Bathroom Renovation & Bathroom Fitters 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
Looking for a bathroom fitter or a full bathroom renovation? On ShamFix you describe the job once — a new suite in the same layout, a walk-in shower, retiling or a complete refit — and bathroom renovation specialists registered for this service can see it and get in touch. Compare their profiles, the services they offer and reviews from previous customers before you choose who comes out to measure up. Most bathroom jobs are priced after a site visit, so ask each tradesperson for a written quote that separates labour, materials and VAT. Posting your job is free and it stays open for 30 days.
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.
What moves the price
- The price a tradesperson quotes depends on several things.
- Volume is the first: a full strip-out and refit costs more than a cosmetic update.
- Access matters — a ground-floor bathroom with a driveway is easier to work in than a top-floor flat with no lift and limited parking.
- Condition is another factor: old pipework, damp patches, uneven floors, or a previous DIY job can add time.
- Materials are chosen by the customer, and the range is wide: standard ceramic tiles versus large-format porcelain, a basic shower tray versus a low-profile stone-resin one, a wall-hung vanity versus a freestanding unit.
- Moving a toilet, basin, or shower to a new position usually means altering waste pipes and water supply, which adds labour.
- Extractor fans, underfloor heating, and niche shelving all affect the quote.
- Ask for a breakdown that separates labour, materials, and any allowance for tiling or electrical work.
How long bathroom renovation takes
A straightforward bathroom refit — new suite in the same positions, retiling, no layout changes — typically takes one to two weeks on site. If you are moving the toilet or shower, or replacing pipework and wiring, expect two to three weeks. A full renovation with a new layout, underfloor heating, and custom tiling can run to four weeks or more. The start date depends on the tradesperson's current schedule and on how quickly you choose and order materials. Tiles, sanitary ware, and shower enclosures can take a week or more to arrive, so ordering early helps. In Ireland, many tradespeople are busiest in spring and early summer, so booking a slot a few weeks ahead is common. Weather rarely stops indoor work, but it can affect deliveries.
What to ask before you hire
- 01Before you agree to anything, ask for a written quote that lists what is included and what is not.
- 02Ask whether VAT is included in the figure and at what rate.
- 03Ask for the name of the insurance provider and the policy number for public liability, and check that it covers domestic work.
- 04Ask who will tidy up at the end of each day and who removes the old suite and rubble — skip hire is often a separate cost.
- 05Ask which professional body they are a member of, and whether they belong to a trade association relevant to plumbing, tiling, or electrical work.
- 06Ask how long the job will take and whether they will work continuously or move between jobs.
- 07Ask if they will provide a receipt and a guarantee for their workmanship.
- 08If the quote is vague, ask for a revised one before you commit.
Bathroom renovation guides
All guides →
Explore other service categories that might interest you:
Bathroom renovation by county: Carlow, Clare, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Meath, Wexford, Wicklow.
Bathroom remodelling in Irish homes
Bathroom renovation is one of the most common home upgrades in Ireland, from 1970s semi-detached houses in Dublin and Cork to rural bungalows where an older bath is swapped for a walk-in shower. Cost depends on the size of the room, tiling area, whether pipes move and the fittings you choose, so get a written, itemised quote. Older homeowners can ask their local council about the Housing Aid for Older People scheme for accessible showers. Spring and the run-up to Christmas are the busiest times. When posting, give the room size, what stays and what goes, the type of shower or bath you want, and any photos.
Bathroom jobs people hire for
- Full bathroom strip-out and refit
- Bath to walk-in shower conversion
- Wet room installation
- Floor and wall tiling
- Accessible bathroom for older or disabled residents
- Ensuite installation
- Vanity unit and toilet replacement
- Electric or pumped shower fitting
- Bathroom extractor fan installation
- Leak repair and resealing around baths and showers
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?
As a rough guide for 2026: a smaller refresh that keeps the existing layout typically costs €3,500 to €6,000. A standard mid-spec full refit is usually €6,500 to €12,000 nationally and about €8,000 to €14,000 in Dublin. Larger, high-spec or wet-room projects start around €10,000 and can go beyond €22,000. The final price depends on the size of the room, any layout changes and the fittings you choose, so ask for written quotes after a site visit. Our bathroom renovation cost guide in the articles section below breaks these figures down by project type.
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.
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