like swaps keep costs manageable.

  
  

• Tiling and waterproofing: Materials and labour vary widely. Large format porcelain reduces grout lines but needs skilled handling. Proper tanking in wet areas is non negotiable.

  
  

• Sanitaryware and brassware: Quality taps, thermostatic showers and a solid enamelled steel bath or a composite stone basin add longevity and feel. You can mix tiers, for example premium shower valve with mid-range basin tap, to balance spend.

  
  

• Electrical and lighting: A thoughtful layout adds value. Mirror demisters, dimmable circuit for ambient light, task lighting at the vanity, and a quiet, humidity sensing fan are upgrades you will use daily.

  
  

• Joinery and storage: Built in niches, mirrored cabinets and vanity drawers make even a compact room work hard. Good carcasses and moisture resistant finishes repay you over time.

Bespoke fixtures and finishes for this bathroom remodel. Baxter Interior Design

Smart savings that do not compromise quality

• Keep the layout, upgrade the specification: Changing the look without moving the plumbing keeps labour down.

  
  

• Tile selectively: Half height tile with a painted moisture resistant finish can be stylish and practical. Prioritise full tanking and tile in the shower zone.

• Choose mid to upper mid sanitaryware with long warranties: Look for solid brass internals, ceramic cartridges and UK serviceable parts.

• Standard sizes, bespoke look: Use off the shelf shower trays or baths, then elevate with tailored panels or a simple plinth detail.

• Pre plan ventilation and lighting: Right first time placement avoids post install corrections.

• Order lead time items early: Feature tiles, brassware in special finishes and glass panels can add weeks. Early procurement keeps trades on schedule.

What adds the most value

Buyers and surveyors respond to durability, ventilation and light. The top value drivers are:

• A layout that feels generous and works without awkward reaches

• Abundant storage that hides clutter

• Proper ventilation to prevent mould

• Layered lighting with a warm, relaxing scene and a bright task scene

• Underfloor heating for comfort and dry floors

• Neutral, timeless finishes with a single hero material or feature

Best time to renovate in Sussex

Lead times for quality trades peak in spring and early summer. If you can, lock your design 3 to 6 months ahead. Autumn and early winter can be good for availability. Coordinate with other home works, since combining tasks like rewiring or floor levelling saves repeat visits. In a one bathroom home, consider temporary facilities or schedule when you can be away for part of the messiest phase.

Flooring that works

• Porcelain tiles: Hard wearing, low maintenance, excellent with underfloor heating. Choose a slip resistant finish for wet zones.

• Sealed natural stone: Beautiful but needs maintenance and good detailing. Budget for sealing and periodic care.Engineered timber: Possible in a cloakroom with careful detailing and ventilation, but not our first choice for daily splash zones.

  
  

When to bring in an interior designer versus a bathroom retailer

• Choose a bathroom retailer if you need supply only fixtures and a straightforward like for like swap. You will still need to coordinate a builder or installer.

• Bring in an interior designer when you want to change the layout, combine rooms, integrate storage, coordinate finishes, or you simply want a joined up plan with drawings, schedules and on site coordination. A designer aligns the big picture, documents the details and helps manage the budget. If you are seeking an interior designer in Brighton with SBID accreditation and Sussex wide experience, Baxter Interior Design can help.

  
  

Baxter Interior Design process and typical timeline

1. Free initial consultation: 60 minutes either by phone or I can visit to understand scope, budget and goals.

2. Proposal in five business days: A tailored design scope and fee breakdown, aligned to your budget.

3. Design and documentation: Typically 6 to 12 weeks for bathrooms, including measured surveys, plans and elevations, lighting and electrical layouts, specifications and, if needed, 3D visuals.

4. Procurement and coordination: We order long lead items, liaise with your builder and work with our select trades, and carry out site visits so details are installed correctly. Construction timelines vary by scope, typically 2 to 4 weeks for a refresh and 4 to 8 weeks for a full remodel, subject to site conditions.

Quick answers to your top questions

• What is the average cost of refurbishing a bathroom; how much does it cost to renovate a bathroom in 2025? Most Sussex projects fall between £10,000 and £20,000, with complex reconfigurations £20,000 to £35,000+.

  
  

• What is the most expensive part? Plumbing and drainage changes, then tiling and waterproofing.

  
  

• What is the cheapest way to renovate? Keep the layout, refresh fixtures and finishes, tile only where needed, and invest in ventilation and lighting.

  
  

• What is the best time to renovate? Plan 3 to 6 months ahead; consider autumn or early winter for better trade availability.

  
  

• What flooring is best? Porcelain for durability and underfloor heating compatibility; sealed natural stone for character when you are prepared for maintenance.

Printable briefing checklist

Copy and paste this list into a document or notes app and tick it off before you speak with a designer.

• Room size and ceiling height

• Who uses the room, any accessibility needs

• Keep layout or change layout

• Bath, shower or both; preferred shower type

• Storage needs; vanity drawers, mirrored cabinets, niches

• Heating; towel rail, underfloor heating, both

• Ventilation; fan type and duct route

• Lighting; task at mirror, ambient, night light

• Tile coverage; full height in shower, half height elsewhere

• Flooring preference; porcelain or sealed natural stone

• Water pressure and boiler type

• Style references; 3 to 5 images you like

• Target budget range and contingency

• Ideal start date and any deadline

Ready to plan your bathroom?

If you would like a tailored proposal, book a free consultation. I will listen to what you need, set a realistic budget and timeline, and return a proposal within five business days. For inspiration and to see how we approach bathrooms across Sussex, explore our Brighton bathroom design service. If storage is high on your list, you might also like our bespoke fitted furniture in Brighton. And if you are planning wider works beyond the bathroom, our residential interior design service in Brighton shows how we bring whole homes together.

Summary: A successful bathroom refurb in Sussex starts with honest budgeting, careful planning and the right expertise. Keep services in place where you can, direct spend to waterproofing, ventilation and lighting, and choose durable finishes.

When you are ready, I am are here to help you design, document and deliver a space that feels brilliant every day.

CGI visualisation of upcoming ensuite remodel in London. Baxter Interior Design