A full bathroom renovation usually takes three to four weeks on site once work starts. The time goes into a set sequence of stages, several of which need drying or curing time that can’t be rushed. Here’s what happens, in order.
1. Demolition and strip-out (1 to 2 days)
Everything comes out: tiles, vanity, toilet, shower screen and often the wall sheeting. Stripping back to the frame lets us check for water damage or rot behind the old tiles, which is common in older Melbourne homes.
2. Plumbing and electrical rough-in (2 to 3 days)
Licensed plumbers move or replace pipework to suit the new layout, and electricians run wiring for lights, exhaust fans, heated towel rails and power points. This is the stage where layout changes are decided for good.
3. Sheeting, screeding and waterproofing (3 to 5 days)
Walls are sheeted with wet-area board, the floor is screeded to fall towards the waste, and a waterproofing membrane is applied. The membrane needs time to cure before tiling, and it is the most important step for how long the bathroom lasts.
4. Tiling (4 to 6 days)
Floor and wall tiling is usually the longest single stage. Large-format tiles, feature walls, niches and mitred edges all add time but make a big difference to the finished look.
5. Fit-off and finishing (2 to 4 days)
The vanity, toilet, tapware, shower screen, mirror and accessories go in, followed by silicone, painting and a final clean. We then walk through the room with you before handover.
What can make it take longer
- Hidden water damage or rotten framing found during demolition.
- Moving the toilet, shower or vanity to a new position.
- Custom items with long lead times, such as stone vanity tops or made-to-measure shower screens.
- Changes to the plan after work has started.
The best way to keep a renovation on schedule is to lock in every selection before demolition day. We confirm the timeline in writing with your quote, so you know what to expect before we start.