How long does a bathroom take to renovate?

Without wanting to give the most obvious answer to this question, the time needed to renovate your bathroom will depend on a variety of factors, the main one being the size of the bathroom and the extent of the renovation.

If you are planning on removing a bath and replacing it with a walk-in shower, this type of renovation work is going to take a lot longer than updating the existing bathroom furniture for example.

Whilst it is difficult to give you an exact answer when it comes to the time needed to carry out a bathroom remodel, we can provide you with some guidance about how long specific renovation work should take as well as providing you with some tips to make your bathroom renovation project efficient.

How long does a bathroom reno really take?

As well as the scale and scope of your bathroom renovation project, you also have to take into consideration the length of time it will take for materials to arrive and the efficiency of the team working on your project.

If you are carrying out your own bathroom remodel, it is best to allow additional time in your planning. Unless you are a tradesperson, a DIY bathroom renovation can run into a number of unforeseen issues that can really push your schedule back.

Working with a professional team is usually the most efficient and effective way to get your bathroom renovation completed in a reasonable timeframe.

As a healthy estimate, we would typically say between 4-5 weeks is a reasonable estimate for how long a bathroom renovation could really take when working with professionals.

As we have already mentioned, the scale and scope of your project will dictate this, as well as the materials you plan to use.

If you are simply updating the cosmetic look of your bathroom and replacing existing fixtures and fittings without the need to add new plumbing or electrical work, you could come in slightly under that 4-5 week estimate.

If, however, you are doing demolition work, significantly altering the layout of the bathroom, or opting for imported materials, then that timeline can quickly blow out and take 9-10 weeks at least.

And if you are doing the work yourself and don’t have a lot of experience as well as working a full-time job, that timeframe can be 6+ months.

The key to success, no matter the scale of your project or who is undertaking the work, is to plan. Putting in place a realistic plan at the beginning of the project is crucial as it helps to set expectation levels and helps you to keep task-focused.

Successfully planning a bathroom reno

After the kitchen, the bathroom in your home is one of the most utilised spaces and as such, it can get tired and need updating and remodeling.

Bathroom renovation projects are some of the most common projects and are often seen as a way of increasing the value of a home. A bathroom renovation can range in complexity, from simple cosmetics such as updating the fixtures including the bathtub, toilet and basin to completely changing the layout of the space.

Any bathroom renovation, big or small, requires a plan if you want to stick to both a timing schedule and to your budget.

There are six key stages to completing a successful bathroom renovation project. These include:

1. Planning and Design
2. Permits and Approvals
3. Demolition and Preparation
4. Plumbing and Electrical Work
5. Wall and Floor Installation
6. Fixture Installation and Finishing Touches

Obviously, the scale of your project will dictate whether all of these stages are necessary, however, for a full-scale bathroom renovation, these are six key steps that will help to keep you on plan and on budget.

Planning and Development

The initial phase of any bathroom renovation project is the planning and design stage. During this crucial step, you will work closely with a professional designer or contractor to develop a vision for your new bathroom.

This phase involves taking measurements, considering layout options, selecting fixtures and materials, and creating a detailed plan. The duration of this phase can vary depending on the extent of your customisation and the availability of design professionals.

On average, this stage may take anywhere from two to six weeks.

It is also at this stage that you will determine a final budget for the project based on the estimates for the time needed to complete the job from your chosen contractors and the cost of the materials you decide upon.

Permits and Approvals

Depending on your location and the scope of your renovation, you may need to obtain permits or approvals from local authorities.

This step ensures that your renovation complies with building codes and regulations. The time required for this stage can vary significantly, ranging from a few days to several weeks. It is essential to allocate enough time for this process to avoid delays in the construction phase.

When putting together a timeline for your project, it is always advisable to leave some wiggle room for elements that are out of your control so that you can set a more realistic timeframe to complete your bathroom renovation project.

Demolition and Preparation

Once the planning stage is complete and you have obtained the necessary permits, the next step is the demolition and preparation phase.

This involves removing existing fixtures, such as the bathtub, sink, tiles, and cabinets, to make way for the new elements. The duration of this stage depends on the size of your bathroom and the complexity of the demolition. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few days to a week.

Of course, there may be little demolition required if your bathroom reno project is more cosmetic and this stage may be completed quickly if you are simply removing your existing fixtures to make room for new ones.

Plumbing and Electrical Work

After the demolition and preparation work is complete, it's time to focus on the plumbing and electrical aspects of the renovation.

This stage involves rerouting or installing new plumbing lines, fixtures, and drains.

Additionally, electrical work such as installing lighting, outlets, and switches needs to be carried out.

The duration of this phase depends on the complexity of the plumbing and electrical changes required. On average, it may take one to two weeks to complete.

This stage may not be necessary at all if you are only completing minor renovation work.

Wall and Floor Installation

With the plumbing and electrical work in place, the renovation progresses to installing walls and floors.

This stage includes framing, drywall installation, tiling, and flooring.

The time required for this phase varies depending on the size of the bathroom, the complexity of the design, and the type of materials chosen. On average, it may take two to four weeks to complete.

If you are working on a small bathroom renovation project, retiling the floor and walls might be a job that professionals can complete in a day so your timeframe will always be dictated by the scale of the work being carried out.

Fixture Installation and Finishing Touches

The final stage of a bathroom renovation involves adding the finishing touches that bring the project to life. This includes painting, and installing fixtures, cabinets, countertops, mirrors, and accessories.

It's important to allocate sufficient time for this phase as it can significantly impact the overall aesthetics and functionality of your bathroom. On average, the finishing touches stage may take one to two weeks.

Summary

Bathroom renovation projects can really add some value to your property as well as improve the overall look and feel of the bathroom – one of the most used rooms in a house.

The timeframe for renovating your bathroom can vary significantly depending on who is doing the work, the materials you are using and the size and scale of the renovations, however, as an estimate, you should allow 4-5 weeks at the minimum to complete the project.

If you’re not sure what you are looking for, why not let our expert consultants help you? Bathroom fitting advice is part of the service here at Robertson from the big stuff right through to bathroom accessories and vanities.

We have many great bathroom design ideas from years of working alongside our customers to deliver high-end bathrooms in the latest styles. Here at Robertson, we import Europe’s most innovative bathroom products, giving our home-grown architects and designers the opportunity to put their own spin on the very latest designs, giving your bathroom that European style with a Kiwi edge.