Bathroom Renovation in Bristol

Run every fixture: check drainage speed, look under the vanity for weeps, confirm the shower floor falls to the drain (pour a bucket and watch), check grout lines are even and silicone is continuous, and test the extractor fan. Photograph everything and get the waterproofing product and warranty terms in writing before releasing final payment.

It can work on sound, well-bonded wall tiles and saves strip-out cost, but it fails on floors with movement, adds thickness that fouls doors and fittings, and hides the condition of the substrate and membrane. Most renovators strip back in wet areas — if a contractor proposes tile-over-tile in the shower zone specifically, treat it as a cost-cutting red flag.

Make every quote in Bristol state: strip-out and disposal, first-fix plumbing and electrical, waterproofing (product named), tiling with a per-square-metre rate and tile allowance, fittings supply (brands listed or marked as owner-supplied), and second-fix. The cheapest quote is usually the one missing a line — often waterproofing or disposal.

Around 10-20% is normal, sometimes more where custom vanities or imported fittings must be ordered up front — in that case pay the supplier invoice share, not a round 50%. Hold 5-10% back until the room has been used for a week or two and the snag list (grout gaps, silicone, door alignment) is closed.

Checkatrade's 2025-26 guide puts a new bathroom including materials at £5,500-£8,000 with an average around £7,000; budget refits can come in near £3,000-£4,500 and large or high-end bathrooms run £14,000+. Fitting labour alone is typically £1,500-£4,000 depending on scope.

A straightforward refit takes about 5-10 working days; layout changes or first-floor drainage rework push it to two to three weeks. Book fitters ahead — good bathroom installers in most UK cities carry 4-8 week lead times.