How long does a bathroom renovation take?
The duration of a bathroom renovation depends on factors like the size of the bathroom, the complexity of the project, and how well the preparation is planned. In this blog, we’ll break down the general timelines for different bathroom sizes and what can impact the overall duration. This will help you better understand the process and plan accordingly.
Bathroom Renovation Timeline by Size
The time it takes to renovate a bathroom varies largely depending on the size and scope of the project. Below is a breakdown of the typical time frames based on different bathroom sizes.
Small Bathroom (2-3 weeks)
Plumbing and Electrical Work (2-4 days): If you’re not making major changes to the layout, such as relocating plumbing, this can be done within a few days. More complex changes may take slightly longer.
Installing Fixtures and Finishes (3-4 days): Once plumbing and electrical work are complete, new fixtures such as the toilet, sink, and shower can be installed. Installing tiles and other finishes usually takes an additional few days.
Medium-Sized Bathroom (3-4 weeks)
Plumbing and Electrical Work (4-5 days): A slightly larger bathroom or a more complex renovation will add a few days to the plumbing and electrical work.
Installing Fixtures and Finishes (7-10 days): Larger spaces and more intricate designs mean that installing new fixtures, tiles, and finishes will take longer.
Large Bathroom (5-6 weeks)
Plumbing and Electrical Work (6-7 days): A large bathroom or major layout changes can extend this step.
Installing Fixtures and Finishes (10-14 days): Finishing a larger bathroom with custom fixtures and detailed tile work can add more time.
While these time frames provide a general idea, it's important to consider that unforeseen circumstances or project complexity could influence the final timeline.
Full Bathroom Renovation Timeline (2-6 weeks)
Demolition (2-5 days)
Smaller bathrooms: Demolition can be completed within 2-3 days for a straightforward bathroom with standard materials.
Larger or more complex bathrooms: This may take up to 4-5 days, particularly if dealing with tougher materials like brick or structural changes.
Rough Plumbing and Electrical Work (1-4 days)
Smaller bathrooms: Basic plumbing and electrical work, especially if no fixtures are being relocated, can be completed in 1-2 days.
Larger bathrooms or complex changes: When fixtures are being moved or upgraded, this step can take up to 3-4 days.
Preparation for Tiling (1-3 days)
This stage involves ensuring the walls and floors are even and ready for tiles. The drying process for materials like cement slabs will take some time.
Smaller projects: 1-2 days.
Larger projects: Up to 3 days, especially for larger or more intricate tiling plans.
Tiling and Waterproofing (5-10 days)
Smaller bathrooms: Tiling and waterproofing usually take 5-7 days, as waterproofing requires several coats with drying time in between.
Larger bathrooms: This can extend up to 8-10 days, especially if large tiles or custom tile arrangements are involved.
Installing Fixtures and Fittings (3-7 days)
Smaller bathrooms: Installing the sink, toilet, shower, or bath can take around 3-4 days.
Larger bathrooms: Complex setups or multiple fixtures can take up to 5-7 days, particularly for custom cabinetry or intricate finishes.
Final Touches (1-2 days)
This includes adding accessories such as mirrors, towel rails, and final paint touch-ups.
Smaller bathrooms: 1 day.
Larger bathrooms: May take up to 2 days if more fixtures and accessories are involved.
Why Can a Bathroom Renovation Take Longer than Expected?
It is very rare to complete a bathroom renovation project on the exact deadline that you first initially hoped and scheduled for. It is likely that there may be some delays, so here are some things that may cause a delay during your bathroom renovation:
Unforeseen Issues
During the removal phase, hidden problems such as plumbing or electrical issues, water damage, or structural deficiencies may be discovered. Addressing these problems can extend the timeline.
Permits and Inspections
You’ll need to get your electrical work signed off but this is done by your electrician. If you’re planning a large-scale renovation and altering drainage, or adding a bathroom to a loft conversion or an extension for example, you may need planning permission. But in the vast majority of cases, this won’t be necessary.
Contractor Availability
Delays can occur if the contractors or subcontractors are unavailable due to scheduling conflicts, unexpected absences, or high demand in the construction industry.
Tip: Instead of hiring tradesmen separately, a good plumber will organise other trades, for you, if and when required. This is more efficient, cheaper and it is also hassle-free since you don’t have to do the juggling and scheduling of tradesmen yourself. Their quote normally includes all work, e.g. tiling, electrical etc.
Availability of Materials
With the current supply chain shortage, it is much more difficult to ensure that your materials will be delivered on time. Be aware that imported tiles and fixtures will also take longer to arrive too.
Tip: You could be extra vigilant and place your order a couple of months before so you know for sure they will arrive before your project starts.
Customisation
If your project involves custom-made materials, fixtures, or cabinetry, the production and delivery of these items may experience delays. Again, make sure to get a head start on all of these details, to minimise delays.
Ways That You Can Minimise Delays in Your Bathroom Renovation
Now that you know there could potentially be delays, here are some ways that you can prevent them from happening:
Thorough Planning
Start with a well-thought-out plan that includes a detailed scope of work, material selections, and a realistic timeline. Make sure to involve a professional designer or contractor to assist in the planning process.
Stick to The Plan
Once you have solidified your plan, stick to it. Deviating from the plan can incur extra time and cost.
Clear Communication
Maintain open and transparent communication with your contractors and subcontractors. Regularly discuss the project's progress, any concerns, and expectations.
Quality Contractors
Hiring reputable, experienced contractors can help reduce delays caused by mistakes or mismanagement. Make sure to check references and reviews before making your selections.
Temporary Accommodations:
If the bathroom is your only one, plan for temporary solutions, like a portable toilet or using a neighbour's bathroom during the renovation.
Conclusion
The duration of a bathroom renovation project largely depends on its size and complexity. Careful planning, efficient scheduling, and working with experienced professionals can help streamline the process.
If you are looking for some fixtures or furniture for your bathroom renovation, view our full range of bathroom fixtures, furniture and accessories here. Additionally, if you are looking for further inspiration, check out our other blogs:
About Kevin Sears
Kevin Sears is a bathroom and interior design blogger here at 34 St John. He creates original content utilising his extensive knowledge of the bathroom industry and latest trends.
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![How to Pull Off an Open Plan Bedroom Bathroom Design]()
How to Pull Off an Open Plan Bedroom Bathroom Design
Imagine a space where morning light spills across Italian marble floors, sweeping from your silk-draped bed to your freestanding stone bath. An open plan bedroom bathroom revolutionises the way we think about personal space, offering a fresh approach to modern living. This guide will take you through the essential elements of creating a successful open plan design, from practical considerations to luxury finishes. Whether you're renovating or building from scratch, you'll discover how to craft a space that perfectly maintains the privacy and comfort you need. Making Space Work Smarter The secret to an exceptional open plan layout lies in how you'll actually live in it. Map out your morning routine, from the first stretch in bed to your final glance in the mirror. Position your vanity unit where natural light hits your face, not your back. Consider placing your shower or tub where you can glimpse the morning sky. A partial wall at 4-5 feet height can house plumbing while doubling as a backdrop for your bed. https://pin.it/76sQe36Xr Choosing Materials That Last Skip the standard bathroom tiles. Instead, experiment with continuous surfaces that can handle both wet and dry areas. Polished concrete flows beautifully from bedroom to bathroom, developing a rich patina over time. For walls, marine-grade teak brings warmth while withstanding moisture. If marble catches your eye, book-matched slabs create dramatic impact, consider carrying a single piece up the wall and across the floor. Every material you choose will be on constant display, so invest in quality that can handle daily exposure to moisture. https://pin.it/7DVvJ88PH Making Privacy Work Make sure to address the elephant in the room - privacy. Consider installing electrochromic glass panels that switch from clear to opaque. Or take inspiration from Japanese architecture with sliding wooden screens that double as art pieces. Think of privacy elements as art installations that enhance rather than divide your space. https://pin.it/1RI2V8e43 Mastering the Light Your lighting should tell a story throughout the day, starting with discreet LED strips tucked beneath floating vanities and along floor transitions to guide your midnight wanderings with a gentle glow. By your bed, mount reading lights that pivot smoothly to wash your bathroom space in warmth when desired. Let nature play its part by carving out a skylight above your shower, where sunlight paints shifting patterns across marble and glass. https://pin.it/NeM0pHYdf Controlling Climate and Comfort The most important aspect of open plan bathrooms is perfecting the climate control. Install a multi-speed ventilation system with separate fans for shower and toilet areas. Underfloor heating should extend throughout the entire space, with separate zones for wet and dry areas. Position air vents strategically to prevent steam from condensing on your bedroom mirrors and to keep your bedding fresh. Adding a heated towel rack will also help manage moisture while keeping linens fresh and ready for use. https://pin.it/4eqSukEUE Smart Storage Solutions Your space should work like a well-designed yacht where every inch serves a purpose. Create a shower niche visible from your bed with enough depth to showcase art pieces when not storing toiletries. Place a rotating closet system within arm's reach of your shower, ensuring tomorrow's outfit is always perfectly positioned for your morning routine. The artistry lies in concealing these storage solutions so thoroughly that they vanish into your design. Getting the Details Right Success lies in the details that bridge both spaces. Install a surround-sound speaker system with waterproof bathroom speakers that sync perfectly with your bedroom audio, letting your music flow seamlessly as you move between spaces. Select unified fixtures and accessories in brass throughout, from your shower head to your bedside lamps. Try to hide charging stations inside vanity drawers where your devices can power up while staying protected from bathroom steam. Position a beverage station where it's reachable from both your bed and bath, perfect for morning coffee while you run the shower or evening tea as you wind down. These thoughtful connections between bedroom and bathroom spaces transform two rooms into one luxurious retreat where every detail feels considered. https://pin.it/6GEAhra34 -
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How to Create a Boutique Hotel Style Bathroom
That moment when you swing open a hotel bathroom door and your breath catches, it's not just clever marketing at work. Forget the myth that you need massive square footage, what matters most is the strategic choices that transform your daily routine into a retreat experience. Whether you're planning a full renovation or looking to upgrade your existing space, we want to show you how to create a hotel style bathroom that makes you feel like you're on vacation every single day. https://pin.it/4zwJ9TLQP Take Inspiration from Hotel Styles The world's most memorable boutique hotels each tell a unique design story. Consider the minimalist theme of Copenhagen's hotels, where fluted wooden vanities meet curved mirrors and matte black fixtures. Or step into a Parisian bathroom where bold marble contrasts with industrial black metalwork and vintage-inspired lighting. For a more relaxed vibe, look to Australia's coastal hotels, where bleached wood meets textured limestone and oversized windows blur the line between indoors and out. https://pin.it/5naKT5V8x Choose a Relaxing Colour Palette Colour sets the mood for your daily rituals. The most spa-like hotel bathrooms start with a powerful base; think crisp whites with subtle grey veining, creamy stone that catches morning light, or charcoal that grounds the space. Layer in contrast through fixtures and finishes, matte black taps against white tiles create visual anchors, while brushed brass brings warmth to cool greys. The trick lies in restraint, limit yourself to three finishes and let natural materials add subtle variations. https://pin.it/3kboxkJ8l Add Fluted Furniture for Texture Transform flat surfaces into visual stories with fluted details, a design tactic borrowed from the world's leading hotels. A fluted wooden vanity turns a basic storage piece into a sculptural element. Modern boutique hotels often use this architectural detail in unexpected ways, think curved fluted tiles wrapping around a shower enclosure, or a reeded glass partition that separates the vanity from the toilet. https://pin.it/VImnFOOlb Focus on Comfortable Lighting Light makes or breaks a bathroom's atmosphere, it's why hotel bathrooms always seem to make you look better. The secret lies in strategic layering; mount sconces at eye level to eliminate unflattering shadows, install dimmable downlights for tasks, and add a backlit mirror that creates that coveted soft glow around your reflection. Install dimmers on every circuit, including the shower light, and watch your bathroom transform into a personal sanctuary. No single light source should do all the work, it's the interplay between layers that creates that perfect boutique hotel ambiance. https://pin.it/1Qynhg4Zm Choose High-Quality Materials The magic of hotel bathrooms isn't just what you see, it's what you touch. Focus your design plans on the daily contact points, taps that feel perfectly weighted, shower controls that turn with precision, drawers that glide shut silently. Choose large-format porcelain tiles that give you premium looks with practical benefits, better durability, easier cleaning, and none of the maintenance headaches. When it comes to brassware, invest in finishes that get better with age. Quality shows in the details, the smooth edges of a vanity top, the solid feel of a shower screen, the precise alignment of tile work. https://pin.it/1P47NeaDO Include a Freestanding Bath or Walk-In Shower The heart of every standout hotel bathroom is either a statement shower or bath that makes you want to linger. A freestanding tub, thoughtfully positioned to catch natural light, transforms your evenings into a moment of escape. If you have a smaller bathroom, consider a walk-in shower with floor-to-ceiling glass creates that same sense of luxury while making your bathroom feel larger than it is. https://pin.it/HDY4atFVp Layer Soft Textiles Invest in properly weighted towels that get softer with each wash, and buy extras so you can rotate them like hotels do. A deeply cushioned bath mat in pure cotton or bamboo makes that first step out of the shower feel indulgent. Skip the budget bathrobes and find one that's worthy of keeping on display, think waffle-weave cotton or soft linen that looks better and slightly rumpled. Keep your palette tonal with warm whites, soft greys, or deep charcoals to create that considered look. Then master the art of display, roll your hand towels instead of folding them, stack your bath sheets with precision, and keep your robe draped. https://pin.it/4Theqqge8 Keep Storage Simple and Tidy Start with a vanity unit that works hard, think deep drawers with internal organisers, a hidden electrical socket for your toothbrush, and a designated spot for every daily essential. If you're adding open shelving, treat it like a display space rather than storage, a few carefully chosen trinkets in natural materials make more impact than a cluster of products. Incorporate a med-cabinet behind your mirror for those less-than-photogenic necessities, and consider built-in shower niches that keep shampoo bottles off the floor. The goal isn't minimal living, it's smart storage that lets you keep everything you need within reach while maintaining that calm, collected hotel feeling. https://pin.it/5Z0CdyDQk Add a Touch of Greenery Boutique hotels know that greenery connects you to that holiday feeling faster than any design trick. Choose plants that love steamy conditions, a cascading fern creating shadows in your shower alcove, a glossy lily thriving on your vanity, or a statement monstera commanding attention in a corner. Try to think beyond the basic bathroom plant, keep your pots simple in natural materials like terracotta or concrete. And here's the insider tip; one oversized plant makes more impact than several small ones. https://pin.it/1T0gAwx18 Finish with Personal Touches Creating a boutique hotel-inspired bathroom is about focusing on the elements that matter most, whether that's a rainfall shower that drenches away stress or perfectly positioned lights that make every reflection flattering. Keep your palette restrained, your storage smart, and your materials honest. When each element serves both form and function, you'll create a space that feels like your own personal sanctuary, no room service required. For more guidance, you can consult our bathroom design service, where experts are ready to help bring your vision to life.
