Before embarking on a bathroom renovation, or any home renovation for that matter, it’s essential to get a grasp of how long each step should take. This allows you to put together a realistic time frame for the whole project.
This is particularly important if you only have one bathroom, as the room may be out-of-action during your renovation, meaning you’ll need to organise a substitute.
As the bathroom is one of the most important and most used rooms in your home, living without a fully functioning bathroom can be more than just an inconvenience.
How long does it take to renovate a bathroom?
Unfortunately, there is no direct answer to this question as it is a “how long is a piece of string” equation. Many variables can affect the length of your renovation. Our goal with this article is to determine what they are to form your own accurate idea of how long your bathroom renovation may take.
A very rough average for a complete bathroom renovation can be between 13 and 25 days; however, they may not be consecutive due to hold-ups and wait times for waterproofing dry times and other elements. In addition, these averages are not inclusive of planning, project quoting and choosing the features of your new bathroom.
The size of your bathroom
The size of the space you are renovating may be the most important element. You’ll want to ask yourself the following questions:
- How much demolition is needed?
- Will the reno include the knocking out of walls?
- Are you using the existing plumbing lines?
- Are your chosen materials available?
By understanding these answers before embarking on your bathroom renovation, you’ll form a clearer picture of how long each stage of your bathroom renovation will take.
The main stages of a bathroom renovation
To understand the overall picture of your project, you need to be aware of the five stages for every bathroom reno:
- Planning and development
- Demolition
- Groundwork for the new bathroom
- Fitting of features
- Finishing touches
Planning and development
Your research phase is very important, and this is when you will choose a bathroom style you like. You’ll often talk to a professional like the team here at B&S Nelson for a site inspection to discuss the details of the project, functionality requirements and rough budget. This will give you a rough idea of how long the project may take, and you’ll often also receive a quote.
Once you have accepted the quote, a strict project timetable will be set. The planning and research stage of your bathroom renovation can take anywhere from one to six months, depending on how proactive you are! We always recommend documenting your inspiration with platforms like Pinterest to create mood boards and collate ideas to show your chosen bathroom contractor to make the process easier.
Demolition
The removal of your existing bathroom can be pretty quick, and you’ll only need to allow a few days for this stage. One exception to this will be if asbestos is discovered, as this will need to be professionally removed for everyone’s safety (while requiring an additional 1-2 days’ work).
Your bathroom construction will often dictate the demolition time, as timber stud construction will be much quicker to pull down when compared with solid brick walls.
Groundwork
When your old bathroom has been stripped, the installation of new structural beams (if required) can take place. This can take another 1-2 days’ work and is the necessary preparation for the plumbing and electrical ‘Rough In.’ This happens after the bathroom has been structurally set out and features plumbers and electricians setting the required electrical points in the walls, floor wastes and any necessary wiring, exhaust fans, and lighting. This is often another three days of work.
Sheeting and tile prep
If required, sheeting the walls and ceiling will require another two days, followed by the all-important tile prep, which involves a cement bedding known as a screed to be laid. This creates a smooth and level floor on where the tiles will be laid on.
The screed can take 24 to 48 hours to dry, but in some cases, additives can be used to speed the process up.
Water Proofing
The most important part of any bathroom renovation is the waterproofing, considering how wet this area will become each day. The correct waterproofing of your wet areas is vital as any water leaking into floor or wall spaces will lead to very costly repairs later on.
Water in the wrong spots will rot structural timbers, damaging the house, and you often won’t realise it’s happening until the damage has already been done.
To ensure this isn’t the case, a waterproof liquid rubber membrane is painted on specific areas to create a sealed area. This will take at least 24 hours to dry completely and can be a two-day process as multiple coats are required. The setting and drying process is critical as a single pinprick can render the entire process useless, so never continue with work until the waterproofing has properly set.
Tiles, grout and the fit-off
Your bathroom renovation is pretty much finished at this point, with the final plumbing and electrical fit-off and any new feature installations to complete the final look. The fit-off will connect all items like the toilet, bath, basin, tapware and drainage underfloor. An electrician will fit-off the electrical items, install the light fittings, switches, fans, and, if chosen, a heated towel ladder (we recommend these, they are great). All of this can be another two days of work.
Speak to the bathroom renovation specialist Forster, Tuncurry and surrounding areas trust
The team at B&S Nelson are bathroom renovation experts and we will not only make sure your renovation is an efficient process but a high-quality project that delivers the bathroom of your dreams. Let’s chat today about getting started!