Thinking about redoing your bathroom and wondering how long you’re going to be stuck brushing your teeth at the kitchen sink? Totally fair question.
Bathroom renovations can be exciting, but they also come with a bit of chaos. Knowing the timeline helps you plan ahead, and maybe even keep your sanity during the process.
In this post, we’ll break down how long does a bathroom renovation take in Melbourne and factors that affect the time needed.
Bathroom Renovation Timeline
A standard bathroom reno in Melbourne usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks from the time work actually starts. That’s for a full renovation, not just a fresh coat of paint or swapping out a vanity.
Here’s the usual timeline:
| Stage | Estimated Time |
| Planning & Design | 1–2 weeks (can overlap with other stages) |
| Demolition | 1–2 days |
| Plumbing & Electrical Rough-In | 2–4 days |
| Waterproofing | 1–2 days (plus drying time) |
| Tiling | 3–7 days |
| Fit-Off (install fixtures) | 2–4 days |
| Final Touches & Cleanup | 1–2 days |
If things go smoothly, two to three weeks is enough. But give yourself some wiggle room — things don’t always go as planned (we’ll get to that later).
Also Read: Bathroom Reno Cost Melbourne
Keep in mind, if you’re juggling multiple trades or waiting on materials, things can shift around.
But overall, this gives you a solid idea of how long bathroom renovations take.
Fast-Track Or Cosmetic Renovations
Not every bathroom needs a full gut job. Sometimes, you’re just after a quick glow-up. That could mean painting, changing out the tapware, regrouting, or replacing an old vanity.
These kinds of jobs can be knocked out in 3 to 7 days – sometimes even faster.
They’re a great option if you’re on a budget, short on time, or prepping to sell.
You’re not dealing with plumbing changes or anything structural, so the process is quicker and less invasive. Basically, fewer trades, fewer steps, and less mess.
Factors That Affect Bathroom Renovation Time
Every renovation is different, and a few things can either speed things up or slow them down. Here’s what really makes the difference:
#1 Size Of The Bathroom
It’s simple – the bigger the bathroom, the longer it’ll take. More wall space means more tiles. More floor space means more time laying them.
Bigger spaces often mean extra features too, like a double vanity or a separate bath and shower, which all add to the workload.
A small ensuite might fly by in under two weeks. But a large master bathroom needs more time.
Also Read: Perfect Bathroom Cabinets for Your Melbourne Home
#2 Scope Of Work (Cosmetic Vs. Full Renovation)
Swapping out a vanity or retiling the shower? That’s fast.
Gutting the whole space, relocating the toilet, or moving the plumbing? That’s going to take longer.
The more involved the job, the more stages it needs, from demolition to waterproofing to detailed finish work. The full gut jobs look amazing, but they do take time.
#3 Material Availability And Delivery
Some materials can be picked up the same day. Others need to be custom made or shipped in – especially things like stone benchtops, handmade tiles, or fancy imported tapware.
If something’s delayed, your whole project might have to hit pause until it arrives.
So your best move is to order everything before work starts and make sure it’s on-site and ready to go.
#4 Tradie Scheduling
Bathroom renovations involve multiple trades – plumbers, electricians, tilers, carpenters, painters, the list goes on.
If one gets delayed or can’t make it on time, it can push the whole schedule back. Some tradies book out weeks in advance, so locking them in early helps keep the project moving without gaps.
Also Read: Bathroom Remodeling in Melbourne
#5 Permits Or Council Approvals (If Needed)
Most basic bathroom renos don’t need permits. But if you’re changing the layout, doing structural work, or adding new windows or walls, you might need sign-off from your local council.
That process takes time. So, it’s good to check before you start.
Knowing ahead means you’re not stuck mid-project waiting on paperwork.
Common Delays To Watch For
Even the best-laid plans can run into a few speed bumps. Delays are super common in bathroom renovations, especially when older homes are involved.
You might find water damage once tiles come off, or old plumbing that’s not up to code. Materials can show up damaged or late. Tradies can get pulled onto emergency jobs. And sometimes, the weather messes with deliveries or external work.
One change can cause a ripple effect that pushes other stages back.
The best way to handle it is to stay flexible and communicate often with your builder or project manager.
Tips To Keep Your Renovation On Track
Want things to move smoothly and avoid dragging out your reno longer than necessary? These few simple moves can make a big difference:
- Lock in your design and layout before anyone picks up a hammer
- Choose your materials early and order them before work begins
- Book your tradies well in advance and have a clear schedule
- Don’t change your mind mid-project unless it’s absolutely necessary
- Clear out the space completely so work can begin without holdups
Bottom Line
A bathroom renovation in Melbourne will usually take around 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how big your space is and how much you’re changing. Cosmetic updates can wrap up in under a week, but full-scale makeovers need more time – and a bit of patience.
The more planning you do upfront, the smoother it all goes. Line up your tradies, lock in your materials, and be ready to roll.
Renovations can be a bit of a juggle, but when you finally walk into that fresh, updated bathroom?
Totally worth it!