How long does it take to renovate a bathroom?

Planning a bathroom renovation in Budapest?

Whether you’re transforming a compact guest bath or undertaking a full master upgrade, one of the first questions is always: “How long will it take?”

The truth? A bathroom renovation can last anywhere from one week to over three, depending on your bathroom’s size, complexity, and how well the project is managed.

In this guide, we break down:

• Timelines for full and small renovations
• Factors that influence project duration
• And tips to speed up the process — without sacrificing quality

Let’s take a closer look at what to expect.

Full bathroom renovation timeline

Renovating a full-sized bathroom is a detailed process that typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the condition of the existing space, the availability of materials, and the complexity of the design.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how long each phase usually takes.

Initial planning and design phase (1–2 weeks)

• Define the layout, choose materials, and coordinate with your contractor or renovation company.
• Custom designs or special orders may add time.
• Permits and approvals (if needed) should also be arranged during this phase.

Demolition and removal of old fixtures (1–3 days)

• Remove existing tiles, sanitaryware, flooring, and cabinetry.
• Older homes may require extra care due to fragile walls or outdated infrastructure.

Plumbing and electrical work (3–5 days)

• Install new pipes, drains, wiring, and outlets after demolition.
• Relocating plumbing or full system upgrades (common in older Budapest buildings) can extend this phase.

Structural changes and drywall installation (2–3 days)

• Reposition or reinforce walls if layout changes are needed.
• Install drywall and cement board to prep for tiling and waterproofing.

Tiling and flooring installation (3–7 days)

• Timeline depends on bathroom size and type of tile selected.
• Large format tiles are quicker to lay, but intricate patterns or natural stone can take longer.

Painting and finishing touches (2–3 days)

• Paint walls, install mirrors and lighting fixtures, and seal silicone joints.

Final inspection and clean-up (1–2 days)

• Deep clean the space and test all fixtures for leaks and functionality.
• Arrange final inspection if required by local building authorities.

Small bathroom renovation timeline

Renovating a small bathroom is typically faster and less complex than a full renovation, but still requires planning and coordination. Here’s what a typical small bathroom timeline looks like:

Planning and design (1 week)

Even small spaces benefit from careful planning. This stage involves choosing fixtures, materials, layout options, and scheduling contractors.

Demolition and removal (1–2 days)

Removing old tiles, fixtures, and cabinets is usually quicker in smaller bathrooms, though time can increase if there’s old plumbing or structural damage.

Plumbing and electrical updates (2–3 days)

Small bathrooms often require updates to outdated plumbing or electrical systems. Replacing a shower, toilet, or lighting takes less time but still must be done to code.

Tile installation and flooring (2–4 days)

While surface area is smaller, precision is key. Wall and floor tiles in tight spaces require accurate cutting and placement.

Painting and minor finishes (1–2 days)

Once surfaces are sealed and dried, walls and ceilings are painted. Minor touches like mirrors, shelves, and towel racks are installed.

Final inspection and clean-up (1 day)

The renovation wraps up with a quality check, clean-up, and any small adjustments. At this point, your new bathroom is move-in ready.

Bathroom renovation timeline overview

Factors that influence how long a bathroom renovation takes

While average timelines are useful, every bathroom renovation project is unique. Several key factors can significantly speed up—or delay—your schedule.

Size of the bathroom

• Larger bathrooms naturally take longer due to the extra square meters of tiling, flooring, and fixtures.
• Smaller bathrooms may seem faster, but tight spaces can slow down work due to limited maneuverability.

Complexity of the design

• Simple cosmetic upgrades are faster than full redesigns with new plumbing layouts or custom features.
• Luxury features like underfloor heating or walk-in showers add time to both installation and planning.

Availability of materials

• If you choose readily available materials from local suppliers, work can move forward without delay.
• Custom tiles, imported vanities, or bespoke fixtures can take weeks to arrive, potentially halting progress.

Contractor scheduling and team size

• Well-staffed renovation teams can complete projects faster with parallel workflows (e.g., electrical and tiling).
• Availability of your chosen contractor also impacts the start date and completion timeline.

How long should a bathroom renovation take?

In general, a well-organized bathroom renovation should take:

• 2–3 weeks for a small bathroom with no major structural or plumbing changes.
• 3–5 weeks for a full renovation involving layout changes, new plumbing, or premium materials.

However, these estimates assume that all materials are ready, the contractor is available, and no surprises emerge during the process.

If unexpected issues arise—like hidden water damage or outdated wiring—the timeline can stretch by several days or even weeks.

Always add a 10–20% buffer to your expected renovation time to accommodate unforeseen delays.

How to speed up the bathroom renovation process

Streamlining design choices

One of the most common renovation delays is decision-making. Finalize your layout, color scheme, and material selections before work begins. This avoids costly pauses while waiting for your choices.

Choosing ready-to-install materials

Prefabricated vanities, acrylic panels, and standard-sized fixtures can drastically reduce installation time compared to custom-built or imported materials that may require longer lead times.

Effective project management tips

• Work with a contractor who offers a clear project timeline and daily progress updates.
• Ensure permits and materials are ready before demolition begins.
• Schedule key trades (plumber, tiler, electrician) in advance to prevent downtime.

Tip: Having everything ready before work begins is the most effective way to avoid delays and keep your renovation on schedule.

How long does it take to renovate a bathroom on average?

The average bathroom renovation takes 1 to 3 weeks from start to finish, depending on the size of the bathroom and the complexity of the work involved.

Planning and preparation can often take longer than the renovation itself, especially if you’re coordinating materials, permits, and contractors.

The key to a smooth timeline is clear planning, fast decision-making, and working with professionals who stick to schedules.