Last Updated on March, 2025
So, you’re ready to tackle a bathroom renovation, and the first question is probably, “How long does a bathroom renovation take?”
The short answer is that the average bathroom renovation takes around 3 to 4 weeks, but the actual time can vary depending on the project scope, whether it’s a simple refresh or a full bathroom renovation with structural changes.
With proper planning and realistic expectations, you can avoid unnecessary delays and enjoy a smoother renovation process.
Let’s break it down step by step to help you understand the entire bathroom renovation.
Quick Summary
- A bathroom renovation typically takes 3–4 weeks, with three main stages: pre-construction (1–2 months for planning, permits, and material sourcing), construction (3–6 weeks for demolition, plumbing, tiling, and fixture installation), and post-construction (1–2 weeks for finishing touches and cleaning).
- Project scope, material availability, existing bathroom conditions, DIY vs. professional work, and mid-project changes can significantly influence how long the renovation takes. Proper planning and early material sourcing help avoid delays.
- Key strategies include preparing the space before contractors arrive, communicating regularly with your team, sticking to your design plan, ordering materials early, and being available for quick decisions to ensure the project stays on track.
The Key Phases of a Bathroom Renovation
Every bathroom renovation has three main stages: pre-construction, construction, and post-construction. These phases provide a rough timeline and help keep the renovation process organised.
1. Pre-Construction Phase: Planning and Preparation
Time: 1 to 2 months
The planning phase is where you’ll lay the groundwork for your new bathroom. Start by thinking about your bathroom design.
Are you going for a sleek, modern bathroom style with minimalism in mind? Or do you prefer a cosy, classic look?
Either way, this is the time to decide on key elements like style features, bathroom fitting, and even extras like a heated towel ladder or heated flooring.
Once you’ve nailed down your vision, dive into the practical stuff.
Hiring contractors is crucial, especially for plumbing and electrical work.
If you’re making structural changes, you’ll need to sort out planning permission and work with your local council for council approvals. This can take weeks depending on your location, so plan ahead.
Next, focus on sourcing materials. Whether it’s custom built vanities, imported tiles, or shower doors, order these early to avoid delays.
This is also a good time to confirm your start date with contractors.
Quick Tips for Success:
- Make a detailed list of fixtures and materials you’ll need.
- Double-check timelines with your contractors.
- Be proactive about obtaining permits to stay on schedule.
2. Construction Phase: Building Your New Bathroom
Time: 3 to 6 weeks
The construction phase is when your existing bathroom starts to transform into a dream new bathroom. This part of the process can feel like a rollercoaster, but it’s all about trusting the timeline.
Here’s how it typically goes:
- Demolition (2–3 days): The first step is clearing out your old bathroom. This includes removing tiles, fixtures, and sometimes walls. If contractors find asbestos, it might add half a day or more for safe removal.
- Plumbing and Electrical Work (3–5 days): Next, the team works on plumbing and electrical systems, including installing drainage underfloor, rerouting pipes, and wiring for electrical items like light switches or an extractor fan.
- Sheetrock and Waterproofing (4–6 days): Once the groundwork is ready, walls are rebuilt with sheetrock, and waterproofing is applied to protect the space.
- Tiling (7–10 days): This step involves laying wall tiles, floor tiles, and prepping the space for shower screens. Since tiling requires drying time, it often takes longer than expected.
- Fixture Installation (2–4 days): This is where things really start taking shape. Vanities, light fittings, and new fixtures like toilets and sinks are installed. If you’ve opted for features like a heated flooring system, they’ll go in now.
This phase can feel overwhelming, but sticking to your estimated timeline and staying in touch with contractors will keep things moving smoothly.
3. Post-Construction Phase: Finishing Touches
Time: 1 to 2 weeks
The last step is all about the details. The team will add finishing touches like mirrors, shelving, and smaller bathroom fittings. After that, it’s time for a thorough post construction phase cleaning to remove all the construction debris and dust.
Once the space is spotless, you’ll do a final clean with your contractor to check that everything works properly.
Test the drawers, flush the toilet, and make sure the shower screen slides smoothly. Address any last-minute fixes during this phase to ensure your new bathroom is perfect.
Read more:
What Can Affect Your Renovation Timeline?
Not all bathroom renovations are created equal. The time it takes for your project will vary depending on several factors:
- Project Scope
A simple upgrade like installing floor tiles might only take a week or two. But a full bathroom installation with layout changes could stretch to 6 weeks or more.
- Material Selection
Choosing specialty materials like imported tiles or custom-built vanities is great, but they can take weeks to arrive. Ordering early is key to staying on track.
- Bathroom Condition
If your existing bathroom has issues like bad wiring or water damage, it could add extra time for repairs.
- DIY vs. Professionals
While painting or smaller jobs can be DIY, hiring professionals ensures the renovation meets Australian standards and avoids future headaches.
- Mid-Project Changes
Swapping fixtures or altering the bathroom design during the construction phase can throw off the entire timeline. Stick to your plan to avoid delays.
A Typical Bathroom Renovation Timeline
Here’s a rough timeline for a standard bathroom renovation take:
- Demolition: 2–3 days
- Plumbing and Electrical Rough-In: 3–5 days
- Sheetrock and Waterproofing: 4–6 days
- Tiling: 7–10 days
- Fixture Installation: 2–4 days
- Post-Construction Cleaning: 1–2 days
That’s about 4 to 6 weeks depending on the size of your small bathroom or the complexity of your full bathroom renovation.
Tips for a Smoother Bathroom Renovation
- Prep your space before contractors arrive to avoid delays.
- Communicate regularly with your team to keep the project on track.
- Order materials early, especially items like shower doors or light fittings.
- Stick to your design and avoid last-minute changes.
- Be available for quick decisions and questions.
The Finish Line: Your Dream Bathroom
Once the dust settles, you’ll be left with a fully functioning bathroom that looks amazing and works even better. From sleek bathroom fittings to practical features like extractor fans, your new bathroom will become one of the most important rooms in your home.
Start Your Renovation Today
Ready to transform your existing old bathroom into a dream bathroom?
With the right planning, you can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free renovation experience. Call us today to kickstart your bathroom renovation process. Let’s make your vision a reality!
