Bedroom Renovation Cost UK 2026: What Does a Bedroom Renovation Actually Cost?
Quick Answer
Bedroom renovation costs UK: basic refresh (paint, new flooring, lighting) £1,500–3,500, mid renovation (built-in wardrobes, replastering, new electrical circuit) £4,000–9,000, full renovation with ensuite addition £8,000–18,000+. Adding a fitted wardrobe costs £2,000–8,000 depending on size and specification. Creating a loft conversion bedroom involves separate structural and planning considerations.
A bedroom renovation sits at a very different scale to a kitchen or bathroom project — but it still covers a wide cost range. A simple repaint and new carpet costs very little; a full renovation of a master bedroom with fitted wardrobes, replastering, a rewired electrical circuit and a new ensuite costs substantially more.
Understanding where your project sits in that range before you get quotes is the difference between a controlled budget and an unpleasant conversation halfway through the work. This guide breaks down bedroom renovation costs in the UK for 2026 across three main scope levels, with specific cost data for the elements that vary most: fitted wardrobes, ensuite additions and the difference between a master and secondary bedroom.
Bedroom Renovation Cost Overview
| Scope | Cost Range | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic refresh | £1,500–£3,500 | Painting and decorating, new flooring, new light fitting and switches |
| Mid renovation | £4,000–£9,000 | Above plus built-in wardrobes, replastering, updated electrical circuit |
| Full renovation | £8,000–£18,000 | Full rewire of circuit, new ceiling (replacing artexed or damaged), replastering throughout, new flooring, fitted wardrobes, new internal door |
| Full renovation + ensuite | £14,000–£32,000 | Full bedroom renovation as above, plus new ensuite shower room or bathroom |
These ranges are for a standard bedroom — 10–16m² — on a typical UK semi-detached or terraced house outside London. London costs run 20–35% higher across all categories. Master bedrooms at the larger end of the spectrum cost proportionally more as floor area directly drives flooring, plastering, painting and electrical costs.
Basic Refresh — £1,500–3,500
A basic bedroom refresh is the lightest possible scope: you're changing what you see without touching the structure, plaster or services behind the walls. This is the right approach when the room is structurally sound, the plaster is intact, the electrics are compliant and you simply want a fresh look.
What a Basic Refresh Includes
- Full preparation — filling hairline cracks, sanding woodwork, cleaning surfaces
- Painting ceilings, walls and woodwork (skirtings, architraves, door) — typically 2 coats throughout
- New carpet, LVT or engineered timber floor — lifted and relaid, not screed-level preparation
- New ceiling light fitting and switch plate
- New curtain pole or blind fitting
At £1,500 you're doing this yourself or using a budget decorator with cheap materials. At £3,500 you're using a quality decorator, a mid-range flooring product and perhaps a new internal door and furniture. The room is transformed in appearance but nothing structural changes.
If the plaster has hairline cracking throughout, or there are damp spots showing through, the scope expands into a mid renovation the moment you start pulling back the surface layer.
Mid Renovation — £4,000–9,000
A mid bedroom renovation goes beyond the surface. You're typically replastering at least part of the room, updating the electrical installation (adding sockets, upgrading the ceiling rose connection, potentially replacing the circuit), and adding fitted storage. This is the most common scope for a master bedroom renovation as part of a wider house update.
Mid Bedroom Renovation Cost Breakdown
| Element | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Replastering — full room skim coat | £600–£1,400 |
| Electrical — additional sockets, USB points, upgraded circuit | £300–£800 |
| Fitted wardrobe — alcove unit or two-door built-in | £1,800–£4,000 |
| New flooring — carpet, LVT or engineered timber | £600–£1,800 |
| Painting and decorating throughout | £500–£1,200 |
| New internal door and frame (if required) | £250–£600 |
| Total | £4,050–£9,800 |
The fitted wardrobe is the single biggest line item in a mid renovation and the one with the widest price range — see the dedicated section below for a fuller breakdown of wardrobe costs. If you're doing a mid renovation without fitted wardrobes, the cost drops to £2,000–4,500.
Full Renovation — £8,000–18,000
A full bedroom renovation involves more invasive work: rewiring the lighting and socket circuit from the consumer unit, replacing the ceiling (either removing a textured or artexed ceiling and replastering, or boarding over with new plasterboard), full replastering of walls, new fitted wardrobes and all new finishes. This is the appropriate scope when the room has an old wiring installation, significant plaster failure, an artex ceiling that needs addressing, or when you want an entirely fresh interior from scratch.
When a Full Renovation Is Necessary
- Artex or textured ceilings containing bonded asbestos — removal or encapsulation required
- Old ring main wiring on a section with no RCD protection, or insufficient sockets for modern use
- Significant plaster failure — large areas of blown, damp-stained or badly cracked plaster
- An ensuite being added — which requires the circuit to be extended and a wet room installed in the room
- Structural wall removal — creating an open-plan sleeping or dressing area requires structural engineering
The ceiling element specifically is worth noting. Many UK properties built before 1985 have textured (artex) ceilings that may contain chrysotile asbestos. Testing is advisable before any ceiling work — analysis costs £30–100 per sample. If asbestos is present in bound form and in good condition, encapsulation (overboarding) is cheaper than removal and avoids the cost of licensed asbestos removal (£1,000–4,000 for a bedroom ceiling).
Master Bedroom vs Secondary Bedroom Renovation Cost
The floor area difference between a master bedroom and a secondary bedroom has a direct effect on renovation cost — flooring, plastering, painting and electrical work all scale with room size. On a typical UK 3-bed semi, the master bedroom is 12–18m² and secondary bedrooms are 8–12m². At a cost of £25–45/m² for flooring installation and similar rates for plastering and painting, that area differential adds up.
| Renovation Scope | Secondary Bedroom (8–12m²) | Master Bedroom (12–18m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic refresh | £1,000–£2,500 | £1,500–£3,500 |
| Mid renovation with fitted wardrobes | £3,000–£6,000 | £4,500–£9,000 |
| Full renovation | £5,000–£10,000 | £8,000–£18,000 |
Master bedrooms also tend to attract higher specification — better flooring, more fitted wardrobe linear meterage, potentially an ensuite — which further widens the practical cost gap even before you account for the room size difference.
Fitted Wardrobes — £2,000–8,000
Fitted wardrobes are the most variable single cost element in a bedroom renovation. The price range is wide because the manufacturing process, material quality and installation complexity vary enormously between a site-built MDF alcove unit and a bespoke sliding-door wardrobe system from a specialist supplier.
Fitted Wardrobe Cost by Type
| Wardrobe Type | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alcove built-in — melamine or MDF, painted finish | £1,800–£3,500 | 2 doors, single alcove; site-built by carpenter |
| Full-wall built-in — MDF frame, painted | £3,500–£6,000 | 3–4 doors, full-width installation; includes rail and shelf system |
| Sliding door system — full-wall | £4,000–£8,000 | Mirrored or panel sliding doors; specialist installation |
| Bespoke hardwood or lacquered joinery | £6,000–£15,000+ | Cabinet maker specification; workshop-built and site-installed |
The internal organisation system is an additional cost that is often overlooked. A basic hanging rail and fixed shelves come included. Drawer inserts, shoe racks, pull-out trouser rails and velvet-lined jewellery drawers from a specialist fitted furniture company add £500–3,000+ depending on the system and the specification.
Adding an Ensuite to a Bedroom
An ensuite shower room or bathroom transforms a master bedroom from a sleeping space into a genuine primary suite. The cost depends primarily on how much floor area you're carving out of the bedroom (or an adjacent room or landing), how far the new drainage runs need to travel to connect to the existing soil stack, and the specification of the sanitaryware and tiling.
| Ensuite Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Compact shower room (1.5–2m²) — standard spec | £5,000–£9,000 |
| Full ensuite shower room (2–4m²) — mid spec | £8,000–£13,000 |
| Full ensuite bathroom with bath and shower (4–6m²) | £12,000–£20,000 |
| High-spec ensuite — stone tiling, freestanding bath, underfloor heating | £18,000–£35,000+ |
The drainage run is the element most likely to affect cost significantly. If your ensuite is directly above or immediately adjacent to an existing soil stack, the plumbing connection is straightforward. If you need to run waste through a ceiling void to reach the stack, or if the stack is on the opposite side of the house, the plumbing cost increases substantially. A plumber can assess this in a 30-minute site visit — worth doing before finalising the design or budget.
For a full ensuite cost breakdown, see the dedicated ensuite renovation cost guide.
Creating a Bedroom via Loft Conversion
If your goal is to add a bedroom to the property — increasing the total bedroom count — rather than renovating an existing one, a loft conversion is often the most practical route. A loft conversion creates a new habitable room within the existing roof space, adding a bedroom (and often an ensuite) without extending the footprint or losing garden space.
Loft conversion cost UK starts at £18,000–30,000 for a Velux rooflight conversion (where the existing loft already has sufficient headroom) and rises to £35,000–55,000 for a standard rear dormer with an ensuite. The result is typically a bedroom that adds meaningful value to the property — significantly more than a renovation of an existing bedroom.
For a full breakdown of loft conversion types, costs and what the process involves, see the loft conversion cost UK guide.
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Start Your Free EstimateFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a bedroom renovation cost in the UK?
Bedroom renovation cost in the UK in 2026 ranges from £1,500–3,500 for a basic refresh (painting, new flooring, new lighting), up to £8,000–18,000 for a full renovation that includes rewiring the circuit, replastering, a new ceiling, fitted wardrobes and potentially an ensuite addition. A mid-level renovation — built-in wardrobes, new flooring, replastering and updated electrical work — costs £4,000–9,000. Master bedroom renovations cost more than secondary bedrooms due to larger floor area and typically higher specification.
How much do fitted wardrobes cost in the UK?
Fitted wardrobes in the UK cost £2,000–8,000 in 2026 depending on specification and linear meterage. A two-door fitted wardrobe alcove unit in melamine or MDF with a painted finish costs £2,000–3,500 supply and fit. A full-wall fitted wardrobe with sliding doors and internal organisation system costs £4,000–8,000. A bespoke hardwood or high-gloss lacquered fitted wardrobe by a specialist joiner can cost £6,000–15,000+ for a full-room installation.
What is the difference between a master bedroom and secondary bedroom renovation cost?
Master bedroom renovation typically costs 30–60% more than a secondary bedroom renovation at comparable specification, primarily due to larger floor area — typically 12–18m² versus 8–12m² for a secondary bedroom — which directly increases flooring, plastering, painting and electrical costs. Master bedrooms also tend to attract higher specification (better flooring, more wardrobe meterage, ensuite) which further widens the cost gap. A mid-level secondary bedroom renovation costs £3,000–6,000; the equivalent master bedroom specification costs £5,000–9,000.
How much does it cost to add an ensuite to a bedroom?
Adding an ensuite to a bedroom in the UK costs £5,000–15,000 in 2026, depending on size, plumbing proximity and specification. A compact ensuite shower room (1.5–2m²) with a walk-in shower, WC and basin costs £5,000–9,000. A larger ensuite with a freestanding bath, dual basin and underfloor heating costs £10,000–18,000+. The proximity of the ensuite to existing soil stacks is a key cost driver — long drainage runs add significantly to plumbing costs.
Is a loft conversion cheaper than a bedroom renovation for adding a bedroom?
These are different options serving different purposes. A bedroom renovation updates an existing bedroom; a loft conversion creates a new bedroom where none existed before. Loft conversion cost UK starts at £18,000–30,000 for a Velux conversion and rises to £35,000–55,000+ for a dormer with an ensuite. If you need to increase the total bedroom count of the property, a loft conversion is the route — not a bedroom renovation. See the loft conversion cost guide for a full breakdown.
Does a bedroom renovation add value to a house?
Cosmetic improvements (paint, flooring, lighting) typically return 2–3x their cost in added sale value in active markets. Adding an ensuite to a master bedroom can add 5–10% to overall house value in many UK areas. Fitted wardrobes are neutral to slightly positive for value — appealing to buyers but rarely adding more than their installation cost. The biggest bedroom-related value uplift comes from adding a bedroom where none existed (loft conversion), not from renovating an existing one.
How much does it cost to plaster a bedroom?
Plastering a secondary bedroom (10–14m²) costs £400–900 in 2026 for a full skim coat to walls and ceiling. A larger master bedroom (14–20m²) costs £600–1,200. Plasterboarding and skimming from scratch — where existing plasterwork is stripped — costs £800–1,500 for a secondary bedroom and £1,000–2,000 for a master bedroom, as it involves boarding, taping, jointing and skim. Spot repairs and making-good after electrical first fix typically costs £200–400.
People Also Ask
How long does a bedroom renovation take?
A basic bedroom refresh (paint, new flooring, new lighting) takes 3–5 days for a single tradesperson working sequentially. A mid-level renovation including plastering, new electrical circuit, fitted wardrobes and flooring takes 2–3 weeks — primarily because plastering requires 3–5 days drying before second fix and decoration can proceed. A full renovation including an ensuite addition can take 4–8 weeks. Sequencing is critical: electrics and plumbing first fix before plastering, plastering and drying before second fix, second fix and decoration before flooring.
Do you need planning permission for a bedroom renovation?
Internal bedroom renovation work — replastering, rewiring, new flooring, fitted wardrobes — does not require planning permission. Planning permission is only needed if you are changing the external appearance of the building (e.g. adding a new window or dormer) or creating a new room through an extension or loft conversion. For loft conversions, many designs qualify as permitted development under the Planning Portal guidelines, but this should be confirmed before starting work.
What flooring is best for a bedroom renovation?
Carpet remains the most popular bedroom flooring in the UK for comfort and cost — budget £15–25/m² for a mid-range carpet with fitting, or £30–60/m² for a good quality wool carpet. Engineered hardwood or LVT (luxury vinyl tile) is increasingly popular in bedrooms, offering durability and a cleaner look at £30–80/m² supply and fit depending on specification. Solid hardwood is the premium option at £60–120/m². For budget projects, laminate at £10–25/m² fitted is a practical choice. Always allow for underlay in carpet and engineered floor quotes — it's often priced separately.
What electrical work is needed in a bedroom renovation?
A typical bedroom renovation electrical scope includes: updating the lighting circuit (new downlights or pendants replacing outdated fittings); adding additional socket outlets (most older bedrooms have fewer than required for modern use — 6–8 double sockets is now standard); installing USB charging sockets; and wiring for any fitted wardrobe lighting. If adding an ensuite, a separate circuit will be required for the shower, heated towel rail and extractor fan. All notifiable electrical work must be carried out by a Part P registered electrician and certified on completion.
How much does it cost to build a master bedroom with ensuite?
A master bedroom renovation including a new ensuite addition costs £8,000–18,000 in 2026 for a mid-specification project — covering the bedroom renovation itself (plastering, electrics, flooring, wardrobes) plus a compact ensuite shower room (shower, WC, basin, tiling, ventilation). A high-specification project with a larger ensuite, underfloor heating, stone tiling and bespoke joinery can cost £20,000–35,000+. The location of the ensuite relative to existing soil stacks is the biggest single cost variable — a long drainage run can add £2,000–5,000 to plumbing costs.
Can I convert a bedroom into an ensuite without planning permission?
Yes, in most cases converting part of a bedroom — or an adjacent cupboard or landing area — into an ensuite is internal work that does not require planning permission. It does require building regulations notification for the plumbing (drainage) and electrical work (Part P). If the ensuite involves penetrating the floor or ceiling structure (which is almost always the case for drainage), your contractor must ensure this is done in accordance with the building's structural requirements. For leasehold flats, freeholder consent is additionally required — see the flat renovation guide for more detail.
Plan Your Bedroom Renovation Budget
A bedroom renovation can be as simple as a coat of paint and new carpet, or as complex as a full rewire, new ceiling, built-in wardrobes and an ensuite carved out of the floor plan. The three cost tiers in this guide — £1,500–3,500, £4,000–9,000, £8,000–18,000 — give you a realistic framework for budgeting before you speak to contractors.
If you're renovating a whole house and the bedroom is one of several rooms in scope, try RenoCalc free — it covers all rooms simultaneously, outputs a trade-by-trade breakdown and produces a professional cover letter in under 3 minutes.
Also see: ensuite renovation cost UK for a dedicated breakdown of ensuite costs, and loft conversion cost UK if creating a new bedroom is your goal.
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