Do I Need Planning Permission to Renovate My Bathroom in Ireland?

One of the most common questions we get at Bespoke Bathrooms is: “Do I need planning permission to renovate my bathroom?” The good news is, in most cases, the answer is no—especially if you’re keeping the renovation internal and not making structural changes.

However, there are a few important details to be aware of, particularly if you’re planning a larger upgrade or extending the footprint of your home. Here’s what you need to know.

When You Don’t Need Planning Permission

For most standard bathroom renovations, planning permission is not required. This includes:

Replacing a bath, shower, toilet, or basin with new ones in the same location
Installing new tiling, flooring, lighting, or cabinetry
Upgrading your bathroom suite without altering the structure of the building
Moving plumbing or pipework within the boundaries of your home

If your bathroom renovation falls into any of the above categories, you’re generally free to proceed without involving your local planning authority.

When Planning Permission May Be Required

There are cases where planning permission—or at least consultation with your local council—may be necessary:

You’re adding a bathroom as part of a new house extension
You plan to convert a garage, attic, or outbuilding into a bathroom
You want to install a window in a protected structure or listed building
You’re changing the external appearance of the property (e.g., a new skylight, window enlargement, or external soil stack)

In these scenarios, you may need to apply for planning permission or seek approval under exempted development rules.

Building Regulations Still Apply

Even if planning permission isn’t required, your project must still comply with Irish building regulations. These cover important aspects such as:

Ventilation and moisture control
Electrical safety in wet areas
Structural changes (e.g., removing walls, modifying joists)
Accessibility standards for certain property types

At Bespoke Bathrooms, we ensure all our bathroom renovations meet or exceed these requirements—so you can rest easy knowing your project is compliant, safe, and high quality.

Still Not Sure? We Can Help.

Every home is unique, and if you’re unsure whether your renovation might require permission, we recommend speaking with an expert early in the process. Our team can assess your project, liaise with relevant professionals if needed, and guide you through every step of your bathroom renovation.

Start Your Renovation with Confidence

If you’re ready to upgrade your bathroom and want expert help with design, planning, and compliance, we’re here to help. Whether your project is large or small, we’ll ensure it runs smoothly from start to finish.