Planning a bathroom renovation can feel overwhelming, especially if you've never been through one before. Understanding the process and what happens day-by-day will help you prepare your household and know what questions to ask potential bathroom fitters. Most full bathroom renovations take between one and two weeks, though this varies depending on the size of your bathroom and the complexity of the work.

Week One: Strip Out and First Fix

Your bathroom fitter will typically start by protecting the rest of your home. Expect dust sheets in hallways and on stairs, and possibly plastic sheeting to contain dust. The first job is stripping out your old bathroom—removing the toilet, sink, bath or shower, tiles, and potentially the flooring. This is the messiest day, and you'll likely have quite a bit of noise and debris. Most fitters will arrange a skip or waste removal for the same day or the next morning.

Once the room is stripped back, your fitter can assess the walls, floor, and plumbing properly. This is when any hidden problems like water damage, mould, or outdated pipes become visible. It's worth having a small contingency budget (typically 10-15% of your total project cost) for unexpected issues that need addressing.

The first fix involves all the behind-the-scenes work: moving or installing new pipework, repositioning waste pipes, running new electrical cables for lights and an extractor fan, and potentially adding or moving radiators. If you're having underfloor heating installed, this happens now. The walls and floor need to be in good condition before anything else progresses, so there may be replastering or floor levelling at this stage.

Mid-Project: Waterproofing and Preparation

Before any of your new bathroom suite goes in, proper waterproofing is essential—particularly in shower areas. Your fitter should tank wet areas (applying a waterproof membrane) and ensure the floor has adequate fall towards drainage points. This work isn't visible in the finished bathroom but it's absolutely critical for preventing future water damage and costly problems.

If you're having wall panelling, this is usually fitted now. If you've chosen tiles, the walls need to be perfectly prepared, and tiling typically happens before the bathroom suite is installed. Large format tiles are popular but take longer to fit properly than smaller tiles. A good tiler won't rush this job—proper adhesive curing time and careful grouting make the difference between a bathroom that looks professional and one that doesn't.

Week Two: Second Fix and Installation

This is when your bathroom starts to look like a bathroom again. The toilet, sink, bath, and shower enclosure are installed and connected. Your fitter will do the second fix plumbing and electrical work—connecting taps, fitting the shower, installing light fixtures, and connecting the extractor fan.

The bath or shower tray needs to be perfectly level and properly sealed. If you've chosen a walk-in shower with a glass screen, this is often one of the final jobs as the glass is vulnerable to damage. Many fitters leave this until the very end to avoid any accidental knocks or scratches.

Any remaining tiling—such as border tiles or finishing edges—happens now. Silicone sealant is applied around the bath, shower tray, and sink. Professional fitters use anti-mould sealant and apply it neatly in one smooth line. This seemingly simple job makes a surprising difference to the finished appearance.

Managing Disruption During the Work

You'll be without a functioning bathroom for most of the renovation, so plan accordingly. If you have a second toilet, you'll manage more comfortably. Otherwise, consider whether you can use facilities at work, at a nearby gym, or a relative's home for washing. Some homeowners arrange to stay elsewhere for a few days during the most disruptive period.

Your fitter will typically work from around 8am to 4:30pm or 5pm. Discuss start times beforehand if you have young children or work night shifts. Expect dust to travel further than you'd imagine—keep bedroom and living room doors closed and consider covering furniture in adjacent rooms.

Water and electricity to the bathroom will be switched off at various points. Your fitter should warn you before turning off water at the stopcock, and this is usually only for a few hours at a time rather than entire days.

Getting the Right Professional for Your Project

The quality of your bathroom renovation depends heavily on choosing an experienced bathroom fitter. When getting quotes, ask to see photos of recently completed projects and request references you can contact. A detailed written quote should break down labour and materials separately and specify exactly what's included.

It's sensible to get at least three quotes to compare not just prices but also the scope of work included, timescales, and how each tradesperson communicates. The cheapest quote isn't always the best value—experienced fitters charge more because they work efficiently, spot potential problems early, and deliver a professional finish that lasts. Factor in that quality bathroom installations typically come with guarantees on workmanship, giving you peace of mind for years to come.