How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take?

There is something exciting about a bathroom remodel project, knowing that you are going to end up with a fresh, rejuvenated and modern room in your home.

However, though you might have a vision of what you would like your bathroom renovation to look like, you also need to think about the time that the project will take to complete.

From the initial demolition of an existing bathroom to the finishing touches, it’s important to have a good idea of how long it will take to turn your bathroom dreams into a reality.

Whether you are planning a modest refresh of an existing bathroom or a complete overhaul, the information below will guide you through the bathroom renovation timeline.

The Average Time Taken for a Complete Bathroom Renovation

It’s difficult to give an exact figure for how long a bathroom renovation takes, as there are a variety of things to take into account but you should plan for at least three to four weeks of work, if not more.

Whereas a small and simple bathroom remodel can be a relatively quick home improvement project, a complete bathroom renovation and creating a bathroom from scratch can take a lot longer.

This is why it’s important to make sure that you have enough time for your chosen tradespeople to complete the job, especially if you are having a full bathroom renovation.

Remodelling

Remodelling an existing bathroom (updating fixtures, finishes, and possibly reconfiguring the layout) is usually quicker than starting from scratch. 

On average, you should anticipate a timeline of between three to four weeks for a basic bathroom remodel from the planning stage to project completion. 

If you’re shifting around the layout or water supply the timeline will look more like five to six weeks due to greater plumbing requirements, or if you’re knocking down a wall, for example. The same timeline applies to large bathrooms, which typically will require greater tiling and finishing time.

The process typically includes demolishing existing bathroom elements, addressing plumbing and electrical work, installing new fixtures and completing the finishing touches. Of course, timeframes can vary based on the scope of the project and the complexity of the changes.

New Bathroom

There’s something incredibly exciting about designing a totally new bathroom. However, if the framework isn’t in place (plumbing lines for example), this project will naturally demand more time and intricate planning than a simple remodel.

You’re looking at at least six weeks to create a bathroom in a new room, potentially closer to eight or nine, depending on the scope and complexity of your project. You’ll need to add or move a soil pipe (that deals with drainage), which is a fairly big job – it usually requires some external digging to lay the pipe. New electrics also need to be considered, which could add days to the work. 

As with basic bathroom remodelling, this timeframe includes the entire process, from the initial bathroom design and layout considerations to the installation of plumbing, electrical work and adding the final fixtures. Like with all renovation projects, there’s always the chance of unforeseen problems causing delays. This is a little more likely when creating a bathroom in a new room as there’s more structural unknowns, but your contractor should be able to offer clarity on timelines if something were to happen.

Time to Plan

There is a lot that goes into planning a bathroom renovation, and it’s not something that you quickly jump into. A lot of people underestimate the importance of planning a bathroom renovation, but it’s the planning stages that result in a straightforward renovation or remodel, resulting in a bathroom that ticks every box.

It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to plan a bathroom renovation, as the following stages need to be completed before demolition can begin.

Inspiration

The first part of planning a bathroom renovation is finding inspiration and deciding on your vision. You need to have adequate time to look at various design trends, think about your desired aesthetic and consider the functional aspects of your bathroom.

Budgeting

Once your vision is solidified, you can then start thinking about budgeting. This stage of planning involves assessing costs, obtaining quotes from tradespeople and ensuring that your budget aligns with your renovation goals.

Layout and Fixtures

Designing the layout of your new bathroom and selecting fixtures is a key part of the planning process, and it’s a stage that demands careful consideration. This stage tends to involve consulting designers, finalising floor plans, choosing fixtures and ensuring the design aligns with your preferences and budget.

Contractor Selection

Finding the right contractor is a vital part of a successful bathroom renovation. You need to allocate enough time to researching and selecting a reputable professional, checking references and finalising contractual agreements.

Material Selection

Choosing materials – such as wall tiles, counters and fixtures – can take a few days, or it could take a few weeks, depending on how easy it is to find the materials that you are looking for. Consider factors like availability, delivery times and any customisation requirements before making your final decision.

Bathroom Renovation Timeline

Starting a bathroom renovation project can be daunting, even if it’s part of the journey towards transforming a functional space into your dream bathroom. Understanding the flow of tasks is essential for a smooth renovation process, and it reduces the chances of you being caught out by work going on for longer than you planned.

Old Bathroom Removal

Timeline: Typically one to two days

Before a bathroom renovation can begin, the old or existing bathroom needs to be removed. This usually involves dismantling fixtures, removing tiles and getting rid of existing structures. The time it takes to remove the old bathroom depends on a variety of factors, like the amount of material to remove, and how difficult the material is to demolish.

Plumbing

Timeline: Typically two to three days

Once the space is cleared, plumbing work can commence. This stage involves any necessary reconfigurations, installations or repairs to ensure optimal functionality. If you’re creating a bathroom from scratch, more extensive (and more time-consuming) plumbing will likely be needed.

Installing Bathroom Suite

Timeline: Typically two to four days

The installation of the new bathroom suite follows plumbing. How long this takes depends on how large or complex the suite is. This construction phase incorporates setting fixtures such as new baths, sinks, toilets and shower cubicles, ensuring they align with the planned layout.

Electrical

Timeline: Typically one to two days

Electrical work is done after the bathroom suite installation. This stage includes wiring for lighting, outlets and any other electrical components.

Sheeting

Timeline: Typically one to two days

Sheeting involves preparing the walls for the upcoming finishes, ensuring a smooth and even surface for the rest of the renovation. For larger rooms, this could take slightly longer.

Waterproofing

Timeline: Typically two to three days

Waterproofing is a critical step to protect your bathroom from potential water damage. Perfect application is key, so it’s important not to rush this stage.

Tiling

Timeline: Typically three to five days

Tiling is a transformative stage that adds aesthetic appeal to a bathroom. You should plan for tiling to take approximately three to five days, but it can take longer depending on the size of the space, complexity of the chosen tile pattern, and whether you’re using both floor tiles and wall tiles.

Painting

Timeline: Typically one to two days

Once tiling is complete, painting the walls and ceilings is next. This stage ensures a flawless finish that complements the overall design.

Fittings

Timeline: Typically one to two days

Last but not least: fittings such as mirrors, shelves and towel racks are added. How many accessories you include will impact the timeframe, but usually this stage is quite speedy.

Reasons the Process Might Take Longer than Expected

When renovations have unexpected delays, particularly with rooms that are so essential to your day to day, it’s understandably stressful. Typically bathroom renovations can take longer than expected because of unforeseen problems that crop up, including hidden damage, delays in getting materials, complex design challenges, and issues with plumbing or electrical work. 

If materials are delayed, contractors might also then face scheduling conflicts, which can slow down the process further.

How to Speed Up a Bathroom Renovation

You can’t really speed up bathroom renovation time without cutting corners, but you can plan carefully for the best possible chance of everything going smoothly. Choosing an experienced contractor, keeping the design simple, preparing your space for work in advance and having all materials ready will help your project run to time. Make sure you’re easily contactable and able to make decisions swiftly if needed, to ensure that you’re not holding anything up.

Finding Someone to Renovate Your Bathroom

There is a lot of excitement surrounding a bathroom renovation, but finding the right professional bathroom fitters to bring your vision to life is an important first step. There are a variety of ways to find someone to renovate your bathroom including searching online, asking around and using The Page.

The Page

With The Page, finding a fitter for your bathroom renovation is easier than it ever has been.

When looking for a professional contractor, such as someone to renovate your bathroom, you can submit an inquiry to The Page, and get matched with a curated list of professionals tailored to your specific job requirements.

The Page is committed to ensuring quality and reliability, for both customers and tradespeople.

Every tradesman featured on the platform undergoes a vetting process, involving face-to-face meetings and comprehensive assessments of their previous work.

This dedication to evaluating tradespeople guarantees that users are connected with only the most qualified and reputable tradesmen in the area, providing peace of mind and confidence for any bathroom renovation project.

Just send us an enquiry and we will create a tailored list of suitable contractors for you.

Online Search

Technology has revolutionised the way we look for service providers and tradespeople online, making online searches a ‘go-to’ method for finding a bathroom renovation professional.

You can use search engines, such as Google, to find a local bathroom fitter. You can also use platforms like Trustpilot, Yelp and The Page, all of which provide a range of reviewed and recommended tradespeople for you to choose from.

Assessing the experiences of previous clients can offer valuable insights into a professional’s reliability and work quality, so check out online reviews and testimonials.

Ask Around

It’s always a good idea to ask around when it comes to finding someone to complete your bathroom refurbishment. Personal recommendations carry a lot of weight, and asking around can give you an insight into who other people have previously used.

Seek recommendations from friends, family or neighbours who have recently undertaken bathroom renovations. Personal referrals often come with detailed information about the professional’s quality of work, communication and overall performance.

You could also ask within local community groups or forums, either online or offline. Neighbours who have undergone renovations can share their experiences and recommend professionals they trust, many of which are likely to be local to you.

While the timelines provided offer a general roadmap, it’s important to embrace flexibility and recognise that unexpected challenges and bespoke design choices can influence the overall duration.

Whether you are envisioning a quick refresh or a more extensive overhaul, the key lies in informed planning, collaboration with skilled professionals and an understanding that high-quality, impressive and worthwhile renovations require an investment of time.