How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take?

One of the most common questions we are asked is: how long will my bathroom renovation take? There is no single answer, because project duration depends on the size of the room, the scope of work, the condition of the existing bathroom, whether the layout is changing, the materials specified, and any drying or curing requirements along the way.

A straightforward bathroom renovation — removing the old suite, replumbing to existing positions, retiling walls and floor, and fitting a new suite — typically takes around 5–7 working days for a standard bathroom of 4–6 square metres. This assumes all materials are on-site before work begins and no significant issues are uncovered during strip-out.

Simpler refreshes, such as replacing a shower enclosure, fitting a new vanity unit, or swapping a bath for a shower tray, can often be completed in 1–3 days depending on the work involved.

A larger bathroom, en-suite, or family bathroom with more complex tiling, a wet room floor, underfloor heating, or additional features will typically take 8–12 working days. Full overhauls involving moving plumbing points, reconfiguring the layout, or installing underfloor heating can take 2–3 weeks, particularly where building control sign-off is required for electrical work.

Day-by-day, a standard renovation typically follows this sequence. Days 1–2: strip out the old suite, protect the rest of the property, and carry out first-fix plumbing and electrical work — moving or extending pipe runs, positioning waste outlets, and routing cables for lighting, extractor fans and heated towel rails. Days 3–4: install cement board or tile backer, apply waterproofing membrane to the shower area and wet zones, and begin wall tiling. Days 5–6: complete wall tiling, grout, and begin floor tiling. Day 7: second-fix plumbing — connect the bath, basin, toilet and shower — second-fix electrics, and fit accessories. Day 8 (where needed): final sealant, silicone joints, touch-ups, final checks and clean.

Several factors can extend the programme. Moving plumbing points adds time because pipe runs need to be rerouted and the floor or walls may need to be opened up. Electrical work — particularly adding circuits or installing underfloor heating — requires a qualified electrician and may need building control notification. Waterproofing and tile adhesive require adequate drying and curing time before the next stage can begin; rushing this risks cracked grout or failed waterproofing. Large-format tiles take longer to set out and lay accurately. Bespoke or made-to-order items such as custom shower enclosures or specialist sanitaryware must be on-site before the relevant stage can proceed.

Walk-in showers and wet rooms require additional preparation compared with a standard shower tray installation. The floor must be tanked and waterproofed thoroughly, the gradient must be set correctly to drain efficiently, and the tiling must be planned carefully to avoid water pooling. This typically adds 1–2 days to the programme compared with a standard shower enclosure.

Planning before installation makes a significant difference to how smoothly the project runs. Agreeing the design, confirming all materials, and ordering sanitaryware, tiles and accessories well in advance avoids delays mid-project. A pre-start survey allows the fitter to identify any issues — such as inadequate ventilation, ageing pipework, or a floor that needs levelling — before work begins rather than discovering them during strip-out.

At IK Master Build Ltd, we carry out all trades in-house — plumbing, tiling, electrics and carpentry — which means there is no waiting for subcontractors between stages. We give you a clear programme before work starts and keep disruption to a minimum throughout. Call 07402 059 555 to discuss your bathroom project and get a realistic timescale for your specific requirements.