When it comes to bathroom renovations, the first fix is like laying the bones before adding the skin.
It’s the hidden but essential part of the job—plumbing, electrics, and structural work that must be completed before tiling, fittings, and those fancy mirrors come in.
And here’s the kicker: most homeowners underestimate the cost of the first fix. That’s where budgets start to stretch, contractors start to sigh, and you start wondering why you didn’t just stick with that leaky tap.
1. What Exactly Does “First Fix” Mean in a Bathroom?
Think of first fix as setting up the backstage crew for a Broadway show. The audience (you and your guests) will only see the final performance—the tiles, the shiny taps, the sleek vanity. But without the wiring, plumbing, and supports behind the scenes, the whole thing falls apart.
First fix in a bathroom typically covers:
- Plumbing installation: Pipes for water supply, waste lines, and ventilation.
- Electrical installation: Wiring for lights, extractor fans, power sockets, underfloor heating, or even smart mirrors.
- Structural prep: Building or adjusting stud walls, reinforcing floors, fitting wall frames for concealed cisterns.
This is the stage before plastering, tiling, or fitting the visible elements. If second fix is “decorating the cake,” first fix is “baking the sponge.” You can’t ice air, right?
2. Average Cost of First Fix in a Bathroom
Here’s the golden question: how much will it cost? Based on recent data and contractor quotes:
- Basic bathroom first fix (small bathroom, straightforward layout): $2,500 – $4,000
- Mid-range bathroom first fix (average family bathroom with added electrics): $4,000 – $7,500
- High-spec bathroom first fix (luxury fittings, complex layout, structural changes): $8,000 – $15,000+
Key stat: According to a 2024 HomeAdvisor survey, the average homeowner in the U.S. spends around $6,500 on the first fix stage of a bathroom remodel. In the UK, the figure averages £4,500–£6,000, depending on the region.
3. Plumbing Costs for First Fix
Plumbing is the biggest slice of your first fix pie. It’s messy, technical, and absolutely essential.
Typical plumbing jobs during first fix include:
- Running hot and cold supply pipes.
- Installing waste and soil pipes.
- Connecting the bathtub, shower, basin, and toilet pipework.
- Pressure testing to avoid nasty surprises later.
Cost breakdown:
- Simple pipe rerouting: $1,000 – $2,500
- Full new pipe installation: $3,000 – $5,000
- Complex systems (rain showers, multiple outlets, underfloor heating pipes): $6,000 – $10,000
Personal note: I once tried saving money by hiring a cheap plumber for a rental bathroom. Let’s just say the tenant called me two weeks later because their ceiling looked like Niagara Falls. Pay for quality here—you’ll thank yourself later.
4. Electrical Costs for First Fix
Bathrooms are tricky electrically because water and electricity are mortal enemies. That means strict regulations, certified work, and often a bigger price tag than expected.
Typical electrical jobs include:
- Lighting installation (overhead, wall sconces, LED mirrors).
- Extractor fan wiring.
- Heated towel rail wiring.
- Underfloor heating systems.
- Shaver sockets or GFCI outlets.
Cost breakdown:
- Standard lighting and fan setup: $500 – $1,200
- Mid-range (lights + towel rail + sockets): $1,500 – $2,500
- High-spec (smart mirrors, underfloor heating, layered lighting): $3,000 – $5,000
Pro tip: If you want underfloor heating, decide early. It’s much cheaper to run the wiring during first fix than retrofitting it after the tiles are down.
5. Structural and Carpentry Costs
If plumbing and electrics are the veins and nerves, the structure is the skeleton. This includes reinforcing the floor to handle a heavy stone bathtub, creating stud walls for concealed systems, or re-framing walls.
Cost breakdown:
- Minor stud work or framing: $500 – $1,500
- Reinforcing floors (for heavy baths/tiles): $1,500 – $3,000
- Major layout changes (moving walls, resizing bathroom): $4,000 – $8,000+
This part is often overlooked when budgeting. For example, if you dream of a freestanding cast-iron tub, remember that thing can weigh 300–400 lbs empty—and double that when filled with water and a person. Reinforcing costs add up.
6. Size and Layout Impact on Costs
Here’s a reality check: the size of your bathroom and how much you change the layout will make or break your budget.
- Keep fixtures in place: Cheapest option. Expect $2,500 – $4,000 first fix.
- Move a few fixtures (like swapping toilet and sink): Mid-range. $4,500 – $7,000.
- Full redesign (moving soil pipe, relocating shower, adding electrics): Expensive. $8,000 – $15,000+.
It’s like rearranging furniture. Moving a chair across the room costs nothing. Moving a fireplace? That’ll empty your wallet.
7. Labor vs. Material Costs
Most homeowners forget that labor often costs more than the shiny parts you see. On average:
- Labor makes up 60–70% of first fix costs.
- Materials (pipes, wires, frames, fittings) are 30–40%.
Why? Because skilled plumbers and electricians charge for expertise, certification, and compliance with regulations. In the U.S., plumbers average $50–$150 per hour, while electricians run $65–$200 per hour depending on location and demand.
Tip: Always ask for a fixed-price quote instead of hourly. Time overruns are common in bathrooms—hidden leaks, outdated wiring, or rotted joists can double the hours billed.
8. Hidden Costs Homeowners Forget
This is the part no one tells you until your wallet screams. Hidden first fix costs can sneak up like uninvited guests.
- Asbestos removal (in older homes): $1,000 – $3,000
- Mold treatment: $500 – $2,000
- Upgrading water pressure (new pump/boiler adjustments): $1,500 – $4,000
- Building permits and inspections: $200 – $1,000+
Personal story: I once opened a bathroom wall in an old 1970s house and discovered pipes wrapped in asbestos insulation. The removal cost nearly as much as the plumbing itself. Always budget a contingency fund of 15–20%.
9. Regional Price Differences
Where you live matters. A plumber in rural Ohio charges very differently from one in Manhattan.
- U.S. averages:
- Rural/small towns: 20–30% cheaper than national average.
- Major cities (NYC, San Francisco, Chicago): 30–50% more expensive.
- UK averages:
- London: £5,000–£7,000 average first fix.
- Northern England/Scotland: £3,500–£5,000.
Always get multiple quotes in your area, because two contractors can give wildly different numbers for the same job.
10. How to Save Money on First Fix Without Cutting Corners
Let’s be real—you can’t cheap out too much on first fix. But you can be smart.
- Keep the layout the same: Moving soil pipes is the fastest way to triple costs.
- Plan ahead: Decide on every outlet, light, and fixture before work begins. Last-minute changes are expensive.
- Bundle jobs: If you’re renovating multiple bathrooms, do them at once. Contractors often discount when mobilizing for a larger job.
- Hire qualified tradespeople: It’s tempting to pick the cheapest quote. But one mistake behind the wall could cost you tens of thousands in water damage later.
- DIY prep work: You can strip old tiles, demolish non-structural walls, or clear the space before contractors arrive to cut labor hours.
Conclusion
The cost of first fix in a bathroom varies wildly depending on size, layout, plumbing, electrics, and structural changes. On average, expect to spend $4,000–$7,500, but luxury projects can easily soar above $15,000. The golden rule? Don’t underestimate the hidden stage of first fix. It may not be glamorous, but it’s the foundation of a bathroom that lasts for decades without issues.
Think of it as buying peace of mind—you won’t see those pipes and wires every day, but you’ll sleep easier knowing they won’t turn into a disaster movie later.
FAQs on How Much to First Fix a Bathroom
1. Can I do the first fix work myself to save money?
Technically, yes, you can attempt parts of it, like running pipework or wiring. But unless you’re licensed, it’s risky and often illegal to handle plumbing and electrics without certification. Always leave complex work to professionals.
2. Is first fix more expensive than second fix?
Usually, yes. First fix involves major plumbing and electrical labor, which costs more than fitting visible fixtures. On average, first fix makes up about 60–70% of the total bathroom renovation budget.
3. How long does the first fix take?
For a standard bathroom, expect 1–3 weeks depending on complexity. Larger or luxury bathrooms may take up to 6 weeks, especially if structural work is needed.
4. Does moving the toilet really increase first fix costs?
Absolutely. Moving the toilet often means relocating the soil pipe, which is one of the most expensive plumbing tasks. It can add $1,500–$3,500 to the bill.
5. How much contingency budget should I set aside for first fix?
Plan for at least 15–20% extra on top of your contractor’s quote. Unseen issues like mold, outdated wiring, or weak floors are very common once work begins.