How long does it take to fit a bathroom?

Typical bathroom fitting times

Most bathroom fitters quote in working days. A standard new bathroom is usually done in one to two weeks.

Each stage of a bathroom installation

These are typical timings for a standard bathroom installation, based on Fradleys' stage-by-stage guide.

Days 1 to 2: strip-out and preparation

The old suite, tiles and flooring come out, and waste goes to the skip or tip. The fitter checks the floor, walls and pipework and fixes anything found, such as rotten floorboards.

Days 2 to 4: first fix

The plumber moves or adds pipework and wastes, and the electrician runs cables for lights, the extractor fan, a shower or underfloor heating. Walls are boarded or plastered where needed.

Days 3 to 6: tiling

Wall and floor tiles go on, then grout. In a wet room, the waterproofing goes down first and must cure before tiling starts.

Days 5 to 8: second fix

The bath, shower, toilet, basin and taps go in and are connected. The electrician fits the lights, fan and switches.

Finishing

Silicone sealing, testing for leaks, a final clean and a walk-round with you.

What can make a bathroom renovation take longer?

• Changing the layout, such as moving the toilet, which means moving the soil pipe.
• Hidden problems, such as rotten joists, old pipework or damp found during the strip-out.
• Plastering, which needs drying time before tiling.
• Wet rooms, where the tanking has to cure.
• Complex tiling, such as herringbone or mosaic.
• Late deliveries or a missing part.
• New electrical circuits, which may need testing and certification.

Can I use my bathroom during the renovation?

Usually not for most of the job. If it's your only toilet, tell us at the design visit, so we can plan the order of work around it.

How long before work starts?

Allow time for the design visit, the quote, choosing your suite and tiles, and delivery. Check delivery dates for the bathroom suite and tiles before you book a start date.

How to keep a bathroom fit on schedule

• Choose everything, down to the grout colour, before work starts.
• Have the suite, tiles and fittings delivered before day one, and check them for damage.
• Clear the room and the route to it.
• Agree a fixed written price and a start and finish date.
• Use one company for the plumbing, electrics and tiling, so the trades follow each other.

Does DIY take longer?

Almost always. Most people fit a DIY bathroom around work, so a job a fitter finishes in a week can take several weekends, and the bathroom is out of use for longer.

For a fixed timeline and price, book a free design visit. See our bathroom installation service, read about replacing a bath with a walk-in shower, or compare bathroom prices.

Frequently asked questions