When someone asks me how much to fit a bathroom labour only, I always say: it depends — but I can give you a solid idea.

Over the years, I’ve fitted bathrooms across the UK in all kinds of homes, from small flats to large detached properties.

If you’re sourcing your own fixtures and materials, knowing what to budget for labour alone is key — and that’s exactly what I’ll cover here.

In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how much to fit a bathroom labour-only, what I typically charge, and how long the job usually takes. I’ll also explain what affects the price and why regional rates can vary quite a bit.

What Does Labour-Only Bathroom Fitting Include?

When I quote for labour only, it means I’m bringing my skills, tools, and time — but not supplying any materials or fixtures.

You’ll handle the shopping list: tiles, taps, toilets, showers, baths — the lot. My job is to install everything professionally and safely.

What I include in my labour cost?

• Removing the old bathroom (including fixtures and tiles)
• Installing the new suite, including toilet, basin, bath, and/or shower
• All plumbing connections
• Tiling walls and floors, if required
• Minor electrical fittings, such as lighting or extractor fans (if I’m certified or working with a qualified electrician)

What I don’t include?

• Purchasing or supplying materials
• Major structural changes or extensions
• Specialist items like underfloor heating or wet-room tanking (unless agreed in advance)

This approach works well for people who want more control over the style and budget — and often, it’s more affordable than hiring a supply-and-fit company.

How Much Do I Charge to Fit a Bathroom (Labour Only)?

This is the big question, and the honest answer is: it depends on the size of the job, the layout, and where you live.

But based on my experience fitting bathrooms across different parts of the UK, I can give you a reliable guide.

In most standard situations, a full labour-only bathroom fit will cost between £1,800 and £3,000. That includes everything from removal to finishing touches — all based on my day rate and how long the job takes.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown based on the typical tasks involved:

Labour-Only Bathroom Fitting Costs (My Average Charges)

Task	Typical Labour Cost (UK)	What I Usually Charge
Full bathroom refit	£1,800 – £3,000	£2,200
Toilet installation	£150 – £250	£180
Basin installation	£120 – £200	£150
Bath installation	£250 – £400	£300
Shower installation	£300 – £500	£400
Wall and floor tiling	£30–£50 per m²	£40 per m²

These figures are based on my own rates, and they may vary depending on your location, bathroom complexity, and whether you need any additional prep work done (like moving pipes or repairing walls).

Do Labour Costs Vary by Region in the UK?

Yes, absolutely — and it’s something I always explain to customers.

For example, when I quote in London or the South East, I often have to charge 20–30% more than in other areas.

That’s not just down to higher demand — it’s also due to travel time, congestion, parking restrictions, and the general cost of living.

When I’ve worked in the Midlands or the North, my day rate is often slightly lower, because there’s less overhead involved and the market is a bit more competitive.

Rural areas can also be cheaper — though access can sometimes slow the job down, which is a factor in the final cost.

What Impacts the Cost of Bathroom Fitting Labour?

There are a few key things that can push the price up or down when I’m quoting for a bathroom install:

• Size of the bathroom — Larger spaces need more tiling and more labour hours.
• Existing plumbing condition — If the pipework is old or non-compliant, I may need to spend more time fixing it before I can install anything.
• Number of fixtures — Installing a simple toilet and basin takes far less time than a full suite with bath, shower, bidet, and double vanity.
• Amount of tiling — Tiling is time-consuming, especially if you want intricate layouts or full wall coverage.
• Electrical work — If rewiring or lighting is needed, and I’m working alongside a qualified electrician, that adds another layer to the timeline and cost.

In some jobs, I’ve come in expecting a simple 5-day install, only to find issues behind the walls or under the floor. That’s why I always suggest having a small contingency in your budget — just in case.

How Long Does It Take Me to Fit a Bathroom (Labour Only)?

On average, a complete bathroom installation takes between 7 and 10 working days. Here’s how I typically schedule it:

• Day 1–2: Removal of the old bathroom
• Day 3–5: First fix plumbing and pipe adjustments
• Day 6–8: Tiling and wall preparation
• Day 9–10: Second fix (toilet, taps, shower) and finishing

This is a general outline, of course. If you have a large or particularly complex space — or if I run into issues like hidden leaks — I may need an extra couple of days. But I always aim to keep disruption to a minimum.

Should You Hire Labour Only or a Supply-and-Fit Service?

From my experience, going for labour only can save you money and give you more freedom over the design and materials. You’re not locked into one supplier’s products, and you can shop around for the best prices.

That said, if you’re short on time or you’d rather not manage the process yourself, a supply-and-fit service may be easier.

Some of my clients just don’t want the hassle of choosing tiles, coordinating deliveries, or making sure everything fits — and that’s totally fine.

If you’re confident sourcing your own materials and want a good fitter to bring your vision to life, labour-only is a great way to go.

Conclusion

So, how much to fit a bathroom (labour only)? Based on my experience, a full install typically ranges from £1,800 to £3,000, depending on where you are, how complex the work is, and what you’re asking me to fit.

By handling the materials yourself, you can save money and customise your space — but make sure you plan ahead, double-check product dimensions, and leave room for unexpected hiccups.

Whether you’re renovating a guest bathroom or fitting out a brand-new ensuite, hiring a skilled bathroom fitter for labour only can be a smart, flexible, and budget-friendly way to get the job done right.

Related Article: How Much Do B&Q Charge to Fit a Bathroom?

FAQs on How Much to Fit a Bathroom Labour Only

1. Is labour-only cheaper than a full bathroom install with materials?

Yes, usually. You avoid the fitter’s markup on materials, and you can control where and how you spend your money.

2. Can I supply second-hand fixtures for a labour-only install?

You can, but I always check them carefully before agreeing to fit. Damaged or incomplete parts can cause big delays.

3. What’s your daily or hourly rate for bathroom fitting?

Personally, I work on a day rate that usually falls between £200 and £250 per day, depending on location and job scope.

4. Do I need to hire other trades separately (like electricians)?

If the job requires certified electrical work, I either bring in someone I trust or work alongside an electrician you’ve hired.

5. Can you work weekends or evenings?

I sometimes offer weekend work for urgent jobs, though it may come with a higher rate. Evening work is rare due to noise and building regulations.