Offer finance for bathroom renovations

Why bathroom finance converts

A bathroom refit is one of the most planned home upgrades in Britain. Typical mid-range projects now fall around £4,500 to £6,500, with basic refreshes from roughly £1,500 to £4,000 and premium remodels often exceeding £10,000. For many households that sits in a tricky space: bigger than cash-on-hand, yet not large enough to justify secured borrowing. That is precisely where clear, compliant point-of-sale finance can help customers move ahead with confidence.

Understanding APR is not just about percentages - it is about knowing what a customer will pay in real terms. Show the monthly impact alongside total cost, be upfront on fees, and keep terms free of jargon. Labour commonly accounts for 40 to 60 percent of the bill, while regional differences can add 10 to 20 percent in London and the South. That variability means finance should allow for contingencies and top-ups without friction.

Homeowner intent remains strong. Millions plan renovations over the next two years with healthy budgets, and bathrooms remain a priority. Consumers increasingly expect instalments and 0 percent options at checkout. Your role is to make the decision simple: reliable installers, transparent pricing, and finance tailored to real UK project sizes.

Seasonality matters. Lead times for trades and deliveries often run to weeks or months, so consider staged drawdowns or deferred first payments that align with milestones. Finally, include a sensible contingency of 10 to 30 percent to avoid under-borrowing when scope shifts. When you combine realistic costs, flexible structures and clear communication, conversion improves and complaints fall.

Next step: price three sample bathroom tiers and show the monthly cost for each.

Predictable monthly payments beat vague ballpark figures.

Is this for you?

If you sell bathroom products, design-and-install packages, or run a trades business, offering finance can bridge the gap between intention and purchase. It suits average UK projects in the £4,000 to £8,000 range, where customers value affordability and speed over complex borrowing. It also works for premium designs where accessibility upgrades or energy-efficient fixtures justify higher spend. If your customers often postpone work due to budget shortfalls, finance can keep projects on track while protecting cash flow.

Finance routes at a glance

1. 0 percent instalments - short terms for basic refurbs and accessories.

2. Low-rate fixed loans - longer terms for mid-range refits and bundles.

3. Deferred starts - buy now, first payment after installation begins.

4. Staged drawdowns - release funds at milestones to match lead times.

5. Top-up lines - add contingency if scope or labour costs increase.

Ask your installer partners to present two payment plans alongside cash.

The numbers that matter

Eligibility and checks

Customers generally need to be UK residents, over 18, with a regular income and a credit profile that supports the requested limit. Lenders will run affordability and credit checks to ensure repayments remain sustainable alongside existing commitments. Proof of ID, address and income may be required. Where projects include staged payments, lenders may verify installer details and planned dates to align drawdowns with milestones.

Kandoo is a UK-based retail finance broker that can connect your business and customers to a panel of lenders. Any finance you present must be compliant with UK consumer credit rules. That includes fair, clear and not misleading promotions, representative examples where required, and appropriate affordability assessment. If you use deferred starts or 0 percent options, make the conditions prominent and confirm when interest will apply. Build in a realistic contingency so customers do not need a second application mid-project.

From quote to completion

1. Scope the project and agree a realistic budget.

2. Price three tiers and show monthly repayments.

3. Choose plan length and deposit to fit affordability.

4. Submit a quick application with soft eligibility check.

5. Verify documents and receive lender decision online.

6. Arrange staged drawdowns aligned to installation milestones.

7. Confirm completion and provide final paperwork to customer.

Weighing it up

Before you commit

Set expectations early. Confirm what is included in the quote, from demolition and disposal to plumbing, electrics and finishing touches. Explain regional price differences and how labour availability can affect timelines. Offer a 10 to 30 percent contingency and make it easy to adjust the finance limit if hidden defects appear. If proposing deferred payments, show the exact date and amount of the first repayment. Provide a clear total-to-repay figure and representative APR so customers can compare options fairly. Vet installers for accreditation and insurance, and align staged payments with visible milestones such as first fix, tiling and final sign-off. This reduces disputes and protects both customer and merchant cash flow.

Alternatives to consider

1. Save-and-pay cash buffer with phased works over time.

2. Use-store credit for accessories, cash for labour.

3. Secured borrowing for multi-room or whole-home upgrades.

4. Grants or council schemes for accessibility adaptations.

FAQs

Q: How much does a typical UK bathroom refit cost? A: Mid-range projects often land around £4,500 to £6,500, with basic refreshes from £1,500 and premium remodels exceeding £10,000 depending on specification and layout changes.

Q: Why offer finance for bathrooms in particular? A: Bathroom budgets sit in a finance sweet spot. They are larger than many savings pots but small enough for unsecured instalments, which makes point-of-sale options practical and attractive.

Q: Do customers need a contingency? A: Yes. Scope changes, plumbing or electrical surprises and regional labour rates can add thousands. A 10 to 30 percent buffer helps avoid under-borrowing and delays.

Q: Can repayments start after installation begins? A: Some plans offer deferred starts or staged drawdowns. Timing should match milestones so customers are not paying long before work commences.

Q: How do we stay compliant? A: Keep promotions clear, include representative examples where required, conduct affordability checks and provide key information before customers apply. Follow current UK consumer credit rules.

Q: Will offering finance affect our cash flow? A: It often improves it. Funds can be released at agreed milestones, helping you cover materials and labour without waiting for full completion.

How Kandoo helps

Kandoo connects UK merchants and homeowners with a panel of reputable lenders, offering a choice of 0 percent and low-rate instalment options. We help you present transparent monthly examples, build in contingencies and align drawdowns with installation stages. With compliant flows and quick decisions, you can convert more projects while protecting customers.

Important information

Finance is subject to status, eligibility and affordability checks. Terms, APRs and offers may vary by lender and region. Promotions must be fair, clear and not misleading. Always confirm total amount repayable, fees and repayment dates, and read the lender’s terms before proceeding.