Stripping your bathroom only takes one to two days, but that’s just the beginning. Other phases of the renovation process will require more time and planning. Here’s a breakdown of how long a bathroom renovation typically takes in Australia.
1. Planning Phase (1-4 weeks)
The planning phase of a bathroom renovation is all about setting the foundation for a smooth and successful project. It’s the stage where you decide what you want, how much you’re willing to spend, and who will help bring your vision to life.
During this phase, you’ll figure out the layout, design, and key fixtures, things like whether you’re keeping the same floor plan or making changes, what kind of tiles and fittings you prefer, and how much storage you’ll need. You’ll also research costs, compare quotes from tradies, and check if any approvals are needed.
2. Demolition Phase (1-2 Days)
The demolition phase marks the start of the actual renovation work. This is when your old bathroom is stripped back to make way for the new design. It involves removing outdated fixtures, tiles, flooring, and even walls if any structural changes are planned.
During this stage, plumbing and electrical components may also be exposed, which allows tradespeople to assess and prepare for any necessary upgrades or adjustments. If unexpected issues like water damage, mold, or structural weaknesses are discovered, they will need to be addressed before moving forward.
A key part of this phase is proper waste disposal, ensuring old materials are removed safely and in line with local regulations. Once demolition is complete, the space is prepped for the next step: plumbing, electrical rough-in, and waterproofing.
3. Plumbing & Electrical Rough-In (2-5 Days)
The plumbing and electrical rough-in stage is where all the essential behind-the-scenes work happens. Before any visible elements like tiles or fixtures are installed, your plumber and electrician will lay the groundwork for your new bathroom setup.
What Happens During This Stage?
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Plumbing: Pipes for your shower, bath, toilet, and vanity are installed or repositioned if you’re changing the layout. Drainage and water supply lines are checked to ensure they meet Australian standards.
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Electrical: Wiring is run for lighting, power outlets, heated towel rails, and any extra features like underfloor heating or LED mirrors.
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Compliance Check: Licensed professionals ensure that all work meets safety regulations, avoiding costly fixes later.
This phase is critical because any errors at this point can be difficult (and expensive) to fix once walls, floors, and tiles are in place. Once the rough-in is complete, the space is ready for waterproofing and tiling.
4. Waterproofing & Tiling (3-7 Days)
The waterproofing and tiling stage is crucial for protecting your bathroom from water damage and bringing your design to life. At this point, your bathroom starts to take shape, with walls and floors being prepped and tiled.
What Happens During This Stage?
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Waterproofing: A specialist applies a waterproof membrane to walls and floors, especially in wet areas like the shower and around the bath. This ensures no moisture seeps into walls or flooring, preventing mold and structural damage. The waterproofing needs time to dry before tiling can begin.
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Tiling: Once the waterproofing is fully set, tiles are carefully laid on the walls and floors. This process can take several days, especially for intricate patterns or larger tile formats. After tiling, grout is applied to seal the gaps, and excess grout is cleaned off.
Tiling is one of the most visually impactful parts of the renovation, and getting it right takes time. Once the tiles are fully set and sealed, the bathroom is ready for fixture and fitting installation.
5. Fixture & Fitting Installation (2-5 days)
This is where your bathroom really starts to look complete. Now that the tiles are set, all the major fixtures and fittings are installed. The vanity, basin, and toilet are put in place, with plumbing connected so everything functions properly. Your shower and bath are also fitted, whether it’s a walk-in shower, a built-in bath, or a freestanding tub.
Tapware, mirrors, towel rails, and other accessories are added, bringing both function and style to the space. Any electrical work, like lighting and power outlets, is also finalised. At this stage, your bathroom is almost done, just a few finishing touches remain before it’s ready to use.
6. Final Touches & Clean-Up (1-2 days)
The last stage of your bathroom renovation is all about finishing details and getting the space ready to use. Any remaining painting is done, and gaps around fixtures and tiles are sealed with silicone to keep everything watertight. The entire bathroom is cleaned thoroughly to remove dust, grout residue, and construction mess.
Once everything is polished and checked, a final inspection ensures that all plumbing, electrical work, and fittings are properly installed and functioning as they should. With that, your brand-new bathroom is officially complete and ready to enjoy!
How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take in Australia?
The timeline for a bathroom renovation in Australia typically falls between 3 to 12 weeks, depending on several key factors. The size of your bathroom, the complexity of the design, the materials used, and the availability of skilled tradies all play a significant role in determining how long the process will take.
Smaller, straightforward renovations can be completed in as little as 3-6 weeks, while larger or more intricate projects, such as those involving structural changes, custom finishes, or premium fixtures, may extend closer to 8-12 weeks.
One crucial factor in keeping your renovation on schedule is the timely delivery of materials. Delays in sourcing tiles, vanities, or specialty fittings can significantly slow down progress, especially if tradies need to wait for essential components before moving forward. To avoid unnecessary setbacks, it’s best to order from a trusted retailer that can guarantee reliable stock availability and on-time delivery.
Ultimately, while bathroom renovations require careful planning and coordination, working with reputable suppliers and tradies can help ensure a smooth and efficient process, bringing your dream bathroom to life within a reasonable timeframe.
