Bathroom Renovation Planning: A Step-by-Step Guide for Irish Homeowners

A bathroom renovation is one of the most rewarding home improvements you can undertake. It adds value to your property, improves daily comfort, and can transform a tired, dated space into something modern and functional. However, without proper planning, costs can spiral and timelines can stretch. This guide walks you through the entire process from start to finish.

Step 1: Set Your Budget

Before you start browsing tiles or choosing taps, establish a realistic budget. In Ireland in 2026, a standard bathroom renovation typically costs between €5,000 and €12,000, depending on the size of the room and the level of finish. A full renovation of a main bathroom with new suite, tiling, plumbing, and electrics usually falls in the €8,000 to €12,000 range. An en-suite or downstairs WC can be done for €4,000 to €7,000.

Always add a contingency of 10-15% to your budget. Once walls and floors are stripped back, it is common to find issues like damp, rotten floorboards, or outdated plumbing that needs replacing. Having a buffer means these surprises will not derail your project.

Step 2: Plan the Layout

The most cost-effective approach is to keep the existing layout where possible. Moving the toilet, shower, or bath to a different position means relocating waste pipes and water supply lines, which adds significantly to the cost. If you are happy with the current layout, you can save thousands by simply replacing the fixtures in their existing positions.

That said, if your bathroom layout is genuinely poor or you are converting a small space, it can be worth the investment. Walk-in showers, for example, have become extremely popular in Ireland as they make better use of space than a bath in smaller rooms, and they are more accessible as you age.

Step 3: Choose Your Fixtures and Fittings

Irish bathroom suppliers such as TileStyle, Quirkys, and Heat Merchants offer a wide range of suites, tiles, and accessories. Here are some tips for making your selections:

• Toilets: Wall-hung toilets look sleek and make cleaning the floor easier. Close-coupled toilets are more affordable and easier to install.
• Showers: A thermostatic mixer shower with a rainfall head is a great mid-range option. Digital showers offer precise temperature control but cost more. If your water pressure is low, you may need a pumped shower system.
• Tiles: Large-format tiles (600x600mm or larger) create a sense of space and have fewer grout lines to clean. Porcelain tiles are more durable than ceramic and better suited to wet areas.
• Vanity units: Wall-mounted vanity units provide storage while keeping the floor clear, making the room feel larger and easier to clean.
• Heated towel rails: A heated towel rail is a relatively inexpensive addition that makes a big difference to comfort, especially during Irish winters.

Step 4: Choose the Right Tradespeople

A bathroom renovation typically involves a plumber, tiler, and electrician. Many plumbing firms, including Riverside Plumbing & Heating, offer a complete project management service where we coordinate all trades, saving you the hassle of dealing with multiple contractors.

When choosing a plumber for your bathroom renovation, look for:

• RGI registration (mandatory for any gas or oil work)
• Public liability insurance (€2M minimum recommended)
• A portfolio of previous bathroom work
• Fixed-price quotes rather than day rates
• Clear written agreements on timeline, payment schedule, and scope of work

Step 5: Understand the Timeline

A typical bathroom renovation takes one to two weeks from strip-out to completion. Here is a rough breakdown:

1. Day 1-2: Strip out the old bathroom, remove fixtures, tiles, and flooring.
2. Day 2-3: First fix plumbing and electrics, repair any structural issues.
3. Day 3-5: Waterproofing (tanking), floor preparation, and wall boarding if needed.
4. Day 5-8: Tiling walls and floor.
5. Day 8-10: Second fix plumbing (installing the suite, shower, taps), electrical fittings, and finishing touches.

During this time, you will be without a bathroom, so if you only have one, discuss temporary arrangements with your plumber beforehand. Some customers install a temporary shower in a utility room or make arrangements with neighbours.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skimping on waterproofing: Proper tanking behind tiles in the shower area is essential to prevent damp and mould. This is not the place to cut costs.
• Choosing style over function: That freestanding bath looks stunning in a magazine, but will it fit your room and your daily routine? Think practically.
• Ignoring ventilation: An extractor fan is essential in every bathroom. Without proper ventilation, you will get condensation, mould, and peeling paint.
• Not planning enough storage: Recessed shelving, mirrored cabinets, and vanity units all help keep a bathroom tidy and functional.