How much does bathroom renovation cost in Ireland?
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Key takeaways
- Most bathroom renovation jobs in Ireland land between €4,000–€40,000 — known locally as bathroom renovation.
- In Ireland electrical works including electric showers must legally be done by Safe Electric registered electricians, while plumbing is unlicensed — making insurance and references the practical screen. Internal bathroom renovations are exempt from planning permission but must comply with Building Regulations on drainage and ventilation.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Bathroom Renovation prices by job size in Ireland
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget refresh New suite in the existing layout, partial tiling | €4,000 | €6,000 | €9,000 |
| Standard full renovation Strip-out, tanking, full retile, new suite | €9,000 | €12,000 | €16,000 |
| High-end renovation Layout change, walk-in shower, premium fittings | €16,000 | €25,000 | €40,000 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per day (bathroom fitter) | €250 | €320 | €450 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in Ireland typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a bathroom renovation pro in Ireland
- Confirm any new circuit or electric shower is installed by a Safe Electric registered electrician (legally required)
- Use qualified plumbers and check insurance; Ireland has no plumber licence, so references and RECI/insurance paperwork carry the weight
- Get an itemized quote separating strip-out, first fix, tanking/waterproofing, tiling per m², and sanitaryware
- Ask about lead times — Irish trades are heavily booked and 4-10 week waits for good bathroom fitters are normal
- Agree staged payments with retention until snags are done
- Check whether ancillary works (attic tank, pump, or immersion changes) are in or out of scope
Red flags
- Electric shower wired by anyone but a Safe Electric registered electrician
- No tanking mentioned for the shower zone
- Cash-only price with no written quote
- Full payment requested before fittings arrive
- No recent local references
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to EUR, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: Extrapolated from UK Checkatrade/MyBuilder bathroom data at Irish price levels; Safe Electric registration requirements (safeelectric.ie).
Frequently asked questions
Is tiling over existing tiles ever OK?
It can work on sound, well-bonded wall tiles and saves strip-out cost, but it fails on floors with movement, adds thickness that fouls doors and fittings, and hides the condition of the substrate and membrane. Most renovators strip back in wet areas — if a contractor proposes tile-over-tile in the shower zone specifically, treat it as a cost-cutting red flag.
How do I keep bathroom renovation costs down without regretting it?
Keep the existing layout, choose mid-range fittings from stocked lines rather than special orders, use large-format tiles only on feature areas, and paint rather than tile ceilings and upper walls. Do not economize on waterproofing, drainage falls, or the tiler's labour — those are the items whose failure costs multiples later.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
A straight swap-in-place refit takes about 1-2 weeks; a full renovation with new waterproofing, retiling, and any layout change takes 2-4 weeks. Add waiting time before the start for fixture delivery and trades scheduling — and note that waterproofing membranes need curing days you cannot compress.
How much deposit should I pay a bathroom renovator?
Around 10-20% is normal, sometimes more where custom vanities or imported fittings must be ordered up front — in that case pay the supplier invoice share, not a round 50%. Hold 5-10% back until the room has been used for a week or two and the snag list (grout gaps, silicone, door alignment) is closed.
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Ireland?
A standard full renovation typically runs €9,000-€16,000, with budget refreshes from about €4,000-€6,000 and high-end projects €16,000-€40,000. Dublin prices sit toward the top; labour shortages keep quotes firm and lead times long.
Why are electric showers such a common item in Irish bathroom renos?
Many Irish homes rely on electric showers because of low-pressure gravity-fed hot water systems. Replacing one like-for-like is a small job, but upgrading to a pumped or mains-pressure mixer shower means plumbing changes and possibly a new cylinder — budget for that decision early because it swings the total meaningfully.
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