All advice / Planning and cost
Why a bathroom renovation has a sequence
A bathroom renovation is not one job. It is a series of trades working in sequence: demolition, plumbing rough-in, electrical rough-in, waterproofing, tiling, fixture installation, painting, final plumbing, final electrical, clean-up. Each trade depends on the one before it.
Good project management means the right trade turns up on the right day with the right materials, and nothing waits longer than it needs to. Poor project management means the plumber is booked somewhere else when the demolition finishes, and the job sits idle for a week.
Before the renovation starts: planning and selections
The on-site measure happens first. The builder inspects the room, takes measurements, discusses the layout and scope, and identifies any likely issues — old plumbing, timber floors, access constraints, strata requirements.
After the measure, the written quote is prepared. The homeowner selects tiles, tapware, the vanity, toilet, shower screen, lighting and accessories. All selections should be confirmed and materials ordered before the renovation starts. Changes after site work begins cost time and money.
This planning phase typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how quickly selections are made and materials are available.
Week 1: demolition and rough-in
Day 1 to 2: the old bathroom is stripped. Fixtures, tiles, screed and old waterproofing are removed. The room is reduced to structure — studs, slab or timber floor, pipe stubs. Our demolition guide covers this step in detail.
Day 2 to 3: the plumber roughs in the new pipe positions — water supply, drainage and any gas lines. The electrician runs new wiring for lights, the exhaust fan, heated towel rail and any underfloor heating.
Day 3 to 4: wall and floor substrates are repaired or replaced. Cement sheet lining goes on the walls. The floor screed is poured and set to the correct gradient for drainage.
Week 2: waterproofing and tiling
Day 5 to 6: the waterproofing membrane is applied. This is a multi-coat process — each coat must dry before the next is applied. The membrane covers the floor, the junction between floor and walls, and a minimum height up the shower walls. The membrane is inspected and certified before tiling begins.
Day 6 to 8: tiling starts. Floor tiles go down first, followed by wall tiles. A standard bathroom takes 2 to 3 days to tile. Complex layouts, feature walls or small mosaic tiles take longer. Grouting follows tiling — typically the next day.
Week 3: fixtures and finishing
Day 9 to 10: the plumber returns to install the basin, tapware, toilet, shower set and any bath fittings. The shower screen is measured and ordered — a frameless screen is typically custom-made and arrives 5 to 10 business days after measurement.
Day 10 to 11: the electrician installs the exhaust fan, light fittings, mirror light, heated towel rail and switches. Painting of walls and ceilings is done at this stage.
Day 12 to 13: the shower screen is installed. Final silicone is applied at all junctions — screen to tile, vanity to wall, bath to tile. Accessories — towel rails, toilet roll holder, robe hooks — are fixed.
Handover and clean-up
The final step is a thorough clean and a walk-through with the homeowner. Every fixture is checked, every tap is run, every drain is tested. The shower is run to check for leaks. The exhaust fan is tested.
All compliance certificates are handed over: waterproofing (AS 3740), plumbing, electrical. The warranty documentation is provided. The room is clean and ready to use.
From demolition to handover, a standard bathroom renovation takes 2 to 3 weeks of site work. The total project timeline — including the planning and selections phase — is typically 4 to 8 weeks.
What keeps a renovation on track
Three things: confirmed selections before the start date, a clear written scope, and a project manager who coordinates the trades. When one of these is missing, the job stalls.
Adam Dawood manages ETR's projects with over 25 years of experience. The written scope names every inclusion, and the trade schedule is set before demolition day. Communication through the build — what is happening today, what is coming tomorrow — is something our timeline guide and our reviews consistently highlight.
How ETR manages the process
The on-site measure, written quote, selections process and trade schedule are all coordinated before site work begins. During the build, the homeowner is updated on progress and timing. The project manager is the single point of contact.
Every bathroom is waterproofed to AS 3740 with a compliance certificate, carried out under NSW Builder Licence 475204C, with a 10-year workmanship warranty. A free on-site measure anywhere in Sydney is the right starting point.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a bathroom renovation take from start to finish?
Site work typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for a standard bathroom. The total project timeline, including planning and selections, is 4 to 8 weeks. Complex renovations, heritage homes or custom materials can extend the timeline.
What is the biggest cause of renovation delays?
Late selections. If tiles, tapware or fixtures are not confirmed before the start date, the job waits for materials. Confirming all selections and ordering materials before demolition is the single most effective way to avoid delays.
Can I use the bathroom during the renovation?
No. The bathroom is out of service from demolition to handover — typically 2 to 3 weeks. You will need access to another bathroom or toilet in the house or a temporary arrangement.
What happens if something unexpected is found during demolition?
Unexpected finds — old plumbing, water damage, asbestos — are common in older homes. A good written scope names how these are handled before work starts. The builder communicates the find, the options and the cost impact before proceeding.
How do I know the renovation is on schedule?
Regular communication from the project manager. You should know what trade is on site each day, what comes next and whether the timeline has changed. A daily or end-of-day update is standard practice.