In short: A bathroom in a panel building is usually small, and pipes and ventilation are shared with the whole building. Before renovating, ask the association whether the risers are due for replacement, and don't change the ventilation on your own. In a small room, a walk-in shower, wall-hung toilet and large light tiles help.
Many apartments in Tallinn and Harju County are in Soviet-era panel buildings. Their bathrooms are usually small, and the pipes and ventilation are shared with the whole building. This affects what can be changed during a renovation and how.
Shared risers
Water and drainage risers run through every apartment and belong to the apartment association. If the risers are old, it's worth asking the association before your bathroom renovation whether they plan to replace them. It's best when the riser replacement and bathroom renovation happen at the same time – then new tiles don't have to be broken open later.
Ventilation
In a panel building the bathroom ventilation is usually connected to a shared shaft. It must not be blocked, and a powerful fan shouldn't be connected to it without permission, as this can disrupt the neighbours' air exchange. We'll find a suitable solution together during the site visit.
Combining the bathroom and toilet?
Many panel buildings have a separate bathroom and toilet. Combining them gives more space, but the partition may be structurally important and the change may need the association's consent and a design. We'll check what's possible before you decide.
Small room, smart solutions
- A walk-in shower instead of a bathtub makes the room feel bigger.
- A wall-hung toilet frees up floor space and is easy to clean.
- Large, light tiles and fewer joints make the room calmer.
- A washing machine often fits next to or under the basin if it's planned from the start.
Being considerate of neighbours
Demolition is noisy. It's good practice to let the neighbours know in advance and do the noisiest work during the day. Many associations also have house rules about renovation hours.
For example, in the Tedre tee bathroom we built a separate shower niche in a small room and tiled the walls with large grey tiles.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the association's permission to replace a riser?
Yes, risers belong to the whole building. Read more: when you need the association's permission.
Can the bathroom and toilet be combined?
Often yes, but the dividing wall may be load-bearing. Then you need the association's consent and sometimes a design.
How long does a bathroom renovation in a panel building take?
Usually 2–4 weeks. Read more: how long a bathroom renovation takes.
Planning a bathroom renovation? Ask us for a free quote – we'll visit, look at the room and suggest a solution. Read more about our bathroom renovation service.
