Bathroom Renovation Quotes in Ireland
Compare up to 4 local bathroom renovation professionals. Free, no obligation quotes.
A bathroom renovation is one of the most impactful home improvements you can make for daily comfort, and it is consistently one of the best returns on investment when selling. A dated bathroom with worn tiles, an avocado suite, or a dripping power shower puts buyers off immediately. A modern, well-finished bathroom adds perceived value far beyond what it costs to install.
Bathroom costs in Ireland range from €4,000 for a basic refit (replacing the suite, taps, and shower in the existing layout) to €15,000 to €30,000 for a premium renovation with underfloor heating, walk-in shower, freestanding bath, and high-end tiles. The cost depends heavily on whether you are keeping the existing plumbing layout or moving things around, and on the quality of sanitaryware and tiles you choose.
The biggest practical challenge in a bathroom renovation is that so many trades are involved in a small space: plumber, tiler, electrician, plasterer, carpenter, and decorator all need to work in sequence, and the room is unusable from strip-out to completion. An experienced bathroom fitter who manages all trades under one quote is worth the premium over coordinating them individually.
Waterproofing is the critical quality issue that separates a good bathroom installation from a bad one. A walk-in shower or wet room that is not properly tanked (waterproofed beneath the tiles) will leak, causing damage to the ceiling below and potentially to the structural floor. This is not visible once tiled, so you are relying entirely on the competence and integrity of the installer. Comparing quotes from experienced, well-referenced bathroom specialists protects against this hidden risk.
How Much Does Bathroom Renovation Cost in Ireland?
Typical pricing for bathroom renovation services in Ireland (2026):
| Service | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget bathroom refit | €4,000 | €8,000 | Size, fixtures |
| Mid-range bathroom | €8,000 | €15,000 | Design, materials |
| Premium bathroom / wet room | €15,000 | €30,000 | Custom design, high-end fixtures |
Bathroom costs split roughly into three components: sanitaryware and fixtures (bath, toilet, basin, shower, taps) at 25-35% of total cost, tiles and flooring at 15-25%, and labour (plumbing, tiling, electrics, plastering, painting) at 40-50%. Moving the toilet or shower location significantly increases plumbing costs because the waste pipes need rerouting. Underfloor heating adds €500 to €1,200 for an average bathroom. Dublin bathroom fitters charge 15-20% above national rates for labour.
What to Expect: The Bathroom Renovation Process
- Design and specification. Decide on layout, sanitaryware (bath, shower, toilet, basin), tiles, and fixtures. Visit a bathroom showroom to see products in person. A designer can help with layout, especially for small or awkward spaces.
- Quote. Receive a detailed, itemised quote covering strip-out, plumbing, electrics, waterproofing, tiling, sanitaryware supply and installation, painting, and waste disposal. Ensure nothing is excluded.
- Strip-out. The old bathroom is completely removed: suite, tiles, flooring, plasterboard if damaged. This typically takes one day and creates a lot of dust and debris.
- First fix. Plumbing is roughed in for the new layout. Electrics (extractor fan, lighting, underfloor heating) are installed. Waterproofing (tanking) is applied to shower areas and wet room floors.
- Tiling. Walls and floors are tiled. This is the most time-consuming phase, typically taking 2 to 3 days for a standard bathroom.
- Second fix and finishing. Sanitaryware is installed, taps and shower are connected, silicone sealing is completed, mirrors and accessories are fitted, and final painting is done.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Poor waterproofing in the shower area. This is the most common and most damaging mistake. If the area behind and below the shower tiles is not properly tanked, water will seep through and damage the ceiling below. Insist on proper tanking with a dedicated waterproof membrane system.
- Choosing tiles before measuring the room. Tile sizes and patterns need to work with the dimensions of your bathroom. Selecting large-format tiles for a small room can result in excessive cutting, waste, and awkward layouts.
- Not planning storage. A bathroom without adequate storage (vanity unit, mirrored cabinet, shelving) quickly becomes cluttered. Plan storage into the design from the start, not as an afterthought.
- Forgetting about ventilation. A beautiful new bathroom without adequate ventilation will develop mould and condensation within months. Budget for a quality extractor fan as a non-negotiable part of the renovation.
- Not accounting for the full cost. A bathroom quote that covers labour but not sanitaryware, tiles, or accessories can be €2,000 to €5,000 short of the real total. Get a fully inclusive price before committing.
What to Look for When Hiring a Bathroom Renovation Professional
Look for a bathroom fitter with strong references and a portfolio of completed work. CIRI registration and Guild of Master Craftsmen membership are good indicators. The fitter should be experienced in waterproofing (tanking), which is the most critical quality issue in any bathroom with a shower or wet room. Ask specifically about their waterproofing method and materials. Ensure the electrician they use is Safe Electric registered (required for all bathroom electrics, as water and electricity are a dangerous combination). Public liability insurance is essential. Be cautious of fitters who cannot show you recent completed bathrooms, who propose tiles directly onto plasterboard in wet areas (cement board or waterproof board should be used), or who are vague about the waterproofing system they use.
Questions to Ask Your Bathroom Renovation Professional
- Do you manage all trades (plumbing, tiling, electrics, plastering)? A single point of contact who manages the whole project is far less stressful than coordinating multiple separate trades yourself. It also means one person is responsible if anything goes wrong.
- What waterproofing system do you use in the shower area? This is the most important quality question. Tanking (a waterproof membrane applied beneath tiles) prevents water penetrating to the structure. The answer tells you whether the fitter understands waterproofing properly.
- Can I see photos or visit a bathroom you completed recently? Tiling quality, grouting neatness, and silicone finish are all visible indicators of workmanship. Seeing the fitter's work in person is worth more than any certificate.
- What is the realistic timeline? A standard bathroom refit takes 7 to 10 working days. Wet rooms and complex layouts take longer. You need to plan for the bathroom being completely unusable during this period.
- Is the quoted price all-inclusive? Check whether the quote includes sanitaryware supply, tiles, underfloor heating, extractor fan, mirror, accessories, painting, and waste removal. Exclusions add up quickly.
- What happens if you find a problem behind the old tiles? Older bathrooms often have damp, rot, or asbestos behind tiles and plasterboard. A good fitter will flag the possibility upfront and explain how unexpected costs are handled.
Frequently Asked Questions
A basic bathroom refit (new suite, taps, shower, tiles in the existing layout) costs €4,000 to €8,000. A mid-range renovation with better sanitaryware, floor-to-ceiling tiles, and an upgraded shower costs €8,000 to €15,000. Premium renovations with underfloor heating, walk-in shower, freestanding bath, and designer tiles cost €15,000 to €30,000. En-suite bathrooms are usually at the lower end of each range due to smaller size.
A standard bathroom renovation takes 7 to 12 working days (1.5 to 2.5 weeks). Strip-out takes 1 day, plumbing first fix takes 1 to 2 days, tiling takes 2 to 3 days, second fix and finishing take 2 to 3 days, with drying time between some stages. Wet rooms take slightly longer due to additional waterproofing layers. The bathroom is completely unusable during the renovation, so if you only have one bathroom, plan accordingly.
A wet room has no shower tray or enclosure. The entire floor is waterproofed (tanked) with a gentle slope towards a linear or point drain, and the shower area is open or divided by a glass screen. Wet rooms look modern and spacious, are easier to clean, and are excellent for accessibility. They cost €2,000 to €5,000 more than a standard shower installation due to the additional waterproofing, floor preparation, and drainage work. They are particularly popular in en-suites and smaller bathrooms where a shower enclosure feels cramped.
For a family bathroom, having at least one bath in the house is advisable for bathing young children and for resale value. If you have two bathrooms, a bath in the main bathroom and a walk-in shower in the en-suite is the most popular configuration. If you only have one bathroom and rarely use the bath, replacing it with a large walk-in shower creates a more usable and modern space. Estate agents generally advise keeping at least one bath in the house for resale.
Yes. Electric underfloor heating in a bathroom is one of the most cost-effective luxury upgrades you can make. It costs €500 to €1,200 to install (mat system under tiles) and approximately €20 to €40 per year to run for one bathroom. The comfort of warm tiles underfoot on a cold morning is genuinely transformative. It also helps keep the bathroom dry and reduces condensation. The heating mat must be installed before tiling, so it needs to be planned into the project from the start.
Building regulations require mechanical ventilation in bathrooms without an openable window, and it is strongly recommended even if you have a window. A decent extractor fan removes moisture quickly, preventing condensation, mould, and damage to paintwork and grout. A fan with a humidity sensor that activates automatically is the best option. Installation costs €150 to €400 including the fan and electrician's time. It must be installed by a Safe Electric registered electrician.
Landlords can typically claim the cost of a bathroom renovation as a deductible expense against rental income if it constitutes a repair or replacement of an existing bathroom. If the renovation is an improvement (adding a bathroom where none existed before, or significantly upgrading the specification), it may be treated as a capital improvement and offset against Capital Gains Tax instead. Consult your accountant for guidance on your specific situation.
Porcelain tiles are the most popular choice for bathroom floors and walls in Ireland: they are waterproof, durable, easy to clean, and available in an enormous range of styles including realistic stone and wood effects. Ceramic tiles are slightly cheaper but less durable on floors. Natural stone (marble, travertine) looks beautiful but requires sealing and more maintenance. For shower floors, choose a tile with an anti-slip rating (R10 or R11). Large-format tiles (600x600mm or larger) create a modern, smooth look and have fewer grout lines to clean.
Bathroom Renovation Quotes by County
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