What Does an Accessible Bathroom Cost in Devon?
Summary
- The cost of an accessible bathroom depends on the type of bathroom, its size and how much work is required
- Checkatrade currently estimates that a new bathroom in the UK costs around £7,000 on average
- Wet rooms, walk-in showers and walk-in baths offer different options depending on your mobility and preferences
- Accessibility features such as grab rails, level-access flooring and comfort-height toilets can affect the overall cost
- You may qualify for financial help through a Disabled Facilities Grant or VAT relief on eligible adaptations
- Here at Ability Bathe, bathroom renovations in Devon start from just £3,000
Typical price ranges for a full accessible bathroom in Devon
There isn’t one set price for an accessible bathroom. A straightforward refurbishment using the existing layout can cost considerably less than a bathroom that needs new plumbing, level-access flooring and major changes to the room.
Checkatrade currently puts the average cost of a new bathroom in the UK at around £7,000, with a typical range of approximately £5,500 to £8,000, while more complex and high-end projects can cost considerably more.
Here in Devon, we offer bathroom renovations starting from £3,000 and of course, every bathroom is different. The final price will depend on what you need from the room as well as what’s already there.
Keeping the toilet and shower in roughly the same positions, for example, can mean less plumbing work. Changing the entire layout or creating level access may involve more work and therefore increase the cost.
This is why we provide a free home design visit and no-obligation quote. It allows us to look at the existing bathroom and talk about what you need before putting a price on the work.
How much do different accessible bathrooms cost?
An accessible bathroom doesn’t have to follow one particular design. For some people, replacing the bath with a walk-in shower is enough. Others may find a wet room or walk-in bath more suitable.
Wet rooms
A wet room removes the need to step into a conventional shower tray, making it a popular option for people with limited mobility and wheelchair users.
At Ability Bathe, our bathroom renovations start from £3,000 and there are a variety of factors that have a bearing on the final cost.
These include the size of the room, drainage, flooring and the fittings you choose. Creating a wet room can also require more preparation than simply replacing an existing shower.
For a closer look at the costs involved, read our How Much Does a Wet Room Cost? guide.
Walk-in showers
If getting in and out of the bath has become difficult, replacing it with a walk-in shower can make the bathroom much easier to use.
Some showers have a low threshold, while level-access options can remove the step altogether. You can also add features such as a shower seat and grab rails where needed.
Costs vary considerably depending on the shower itself and the amount of installation work involved. Our walk-in shower cost guide explains the different factors in more detail.
If you’re planning a wider refurbishment rather than changing the shower alone, you may also find our How Much Does a New Bathroom Cost? blog useful.
Walk-in baths
Not everybody wants to give up having a bath.
A walk-in bath has a watertight door, allowing you to enter without climbing over the high side of a conventional bath. Different sizes and designs are available, so the price depends partly on the model you choose and the work required to install it.
Our guide: How Much Is a Walk-In Bathtub? covers the costs and choices in more detail.
What accessibility features can affect the cost?
Even minor changes can make a noticeable difference to comfort and safety in a bathroom.
- Many people find grab rails useful for extra support when moving around the room, particularly when getting in and out of the bath or shower.
- Level-access flooring can make entering the shower easier and may also help wheelchair users but may involve making changes to drainage systems, particularly in an existing bathroom. A comfort-height toilet sits slightly higher than a standard toilet. This can make sitting down and standing up easier for some people.
- You may also need to consider wider doors if the bathroom needs to accommodate a wheelchair or walking aid. Unlike adding a grab rail, widening an existing doorway can involve additional building work.
- Finally, anti-slip flooring and surfaces can help reduce the risk of slipping in an area that’s regularly exposed to water.
You won’t necessarily need every accessible feature available. Additional adaptations can increase the overall cost, so it makes sense to concentrate your budget on the changes that will make the biggest difference to how you use the bathroom.
What drives the cost of an accessible bathroom up or down?
The existing bathroom has a big influence on the final price.
If the plumbing is in good condition and you’re happy to keep the basic layout, the work may be relatively straightforward. Moving the toilet, basin or shower to completely different positions usually means more plumbing and installation work.
Room size matters too. A larger bathroom generally needs more flooring, wall coverings and other materials.
Then there’s what you find when the old bathroom comes out.
Older homes can sometimes reveal plumbing, flooring or walls that need attention before the new bathroom goes in. It’s difficult to know about every hidden problem before work starts, although a proper survey can identify many potential issues.
Your choice of fittings will also affect the budget. As with any bathroom, there’s a considerable difference between simple, practical fittings and premium products.
Accessibility itself doesn’t necessarily mean choosing the most expensive option. It’s about what works for you and your specific needs.
Funding an accessible bathroom
If you need to adapt your bathroom because of a disability, you may be able to get financial help with the work.
A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) can contribute towards adaptations that help you live independently at home. Devon County Council lists level-access showers, grab rails, adapted toilets and widened doors among the types of work that may qualify.
In England, a Disabled Facilities Grant can currently provide up to £30,000, although eligibility rules apply and the amount you receive may depend on your circumstances.
In Devon, your district, city or borough council handles the grant. An occupational therapist may also assess which adaptations you need.
It’s worth looking into funding before work begins, rather than arranging the bathroom first and asking about a grant afterwards.
Some disability-related bathroom adaptations may also qualify for VAT relief. GOV.UK says eligible work can include replacing a bath with a shower or walk-in bath where this is necessary because of a disability, as well as adapting a bathroom for wheelchair access.
Do check eligibility rules at the outset of the project, as VAT relief doesn’t apply to every refurbishment or every customer with a disability, and as such may impact your budget.
Final thoughts
You may also find these articles helpful:
- Wet Room Ideas to Inspire You
- Bathroom Decor Ideas Explained
- Bathroom Ventilation: A Comprehensive Guide
So, what should you budget for an accessible bathroom in Devon?
There isn’t one figure that will suit every home. The type of bathroom, existing plumbing, room layout, accessibility requirements and fittings you choose will all affect the final cost.
As a broad comparison, Checkatrade currently puts the average new bathroom at around £7,000 in the UK. Here at Ability Bathe, our bathroom renovations in Devon start from £3,000.
The best place to start is with what you need from the room. Perhaps stepping over the bath is becoming difficult, and a walk-in shower would solve the problem.
You may need level access for a wheelchair, or you might simply want to make the bathroom safer now so it remains practical in the years ahead.
Ability Bathe are bathroom fitters Devon loves, with a 5 star Google rating.
So we’re bathroom fitters Torquay customers rate highly, bathroom fitters Exeter trusts, bathroom fitters Plymouth… to summarise, we cover the South-West region.
Do get in touch today to arrange a free home design visit and no-obligation quote.
