How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take? A Step-by-Step Timeline for DIY-Friendly Projects

There tends to be one question that is always front of mind for Aussie homeowners once they start dreaming about fresh tiles and grout, new tapware, and finally getting rid of their dated 90s (or earlier!) vanity. The question that keeps so many people up at night is: how long does a bathroom renovation take? The honest answer is that there is no one perfect timeline. Every bathroom has its own quirks, and every renovation has a few surprises waiting behind the walls. Even so, most DIY-friendly bathroom projects in Australia take somewhere between 2 and 6 weeks. The shorter end suits small or simple upgrades. The longer end is more realistic if you are retiling, waterproofing or bringing in several tradies. Here, we take a look at a clear, realistic walkthrough of what typically happens week by week during a bathroom renovation, including the big factors that can speed things up or blow out the schedule.

What Can Change the Timeline?

Before looking at the steps, it helps to know what actually affects renovation timing. A few things have a big impact:

• The size of your bathroom
• Whether you keep everything in the same spot or move the plumbing
• How much of the work you’re doing yourself
• Lead times on products such as bathroom vanities and basins
• How quickly waterproofing and tiling can dry and cure
• Any problems that pop up, like mould, old wiring, or, in particular, asbestos found behind walls (this will need specialist contractors to come in and remove it safely)

With those things in mind, here is a practical look at the sort of timelines most people can expect when considering how long a bathroom renovation takes.

A Week-by-Week Bathroom Renovation Timeline

Week 1: Planning, Ordering and Getting Organised (1 to 7 days)

This is the thinking-and-prep stage. Homeowners usually:

• Lock in the layout and choose all the fixtures
• Measure everything properly
• Order items like toilets, bathtubs, and bathroom tapware (although this is best done earlier, before your timeframe begins, as many items, especially smart toilets, may take time to arrive if not in stock)
• Organise tradies for the parts of the job that must be licensed or that you can’t safely or properly do yourself
• Arrange tools, rubbish removal and protective gear

Even if you’re a keen DIYer, plumbing and electrical work must be completed by licensed professionals. In this country, it’s not just safer but a legal requirement for most installations and updates.
DIY Tip: Order everything nice and early. Even a small delivery delay can slow the whole project.

Week 2: Demolition and Rough-In (3 to 7 days)

Demolition usually comes next. It can be done in a few days if you’re handy and strong, or stretched out across a week if juggling work or kids. During this stage you will do things like pull up tiles, remove old fixtures, take out the vanity, strip out damaged wall sheeting and clear the space. Once the room is empty, your chosen plumber and electrician need to come in for the rough-in work. This means preparing the pipes and wiring so they are in the right spots before the walls go back on.
Important Safety Notes

• Turn off power and water before removing anything
• Wear proper protective gear
• Be cautious around old waterproofing or suspicious materials
• If something looks unsafe, stop and get advice, especially if your home is an older one that might have asbestos in it

Week 3: Structural Work, New Sheeting and Waterproofing (3 to 7 days)

This is the stage where the room starts to look like a bathroom again. Tasks may include:

• Fixing or levelling the subfloor
• Repairing walls
• Installing new sheeting
• Adjusting framing or supports

Then comes waterproofing, which is one of the most important steps in the whole renovation. In some Australian states, this must be done by someone with the correct licence, while in others you may just need to get the waterproofing signed off by a relevant licensed tradesperson. Waterproofing normally takes two days, including drying time. It’s essential to be patient here because rushing this part can cause major headaches down the track.

Week 4: Tiling (4 to 10 days)

Tiling tends to be the longest and fiddliest section of any bathroom renovation. It includes:

• Laying floor tiles
• Laying wall tiles
• Allowing everything to cure before grouting
• Grouting and cleaning the tiles

If you’re handling the tiling yourself, allow extra time to get the cuts right and to avoid mistakes. If you haven’t done much tiling before, you’ll be slower than a professional as you need to learn as you go. Keep in mind that large tiles generally move the process along faster, as there is less cutting to worry about. On the other hand, the use of mosaic sheets or decorative patterns can sometimes add one or even several days to your bathroom renovation timeline.

Week 5: Installing All the Fixtures (2 to 5 days)

Now for the fun part! Once the tiling has cured, you can start installing all the new features you’ve carefully chosen for your updated bathroom, such as bathroom and shower tapware, your new vanity and basin, the toilet, and the bathtub.  Your plumber will need to return to connect everything and check for leaks. If you plan to paint the walls or ceiling, this is also the best time to get this job done.

Week 6: Shower Screen, Touch-Ups and Cleaning (1 to 4 days)

Shower screens often need to be measured after tiling, which means there may be a short wait. You may be able to order a ready-made shower screen that will fit your space, or you might require a custom screen that a specialist glass company or bathroom firm will measure up, create, and install for you. Once the screen is installed in your bathroom and has had enough time to set in place, the last few jobs include:

• Silicone sealing
• Installing mirrors, towel rails, robe hooks, shelves, shaving cabinets and other accessories
• Cleaning the room properly
• Testing all fixtures

At this point, the bathroom is ready to use!

So, All in All, How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take?

Here’s the short version you can use as a guide:

1 to 4 weeks

Good for small bathrooms or projects that only replace a few fixtures without major waterproofing or structural updates.

4 to 6 weeks

The most realistic range for a full renovation with new tiles, waterproofing and upgraded fixtures.

6 weeks or longer

This longer timeframe is likely if plumbing is being moved, structural work is required or custom products have long lead times.

Ready to Roll Up Your Sleeves?

A bathroom renovation can feel big, but with good planning and the right mix of DIY effort and professional help, it really is completely manageable. The key is not to rush the important stages. Waterproofing, tiling and drying times all need proper breathing room. Get quotes early. Order your fixtures upfront. Be patient when the drying stages feel slow. In the end, most homeowners find that a few extra days now is worth years of trouble-free use later.