Bathroom Renovation Services in Ireland

By law, an employed craftsperson must be paid at least €23.74 an hour.

The Order sets the minimum an employed craftsperson must be paid, not what a contractor charges you.

Workplace Relations Commission, S.I. 620/2024, 1 August 2026

A bathroom renovation in Ireland covers everything from stripping a small en-suite back to the studs and rebuilding it, to swapping a dated suite for a walk-in shower and new tiling. Most jobs start with a plumber and a tiler, and often a carpenter or electrician depending on what is being moved. The work is usually priced after a visit, because no two bathrooms are the same. A first-floor bathroom over a kitchen, a bathroom in a 1970s semi-detached house in Cork, and a bathroom in a period terrace in Galway each bring their own constraints. The customer describes what they want — layout changes, fittings, tiling, storage — and the tradesperson measures up and prepares a written quote. Posting a task on ShamFix costs nothing today. Your task stays open for 30 days. Providers registered in this category can see it.

What bathroom renovation costs in Ireland

Rate	Range	Note	Estimate
Statutory minimum, craftsperson pay	€23.74	Per hour. Category craftsperson, second phase of S.I. 620/2024.
Statutory minimum, general operative (Category A)	€23.03	Per hour.
Employer PRSI on top of that pay	11.25%	11.25% until 30 September 2026, rising to 11.40% from 1 October 2026. Employer PRSI, Class A, national rate for 2026 (Revenue / Department of Social Protection)
VAT on construction services	13.5%	Reduced VAT rate on construction services, Revenue Commissioners
Contractor charge-out, per tradesperson	€45–€75	Before VAT.	Estimate

Source: Workplace Relations Commission, S.I. 620/2024, 1 August 2026. Figures as of 1 August 2026.

The Order sets the minimum an employed craftsperson must be paid, not what a contractor charges you. VAT on construction services is 13.5% and is added on top of the quoted labour and materials.

Rows marked as estimates are aggregate market estimates, not sourced figures.

Bathroom renovation questions people ask

How long does a bathroom renovation take in Ireland?

A typical bathroom renovation takes one to three weeks of on-site work. A simple swap of a suite and tiles is closer to one week, while moving plumbing or installing underfloor heating can stretch to three or four weeks. The total also depends on when your materials arrive and whether the tradesperson works continuously.

Do I need planning permission for a bathroom renovation?

No, planning permission is not normally needed for internal bathroom renovations in Ireland. You may need it if you are extending the building or changing its use. If you are in a protected structure or a listed building, check with your local authority before making changes to windows, walls, or external vents.

Can I keep my existing tiles and just replace the suite?

Yes, you can often keep existing wall tiles if they are in good condition and you are not moving pipes. The plumber will need to cut or remove tiles around the toilet, basin, and shower connections. Matching new tiles to old ones can be difficult, so many customers retile at least the areas behind the new fittings.

What is usually included in a bathroom renovation quote?

A written quote should list labour, materials, and any allowances for tiling, electrical work, or skip hire. It should state whether VAT is included. It should also say who removes the old suite and rubble. Ask for a breakdown if the quote is a single figure, so you can see what you are paying for.

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Ireland?

Costs vary widely depending on size, layout changes, and materials. A basic refit with standard fittings costs less than a full renovation with large-format tiles, a walk-in shower, and underfloor heating. The best way to get a realistic figure is to have a tradesperson visit and provide a written quote based on your specific bathroom.

Can I use my bathroom while it is being renovated?

Usually not, unless you have a second bathroom. The water supply will be off for periods, and the floor and walls will be exposed. Most tradespeople will try to keep a toilet working for as long as possible, but you should plan to use another bathroom or a temporary arrangement during the main work.

Bathroom Renovation Services in Ireland