So you’ve finally decided: That tired, avocado-green bathroom that has been whispering sweet nothings about “new tiles” and “modern taps” for years has got to go. So finally, you pull the trigger, picture your Instagram-worthy bathroom, and confidently announce to your family, “It’ll be done in a week or two max!. Easy.”

Ha. Bless your optimism.

So… How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Actually Take?

In a recent poll,  real UK homeowners, tradespeople, and that one friend who always thinks they’re on Grand Designs were asked how long a typical bathroom renovation takes.

Here’s the average breakdown:

Realistic total time: 2–3 weeks

But here’s the thing: it can stretch to 5–6 weeks if your home throws you any curveballs…

• Your house is 100+ years old and full of “quirks”
• You have surprise plumbing issues
• You decide mid-renovation that you “might as well do the ensuite too”

Why Do Bathroom Renos Take So Long?

1. Tiny space = big problems
   Bathrooms are small—but they cram in more trades than any other room: plumbers, electricians, tilers, plasterers, decorators, and that one guy who only shows up to adjust the heated towel rail.
2. Drying time is non-negotiable
   You can’t rush plaster, tile adhesive, or grout drying. Trying to skip this step? Say hello to damp walls and peeling tiles, and goodbye to your renovation dreams.
3. The domino effect
   If one task gets delayed, everything else gets pushed back. It’s like Jenga, but with plumbing. One delay triggers a chain reaction.
4. Surprises
   Found rot under the old bath tub? Pipework that defies logic? Congratulate yourself—your bathroom is now a full-blown mystery novel.

Tips to Keep Your Sanity (and Your Bathroom Renovation on Track)

• Add 30–50% to your timeline. Realistically, expect things to take longer than planned.
• Order EVERYTHING before you start — taps, tiles, vanity units — no excuses!
• Communicate constantly — your builder isn’t a mind reader.
• Don’t plan a party immediately after — you’ll want to enjoy the new bathroom, not host a clean-up crew.

Why It’s Totally Worth It

Bathroom renovations are never as quick as you think—the journey is a rollercoaster but they’re one of the most satisfying projects you can do. You’ll forget the delays the moment you step into your beautiful new shower… When that first hot shower hits, the gleaming tiles reflect the light just right, and you realise your bathroom no longer screams “1970s time capsule,” it’s pure joy.

Ready to dive into your own bathroom adventure? Remember: patience is your best mate, a good plan is essential, and a sense of humour will carry you through the sticky moments (literally). So, what are you waiting for? Schedule you’re FREE Design Consultation and let the fun begin.

https://www.paintersanddecorators.co/services/bathroom-installations/