It’s one of the first things people ask, and it’s a fair question. You’ll be without your bathroom for a while, and you want to plan around it. The honest answer is that it depends on the room, but knowing the stages makes it much easier to picture.
Before any work starts
The planning stage is where a good bathroom is really made. We’ll meet at your home, talk through what you want, measure up and look at what’s behind the walls and under the floor. You’ll then receive a clear, detailed quotation.
Once you’re happy, we choose your products. Some items are in stock, others are made to order, so I always confirm delivery dates before booking your installation. That way, nothing holds the job up once it starts.
The installation, stage by stage
- Strip-out: the old suite, tiles and often the floor come out, revealing what we’re working with.
- First fix: plumbing and any electrics are moved or upgraded, ready for the new layout.
- Preparation: walls are boarded or plastered, floors levelled and the shower area fully waterproofed. This is the stage I never rush.
- Tiling: walls and floors, including any niches or feature areas.
- Second fix: sanitaryware, taps, shower, furniture and towel rail go in.
- Finishing: sealing, decorating and the final details that make it feel complete.
What affects the timescale?
- The size and layout. Moving the toilet or shower to a new position takes longer than replacing like for like.
- What we find. Older homes can hide uneven walls, tired pipework or a floor that needs strengthening. I’d always rather put it right than cover it up.
- Wet rooms. Creating a properly sloped, fully waterproofed floor adds time, and it’s worth every hour.
- Tile choice. Large-format porcelain, natural stone and intricate mosaics take longer to lay well than standard tiles.
Keeping disruption to a minimum
I’ll give you a clear plan before we start and keep you updated as the work progresses, so you always know what’s happening and when. If it’s your only bathroom, we can talk about how to keep things as comfortable as possible while the work is under way.
A bathroom is only as good as the preparation behind it, so the timescale should never come at the cost of the finish.
If you’re planning a bathroom and want a realistic timescale for your home, arrange a consultation and I’ll talk you through it.