Installation cost

ball park figure

3/15/20262 min read

photo of white staircase
photo of white staircase

Does Installation Cost the Same as the Products?

Not necessarily. While luxury products often need more specialist handling, the core installation process—tiling, waterproofing, and fitting—remains the same regardless of product price. The main cost factor is complexity. A well-fitted midrange bathroom will require the same level of skill as a luxury one, but intricate designs, bespoke materials, and delicate finishes increase labour costs due to extra time, expertise, and precision.

Why Does My Bathroom Installation Cost as Much as My Kitchen?

It’s a common misconception that kitchens cost more to install. While kitchen products and appliances tend to be pricier, installation is usually simpler. A dry-fit kitchen can take as little as a week, whereas bathrooms require far more labour-intensive work—plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, and specialist installations like niches and wet rooms.

Bathrooms also present space constraints, making it harder to manoeuvre tools and materials, especially in upstairs rooms. So, while kitchens may have a higher product cost, bathrooms generally have higher installation costs due to the level of craftsmanship involved.

How Much Does a High-End or Luxury Bathroom Cost?

Bathrooms, like cars, vary in quality, design, and exclusivity. Here’s a rough guide to costs:

1. The VW (Premium & Practical) – £12,000 to £20,000+ (insert photo)

A well-designed, durable bathroom with premium products but without excessive bespoke features.

  • Brands: Hansgrohe, Duravit, Villeroy & Boch

  • High-quality fixtures, sleek design, possibly a wet room or freestanding bath

Excellent craftsmanship but minimal customization for those who want premium design without over-the-top luxury.

2. The Range Rover (Luxury & Statement-Making) – £20,000 to £40,000+ (insert photo)

Luxury materials and craftsmanship with more customization and high-end features.

  • Brands: Axor, Gessi, Dornbracht, Catalano

  • Bespoke cabinetry, integrated lighting, stone or marble slabs

  • Smart features like digital showers, underfloor heating, and LED mirrors

  • Freestanding bath with floor-mounted taps

  • For those who want style and sophistication beyond the standard.

3. The Porsche (Ultra-Luxury & Bespoke) – £40,000 to £100,000+ (insert photo)

A fully bespoke, spa-like retreat with rare materials and cutting-edge technology.

  • Handmade tiles, brushed gold/brass fixtures, sculptural baths

  • Smart home integration, self-cleaning features, voice-controlled settings

  • Spa elements—steam rooms, saunas, Japanese soaking tubs, waterfall showers

For those who want a one-of-a-kind luxury experience.

Budget Guide

High-End Installation - £8,000 - £16,000

High-End Products - £5,000 - £8,000

Luxury Installation - £14,000 - £20,000+

Luxury Products - £10,000 - £25,000+

You can combine premium products with luxury finishes—like niches, wet rooms, and shower seats—creating crossover pricing.

No matter the budget, installation quality is key. A badly fitted Porsche is just as much of a disaster as a budget car with a failing engine.