Short answer
A typical full bathroom renovation in Melbourne takes about two to four weeks on site. Most of that time goes into preparation that has to cure before the next trade can start: screeding, waterproofing and tile adhesive. Layout changes, custom items such as frameless screens, and slow product deliveries are what usually push a job past four weeks.
The stages of a bathroom renovation
Every bathroom is different, but the order of work is almost always the same. Each stage depends on the one before it, so a delay early on moves everything after it.
- Strip-out and rubbish removal: usually one to two days to remove tiles, fixtures, sheeting and old waterproofing.
- Rough-in plumbing and electrical: one to three days, longer if the toilet, shower or vanity is moving.
- Wall sheeting and floor screeding: one to three days, then drying time before waterproofing.
- Waterproofing: the membrane is applied in coats and must cure before tiling. The manufacturer sets the curing time, often a day or two.
- Tiling: typically three to six days for floors, walls, niches and feature areas, depending on tile size and layout.
- Grouting, silicone and sealing: one to two days.
- Fit-off: installing the vanity, toilet, tapware, shower screen, lights, fan and heated towel rail, usually one to two days.
- Final clean, inspection and hand-over.
Why curing time matters more than labour time
Much of a bathroom timeline is waiting rather than working. Screed needs to dry, waterproofing membranes need to cure, and tile adhesive needs to set before grouting. Rushing these steps is the most common cause of failed showers and cracked grout later on.
A reliable schedule builds these waiting periods in from the start, so you know in advance which days nobody will be on site and why.
What makes a bathroom renovation take longer
- Moving the toilet, shower or vanity, which means new drainage and water points.
- Rotten floor framing, damaged walls or asbestos-containing materials found during strip-out.
- Large-format tiles, herringbone or other pattern layouts, which take longer to set out and lay.
- Custom items with long lead times, such as frameless shower screens and made-to-measure vanities.
- Waiting on separate trades. Using one team for tiling, plumbing and electrical removes most of this delay.
How to keep your renovation on schedule
- Choose tiles, tapware and fixtures before work starts and confirm they are in stock.
- Agree the layout and any niches or feature walls at the quote stage.
- Ask for a written schedule showing each stage and its curing time.
- Plan for a second bathroom, or somewhere to shower, for the weeks the room is out of use.
Need this done properly?
ASA Tiling is based in Dandenong and works across Melbourne within 100 km. Call for a site visit and written quote.