How Much Does a Wet Room Cost? 2026 UK Price Guide & VAT Rules

The Real Cost of a Wet Room in 2026: What You Pay & Where the Money Goes

It is the most frustrating part of researching a renovation. You search for “wet room prices,” and most websites give you a vague calculator saying “between £3,000 and £15,000.” That isn’t helpful.

At EA Mobility, we believe in total transparency.
Inflation and material costs have changed significantly over the last 18 months. Using our 20+ years of experience, we have compiled a realistic, 2026-adjusted price guide to help you plan your budget.

The Short Answer (2026 Estimates)

In the UK, a professionally installed, fully accessible wet room typically falls into these three bands:

• £6,000 – £8,000: Standard Conversion. (Vinyl flooring, standard sanitaryware, gravity drainage).

• £8,000 – £10,000: Mid-Range Specialist. (High-performance safety vinyl, pumped drainage, upgraded rails).

• £11,000+: Luxury Bespoke. (Floor-to-ceiling tiling, smart toilets, underfloor heating, premium finish).

Note: These prices include materials, specialist labour, and waste removal. Keep reading to see exactly where that money goes.

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Where Does the Money Go? (The Breakdown)

A wet room is not just a “posh shower”—it is a structural alteration. If you are quoted less than £4,000, ask yourself: What are they leaving out?

Here is the typical breakdown for a 2m x 2m bathroom renovation in the UK:

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4 Factors That Swing the Price

Why does one neighbour pay £7k and another pays £11k?

1. The Floor Structure (Timber Costs More)

• Concrete Floor: Cheaper. We dig a channel into the existing screed.

• Timber Floor (Upstairs): More labour intensive. We must lift floorboards, reinforce joists, and install a structural former. If joists run the wrong way, we need a Digital Waste Pump (£500-£700) to move the water.

2. Vinyl vs. Tiles

• Vinyl: Cost-effective and 100% waterproof. Comes on a roll, making installation faster.

• Tiles: Tiling a floor takes twice as long as laying vinyl. In 2026, tile prices and specialist tiling labour rates have risen. Expect to pay a premium for a fully tiled luxury look.

3. Regional Labour Rates

• North / Midlands: Specialist fitters avg. £250-£300 per day.

• London / South East: Rates can hit £350-£450+ per day.

4. Electrics & Lighting
Does your bathroom need a new extractor fan or LED spotlights? Electrical work requires a qualified electrician to sign off the Part P certificate, adding to the daily rate.

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How to Lower Your Quote (5 Money-Saving Tips)

We want you to get the best value without compromising safety. Here is how to keep costs down:

1. Choose Vinyl over Tiles: It is cheaper to buy, faster to fit, and often safer (higher slip resistance).
2. Keep the Layout: If we can leave the toilet and basin where they are, you save huge amounts on moving soil pipes.
3. Wall Paneling vs. Tiles: Waterproof wall panels (“Multipanel”) are faster to install than tiles (saving days of labour) and have no grout to clean.
4. Avoid “Bespoke” Glass: Standard size shower screens (700mm/800mm/900mm) are much cheaper than custom-cut glass.
5. Claim VAT Exemption: (See below).

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The Big Saving: VAT Exemption (Save 20%)

This is the most important section.
If you are installing a wet room for a medical reason (disability or chronic condition), you do not have to pay VAT.

This is HMRC Notice 701/7. It is your legal right.

The Maths:

• Standard Price: £9,000 + VAT (20%) = £10,800

• VAT Exempt Price: £9,000

• Total Saving: £1,800

You do not need to claim this back later. At EA Mobility, we deduct it from your invoice before you pay. You simply sign a declaration form.

• Read our full guide on Entitlement & Funding to check if you qualify.

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Frequently Asked Questions (Costs)

Q: Is a wet room cheaper than a walk-in bath?
A: Usually, yes. A mechanical walk-in bath with a powered seat lift is a complex machine with moving parts. A structural wet room is often cheaper to install and cheaper to maintain long-term.

Q: Can I get a grant?
A: Yes. The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is available up to £30,000. However, it is means-tested (based on savings). If you have savings over £23,250, private funding is usually your only route.

Q: Why are “Man in a Van” quotes so cheap?
A: They often skip the Tanking (Waterproofing) stage or use cheap trays. If a wet room leaks, it rots your floor joists. We use chemically bonded tanking systems guaranteed not to leak. You are paying for that peace of mind.

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Get a Fixed-Price Quote (No Surprises)

Online calculators are guesses. Real houses have quirky plumbing.

At EA Mobility, we offer a Free Home Survey. We check your water pressure, floor depth, and drainage, then give you a fixed price that won’t change mid-job.

Book Your Free Survey & Quote Today