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How long does a bathroom reno REALLY take and why?

By Jen Bishop •

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By Sarah Nolen

I, like anyone, am a true fan of a great before & after makeover. And that’s exactly what reality TV has harnessed. The fact that you’re reading this article now assures me that you’ve been accustomed to fast-tracked renovation shows that are showcased every evening for our viewing pleasure.

The reason why they show bathrooms completely stripped out and made afresh in only a few episodes is because there is no way on earth they’d maintain your attention if you were to sit through a real life renovation. For one, it takes a considerable amount of time and two, it would be boring. The real world of design and construction is a lot less drama filled, but hey that’s the power of reality TV, who are they going to fight with next?

Keep in mind too that they also have a huge workforce on TV shows to speed up the process: double the carpenters, plumbers and electricians. This economically would not work in a typical domestic setting due to substantial additional costs.

In my 11 years’ experience working as an interior designer, I’ve designed and project managed countless bathrooms, some small and some bigger and more complex than the average sized apartment. It’s fair to say the process is very similar whether you’re completing a simple facelift or recreating the Taj Mahal. All of the same trades are going to enter the bathroom area and essentially complete the same tasks.

In my first appointment with clients, I always give a clear indication of how long a project is due to take. And when I say ‘your bathroom from start to finish will take approximately six weeks’ I get a look of utter shock. If you’re a designer or builder, I know you’ll be nodding your head in agreement. Reality TV has completely thrown out any realistic expectations for how long renovations take.

The aim of this article is to break it down for you so that you can be fully prepared and understand exactly what it takes to get yourself a new bathroom. I’ve team up with Terence Otter from Seacliff Constructions who has just completed a stunning bathroom for me. We’ve both been doing this a long time so we like to think we know what we’re on about.

In a residential setting, there are generally two types of builders. The first type will work on one job at a time. Once that job is complete, they move on to their next project. This allows their tradespeople to be working on your bathroom full time, which means overall the project timeline will be shorter.

The second type of builder (which I find to be more common) will work on a number of projects at a time. They schedule their work so that their tradespeople are constantly working but going from one job to another throughout the week. In this instance, there may be a day or two where you don’t have anyone working on site. For any domestic builder, they are more often than not smaller working teams. This enables a shorter rein for the builder to be able to move and shuffle their tradespeople about.

Below, Terence and I have worked out the basic schedule of trades for a typical bathroom renovation. At the bottom, we’ve estimated the total weeks it would take dependant on which type of builder you engage.

TYPE 1 / One project at a time.

TYPE 2/ Multiple projects at a time

DEMOLITION

The first thing a builder is going to look at is the existing space and what materials it is built from. This will give an indication of the timing for the demolition stage. Timber studs and sheeted walls are much quicker to work with than solid brick walls. During the demolition stage, the installation of structural beams to support change of walls or new windows will also take place.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 2-3 days

TYPE 2 BUILDER-: 4-5 days

If asbestos is found, it will need to be professionally removed. Allow an additional 1-2 days’ work.

PLUMBERS  & ELECTRICIANS ‘ROUGH IN’

2. Basin plumbing

Once we have the bare structure, we then can get plumbers and electricians involved. They will begin their rough in of the plumbing points in the walls and floor and the wiring for the electrical work.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1-2 days

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 3-4 days

PREPARATION FOR TILING

Depending on the tiles you’ve selected, larger sizes will need straighter walls then smaller ones. Wall needs to be straightened and strengthened. At this time, the installation of new windows, doors and wall niches will take place. A cement slab (known as a tiling bed) will be installed, and must be completely dry before the waterproofing stage.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1-2 days

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 2-3 days

SHEETING

Now we’re ready to sheet the walls and ceilings.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1 day

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 1-2 days

WATERPROOFING

Once the sheets are installed, the waterproofer comes in and waterproofs the room as required. This ensures a tight water seal for years to come and no leaking showers! Waterproofing takes at least 24 hours to completely dry, this can be at least a 2-day process for 2-3 coats.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 2-3 days

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 3-4 days

TILING

The tiler spends the morning setting out the tiles. This is an important part, ensuring that the tiles are cut where they need to be (fall to the shower grate etc) and balance throughout the room. Note, I generally tile floor to ceiling for the walls. Once the tiling is complete, the shower screen can be measured ready for manufacture.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 5 days

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 7 days

FINISHING OF TILES

Now that the tiles are in place on the floor and walls, it’s time for them to be grouted and siliconed at the critical joints.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1-2 days

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 3 days

TRIMS & PAINTING

If you have new doors or windows, the timber architraves will now be installed. Once they are in place, the painter arrives to paint them along with the door and ceiling.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1 day

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 1-2 days

PLUMBING FIT OFF

3. Bath getting installed

The items that require plumbing have already been roughed in, so now it’s time to install them and connect them all up. These items include the toilet, bath, basin, tapware and finishing the drainage underfloor.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1 day

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 1-2 days

ELECTRICAL FIT OFF

As with the plumbing, the electrical items have already been roughed in. The electrician is now back to install the light fittings, switches, fans, and heated towel ladder.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1 day

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 1-2 days’

ACCESSORIES

4. After Shot

We’re now well and truly on the home stretch. The accessories like the toilet paper holder, hand towel rail, robe hooks etc can be put in place. The shower screen and mirror are also installed on this day. Once everything is in place, your bathroom is now ready for a final clean. Once it’s looking sparkly, it’s ready for use.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1 day

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 1-2 days

TOTAL APPROXIMATE TIMEFRAME:

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 3-4 WEEKS

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 6-7 WEEKS.

–Sarah Nolen is an interior designer with 13 years’ experience, founder of Birdblack Design in Wollongong.

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Jen Bishop

About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. She founded Interiors Addict in 2011. Jen also works as a copywriter and comms consultant to small business owners and brands, helping them with their own content as well as working out what will make them appealing to the media.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Christine says

    February 15, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    Thank you. In the throes of a two bathroom reno. Absolutely spot on observations. But living in it is challenging. But if you want it done properly…….,

    • Stone Tiling Baulkham Hills says

      February 24, 2021 at 5:47 pm

      Planning the layout is everything. It’s a good idea to get your builder in early to discuss ideas on layout possibilities. Even small spaces can work and function well with a good layout. Often simple things like changing to a cavity slider door or moving existing layouts around can make a big difference

      • Jen BishopJen Bishop says

        February 25, 2021 at 8:48 am

        So true! Great advice!

  2. Laura says

    January 8, 2018 at 3:56 am

    The contractor I hire to do a total remodel started the job on October 29, 2016 and it is now January 7, 2018, he is still working on it. He was a no show more days than he worked.

    I have been keeping a daily schedule on the days didn’t show (would call on those days and did not answer phone and left 10 plus messages) and days he did show and what work was done.

    • Laura says

      January 8, 2018 at 3:58 am

      I meant to type October 29, 2017 instead of October 29, 2016.

  3. richard e smith says

    April 15, 2018 at 1:52 am

    I’m about to start this process, I know from the “get go” that this is going to be annoying.

    About 4 weeks ago I discovered that the water proofing had gone AWOL in my shower recess.

    I looked at the numbers of trades, involved and had a mini panic attack.

    I am seriously dreading this.

    The one thing that people around me at work do not get is ” it takes more than a night go waterproof a wall”.

    Yours with thanks

    Smithy

    • Jen BishopJen Bishop says

      April 15, 2018 at 10:45 am

      It’s not fun but it’s always worth it! Good luck! Hope yours goes beautifully, Smithy!

  4. Kay Mill says

    November 12, 2018 at 1:22 am

    What waterproof? I was told by the contractors that the backingboard is all in on one mold resistant, sturdy etc.. i live in an apartment.

    I was also told I did not need any layer of protection besides the board.

    Is there modern boards that solve the moisture mold issue help me??

  5. Kevin says

    May 21, 2019 at 7:45 am

    Very nicely done post.
    And those of us in the business know that even your longer time-projections can be blown away by any number of issues. Bathrooms require all the trades and most have to work sequentially. A hold up for one can mean a hold up for all.
    We’ve all seen the tile order wrong – all the pieces are there but they’re from two different lots and the color is off.

  6. John Harris says

    November 9, 2020 at 9:54 pm

    Looks like you’ve done a thorough job. Great result Sarah.
    Cheers, John

  7. Stephen says

    December 18, 2020 at 9:38 am

    Hi sarah

    Good article. What’s your opinion on 5 day complete renovation.
    All the rage here.

    • Jen BishopJen Bishop says

      December 18, 2020 at 9:47 am

      Terrifying! Tell me more?

  8. Reno Bathroom Remodel says

    February 8, 2021 at 8:45 pm

    Great post! I love this article for it is very informative and reliable. Thank you for sharing this article. It is worth reading.

  9. Patricia Harrington says

    January 10, 2023 at 11:36 am

    I am in my 8th month of a bathroom reno. It has been a total nightmare in terms of time. It will be absolutely stunning if they will ever come to finish it. Just have wall texture and paint and a punch list of small things, but I am afraid it will be a full year before they come back…IF they come at all.

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    January 5, 2019 at 6:31 am

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    How long does a bathroom reno REALLY take and why? – The Interiors Addict

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