How we work out a ballpark
A ballpark is what a household would typically pay a reputable local firm to supply and fit the job in 2026: labour, materials, VAT and taking away the old, using mid-range materials. It’s a range to budget with, not a quote.
What the price includes
- Labour and materials, at the prices a typical local firm charges.
- VAT, where a typical firm would charge it. Business and public-sector jobs are shown without VAT.
- Taking away and disposing of what’s being replaced.
- Mid-range materials, unless you’ve told us otherwise. Not DIY prices, and not luxury unless you ask for it.
Options, not one number
Most jobs can be done more than one way, so we usually give two or three options, cheapest first: something lighter-touch, the job as you described it, and a step up. For a bathroom that might be a freshen-up, a refit in the same layout, and a full redesign.
Why it’s a range
Two good trades will price the same job differently, and some things can’t be known until someone looks. The top of a range is usually 30 to 60% above the bottom, and wider for big or uncertain jobs. We list the assumptions that move the price most, such as “no structural work” or “tiles at around £30 a square metre”, so you can see what it’s based on.
Where you live
We adjust for your region. London and the South East usually cost well above the national average; the North of England, Wales and much of Scotland usually below.
How it’s done
An AI model reads what you tell us, your photos and any plans, asks the questions a trade would ask, and works out the options. When a particular product makes a big difference, such as a specific bath, worktop or heat pump, it can check current prices online first. A person checks enquiries before any trade sees them.
Why a quote can come out different
- A visit finds something a photo can’t show, like rot behind tiles or old wiring.
- Access is harder or easier than it looked.
- You choose different materials or finishes.
- How busy local trades are, and the time of year.
If a quote is far outside your ballpark, it’s worth asking the trade what’s driving the difference.