Trade day rates at a glance
These rates represent what tradespeople realistically charge across the UK. Day rates assume an 8–9 hour working day and typically exclude materials unless stated. Use these as your baseline when reviewing any quote.
| Trade | Day rate (labour only) | Hourly equivalent | Complexity |
|---|
Why day rates vary: Rates depend on years of experience, specialist certifications, local competition, and whether materials are included. A cheaper day rate often means less experience or unlicensed work — always check credentials before accepting any quote.
Job cost estimator
Use this tool to get a rough estimate for your job. Remember: this is a guide only — every property is different. Use it to sanity-check quotes, not replace them.
🔐 Estimate your job cost
New boiler installation costs
A new boiler is one of the most common and significant home improvement spends. The type of boiler, your existing system, and the accessibility of the flue location all affect your final price considerably.
| Cost factor | Adds to the price | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Flue relocation | £150–£350 | Moving the exhaust point requires additional pipework and may need a structural penetration |
| Magnetic filter installation | £50–£120 | Protects the heat exchanger — good engineers include this as standard |
| Powerflush of existing system | £300–£600 | Required on older, sludged systems to protect the new boiler's warranty |
| Removal of back boiler | £200–£400 | Old back boilers require careful removal and fireplace preparation |
| Thermostat & controls upgrade | £100–£300 | Smart thermostats (Nest, Hive, etc.) often needed for efficiency requirements |
| Extended warranty (5–10 yr) | £150–£600 | Via manufacturer or engineer — reduces future call-out risk |
Never accept a boiler quote without Gas Safe verification. All gas boiler work in the UK must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Ask to see their Gas Safe ID card and check it at gassaferegister.co.uk.
What a good boiler quote includes: Boiler model and SEDBUK efficiency rating · Gas Safe registration number · Powerflush recommendation or explanation of why not needed · Warranty terms · Commissioning certificate · Building Regulations notification (via CORGI/Benchmark scheme).
New bathroom costs
Bathroom renovations are the project where cost variation is biggest. The same space can cost £2,500 for a basic suite swap or £15,000 for a full wet-room with underfloor heating and bespoke tiles. Here's what drives each tier.
| Job element | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing (repositioning) | £400–£1,200 | Moving soil pipes or adding en-suite connections adds cost significantly |
| Tiling (walls + floor) | £600–£2,000 | Depends on tile choice and square meterage; large-format tiles are slower to lay |
| Underfloor heating | £500–£1,500 | Electric mat systems are cheaper to install; water systems require a plumber |
| Wet room waterproofing | £300–£700 | Tanking must be done correctly — poor tanking is a common source of damp claims |
| Electrics (shaver point, fan, lighting) | £200–£600 | Any work in bathroom zones 0–2 must comply with BS 7671 and be certified |
| Plastering & skim | £250–£700 | Often required where old tiles are removed and plaster is damaged |
Planning tip: The biggest cost driver in bathrooms isn't the suite — it's whether you're moving the soil stack. Keeping your toilet and bath in the same position as before is the single easiest way to keep costs down.
House extension costs
Extension costs depend on almost every variable imaginable: site access, ground conditions, party wall requirements, glazing choices, ceiling height, and finish quality. Below are realistic cost-per-square-metre rates based on current UK data.
| Extension type | Cost per m² | Typical total (30m²) | Planning needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-storey rear | £1,800–£2,800 | £54,000–£84,000 | Usually Permitted Dev. |
| Double-storey rear | £1,600–£2,400 | £96,000–£144,000 (60m²) | Yes |
| Side return | £2,000–£3,200 | £20,000–£32,000 (10m²) | Usually Permitted Dev. |
| Wrap-around | £1,900–£2,900 | £76,000–£116,000 (40m²) | Yes |
| Garden / studio room | £1,200–£2,200 | £24,000–£44,000 (20m²) | Check with council |
| Orangery / sunroom | £1,500–£3,000 | £30,000–£60,000 (20m²) | Usually Permitted Dev. |
Watch out for incomplete quotes. Extension quotes frequently omit planning fees (£206–£462), architect / structural engineer fees (£1,500–£6,000), party wall surveyor costs (£700–£1,200 per neighbour), Building Regulations sign-off (£600–£1,400), and landscaping reinstatement. Always ask explicitly whether these are included.
Full house rewire costs
An electrical rewire is required in any property over 25–30 years old that hasn't had one. It's disruptive, but essential for safety and often required when selling. Prices depend primarily on the number of circuits and bedrooms.
What the quote must include: A full rewire should come with an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report), Building Regulations notification, and an Electrical Installation Certificate — these are legal requirements, not optional extras. Any electrician who can't provide these is not NICEIC/NAPIT registered.
Roof repair & replacement costs
Roofing is the trade with the most variation in quote quality. Roofers can legitimately charge very different prices because access costs (scaffolding), material quality, and roof pitch all vary significantly.
| Job type | Typical cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Individual tile replacement (1–5) | £150–£400 | Half day |
| Ridge tile repointing | £300–£700 | 1 day |
| Full felt replacement (felt, battens) | £3,000–£7,000 | 3–5 days |
| Full re-roofing (tiles + felt + battens) | £5,000–£12,000 | 5–10 days |
| Flat roof replacement (felt) | £1,200–£2,500 | 1–3 days |
| Flat roof (GRP fibreglass) | £1,800–£3,500 | 2–3 days |
| Chimney repointing / rebuild | £500–£2,500 | 1–3 days |
| Scaffolding (typical 3-bed house) | £600–£1,500 | n/a |
Beware doorstep roofers. Cold-call roofers who knock on your door claiming they've "spotted damage" while passing are a well-known scam. Always get at least one additional quote and insist on a full written breakdown before any work begins.
Kitchen installation costs
The cost of a kitchen installation separates into two distinct elements: the units and appliances you buy, and the labour to fit them. Many homeowners underestimate the labour cost — which can easily exceed the cost of a budget kitchen itself.
Hidden costs to budget for: Worktop templating and fabrication (£600–£2,000 for stone), appliance delivery, electrician for new circuits (cooker, dishwasher), plumber for new pipework, gas connection for hob, and plastering/decorating after fitting. These can easily add £2,000–£5,000 to any kitchen budget.
Loft conversion costs
A loft conversion typically adds 15–25% to your property value — making it one of the most cost-effective home improvements available. Type and truss configuration are the biggest cost variables.
| Conversion type | Typical cost | Planning required | Approx. added value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Velux / roof light | £15,000–£22,000 | No (usually) | 10–15% |
| Dormer | £35,000–£55,000 | Permitted Dev. or PP | 15–25% |
| Hip-to-gable | £42,000–£65,000 | Usually PP required | 15–25% |
| Mansard | £50,000–£70,000 | Yes — always | 20–30% |
| L-shaped dormer | £55,000–£80,000 | Yes | 20–30% |