Planning a bathroom renovation in Dulwich can feel overwhelming. Between pricing, design choices, and choosing a trusted fitter, it’s hard to know where to start. This guide gives clear, local answers: realistic Dulwich prices, the factors that impact cost, timelines you can plan around, and expert tips to choose the right bathroom fitter—so you can move forward with confidence.
How much does a bathroom cost in Dulwich?
In East Dulwich, West Dulwich, and Dulwich Village, 2025 homeowners can expect:
| Scope | Typical Total Range* | Best For | What’s Usually Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentials Refresh | £6,000–£8,000 | Like-for-like swap with upgraded finishes | Suite replacement, minor plumbing tweaks, partial tiling, silicone, making good |
| Complete Refurb (Most Popular) | £8,000–£12,000 | Full strip-out and modernisation | Re-boarding where needed, tanking wet zones, full tiling, upgraded lighting, furniture install, waste removal |
| Premium Wet Room / High-End | £12,000–£20,000+ | Layout changes or bespoke luxury | Walk-in/ former & linear drain, full tanking, UFH, niches, premium brassware, feature lighting |
*Ranges cover labour, preparation, materials, and waste removal typical for Dulwich homes. Final quotes depend on room size, tile area, plumbing/electrical changes, and chosen finishes.
What pushes costs up (or down)
- Layout changes (moving a WC, shower, or soil stack).
- Tile choice & pattern (mosaics and herringbone require more labour; large-format reduces grout lines but needs precision).
- Electrics (spotlights, demisters, fans, shaver sockets, zoning/IP compliance).
- Preparation work (levelling, cement boards, waterproofing/tanking).
- Specification (premium brassware, bespoke furniture, natural stone surfaces).
Buildaway tip: Save money by keeping your layout stable, but upgrade waterproofing and brassware—these choices most affect long-term durability and style.
Timeline: how long will it take?
- Essentials Refresh: 7–10 days
- Complete Refurb: 10–14 days
- Premium / Wet Room / Layout change: 14–20+ days
Timelines vary with drying times, tile formats, and electrical or plumbing changes. We plan sequencing to minimise downtime—keeping your household running smoothly.
Do I need planning permission or building regulations?
- Planning permission: Rare for internal works, but Dulwich Village and parts of West Dulwich include conservation areas and listed properties—we’ll flag if approvals are required.
- Building regulations:
- Electrics: Bathrooms are “special locations” under Part P—all electrical work must be certified.
- Ventilation: Proper extraction is essential, especially in period homes, to prevent damp and mould.
- Drainage/structure: Major drainage reroutes or structural changes may need Building Control approval.
We handle compliance end-to-end, providing the correct certificates upon completion.
Price breakdown (where your budget goes)
- Labour: ~55–65% (plumbing, tiling, electrics, carpentry, plastering)
- Materials & consumables: ~30–40% (suite, adhesives, trims, grout, fixtures)
- Waste & sundries: ~5–10%
Dulwich bathroom trends we’re fitting most right now
- Walk-in showers with tiled formers and linear drains.
- Large-format porcelain tiles for a sleek, modern look.
- Underfloor heating with IP-rated lighting and demisters.
- Wall-hung furniture and built-in niches for storage efficiency.
- Matt black or brushed brass fixtures for a timeless, premium finish.
Local insight: Dulwich homes—Victorian terraces on Lordship Lane, Edwardian semis near West Dulwich station, and grand properties in Dulwich Village—often have period features and generous ceilings. Choosing complementary trims, neutral tiles, and discreet lighting preserves character while modernising the space.
How to choose the right bathroom fitter in Dulwich
- End-to-end capability: One accountable team for plumbing, tiling, electrics, and finishing.
- Compliance & certification: Check for Part P electrics and proper ventilation solutions.
- Detailed scope: Ensure the quote includes demo, prep, tanking, tiling areas, trims, ventilation, and making good—with clear exclusions.
- Warranty: Trust fitters who stand by their work—Buildaway provides an 18-month workmanship warranty.
- Local references: Ask for Dulwich-based project examples or references for peace of mind.
Smart ways to manage your budget—without cutting corners
- Keep the layout unchanged to save on rerouting costs.
- Choose a mid-range suite and upgrade brassware for better feel and longevity.
- Opt for large-format tiles where possible to save labour and achieve a clean look.
- Never compromise on waterproofing—it prevents expensive future repairs.
Example Buildaway packages (guide only)
- Essentials Refresh — £6,000–£8,000: Like-for-like suite swap, partial tiling, upgraded fixtures, extractor check, silicone finish.
- Complete Refurb — £8,000–£12,000: Full strip-out, re-boarding where required, tanking wet zones, full tiling, lighting upgrade, furniture install, waste removal.
- Premium Wet Room / High-End — £12,000–£20,000+: Layout change, tiled former with linear drain, UFH, niches, premium brassware, feature lighting.
FAQs (Dulwich)
How far in advance should I book?
Peak periods fill quickly—3–6 weeks’ notice is recommended.
Will I receive electrical certification?
Yes—all electrical work is carried out by qualified electricians and certified under Part P.
Do I need planning permission?
Most Dulwich bathroom refurbs don’t. Listed homes or Dulwich Village conservation properties may need extra approvals—we’ll advise.
How long will I be without a shower?
We plan sequencing to reduce downtime and can arrange temporary solutions if required.
Can you help with design and sourcing?
Absolutely—we advise on layouts, tiles, fixtures, and finishes to balance style and budget.
Why Dulwich homeowners choose Buildaway
Local experts covering East Dulwich, West Dulwich, and Dulwich Village.
Premium preparation (levelling, boards, tanking) for a lasting finish.
Certified electrics and compliant ventilation.
18-month workmanship warranty.
Clear, itemised quotes—no hidden extras.
Trusted project management from start to finish