The median spend for primary bathroom projects has reportedly increased by 33% year-on-year, according to new research by design software platform Houzz.
The company released the statistic as part of its 2024 UK Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, which identified that median spend on primary bathroom projects had increased from £5,250 in 2023’s report to £7,000 this year.
This trend for increased spending is also consistent with a recent research report from retailer Wickes, which reported that it had seen consumer spending increase by around 80% over the last three years.
Houzz’s latest study polled more than 220 of its users who were either in the midst of, or had recently completed, a home renovation, with the data collected during November-December 2023.
According to Houzz’s research, one-in-five homeowners report increasing the size of their bathroom during renovations, with nearly half (47%) of bathrooms are said to be 50 sq ft or more following a renovation.
Looking at the major features that respondents upgraded during renovations, almost all (96%) respondents said that they included wall finishes, a similar number (94%) included basins, and just over nine-in-ten (92%) changed their flooring. 89% renovated plumbing fixtures, 84% updated their toilets, and roughly three quarters (76%) included lighting in their renovation plans.
The survey also found that almost two-thirds of homeowners (63%) included vanity cabinets during their primary bathroom renovations. Interestingly, roughly one-in-five (19%) homeowners said they included a personalised vanity unit in their latest projects, incorporating semi-custom or custom vanity units.
Updating the shower during a renovation is said to be increasing in popularity, as 76% of homeowners did this during their latest project – up 2% over 2023’s figures. When removing the bath, more than nine-in-ten homeowners (92%) took the opportunity to make their showers bigger. Almost a quarter (22%) relocated their showers after removing a bath.
Fortunately for the trade sector, more than nine-in-ten homeowners (92%) hired industry professionals to help with their renovations. Six-in-ten employed tradespeople to help with renovations, almost half (47%) employed a bathroom fitter, and just over three-in-ten (31%) appointed a builder to help.
However, for their bathroom design itself, just over a quarter (27%) of homeowners said they hired a professional bathroom designer.
Speaking of design, Houzz’s survey respondents said that “contemporary style” was the most popular choice for latest renovations, with 36% using the aesthetic, closely followed by “modern” being used by 31%. “Traditional” styles are less popular, being used by only 7% of homeowners. This is followed closely by “eclectic” designs at 6%. Only 3% of homeowners used a “Victorian” style in their renovations.
Discussing colour, white and grey continue to be used prominently across vanity units, worktops and walls, being used predominately by 25% and 20% of homeowners, respectively, In addition, almost one-in-ten homeowners (9%) report incorporating a green wall inside their showers.
“Homeowners are making bold design choices, particularly with vanity units, and focusing on contemporary styles to transform their bathrooms into functional yet stylish spaces,” said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist. “These projects often require the expertise of professionals to ensure both practicality and aesthetic appeal.”
The entire 2024 UK Houzz Bathroom Trends Study can be downloaded here.
This latest research comes hot on the heels of the 2024 UK Houzz Pets & the Home Study, which found that the majority of pet owners reportedly prioritise their pets when making decisions about their home renovations.
