Bathroom Renovation Timeline: Week-by-Week (London 2026)

Most London bathroom renovations take 2-5 weeks on site, depending on scope. A cosmetic refresh can be done in a week. A full refit with new layout, plumbing and tiling typically takes 3-5 weeks. Here's the week-by-week breakdown of what happens and why.

Three project sizes — three different timelines

Before site work — the lead-up (2-4 weeks)

What happens before the builder arrives on day 1:

1. Survey and quote — site visit, measurements, written quote (1 week)
2. Spec finalisation — choose suite (bath, shower, basin, WC), tiles, fittings, paint, lighting. This usually takes longer than people expect — 1-2 weeks if decisive, longer if not
3. Order materials — most fittings have 1-3 week lead times. Premium tiles often longer (4-6 weeks for special order)
4. Contract signing + deposit — typically 30-40% deposit to lock the date

Skip or rush these and the build itself runs late. Lock the spec before the builder arrives.

Site week-by-week (full refit, 3-4 weeks)

Week 1: Strip-out + first fix

Days 1-2: Strip out everything — old suite (bath, shower, basin, WC), tiles to the brickwork, old flooring, old extractor fan, dated towel rail. Existing pipework and electrical capped off where moving. Waste disposed of (skip or waste removal van).

Days 3-5: First-fix plumbing — new pipework runs for any moved fittings, new waste pipes if needed, new isolation valves on every fitting. First-fix electrical — cabling for shower, extractor fan, mirror, shaver socket, towel rail, any new lighting. If installing underfloor heating, the substrate is prepared and the heating elements laid this week.

Week 2: Building + waterproofing + plastering

Days 6-7: Any structural work — boxing in pipes, new stud walls if reconfiguring layout, fixing failed timberwork or sub-floor.

Days 8-9: Waterproofing — tanking membrane to wet areas (essential behind tiles in showers, full bathroom for wet rooms). Skipping this is the #1 cause of long-term water damage in bathrooms.

Days 10: Plastering — walls and ceiling made good ready for paint or tiles. Plaster needs 7-10 days to fully cure before tiling, so this is often scheduled at the end of week 2.

Week 3: Tiling + second fix

Days 11-14: Tiling — wall tiles first (working bottom up), then floor tiles. Sequence matters: tile to a level, grout next day, silicone after grouting cures. Quality tilers spend a lot of time on cut-tile detailing around fittings and corners.

Days 15-16: Second-fix plumbing — install the bath/shower tray, WC, basin, taps, shower mixer. Final connections to first-fix pipework. First water test.

Day 17: Second-fix electrical — fit the extractor fan, lights, switches, towel rail. Building Regs Part P notification for any new circuits.

Week 4: Finishing + snagging

Days 18-19: Decoration — paint ceiling, paint any non-tiled walls, paint or stain woodwork (window sills, door frames). Final coat of paint.

Days 20-21: Final fittings — mirror, towel rails, toilet roll holders, soap dishes, shower screens. Door and any internal door hardware. Sealing around bath and shower with silicone (silicone needs 24 hours to cure before use).

Days 22-23: Snagging — walkthrough with builder to identify any defects (paint missed, tile slightly proud, silicone needs re-doing, light not aligned). Builder fixes within 1-2 days.

Day 24: Final clean and handover.

Day-by-day for a small project (1-2 week refresh)

A bathroom refresh — keeping the existing layout, swapping the suite, painting, maybe re-tiling — runs much faster:

• Day 1: Strip out old suite, remove tiles if replacing
• Day 2: First-fix plumbing for new suite positions (minor adjustments only)
• Day 3: Make good walls, ready for paint or tiles
• Day 4-5: Tiling (wall tiles only)
• Day 6: Grouting + paint touch-ups
• Day 7: Install new suite (bath, basin, WC)
• Day 8: Second-fix plumbing connections, mirror, towel rails
• Day 9: Silicone all sealing joints
• Day 10: Snagging and final clean

What extends the timeline

• Material delays — premium tiles on 4-week lead, custom shower screens, specialty fittings out of stock. Order early, lock specs before start.
• Discovering surprises during strip-out — old lead pipework, rotten floor joists under the bath, asbestos in old textured ceilings (pre-1985). Add 1-2 weeks if found.
• Plaster curing time — fresh plaster needs 7-10 days before tiling. Builders sometimes try to tile too early — leads to tile failure. Don't pressure them on this.
• Moving plumbing significantly — relocating the toilet (especially) means new soil pipe runs, often through the floor below. Adds 3-5 days.
• Wet room installation — full tanking + floor falls + bigger drain adds 5-7 days vs. a traditional bathroom.
• Underfloor heating — adds 1-2 days for laying mat + connection.
• Custom-fitted joinery — bespoke vanity unit or storage adds 1-2 weeks for fabrication and install.

What you can do to keep things on schedule

• Lock spec before start — every change after work begins adds time
• Have your suite delivered before strip-out — so it's on-site when plumbers need it
• Don't add changes mid-project — 'while you're here, can you also...' is the biggest cause of overruns
• Be available for snagging walkthroughs — promptly identify and report defects so they can be fixed before the builder leaves site
• Pay milestones on time — builders honour timelines for clients who pay reliably

Living with bathroom renovation

If you only have one bathroom in the house, expect 2-3 weeks without a working shower. Realistic options:

• Local gym membership — £30-60 for the month covers showers (and avoids domestic discord)
• Stay with family for the most disruptive weeks (typically week 2-3)
• Temporary outdoor shower — yes really, some people set up a basic outdoor shower in summer
• Hotel for the week the suite is being installed — when there's literally no toilet for a few days

If you have a second bathroom or en-suite, life carries on relatively normally.

Frequently asked questions

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