Can I install a shower in my garage?

Author: Elody Lehner  |  Last update: Saturday, May 24, 2025

There may be a possibility of building a bathroom in your garage, but the cost and complexity of such a renovation project depends on the existing conditions. Some garages have been built under the house and already have plumbing that runs along the roof which might make the task relatively easy.

Can you put a shower in your garage?

The amount of space that you'll need comes down to what you want inside your garage bathroom. There's a shower, bathtub, toilet and sink. You'll have to draw up the design before you contact the plumber and the construction crew. Make sure you have enough space between the sink, toilet and shower.

Do you need planning permission to put a toilet and shower in a garage?

If you're converting a non-residential space, like a loft or garage, into a bathroom, planning permission might be required. This is because you're changing the use of the space, which could impact the overall property.

How hard is it to add plumbing to a garage?

Lots of work. You have to get underground sewer and water into the garage and through the concrete floor. After that, it's a matter of chopping up the concrete floor or putting in a raised floor for the drainage. Then it's time for the nice stuff, building the walls, doing the wiring and installing the fixtures.

Can you add plumbing to an existing concrete slab?

The traditional way of installing plumbing would be to cut through your concrete slab so you can lay the plumbing and connect it to your existing sewer point. This will give you the most seamless result, and the end result will be similar to if you had laid it in the slab from the beginning.

Easy Bathroom Install for Garage or Basement ( No Main Drain Required or Water Main. )

Can I add bathroom to garage?

Obtaining permits for installing a garage bathroom, or indeed the conversion itself is almost always necessary. Building codes cover so many aspects of construction that failure to get permission may mean you aren't legally allowed to complete the work.

Do you need consent for a wet floor shower?

You will need a building consent to: install a tiled wet area shower - as it involves critical building work that is not sanitary plumbing, such as carpentry and installing waterproof membranes.

Do I need permission to convert my garage?

Planning permission for a garage conversion is not necessary in many cases, although it is always best to double check with your local authority first. Most integral garage conversions fall under Permitted Development which means there is no need to make a planning application.

What is the least expensive way to install a shower?

1. Choose a Prefab Shower Insert. A prefab shower insert costs between $300 and $500, and a kit that includes all of the materials costs $400 to $2,000. This is the most budget-friendly type of shower, and it's simple enough to install and keeps labor costs relatively low.

How much to build a livable garage?

Garages are excellent opportunities to expand your living space or rental opportunities. The cost to build a garage with an apartment costs between $60,000 to $270,000, depending on the size, fit, and finish. Your average cost per square foot to build a garage apartment will usually fall between $125 and $250.

How much are walk in showers installed?

Nationally, the cost typically falls between $4,200 and $8,500, with more luxurious designs reaching upwards of $15,000. Along with materials, labor costs can significantly impact the overall expense of a walk-in shower installation, particularly for complex designs.

Can normal people use truck stop showers?

In certain cases, shower facilities may be designated for truck drivers only. Unless it's specifically stated, the showers at truck stops are available for public use.

Can I run water to my garage?

Yes, you can. Adding plumbing to a garage boosts its value and use. It means you can add a bathroom for convenience or a sink for a workshop.

Can I use a concrete floor for a shower?

Concrete can withstand the elements without a change in its structural integrity and quality, making it one of the top options for bathroom flooring. One reason why it is a durable material is that it houses less organic content than its popular counterparts.

Do I need a permit for an outdoor shower?

Typically, any new plumbing installation will require a permit, so if you are running water lines from inside the home to the outdoor shower, it's likely you will need a permit.

Does a shower have to be waterproofed?

Wall/floor junctions within the shower area must be waterproof (see Figure 10.2.2). Penetrations within the shower area must be waterproof.

Is there code to entrance to a shower?

Shower opening minimum 22” wide. Shower door must be able to open outward (inward is optional) Shower controls should be accessible without stepping into the shower spray.

Can I put a shower in my garage?

According to the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, internal changes to an existing building do not need planning permission. So, you can add a shower room to your garage as long as you are not making any external changes (such as replacing the garage door with windows).

How much does it cost to add a bathroom in a garage?

Garage. If you have an oversized garage and have room to spare to add a bathroom, this may be a good route to go. It can cost around $8,000 to $25,000 to install a full bathroom in a garage.

Can you put plumbing in a garage?

Yes, you can run plumbing to your garage. It's normally done by taking a part of your home's existing plumbing and running an underground line to connect it to a new plumbing system in your garage. You can run plumbing to an attached or detached garage.

How difficult is it to add a bathroom to a garage?

The hardest part to adding a bathroom into a garage is having the right plumbing available for supplying water and managing the waste from a sink, toilet or shower. In some situations the garage may have been built over some of the existing services for the property which means it is a case of getting access to them.

Do you need planning permission to convert a garage into a bathroom?

Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion? Usually, planning permissions are not required as long as your conversion is not going to affect the exterior surface of the home; once the exterior surface of the home starts being tampered with, then planning permissions will be required.

Can a bathroom be built in a garage?

Whether you're creating a full bathroom complete with shower, sink, and toilet, or a simple half bath, building a garage bathroom is a complicated process. That's in large part to structural considerations as well as updates to your plumbing and electrical systems.

Previous article
How to stop air from coming under the door?
Next article
What type of furnace is most efficient?