How long does a bathroom renovation take? A realistic week-by-week timeline.
The on-site part is faster than most people expect. It's the planning, ordering and sequencing that takes time — and where most delays happen.
By Distinct Spaces · Updated June 2026 · 5 min read
One of the most common questions we get before a bathroom project starts is: how long will I be without a bathroom? The honest answer depends on the scope of work — but for a standard family bathroom renovation in South West London, you should plan for the bathroom to be out of action for 7 to 14 working days on site, with the full process from first conversation to completion typically running 6 to 10 weeks.
Here's how that breaks down in practice.
Before work starts: weeks 1–4
The on-site phase is only part of the timeline. Before any trade sets foot in your bathroom, several things need to happen:
Site survey and quote (1–2 weeks). A proper survey takes time to scope and price accurately. Avoid any contractor who quotes without visiting the property — bathrooms in period homes regularly have surprises behind the tiles.
Materials selection and ordering (1–3 weeks). Sanitaryware, tiles, taps and shower fittings all have lead times. Standard items from major suppliers are typically 1–2 weeks. Bespoke or imported items — certain tile formats, specific sanitaryware ranges — can be 4–6 weeks. This is the phase that most often causes overall project delays, and it's entirely avoidable with early decisions.
Scheduling trades (1–2 weeks). A bathroom requires multiple trades in sequence. A good contractor manages this coordination; you shouldn't have to chase it yourself.
On site: the week-by-week breakdown
Day 1–2: Strip out
The old suite, tiles and floor covering are removed. This is the messiest phase. Any hidden issues — old pipework, damp, rotted joists — are discovered here. A good contractor flags these immediately and agrees any variation in writing before proceeding.
Day 3–5: First fix plumbing and electrics
Pipes and cables are repositioned to suit the new layout. Soil pipes, supply pipes, waste runs and electrical circuits are all roughed in before any wall or floor finishes go on. This is the phase that determines whether your new shower ends up where you planned it.
Day 5–7: Substrate preparation
Walls are boarded with moisture-resistant plasterboard. If a wet room is being formed, the tanking membrane goes on here — this is critical and must be done correctly. Floors are checked for level; a screed may be required for underfloor heating or level-access drainage.
Day 7–10: Tiling
Usually the longest single phase. Large format tiles take more time to cut and lay accurately than smaller ones. A professional tiler will also spend time on the layout — starting points, cut positions and grouting alignment — before the first tile goes up.
Day 10–12: Second fix plumbing and electrics
Sanitaryware is fitted: toilet, basin, bath or shower enclosure. Taps, shower valves, heated towel rail, extractor fan and lighting are all connected and tested.
Day 12–14: Snagging and completion
Silicone is applied at all junctions. Any touch-up painting is done. The bathroom is cleaned and handed over. A proper contractor walks through the finished room with you.
What causes delays — and how to avoid them
Materials not on site when work starts. The most common cause of a bathroom sitting half-finished. If tiles or sanitaryware arrive after the tiler does, the whole programme stalls. Order early, confirm delivery dates, and have everything on site before the contractor starts.
Hidden problems discovered during strip-out. Old lead pipework, previous DIY plumbing, damp behind tiles, or structural issues with the floor are all possible in period properties across Twickenham and Richmond. An experienced contractor can usually work around these, but they take time and cost money. Honest contractors flag them immediately; less reliable ones use them as an excuse for endless variations.
Changes of mind during the build. Deciding to move the shower after tiling has started, or changing the tile choice after they've been ordered, resets the programme significantly. Make all decisions before work begins — your contractor should help you do this systematically at the start.
Poor trade sequencing. If plumbing and electrical second fix happens before tiling is complete, or if the tiler arrives before the substrate is properly prepared, you get quality problems and rework. Proper project management prevents this.
What about larger bathrooms and wet rooms?
A large principal bathroom with a freestanding bath, walk-in wet room area, bespoke fitted vanity and full tiling floor to ceiling adds 3–5 days to the on-site programme. Wet rooms in particular require more careful tanking and drainage work, and often need a structural engineer's sign-off if the floor screed adds significant weight.
Will I need to move out?
For a single bathroom renovation, most families manage by using a downstairs WC for toilet access and showering at a gym or neighbour's for the 7–14 days on site. If you have a second bathroom in the house, the disruption is minimal. If the bathroom being renovated is your only one, it's worth planning accommodation for the core stripping and tiling days — or timing the work around a holiday.
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