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5 min read → Home Improvement
Bathroom Renovation Loan — Fixed Cost, Fast Decision
Whether you need a full new suite, fresh tiling, or a complete wet-room conversion, a Cash Train personal loan can cover the cost — with fixed monthly repayments and no hidden fees. Indicative figures shown; subject to status and affordability.
Apply now →Unregulated lender • Apply online — decision in minutes • Subject to status and affordability
Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk
Understanding the cost
What does a bathroom renovation actually cost?
UK bathroom renovation costs vary widely depending on the scope of work, the quality of fittings, and whether you need new plumbing or electrics. Below is a realistic breakdown of what most homeowners spend.
Cosmetic refresh
£500–£1,500
Retile a feature wall, replace taps and accessories, fit a new shower screen, and repaint. No new plumbing — ideal when the layout and suite are still in good condition.
Suite replacement
£1,500–£3,000
Swap bath, basin, and toilet for new mid-range sanitary ware. Includes basic tiling around the bath and basin splash-back. Labour accounts for roughly half the total.
Full bathroom refit
£3,000–£5,000
Full strip-out and refurbishment of an average UK bathroom: new suite, full-room tiling, heated towel rail, new flooring, and updated electrics such as an extractor fan or shaver socket.
Wet room or en-suite
£5,000–£8,000+
Converting a bedroom or landing cupboard into an en-suite, or fitting a fully waterproofed wet room. Structural work and tanking push costs higher and usually need building control approval.
Figures are approximate UK market averages. Costs depend on bathroom size, chosen fixtures, regional labour rates, and whether structural changes are needed. Always obtain at least three quotes.
Hidden cost drivers
Things that push the price higher
- Moving plumbing or soil stacks — repositioning a toilet or bath can add £500–£2,000 in labour alone.
- Tanking for a wet room — full waterproofing of walls and floor is a multi-day job, typically £600–£1,200 before tiles are laid.
- Electric shower or under-floor heating — any new circuit requires a Part P-certified electrician and adds £300–£700.
- Mould remediation — discovering damp behind old tiles is common in UK bathrooms and can add £200–£800 to the bill.
- Waste disposal — skip hire or man-and-van removal of old sanitary ware: budget £150–£300.
Is a loan the right choice?
When a personal loan makes sense for bathroom renovation
A short-term personal loan is not always the cheapest way to fund home improvements. Here is when it makes sense — and when it does not.
When a loan works well
- You need to move quickly — a leaking shower or failing toilet cannot always wait for savings to build up.
- You want a fixed monthly cost you can budget around rather than drawing down savings unpredictably.
- The renovation increases your home's value or helps you avoid larger maintenance costs down the line.
- You already have quotes from tradespeople and a firm total figure in mind.
Alternatives to consider first
- 0% purchase credit card — if you can clear the balance within the promotional window (typically 12–24 months), total interest can be zero.
- Savings — if the work is not urgent, spreading costs over 6–12 months of saving avoids interest entirely.
- Home improvement schemes — some councils and energy suppliers offer grants or subsidised loans for bathroom upgrades related to insulation or accessibility. Check MoneyHelper's grants guide.
- Secured loan or remortgage — for larger renovations (above £10,000), accessing equity in your home usually carries a lower interest rate than unsecured borrowing.
Cash Train loans are unsecured. Your home is not at risk, but missed payments can affect your credit file. Only borrow what you can confidently afford to repay.
Simple process
How Cash Train works for a bathroom renovation loan
Cash Train is preparing to launch. Apply online now
Choose your amount
Decide how much you need based on your tradesperson quotes. Cash Train offers £100–£5,000 — enough to cover anything from a basic suite swap to a full bathroom refit. There is no minimum spend threshold.
Apply online
Complete our short application form. No hard credit search at this stage, so applying will not mark your credit file.
Fast decision
Once live, most applicants receive a decision in under two minutes. We assess affordability and income, not just a credit score number — so decisions are fairer for people with imperfect credit histories.
Funds to your account
If approved, you sign your agreement online and funds are transferred to your bank account — same-day in most cases. Pay your tiler, plumber, or bathroom showroom directly.
What makes Cash Train different
Fixed monthly repayments — you always know what you owe
No hidden fees, no early repayment charges
Unregulated lender
Same-day funding once approved (when live)
£100–£5,000 available — no minimum renovation size
Soft credit check only at pre-registration stage
Common questions
Bathroom renovation loan FAQs
Most bathroom renovations do not require planning permission. However, converting a room into a bathroom, building an extension, or carrying out work in a listed building usually does. Any new electrical work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations and should be carried out by a certified electrician. Always check with your local council if you are unsure.
A straightforward suite swap with retiling typically takes 3–5 working days. A full strip-out and refurbishment, particularly one involving new plumbing runs or flooring, usually takes 7–10 days. Wet room conversions can take two weeks. Always factor in time for tiles and materials to be ordered and delivered before work starts.
Yes — most people do. If you have only one bathroom, discuss a phased approach with your contractor so that the toilet and basic washing facilities remain accessible for as long as possible. Most fitters can arrange to have the toilet functional at the end of each working day.
A clean, well-maintained bathroom that is clearly functional will help a sale. A full luxury refit rarely adds its full cost to the sale price. If you are selling, focus on grouting, resealing, fixing any leaks, and replacing outdated fittings rather than a full renovation.
Cash Train assesses applications on affordability and income as well as credit history, which means applicants with less-than-perfect credit histories may still be considered. All figures shown are representative. Actual approval is subject to status and a full affordability assessment.
Ready to renovate your bathroom?
Apply online now and get a fast decision — fixed monthly payments, no hidden fees. Fixed costs, fast decision — borrow £100 to £5,000. Subject to status and affordability.
Apply now →Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk