How Much Does It Cost To Fit A
Bathroom Radiator
A stylish heated towel rail or a beautiful radiator is a must have for any bathroom. They keep the space warm, dry towels and complement the look and feel of the decor.
But like with any renovation project, it is always a good idea to have a budget in mind, be aware of any additional costs that might come your way, and importantly any tips and tricks that could save some of your money!
In this guide we’ll take you through the average costs to fit a heated towel rail or bathroom radiator and the other influences that could affect the total bill.
Factors that can affect installation costs:
Type of bathroom radiator
Depending on the type of heated towel rail or radiator you want to fit in your bathroom, the installation cost will vary considerably.
For example, electric and dual fuel heated towel rails and radiators are more expensive to install than plumbed options since the former are hard wired into the mains which can be tricky!
By law, this requires the help of a qualified electrician, or a Gas Safe Registered plumber who is also qualified to install electric heating.
Electric towel rails and dual fuel towel radiators cost more to buy too. But, they can also help save you money in the long run because they heat your home more efficiently and reduce your energy usage.
SHOP BATHROOM RADIATORS
DIY or Professional
If you are an experienced DIY-er and no pipework requires adjusting, you might find that you can fit your bathroom radiator yourself, which of course will save you a pretty penny!
But, if the job is more complex, or you have an electric or dual fuel radiator, the installation must be carried out by a qualified professional, by law.
Assessment costs
To try and save some money, the best thing to do is do some research and get a couple of quotes from different tradesmen.
For example, some may charge around £60 or £70 just to come and assess the job before the installation. But, others will offer a thorough assessment for free and then provide a detailed quote.
Who sources the bathroom radiator
When selecting a new bathroom radiator, you have the option of choosing your own from a supplier like us, or hand the decision making over to your plumber.
But, it is worth keeping in mind that allowing your plumber to make the choice may cost you more than purchasing the radiator yourself.
This is because you have less control over the budget and you must be willing to accept the cost of your plumber’s supplier.
If you require radiator valves for a plumbed radiator, you also have the option to choose a style that complements your bathroom and fits your budget.
Any pipework adjustments
If your new bathroom radiator is a direct swap and the same size as your old radiator, it will probably be a quick and easy job.
But, if your plumber needs to remove an existing radiator, install new pipework, or move pipework to accommodate a bigger radiator, this will be a longer, more complex process and may cost a higher installation rate.
Location
Labour costs can also differ depending on your location. For example, prices in the London area will be greater than in the North of the UK.
So, please note that the following prices are an average sum to give you a rough guide for your budget.
Cost to install a heated towel rail
According to Checkatrade, the average cost of installing a standard hot water heated towel rail is £235 for materials and £225 for installation. So you should expect to pay around £460 in total.
Other Heated Towel Rail Installation Costs:
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Electric heated towel rails
You should expect to pay around £200-£250 per day, or £40 per hour to hire an electrician. The installation may take approximately 2-3 hours to complete, depending on what the job entails.
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Dual fuel heated towel rails
Since dual fuel towel rails are connected to both your mains electrical supply and your central heating, the average cost to fit is the highest. You should expect to pay around £400 for a dual fuel installation.
Cost to install a bathroom radiator
Of course a heated towel rail isn’t the only option to keep your bathroom cosy and give you lovely warm towels.
Classic column radiators and modern designer radiators with robe hooks and accessories are becoming increasingly popular bathroom heating choices.
So how much will it cost to fit a bathroom radiator?
Checkatrade advises that the average cost to replace a radiator is usually around £200 for a double panel radiator that connects to your central heating system.
Popular double panel options for bathrooms are the white Milano Windsor column radiator and the anthracite Milano Aruba vertical designer radiator
Installation costs for electric and dual fuel designer radiators will usually be around the same price as the towel rail equivalents.
However, they may be slightly more expensive to fit if they are larger radiators, or if pipework, flooring and walls require work.
Still looking for a bathroom radiator?
We hope this guide has been helpful and given you an idea of some expenses you should expect, so you can plan your budget properly.
If you’re still unsure which radiator or towel rail might be best for your bathroom, why not take a look at our bathroom radiator guide or browse the collections below?
Just remember to check the heat outputs of the radiators to ensure you choose the correct size for your bathroom.
Head over to our BTU calculator to work out the heat requirements of your bathroom.
