Wet Room Installation Cost Guide for 2023

Wet rooms are becoming more and more popular in the UK because of their versatility and accessibility. They add value to your home, and are particularly good for people with mobility issues, since there are no shower steps or baths to climb in and out of. This also makes them suitable for small bathrooms as you can maximise space. But how much will a wet room cost?

How much does a wet room cost to install in the UK?

How much it costs to install a wet room bathroom in the UK depends on a variety of factors, including your location in the country, the size of the room and how luxurious you want it to be. HaMuch has a large database of rates for wet room installation across many locations in the UK, but you should expect to pay anywhere between £4,000 and £12,000 to install a wet room.

Costs involved in installing a wet room bathroom

Here are just a few examples of some of the costs involved in installing a wet room:

Job / material	Average total labour cost
Labour	£200-£300 per day
Floor and wall tiling	£20-£150+ per square metre
Tanking (waterproofing)	£40-£80 per square metre
Shower and shower tray former	£200-£1,200
Shower screen	£100-£600
Underfloor heating	From £100 per square metre
Toilet	£100-£500
Pedestal basin	£100-£150

What will affect the cost of my wet room?

The materials and fittings

The possibilities are endless when you're designing a wet room, so the cost will largely depend on the type and quality of materials you choose. For example, a high-end shower from brands like Hansgrohe or Merlyn will cost much more than a generic one from a supplier. Decide on a budget and try to stick to it - you may have to make compromises!

The size of your room

The larger the room, the more expensive it will be to install a wet room. Most materials will come with a cost per square metre, so it's important to get your calculations right to ensure you're spending efficiently.

Labour costs

A typical wet room will take between 4-7 days to install. With labour at an average of £250 per person per day, it is a significant part of the costs of installing a wet room. This is a specialist job that requires skill, so it's always best to leave it to the professionals.

The amount of prep work required

If you are converting a bathroom into a wet room, you will need to consider the costs of stripping out the old bathroom. The floors might also need stripping to prepare for adequate drainage. Also bear in mind that wet rooms have lower pipework than normal bathrooms, so if the outside connection is too high for water to drain, a pump will need to be installed before any further work can be carried out.

Benefits of a wet room

There are plenty of benefits to installing a wet room in your home, whether it is for accessibility reasons or not:

Accessibility

Wet rooms are ideal for people with mobility issues as there is no need for any steps, shower enclosures or a bath. Built with non-slip bathroom tiles and room for support rails and shower seats, wet rooms can be adapted to suit anyone's accessibility needs.

Space saving

Wet rooms are perfect for small bathrooms as they often make them look bigger, since there is no bath and there is no need for a shower enclosure. You might not even need a shower screen, so it can create a more open room.

Easy to care for

Since a wet room must be completely waterproof, you shouldn't have any problems with leaks or water damage. There should also be fewer nooks and crannies for mould to grow in, making them much easier to clean than a standard bathroom.

Can I get a grant to install a wet room?

If you are disabled, you may be eligible for a disabled facilities grant to help with the cost of installing a wet room. Before doing anything, you should get in touch with your local authority to find out if there are any grants available in your area. Some building work is also eligible for VAT relief, so it's important to get all the facts from your local authority before going ahead with any work.

Do you need planning permission for a wet room?

A wet room is a big undertaking, but it can improve your quality of life as well as increase the value of your home. Make sure you use HaMuch to get a range of quotes from trusted local bathroom companies to ensure you get the best price.

Estimates for common bathroom fitter jobs;

Rates for other trades