How long should a bathroom renovation take?

What is the process for a bathroom renovation and how long does it take?

First of all, let’s consider that each renovation is performed by up to 12 trades and each one of those trades has to come back up to three times during the process.

• Carpenter

• Electrician

• Plumber

• Plasterer/Renderer

• Waterproofer

• Tiler

• Cabinet Maker

• Stone mason

• Glazier

• Caulker

• Painter

• Cleaner

smarterBATHROOMS+ Plumber

The plumber and the electrician are involved in the early stages of each bathroom renovation. At smarterBATHROOMS+ our electrician comes in on day one and disconnects all the live wiring to the bathroom to make it safe for the trades that are to follow. This is best practice, not only to protect our guys but also anyone living in the home during the renovation.

The old bathroom fittings and walls are removed by a carpenter and the plumber and sparkie do what we call a ‘rough in’. They disconnect all the old points and run new pipes and wires to the new points. This usually takes a day per trade, but can be longer depending on the complexity of the job.

From there the carpenter takes over and builds the bath hob, the shower base, the floor if it needs to be altered and any new walls, doors or windows that need installing. He may also work on the ceiling, getting it ready for the plasterer. This can be a day or more, depending on the amount of work being carried out. He will also straighten the walls, making sure the room is true – particularly important for when the tiler arrives later.

The plasterer follows next and seals up the room. This process involves multiple coats of plaster or render and drying times in between each. The plastering usually takes place over three days or so, with sanding and re-coating times to be taken account of.

Once he has finished, the waterproofer comes through. He usually has to apply two coats with a 24 hour drying time in between. This is obviously the most important step of the bathroom if we want it to last the distance. So many times we are replacing bathrooms where this is not done properly. You can’t tell by looking at the finished product if it was actually done, as the waterproofing is applied behind the next layer – tiles.

The tiler, one of the most important trades in the bathroom is next. We like to employ slow, fastidious types who take their time and have a sense of pride in the finished product. Many a bathroom is ruined by a careless and sloppy tiler. Keep in mind that the tiler’s job is nearly impossible if the structure is not straight and square. Good foundations build towards a great finish. Each trade is important.

Next, we will install the cabinetry. Sometimes this is done prior to tiling depending on the order required to get the best result. The stone mason is then called in to collect the templates for the stone top and measure up. He comes back in one or two weeks to fit the stone.

While the stone is being manufactured, the glass for the shower screen is measured and sent off to be made. The glazier comes back in two weeks and installs the made-to-measure shower screen.

The plumber and sparkie follow up next and ‘fit-off’ the plumbing and electrical fittings. It’s really taking shape now, but still looking like a building site! The carpenter then does his fit-off, fitting doors, and accessories, followed by the caulker, then the cleaner.

The painter can come at any stage near the end once the room has been tiled. Once he has finished, the only thing left is to give the room a really good clean. All the excess grout is removed from the tiles and the new bathroom renovation is shined up and prepared for handover to the homeowner.

Usually, the homeowner is pretty thrilled at this stage. Not only do they have a new bathroom to cut the ribbon on and take their first shower in, but they also say goodbye to the building team, who have been sharing their every moment at home with for the last 4-5 weeks!

A Smarter Bathroom Renovation

To chat with one of our designers, call 1300 662 838 or book your free in-home consultation with one of our award-winning designers.