You’re standing in your bathroom, staring at the chipped tiles and rusty taps, thinking, “it’s time.” But before you even book a tradie or pick out new tiles, one big question hits you:
“How long is this going to take?”
You’ve got work, school runs, weekend plans, and sharing one bathroom isn’t exactly your idea of fun. Whether it’s a small touch-up or a full makeover, knowing how long a bathroom renovation takes helps you plan things better (and saves you from unexpected cold showers).
Renovating a Small Bathroom
If you’ve got a compact bathroom, like a guest or half bath, the renovation can take around 1 to 3 weeks. But that’s if everything runs smoothly.
Here’s what affects the timing:
- Design & Planning: 1–3 days (or more if you keep changing your mind!)
- Demolition: 1–2 days
- Plumbing & Electrical: 2–4 days
- Tiling & Waterproofing: 3–5 days
- Fixtures & Fittings: 1–3 days
- Final Touches & Cleanup: 1–2 days
On average, about 10–15 working days, but delays can happen (more on that soon).
A Full Bathroom Renovation Timeline
If you’re going for a full bathroom upgrade, changing layout, new plumbing, and custom vanities, it usually takes 3 to 5 weeks. Bigger jobs might even stretch to 6 weeks, depending on:
- Custom orders (tiles, cabinets, or special taps)
- Weather delays (for outdoor bathrooms or open spaces)
- Hidden issues (leaks, mould, or old wiring behind walls)
What Slows It Down?
Here are some common things that add time:
- Waiting for products to arrive
- Last-minute design changes
- Council approvals (if needed)
- Unseen problems once the old bathroom is removed
Being prepared and sticking to a plan helps avoid most of these.
Can It Be Done Faster?
Yes, if it’s a simple update. Swapping out a vanity or changing taps? That might take a few days at most. But if you’re redoing tiles, waterproofing, or plumbing, it needs time to set and dry properly. Rushing it could lead to leaks later.
So, how long is the bathroom renovation? Don’t cut corners. A proper job lasts longer and saves money down the line.
Tips to Keep Things Moving
Want your bathroom done on time? Here’s what helps:
- Choose all your materials before work starts
- Work with a trusted renovation team
- Stick to your plan (and your budget)
- Make decisions early (tiles, taps, layout)
The more prepared you are, the faster your reno can go.
Bathroom renovations can take time, but they’re worth every bit of it. Whether it’s a small update that takes 2 weeks or a full transformation that runs closer to 5, knowing what to expect helps you plan better and avoid surprises.
At SilverPeak Constructions, we specialise in high-quality bathroom renovations with a fast, 4-week turnaround, no unnecessary delays in both metropolitan and regional areas across Victoria, delivering smooth, timely, and stress-free renovations from start to finish.
FAQs
Can I use my bathroom during the renovation?
Usually, no. Once work begins, especially during plumbing, tiling, or waterproofing, you won’t be able to use the bathroom. It’s best to plan for a backup bathroom or stay elsewhere if needed.
Do I need council approval for a bathroom renovation?
In most cases, no, if you’re just updating fixtures and tiles. But if you’re changing plumbing layout, adding windows, or doing structural changes, check with your local council or builder.
How soon can work start after I confirm the renovation?
It depends on the builder’s schedule and how quickly materials arrive.
