You've got a quote for a bathroom renovation. It has a number at the bottom. But is that number the full picture?
Most homeowners don't know what a bathroom quote should include — so they can't see what's missing until it's too late. This checklist covers what to look for, section by section.
Strip-out and removal
Before any new work starts, the old bathroom needs to come out. Your quote should cover:
- Removal of existing sanitaryware — bath, toilet, basin, shower tray
- Removal of old tiles — walls and floor
- Disposal and skip hire — who pays for the skip? Is it included or extra?
If the quote just says "strip out" with no detail, ask what's included. Some builders exclude floor tiles or asbestos-containing materials without telling you.
Plumbing
Plumbing is where vague quotes cause the most arguments. Look for:
- Moving or replacing supply pipes — especially if you're changing the layout
- Waste pipe routing — new positions for the toilet, basin, or shower often need new waste runs
- Isolation valves — so individual items can be turned off without killing the whole house
- Hot water supply — does the existing boiler or cylinder have enough capacity, or is an upgrade needed?
If the quote says "plumbing as required" and nothing else, that's a red flag. You want specifics.
Electrics
Bathroom electrics have strict regulations (Part P of the Building Regulations). The quote should mention:
- Lighting — downlights, a pull-cord switch, or a wall switch outside the room
- Extractor fan — especially if there's no window, but good practice either way
- Heated towel rail connection — hardwired or on a fused spur
- Shaver socket or additional sockets — if applicable
- Electrical certification — the electrician should provide a Minor Works Certificate or an Electrical Installation Certificate
If electrics aren't mentioned at all, the builder may be assuming you'll arrange them separately. Clarify this.
Waterproofing and tanking
This is one of the most commonly missed items. If you're having a walk-in shower, a wet room, or tiles in a shower area, you need proper waterproofing behind the tiles (tanking).
- Tanking kit or membrane — applied to walls and floor in wet areas
- Tanking tape for joints and corners
If your quote doesn't mention tanking, ask. Skipping it is one of the main causes of leaks and damp problems in bathrooms.
Tiling
Tiling should be broken down clearly:
- Wall tiling — which walls, and to what height (full height, half height, splashback only)
- Floor tiling — including any levelling compound or underlay needed
- Tile supply — is the builder supplying tiles, or are you? If it's a provisional sum, what allowance per square metre?
- Grouting and sealant — type of grout (standard, epoxy) and silicone sealant colour
- Tile trim or edging — for exposed tile edges
A common gap: the quote covers wall tiles but says nothing about the floor, or vice versa.
Sanitaryware and fittings
The items that make it a bathroom:
- Bath or shower tray — including the type and who supplies it
- Toilet — close-coupled, wall-hung, or back-to-wall
- Basin and vanity unit — if applicable
- Taps and shower controls — thermostatic mixer, separate valves, electric shower, etc.
- Shower screen or enclosure
- Towel rail — heated or unheated
- Accessories — toilet roll holder, hooks, mirror, shelving
For each item, check whether the builder is supplying it or you are. If the builder is supplying, check what allowance they've included — "standard white suite" can mean very different things.
Plastering and prep work
- Replastering walls after tile and fitting removal
- Ceiling repair or skim — especially if downlights are being added
- Making good around door frames, window reveals, and any areas disturbed by the work
"Making good" is a phrase builders love to leave vague. If it's not detailed, you may find rough patches and unfinished edges at the end of the job.
Flooring (non-tiled)
If you're not tiling the floor, the quote should specify:
- Vinyl or LVT supply and fitting
- Subfloor prep — levelling, plywood overlay, or underlay
- Threshold strip — where the bathroom floor meets the hallway
Decoration
Some bathroom quotes include painting, some don't. Check for:
- Ceiling paint — usually a mould-resistant emulsion
- Walls above tile line — if not fully tiled
- Woodwork — door frame, skirting, window sill
If decoration isn't mentioned, assume it's excluded and budget for it yourself.
Building control and sign-off
If the work involves structural changes, electrical work, or waste pipe alterations, it may need Building Control sign-off.
- Building Regulations notification — who arranges it?
- Electrical certification — as above
- Completion certificate — needed if you sell the property later
This is often nobody's problem until it becomes yours. Ask upfront.
Timeline and access
Not a line item, but just as important:
- Start date — or at least a window
- Estimated duration — in working days
- Access requirements — will you need to be home? Will they need keys?
- Use of other facilities — if the bathroom is your only one, where do you go?
Payment terms
- Deposit amount — 10–20% is typical
- Stage payments — tied to milestones (strip-out complete, first fix, tiling, completion)
- Final retention — holding back 5–10% until you're satisfied with snagging
Avoid paying more than 50% before the job is half done. If a builder wants full payment upfront, walk away.
The quick checklist
Use this to scan your quote in under five minutes:
- [ ] Strip-out and disposal included
- [ ] Plumbing scope described (not just "as required")
- [ ] Electrics covered with certification mentioned
- [ ] Waterproofing / tanking for wet areas
- [ ] Tiling — walls and floor, with supply terms clear
- [ ] All sanitaryware and fittings listed with supply terms
- [ ] Plastering and making good
- [ ] Flooring (if not tiled)
- [ ] Decoration (or explicitly excluded)
- [ ] Building control / sign-off responsibilities clear
- [ ] Timeline and start date
- [ ] Payment schedule with staged milestones
If more than a couple of these are missing, the quote needs more detail before you sign.
FAQ
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in the UK?
It depends heavily on the size of the room, the spec, and your location. A basic refresh (new sanitaryware, re-tile) might be £3,000–£6,000. A full refit with layout changes can be £8,000–£15,000 or more. London and the South East tend to be significantly higher.
Should I get multiple quotes?
Yes. Three is the usual advice. Make sure each quote covers the same scope — otherwise you're comparing different jobs, not different prices.
What's the difference between a quote and an estimate?
A quote is a fixed price for a defined scope. An estimate is a rough figure that can change. Always push for a quote.
Do I need Building Regulations approval for a bathroom renovation?
Not always. Simple like-for-like replacements usually don't. But if you're moving plumbing, adding electrics, or making structural changes, you likely do. Your builder should be able to tell you.
How QuoteScope helps
Going through a quote line by line takes time — and knowing what should be there takes experience. QuoteScope scans your bathroom quote and flags missing items, vague wording, and pricing that looks off. Upload your quote and get an instant preview so you know where to push back before you commit.