Bathroom Renovation Timeline: What to Expect Week by Week
Wondering what happens during a bathroom renovation and how long each stage takes? Here's a realistic week-by-week breakdown of a typical London bathroom project.
One of the most common concerns our clients have is: how long will I be without a bathroom, and what actually happens during the renovation? Here's a realistic timeline for a typical complete bathroom renovation in London.
Before Work Starts: Design & Planning (1-2 Weeks)
Before any tools come out, we spend time on the design phase:
- Site visit and detailed measurements
- Design consultation and layout planning
- Material selection and ordering (tiles, fixtures, furniture)
- Scheduling all trades and confirming the start date
This phase is crucial. Rushing the planning leads to delays and changes mid-project, which always cost more and take longer.
Week 1: Strip-Out and First Fix
Days 1-2: Strip-Out
Complete removal of all existing fixtures, tiles, bath/shower, and flooring. This is the noisiest and most disruptive phase. All waste is removed from the property (usually via skip) and the room is left as a bare shell.
Days 3-4: First Fix Plumbing & Electrical
New pipework is run to the planned positions for shower, basin, and toilet. Electrical cables are routed for lighting, extractor fan, heated towel rail, and any other fixtures. This is all hidden behind the finished surfaces, so getting it right now is essential.
Day 5: Wall & Floor Preparation
Walls are replastered or re-boarded with moisture-resistant plasterboard. The floor is levelled with self-levelling compound if needed. The ceiling is made good. Waterproofing/tanking is applied to the shower area and any other wet zones.
Week 2: Tiling and Second Fix
Days 6-8: Tiling
Wall tiling typically takes 2-3 days depending on the size of the bathroom and tile format. Floor tiling follows once the walls are complete. Grouting is done after the adhesive has set (usually the next day).
Days 9-10: Second Fix and Finishing
All sanitaryware is installed: toilet, vanity unit, shower enclosure, taps, and accessories. Electrical connections are made for lighting, fan, mirror, and towel rail. Silicone sealing is applied to all joints and interfaces.
Handover
On the final day, we conduct a thorough snagging inspection, address any minor issues, and carry out a full deep clean. We walk you through everything, explain any care requirements, and hand over the completed bathroom.
Living Arrangements During the Renovation
For most London properties with a single bathroom, we recommend having access to an alternative (gym, neighbour, temporary arrangement) for the duration. If you have two bathrooms, we'll always prioritise keeping one usable throughout.
Request a free quote and we'll provide a detailed timeline specific to your project.
2026 Update
Updated for 2026 with current London pricing in mind. For an exact, itemised figure on your bathroom, request a free fixed-price quote.
