Behind the Scenes of a Bathroom Renovation: Why It’s More Complex Than You Think
Renovating a bathroom often seems simple on the surface. It’s a small space, right? Swap out the tiles, install a new vanity, freshen up the fittings; shouldn’t take more than a few weeks.
But in reality, a bathroom is one of the most intricate rooms in your home to renovate. It’s where almost every trade converges, every element needs to work in tight coordination, and there’s almost zero room for error.
Here’s what really goes into a bathroom renovation, and why a solid, long-lasting result is rarely possible on a four-week timeline.
Every Trade, One Tiny Room
Bathrooms are unique because they require input from almost every trade in the business:
Demolition crew to strip out the old finishes and fittings (and deal with whatever they find underneath).
Carpenters to repair or adjust framing, straighten walls or build recesses.
Plumbers and electricians to rough-in services before the walls are closed up.
Waterproofers to install membrane systems that meet strict standards.
Tilers to lay everything from floor tiles to niche mosaics with precision.
Cabinetmakers to install vanities, shaving cabinets or custom joinery.
Painters, glaziers, silicone applicators: the list goes on.
And because it's such a tight space, these trades can’t all work at once. The job has to be sequenced carefully, with drying times and inspections built in at each stage.
Waterproofing & Wet Area Standards
Bathrooms are classified as wet areas, which means they’re governed by strict building codes and waterproofing regulations. These exist for good reason: failures in waterproofing can cause serious long-term damage to your structure, not to mention mould, rot and expensive rework.
To get this right, we follow a detailed sequence:
Substrate prep and fall formation – floors need to be built to fall toward floor wastes, which sometimes means screeding before tiling.
Waterproofing application – this is done in multiple coats, with drying time in between.
Mandatory inspection – in many cases, waterproofing has to be inspected and signed off before work can continue.
Drying time – the membrane can’t be tiled over until it’s properly cured (not just “touch dry”).
It’s not just about ticking boxes, it’s about protecting your home for decades to come.
Uncovering the Unknowns
No matter how well we plan, bathrooms, especially in older homes, can reveal surprises once we open up the walls and floors. These can include:
Water damage or rot around showers and old plumbing.
Out-of-level floors or walls that need straightening before tiling.
Old plumbing layouts that aren’t compatible with the new design.
Inadequate ventilation or outdated electrical wiring.
Each of these issues needs to be addressed properly, not patched over. And that takes time, skill, and sometimes a rework of the schedule.
The Finishes Are the Final Layer—Not the First
It’s easy to focus on the exciting parts; your handmade tiles, matte black fixtures, or custom vanity. But those finishes only go on once everything beneath them is correct.
By the time the bathroom is painted, tiled, and fitted off, we’ve already completed:
Framing repairs or adjustments
Full plumbing and electrical rough-in
Waterproofing and drying
Screeding and falls
Tiling and grout curing
Cabinetry and stone installation
Glazing and mirror install
Final fit-off and silicone sealant
Every one of these steps is essential. Rushing through any of them compromises the quality, performance, or finish of the bathroom, and those shortcuts tend to show up in the months or years after the job is “done.”
So, How Long Should a Bathroom Take?
While every project is different, a realistic bathroom renovation, done to a high standard, usually takes around 8 weeks from start to finish. Add a bit more time for custom finishes, made-to-order items, or layout changes.
It’s not because we’re dragging things out—it’s because we’re doing them properly.
It’s a Small Space, But a Big Deal
Your bathroom is one of the most hardworking rooms in your home. It’s exposed to water, humidity, constant daily use, and very little ventilation. When done right, a bathroom renovation can last for decades and add serious value to your home; not just aesthetically, but structurally too.
It’s not about speed.
It’s about care, coordination, and doing it once, doing it right.
