Wondering how long a bathroom renovation takes in Perth or across WA? The short answer is 1–8+ weeks depending on scope, approvals, and materials. Below we break down realistic Australian timelines, step-by-step stages, costs and what speeds things up—so you can plan with confidence and minimise downtime in a one-bathroom home. As a WA specialist in custom cabinetry and full-service renovations, Joyce Kitchens designs and delivers bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes that run on time.
What affects how long a bathroom renovation takes in Perth
- Scope: Cosmetic refresh vs full strip-out with layout changes.
- Approvals: Structural work, window changes or strata sign-off can add days to weeks.
- Lead times: Custom cabinetry WA, engineered stone benchtops, tiles and glass can range from days to several weeks.
- Trades availability: Licensed plumber, electrician, tiler, waterproofing technician, glazier and cabinetmaker scheduling.
- Room size and complexity: Niches, underfloor heating, curved walls, feature porcelain slabs, or a frameless shower screen add time.
- Site constraints: Apartments, limited access, asbestos removal, or plumbing upgrades to AS/NZS standards.
- Curing times: Waterproofing membranes and adhesives need proper drying per AS 3740 and manufacturer guidance.
The stage where licensed trades run plumbing and electrical services to their positions before walls and tiling are finished (per AS/NZS 3500 and NCC).
Application of membranes and bonding to protect wet areas (showers, baths, floors) from water ingress—must be done by a qualified applicator.
Typical bathroom renovation timelines (by scope)
These are realistic Perth benchmarks assuming products are selected early and trades are confirmed.
- Cosmetic refresh (keep layout): Replacing tapware, vanity, WC, mirror, re-silicone, minor paint and accessories: 1–2 weeks.
- Standard renovation (strip-out, same layout): New waterproofing, tiles, vanity, shower, screen, lighting and ventilation: 3–5 weeks.
- Layout change or premium finishes: Moving plumbing/electrical, niches, large format porcelain slabs, custom storage: 5–7 weeks.
- Structural/complex (walls/windows, apartment constraints): Builder involvement, permits, strata approvals: 6–8+ weeks.
Tip: If you only have one bathroom, we can coordinate a “compressed” schedule, temporary shower/toilet solutions, and weekend fit-offs to minimise disruption.
Step-by-step renovation process and timeline
1) Design, selections and quoting (1–3 weeks)
Meet a Joyce Kitchens designer to measure, plan your layout, choose finishes and fixtures (tiles, vanity style, tapware, shower screen). Lock selections early to secure stock and fabrication slots.
2) Approvals and scheduling (0–2+ weeks)
- Approvals: Only required if structural or strata; allow 5–10 business days (varies by council/body corporate).
- Scheduling: Confirm plumber, electrician, tiler, cabinetmaker, waterproofer, glazier.
3) Lead times for made-to-order items (parallel) (2–6 weeks)
- Custom cabinetry WA (vanities, shaving cabinets): 2–5 weeks depending on finish (2-pack paint or vinyl wrap may take longer).
- Stone vanity tops (Caesarstone/engineered stone): template-to-install 1–3 weeks.
- Frameless shower screens: measure after tiling, fabricate and install in 5–10 business days.
4) On-site works (typical 10–25 working days)
- Demolition and strip-out: 1–2 days (add time for asbestos testing/removal if needed).
- Carpentry/repairs and set-out: 0.5–1 day.
- Plumbing and electrical rough-in: 1–3 days.
- Sheeting/patching and prep: 1–2 days.
- Waterproofing: 1 day application + 1–2 days curing.
- Tiling: 3–7 days depending on area and tile size (large format porcelain slabs may require extra handling time).
- Joinery install (floating vanity, shaving cabinet): 0.5–1 day.
- Stone benchtop install (if applicable): 0.5 day.
- Glazing (shower screen): 0.5 day.
- Paint/touch-ups: 0.5–1 day.
- Final fit-off (PC items—tapware, mixers, WC, towel rails, lighting, fan): 1–2 days.
- Silicone and final clean: 0.5 day + curing time.
“Prime Cost” items are fixtures/fittings (e.g., mixers, toilet suite) specified with an allowance that can vary by model or brand.
Compliance note: Work should meet WA Building and Energy requirements, HIA contracts/guidance, AS 3740 for waterproofing and AS/NZS 3500 for plumbing. Consider engaging an HIA or Master Builders WA member for accountability.
Related reading: Budgeting properly? Learn how much does it cost to waterproof a bathroom and what’s included in compliant scopes.
Materials and finishes that influence timing
Materials affect both lead times and on-site durations. For example, porcelain tiles need precise cuts; 2-pack painted cabinetry needs curing; engineered stone requires templating after joinery is installed. Below is a quick comparison for popular vanity benchtop choices in WA.
Engineered Stone vs Laminate for Vanity Benchtops
| Feature | Engineered Stone Benchtop | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Look & Feel | Premium stone appearance (e.g., Caesarstone), seamless with undermount basins | Wide range of colours/patterns, modern square edges |
| Water/Heat Resistance | Excellent water resistance; good heat resistance (use trivets) | Good water resistance; moderate heat resistance—avoid direct heat |
| Lead Time in WA | Template after vanity install; install 1–3 weeks later | Often fabricated with cabinetry; install same day as vanity |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance; non-porous | Very low maintenance; avoid harsh abrasives |
| Indicative Cost | $$–$$$ | $–$$ |
| Aesthetic Styles | Works with Hamptons-style and shaker-style vanities | Great for contemporary, coastal and budget-friendly looks |
Other finish notes:
- Cabinet fronts: 2-pack paint gives a premium finish; vinyl wrap is durable and economical.
- Hardware: Soft-close drawers and Blum hinges feel upscale and help with longevity.
- Tiles: Porcelain is harder and often preferred for floors; ceramic suits walls; slip-resistant (P-rating) tiles are wise for families.
- Tapware: WELS-rated fixtures save water; PVD finishes (brushed nickel, matte black) are robust for WA conditions.
- Lighting: LED strip lighting under a floating vanity adds task lighting and ambience.
Layouts, styles and their impact on time
Keeping the same layout typically shortens programs by 1–2 weeks. A walk-in shower, wall-hung WC, or moving the bath can add rough-in time. Style choices can also influence duration:
- Shaker-style vanity (inspired by shaker kitchen cabinetry): extra profile detail can lengthen paint/finish times.
- Hamptons-style: feature wall panelling and decorative mirrors require careful set-out.
- Minimalist coastal Perth look: large-format tiles and concealed storage need precise cutting and install.
Planning a whole-home project? Coordinating your kitchen renovations Perth, bathroom, laundry and wardrobe fit-outs together can reduce duplicated site visits and overall timeline. We often plan scullery and laundry splashback selections alongside bathroom tiles to streamline orders.
Costs and lead times in WA
- Cosmetic update: $10,000–$20,000
- Standard strip-out & retile (same layout): $20,000–$35,000
- Premium/structural or apartment: $35,000–$60,000+
Indicative trade and item considerations (Perth): tiling $80–$150/m² (complex layouts higher); licensed labour rates vary; porcelain slab handling adds cost and time; custom glass and engineered stone carry separate fabrication slots. Always check current pricing with your designer.
For standards and consumer advice see Master Builders WA and the ABCB/NCC.
Quick WA case examples
Case 1: Mount Lawley, character home
Scope: Strip-out, keep layout, Shaker-style vanity, engineered stone top, porcelain floor tiles, framed screen. Timeline: 4 weeks on site + 2 weeks cabinetry lead time (run in parallel). Why it worked: Early selections and stock checked before demolition; no structural changes.
Case 2: Hillarys, coastal unit (strata)
Scope: Convert bath to walk-in shower, move plumbing, frameless screen, large-format wall tiles, matte black tapware. Timeline: 6.5 weeks due to strata approval (10 business days) and custom glass fabrication. Lesson: Approvals and screen lead time were the critical path; we scheduled other rooms (laundry cabinetry) in parallel.
Practical pre-renovation checklist
- Lock your layout and selections before demo (tiles, tapware, vanity, screen, lighting).
- Confirm stock or lead times for long-lead items (custom cabinetry, stone, glass).
- Check if approvals or strata permissions are required.
- Plan a temporary bathroom solution if this is your only bathroom.
- Bundle jobs (laundry/wardrobes) to reduce repeat visits by sparkies and plumbers.
- Request a clearly sequenced schedule with trade contact windows.
- Allow proper curing time for membranes and silicones—don’t rush re-occupancy.
- Keep a 10–15% contingency for unforeseen issues (e.g., termite or water damage).
Ready to map out your renovation timeline? Joyce Kitchens designs and delivers bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes across Perth and WA—complete with custom cabinetry, stone, fixtures and project coordination. Book a showroom consult and get a realistic start date.
Related reading: Keep your timeline and spend aligned with affordable bathroom renovations—ideas that save money without false economies.
FAQ
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
Most Perth bathrooms take 3–5 weeks on site for a standard strip-out and retile with the same layout. Add time for custom glass or stone (often made in parallel) and 1–2 weeks for approvals if you’re changing structure or in strata. Cosmetic updates can be done in 1–2 weeks, while complex or structural projects can run 6–8+ weeks.
How long does it take to remodel a bathroom if I keep the layout?
Keeping the same layout typically takes 2–4 weeks on site, because plumbing and electrical rough-ins are straightforward. Lead times for a custom vanity and shower screen may add time, but these can often be scheduled in parallel with tiling and waterproofing.
How long should a bathroom remodel take for a one-bathroom home?
Plan on 3–4 weeks and ask your renovator to compress critical stages, provide weekend fit-offs and suggest temporary bathroom options. The key is confirming selections early and ensuring all stock is on hand before demolition to avoid delays.
How long to renovate a bathroom in an apartment or strata property?
Allow 5–7 weeks in total. Strata approvals and building access rules can add 1–2 weeks. Noise and lift booking windows often limit daily hours, and custom frameless screens are usually measured after tiling, adding 5–10 business days.
What causes bathroom renovation delays in WA?
Common delays include late selections, out-of-stock tiles or tapware, waiting on shower screen fabrication, waterproofing cure times, and hidden issues like water damage or non-compliant plumbing. Working to AS 3740 and AS/NZS 3500 standards and confirming stock before demo reduces risk.
