Bathroom Renovation Timeline Sydney: How Long Does a Renovation Really Take?

Bathroom renovations in Sydney usually take 3–5 weeks, but the exact timeframe depends on the size of the bathroom, the materials you choose, and how complex the job is. If you’re planning your renovation and want to know what to expect, this guide breaks down the process week-by-week so you can feel confident from start to finish.

Whether you live in a unit, townhouse, semi, or a freestanding home, this timeline will help you understand what actually happens behind the scenes and why choosing the right renovation team makes all the difference.

⏱ Typical Sydney Bathroom Renovation Timeline

A standard bathroom renovation in Sydney generally falls into one of these timelines:

• Small or basic bathroom: 2–3 weeks

• Standard mid-range bathroom: 3-4 weeks

• High-end or complex bathroom: 3–4 weeks

• Apartment/strata bathroom: 3–4+ weeks (approvals can add time)

The construction itself is usually consistent the real differences come from materials, waterproofing, plumbing complexity, and how many trades are required.

📅 Bathroom Renovation Timeline Sydney: How Long Does a Renovation Really Take?

Week 1 - Strip Out, Plumbing & Electrical Rough-In

This is the fastest but messiest part of the project.

What happens:

• Full strip out of old tiles, walls, vanity, bath, shower, toilet

• Removal of old waterproofing

• Inspecting the slab and walls for any hidden damage

• Plumbing rough-in (water pipes, mixer placements, drains)

• Electrical rough-in (lights, power points, LED mirrors, fans)

  
  

Time:

3–5 days

What can add time:

• Discovering water damage

• Rotting timber

• Render work

• Weak concrete slab

• Incorrect existing plumbing

• Asbestos (only in older Sydney homes)

Week 2 - Waterproofing & Screeding

This week is where the foundation of your bathroom is created.

What happens:

• Applying primer

• First waterproofing coat

• Drying time

• Second waterproofing coat

• Screed installation

• Levels prepared for tiling

Time:

3–4 days

Note:

Australian standards (AS3740) require strict drying times, so this week is usually unavoidable. Cutting corners here causes leaks later.

Week 3 - Tiling

This is the most visually exciting part.

What happens:

• Wall tiling

• Floor tiling

• Grouting

• Silicone sealing

• Feature walls or niches added

Time:

5–7 days

What affects timing:

• Large-format tiles (600x600, 750x1500, slabs)

• Natural stone

• Herringbone or finger tiles/kit-kat tiles

• Complex waterproofing areas

High-end tile patterns = more time.

Week 4 - Fit-Off & Finishing Touches

Once tiling is complete and cured, everything comes together.

What happens:

• Install vanity, tap-ware, mixers

• Shower screen installation

• Mirror/shaving cabinet

• Toilet installation

• Accessories (towel rails, hooks, niches)

• Painting

• Final silicone

• Full inspection

Time:

3–5 days

Most bathrooms are ready to use within 3–5 weeks, depending on complexity.

🧱 What Makes a Renovation Take Longer in Sydney?

Certain factors can push a bathroom renovation into the longer end of the timeframe:

✔ Strata approval delays

Townhouses and apartments often require formal approvals.

✔ Custom cabinetry

Custom vanities, stone tops, and custom shaving cabinets add lead times.

✔ Feature tile selections

Mosaics, natural stone, and large-format tiles take longer to install.

✔ Waterproofing cure time

Cannot be rushed legally must dry properly.

✔ Site access

Units with limited lift access or street parking take longer.

✔ Plumbing relocations

Moving toilets, showers, or vanities extends Week 1 significantly.

📍 Sydney-Specific Considerations

The Sydney market has unique challenges compared to other states:

• Many homes are older, meaning more hidden water damage

• Apartment plumbing stacks can restrict layout design

• Tight spaces are common in inner Sydney suburbs

• Weather can affect waterproofing and tiling drying time

• Tradie availability varies by suburb

That’s why choosing an experienced local renovator matters.

👷‍♂️ How Mr Bathrooms Keeps Your Renovation On Schedule

At Mr Bathrooms Sydney, we follow a streamlined construction timeline designed to keep every project moving smoothly:

✔ Reliable, experienced in-house trades

No delays from random subcontractors.

✔ Fast communication

We update you at every stage, daily.

✔ Strict waterproofing compliance

We follow AS3740 waterproofing standards and mandatory drying times.

✔ Clean, organised job sites

No time wasted fixing avoidable mistakes.

✔ Detailed planning before starting

Tile selection, fixtures, and layout are finalised before demolition preventing mid-reno delays.

This is how we consistently deliver high-quality renovations within 3–5 weeks, even in complex homes.

📞 Thinking About Renovating Your Bathroom in Sydney?

At Mr Bathrooms, we’ve renovated hundreds of homes across Sydney apartments, semis, freestanding houses, and luxury bathrooms.

If you’re ready to transform your space:

👉 Visit: www.mrbathrooms.com.au

👉 Call us: 0414 373 718

👉 Request your free quote today

A beautifully built bathroom is only a message away.