How long does a bathroom installation take? Week-by-week timeline

A typical family bathroom takes 8 to 12 working days from strip-out to final clean when one team handles every trade. A simple like-for-like swap can be quicker; a wet room or a new layout with structural work can take three weeks. Here is what actually happens, day by day, on a standard two-week bathroom installation.

Before the work starts: 6 to 10 weeks

• Design visit and quote. We measure, check the plumbing and agree a layout. You choose the suite, tiles and fittings.
• Ordering. Most suites and tiles arrive within two to four weeks. Made-to-measure glass screens and furniture can take longer.
• Booking your slot. Installation dates are usually booked six to ten weeks ahead.
• Pre-start check. A week before, your project manager confirms the schedule, checks all materials have arrived and tells you which day the water will be off.

Week one: strip-out, first fix and preparation

Day 1: protection and strip-out

We lay floor protection from the front door to the bathroom and sheet off the landing. The old suite, tiles and flooring come out and go straight into the van. If it is your only bathroom, we reconnect a toilet by the end of the day wherever possible.

Day 2: surprises and repairs

With the floor up, we can see what’s underneath. Rotten joists from old leaks, unsupported pipes and outdated wiring are common in Swindon homes over 40 years old. If we find anything, we show you photos and agree a fixed price before carrying on.

Days 3 to 4: first-fix plumbing and electrics

Our plumber runs new supply and waste pipes to the positions in your design. Our electrician installs cables for the extractor fan, lighting, shaver socket, illuminated mirror and underfloor heating.

Day 5: boarding and waterproofing

Walls are boarded with cement or foam board in wet areas, and the floor is overboarded with plywood or tile backer. Shower areas get a full tanking system, which needs time to cure before tiling.

Week two: tiling, fitting and finishing

Days 6 to 8: tiling

Our tiler sets out the walls and floor, then tiles the shower area, behind the bath and basin, and the floor. Large-format and patterned tiles take longer. Grouting follows once the adhesive has set.

Day 9: second fix and fitting

The bath, shower tray or wet room screen, toilet, basin and furniture go in. Taps and shower valves are connected and tested. The electrician fits the fan, lights, mirror and towel rail.

Day 10: finishing and handover

Silicone sealing, accessories, a final test of everything, and a thorough clean. We walk round the finished bathroom with you, then hand over your manuals, warranties and electrical certificates.

What can make a bathroom take longer?

• A new layout. Moving the toilet or bath adds plumbing time.
• Wet rooms. Lowering the floor, fitting a former and tanking add three to five days. See wet rooms.
• Complex tiling. Herringbone, mosaics and natural stone take longer to set out and lay. Read about our tiling.
• Hidden damage. Rot or old wiring adds a day or two to put right.
• Late deliveries or changes. Changing a tile choice mid-job can mean waiting for a new delivery.
• Several trades from different firms. Waiting for a plumber, then an electrician, then a tiler is the biggest single cause of long bathroom jobs. Using one in-house team avoids that.

How to prepare your home

1. Clear the room, including cabinets and anything on the walls.
2. Clear the route from the front door to the bathroom.
3. Plan for the water-off day: we’ll tell you in advance.
4. Think about parking for the van and a skip, if needed.
5. Keep pets away from the work area, especially on strip-out day.

The short version

Stage	Typical time
Design, choices and ordering	6–10 weeks before start
Strip-out and repairs	1–2 days
First-fix plumbing and electrics	2 days
Boarding and tanking	1 day
Tiling and grouting	2–4 days
Fitting and second fix	1–2 days
Finishing and handover	1 day

Want an exact timeline for your bathroom? Book a free design visit, and your quote will include a day-by-day plan. More on our bathroom installation service.