The Bathroom Renovation Process, Simplified

A bathroom renovation doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide to the process is here to help you make smart decisions at every step. Once you understand how it works, you can focus on the fun stuff: choosing what you want in your beautiful new space.

1. Determine your budget and get an idea of design 

The average bathroom renovation in London costs between £7,000 and £12,000, depending on how high spec you want to go. Get an idea of what you can do within your price range (layout, fixtures, fittings and finishes) so you can confidently speak to your fitter about your plans. 

2. Find the right bathroom fitter

Many homeowners get caught up in the design phase first, spending hours with a tape measure and deliberating over fittings and fixtures, or seeking help from a designer. In fact, an experienced bathroom fitter can help you here – saving you time and money. The right bathroom fitter will have done hundreds of similar projects and can offer practical design advice, give you access to trade discounts, and provide you with a clear timeline so you know what you need to order when (or even take care of the ordering for you). 

For a smooth bathroom upgrade, you want a specialist. Not a single plumber that jumps at the chance, or a big, premium renovation company that has some spare time – both of these profiles will be problematic, for different reasons. A one-person operation might seem cost-effective but typically lacks the resources to manage all aspects of a bathroom renovation efficiently. On the other hand, large construction companies often treat bathroom renovations as low-priority projects, assigning their least experienced team members, and you’ll likely experience delays once a bigger project comes in. The sweet spot is a small business, focusing almost exclusively on bathrooms, who have enough capacity and desire to prioritise your project, and decades of relevant experience. 

If you’re unsure where to look for a bathroom fitter, The Page can help. We’re here to offer expert advice and can connect you to a highly vetted Pager (the builders we work with) who occupy this sweet spot – no more rummaging through reviews online. 

3. Finalise designs and necessary approvals 

Once you’ve chosen a bathroom fitter, get their advice on your plans, finalise your design and order materials. Some might have longer lead times than others, so agree on a realistic timeline with your fitter with this in mind. Don’t worry about accessories like mirrors, lighting fixtures, hardware, and decorative elements at this point – these can wait until you see how the space is coming together.

If you’re changing electrical or plumbing systems, you’ll need appropriate building regulations approval. If your fitter is part of a competent person scheme, they will be able to handle this for you. 

From the rip out to the finished space, the process should take two to three weeks.

4. Rip out 

This involves removing old fixtures, fittings, and tiles to prepare for the new installation.

5. Rough-in work

Rough-in work is essentially the work you can’t see at the end: plumbing and electrical updates, including any fixture relocations.

6. Waterproofing

Your fitter applies specialised waterproofing membranes to all areas that will get wet (shower walls, floors, around the bath, etc.) to protect your home’s structure. This part of the bathroom renovation process in particular is where working with a specialist is key. Water damage, damp and mould can be very costly to rectify further down the line. 

7. Tiling and flooring

Installing your floor and wall tiles or other chosen finishes.

8. Fixture installation

Installing your new toilet, sink, shower or bath and any cabinetry.

9. Final touches and snagging 

Nearly there. Your fitter does any required painting, installs hardware, lighting, mirrors, and accessories, followed by a thorough inspection to ensure everything meets specifications. If your fitter offers a workmanship guarantee (as all our Pagers do) 

10. Sit back, relax, and feel proud of the new space you’ve created!

Get matched to the right bathroom fitter for your project with The Page

The Page is a free London-based renovation coaching and builder matching platform. We empower savvy homeowners to make confident, well-informed decisions – you stay in the driver’s seat, we’re here to guide you through the process. 

Achieve your dream space with clarity and bespoke support, transparency on budget and real market costs, and the expert workmanship of our Pagers. Our Pagers are the hand-picked, hands-on builders we work with. Highly vetted, skilled, and experienced, with tight-knit teams, their lean businesses equal top-quality work for a fair price. We connect you with these specialists so you can enjoy brilliant results without the premium price tag.

Thomas is our in-house renovation coach. He intimately understands the renovation process and project-specific challenges – he’s helped over 1,000 Londoners renovate with confidence. Whether you’re transforming your bathroom into a luxurious retreat or adding an extension to maximise family time, Thomas is here to signpost you at every stage of your project. From budgeting and sourcing fittings, right through to the pinch-me moment when you’re raising a toast to your new space, he provides the support you need to make smart choices.

The result? Confidence in the process and a space you love, for the right price – feel like you’ve cracked the code to renovating.