Renovating a bathroom is an exciting project for any homeowner, but it can also raise questions, especially about how long the process will take. Since a bathroom is one of the most frequently used areas in the home, having it out of commission for a prolonged period can cause inconvenience. Therefore, understanding the duration of the renovation helps manage expectations and prepares you for what’s ahead.
This blog will discuss the stages of a bathroom renovation, how long each stage typically takes, and what factors might affect the overall timeline. With a well-planned approach, you can minimise delays and ensure a smooth renovation process.
Let’s get straight to the point.
The construction phase of a typical bathroom renovation can take two to three weeks, but the entire process, including planning and material sourcing, usually extends to two to three months.
The timeline depends on factors such as the scope of the renovation, whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a contractor, and the availability of materials and tradespeople. Key phases include defining the project, choosing a contractor, obtaining permits, and ordering materials.
Delays may occur due to unforeseen issues, such as hidden damage, scheduling conflicts, or permit delays. Proper planning helps ensure a smooth renovation process.
Key Factors Influencing Bathroom Renovation Time
Several factors can impact the length of your bathroom renovation. Understanding these factors can help you plan better and avoid unnecessary delays.
Scope Of The Renovation
The complexity of the remodel plays a significant role in determining the timeframe. A simple cosmetic renovation that involves changing fixtures and repainting walls will naturally take less time than a full bathroom overhaul, where plumbing and electrical systems must be altered. A full bathroom remodel, including layout changes, may require more time for planning, permits, and skilled labour.
DIY Vs. Hiring A Contractor
Some homeowners opt to tackle bathroom renovations themselves to save money. While this might seem like a good idea, it often results in a much longer timeline. Without experience, tasks that take professionals a few days might take weeks or months for a DIY renovator. Hiring a professional contractor, on the other hand, ensures that the job is completed efficiently and within a structured timeframe.
Availability Of Contractors And Subcontractors
If you decide to hire a contractor, the availability of skilled tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians, and tilers is another factor to consider. If your contractor is managing multiple projects, they may only sometimes be able to dedicate full attention to your bathroom. Subcontractors, like electricians and plumbers, might also be working on other jobs, which can cause delays if they’re unavailable when needed.
Sourcing Materials
Another potential delay can come from sourcing materials. If you order custom items, such as cabinets or imported tiles, they might take longer to arrive. Special orders often take several weeks, and any shipping delays or damage during delivery can extend the project timeline further.
Pre-Construction Phase Of A Bathroom Renovation
Before construction begins, several crucial steps must be taken, from planning to selecting materials and obtaining permits. Each task requires time and careful consideration.
1. Defining The Project Goals (1 – 4 Weeks)
The first step in any bathroom renovation is defining the project’s scope. You need a clear vision of what you want from your bathroom remodel. Are you looking for a complete transformation, or do you want to make a few updates to freshen up the space?
At this stage, consider the layout, materials, and overall style you wish to achieve. A well-defined plan will help the contractor understand your goals and provide an accurate estimate of the time and costs involved.
2. Selecting A Renovation Company (1 – 4 Weeks)
Choosing the right renovation company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during this process. Finding a contractor who shares your vision and has the skills to deliver the desired results. Research contractors, read reviews, and review previous work to ensure you hire someone reliable.
Meeting with multiple contractors to discuss your project can take several weeks, so factor this into your timeline. Once you’ve chosen, the contractor will help you finalise the design and schedule.
3. Signing Contracts And Finalising The Construction Schedule (1 Week)
After selecting a contractor, you’ll need to sign a contract. The contract should detail the scope of the project, the timeline, and the payment schedule. Ensure you carefully review the contract, including any fine print, before signing to avoid surprises later. Once this is done, your contractor will draft a construction schedule that outlines the start and completion dates.
4. Obtaining Permits And Approvals (Weeks To Months)
If your bathroom remodel involves significant changes, such as moving plumbing or electrical systems, you’ll need to obtain the necessary permits from local authorities. Depending on the complexity of the renovation and local council regulations, this process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Design And Material Selection
1. Designing The Space (1 – 4 Weeks)
With your contractor on board, it’s time to finalise the design of your new bathroom. This step involves selecting fixtures, finishes, and the overall layout. A well-thought-out design ensures that the construction phase runs smoothly, giving everyone a clear roadmap to follow.
Your contractor will measure the space and help you decide on the placement of key elements such as the shower, toilet, and vanity. You will also work together to choose the right materials for the flooring, tiles, and fixtures.
2. Sourcing And Ordering Materials (1 – 8 Weeks)
Once the design is finalised, you’ll need to source and order all the materials required for the renovation. It’s important to place orders as early as possible to avoid delays. Custom materials or imported items may take longer to arrive, and any issues with delivery, such as broken or missing items, can push back the start date of your renovation.
Construction Phase: Bringing The Design To Life
Once the pre-construction tasks are complete, the construction phase can begin. This is the most exciting part of the process, as you’ll see your old bathroom transform into the space you envisioned.
1. Demolition (1 – 2 Days)
The first step in the construction phase is to demolish the existing bathroom. This involves removing all old fixtures, such as the bathtub, sink, toilet, and flooring or tiles. Depending on the bathroom size and the work’s complexity, demolition typically takes one to two days.
2. Plumbing And Electrical Work (2 – 3 Days)
Once the demolition is complete, the next step is to install the new plumbing and electrical systems. This includes running pipes for the shower, toilet, and sink and wiring for lighting and ventilation. This phase usually takes two to three days, but any complications with the existing plumbing or wiring could add time to the project.
3. Drywall Installation And Waterproofing (5 – 10 Days)
After installing the plumbing and electrical systems, it’s time to install new drywall and apply waterproofing. Waterproofing is especially important in wet areas like the shower or bathtub, as it prevents leaks and protects the structure of your home.
The drywall installation typically takes several days, and the waterproofing process may require additional drying time. To avoid future water damage, ensure that your contractor uses high-quality materials.
4. Tiling And Flooring (4 – 5 Days)
Once the waterproofing is complete, the next step is installing the tiles and flooring. This process can take around four to five days, depending on the complexity of the bathroom size and the tiling pattern. Grouting and sealing the tiles also require drying time, so plan for a few days when no other work can be done while the grout sets.
5. Painting And Fixture Installation (1 – 2 Days)
After the tiling, it’s time to paint the bathroom walls and install the new fixtures. Painting usually takes a day or two, and once the paint has dried, the contractor will install the sink, toilet, and bathtub. This is also when additional features like lighting, mirrors, and towel racks are installed.
Final Touches And Inspections
1. Installing Final Accessories And Touch-Ups
The last few days of the construction phase involve adding the final touches to your bathroom remodel. This includes installing mirrors, shower doors, and any other accessories you’ve chosen. The contractor will also touch up any necessary paint or tile to ensure everything looks perfect.
2. Cleaning And Final Inspection
Once all the fixtures are in place, the contractor will clean up the space and conduct a thorough inspection. They’ll check that all systems, including plumbing and electrical, work correctly. At this stage, any final adjustments or repairs will be made. After the inspection, you’ll be ready to start using your new bathroom.
Factors That Can Extend The Timeline
While your contractor will strive to stick to the timeline, certain factors can cause delays:
- Hidden problems, such as mould or water damage, were discovered during demolition.
- Damaged materials that need to be re-ordered.
- Contractor scheduling conflicts with other projects.
- Permit delays or unexpected changes to local regulations.
Preparing for potential setbacks and working closely with your contractor can help mitigate these issues.
Conclusion
A bathroom renovation typically takes two to three months from start to finish, including the pre-construction phase. The construction alone usually takes around 23 days, but several factors, such as the project’s scope, material availability, and unforeseen issues, can influence the timeline. By understanding the process and planning for delays, you can set realistic expectations for your bathroom renovation and enjoy the transformation without unnecessary stress.
FAQs About Bathroom Renovation
How Long Does It Take For A Bathroom To Be Redone?
The answer to this question highly depends on the project’s scope; remodelling a bathroom can take three to four weeks. Completing larger remodelling projects can take anywhere from four to six weeks, but in general, you should be prepared for most remodelling projects to take at least one month.
Can You Remodel A Bathroom In 2 Days?
If you are the only customer, expect it to take one to two days. The roughing-in phase of the project takes longer when you move plumbing fixtures like the toilet, tub/shower, or sink or when you change the layout of the electrical system.
How Long Does It Take To Replace A Small Bathroom Floor?
Compared to the time necessary to repair other types of floors, such as tile or engineered wood, a straightforward vinyl floor can be installed in just one morning. On average, the flooring installation process can take up to two days.
How Long Does It Take To Waterproof And Tile A Bathroom?
After the sheets have been hung, the waterproofer will come in and finish waterproofing the room as per the specifications. This ensures that there will be no leaking showers and a tight water seal in the years to come! Waterproofing takes at least twenty-four hours to dry completely, and the process can take at least two days if there are two or three coats.
How Long Should A Bathroom Last?
Given that bathrooms typically last around ten years, their design should follow this long-lived rule without exception.
