Are you thinking of having a fitted bathroom installed? Youโre probably wondering how long it would take. In this blog we will have a look at the factors that affect bathroom installation time.
At Consumer Advisory, we can put you directly in touch with professional accredited contractors who can supply and install your fitted bathroom. ย
What is a Fitted Bathroom?
A fitted bathroom means that the fixtures and fittings such as the sink, toilet, shower or bath, cabinetry, tiling, mirrors, storage units and lighting etc are all custom installed to suit your room. It could be a full remodel or just replacing or upgrading bathroom fittings in the existing layout. Bathroom fittings include taps, showerheads, sinks, baths, toilets and smaller items such as towel rails, mirrors and cabinets.
Installing a fitted bathroom can include:
- Removing and disposing of old fixtures and bathroom fittings
- Altering plumbing or drainage
- Moving or altering wallsย
- Tiling walls and floors or installing waterproof panels
- Installing electrical parts such as lighting and heatingย
- Painting or decorating after the main part has been completed
Main Stages of a Fitted Bathroom Installation
These are key stages for a general fitted bathroom installation. Understanding these will help make sense of how time adds up for installing your fitted bathroom.
1. Planning and Design
This is where you choose a layout, select the bathroom fittings, budgeting, getting quotes, and possibly planning permission or building regulations if you need structural changes.
2. Pre-Installation Work and Site Preparation
This is where your old bathroom gets cleared out, including removing existing bathroom fittings, handling plumbing drains and ensuring walls and floors are in good condition.
3. Structural or Alteration Works
This involves moving walls, altering doorways, installing or repairing joists or subfloor etc.
4. Plumbing and Electrical Work
These works can include positioning for shower, bath, basin, pre-wiring for lights, switches, extract fan and underfloor heating or radiators.
5. Waterproofing, Tiling and Wall Panels
If your walls need to be tiled then this includes preparing walls, applying waterproof membrane, tiling floor and walls. If your using panels they need to be fitted, grouted, sealed and waterproof checks carried out.
6. Installing the Bathroom Fittings
This is where your bath/shower enclosure, basin, toilet, cabinetry, mirrors, accessories, lighting, and finishes are all fitted.
7. Decorations and Finishing Touches
This part includes painting and skirting, sealing, trimming, mirror installation and adjusting doors etc.
8. Cleaning and Snagging
The last part of the process includes cleaning up debris, checking everything works and making sure everything is properly lined up. Any minor issues will need to be fixed.
How Long Does Each Stage Take?
The length of time to install your fitted bathroom depends on size, complexity and whether youโre replacing the same footprint or relocating. Hereโs a rough guide for an average size bathroom in the UK:
| Stage | Average Time Needed |
| Planning & Design | 1 to 2 weeks +ย |
| Pre Installation and Removal | ยฝ to 1 day for any stripping out, longer if any mould or rot is spotted |
| Structural Alterations | 1 to 3 days for small alterations, 1+ weeks for big changes such as moving walls |
| Plumbing & Electricalย | 1 to 2 days |
| Waterproofing & Tiling/Panels | 2 to 4 days depending on areas to be tiled and grout drying time |
| Fitting Fixtures & Fittings | 1 to 2 daysย |
| Decorating & Finishing Touches | ยฝ to 1 day for painting and small adjustments |
| Cleaning & Snaggingย | ยฝ day to 1 day |
Factors That Affect Bathroom Installation Time
Here are some common issues that can cause a longer timescale to install your fitted bathroom:
- Unexpected Issues: This includes rot, mould, damp and structural problems discovered. This needs remedial work which adds time.
- Plumbing and Drains: Relocating drains or running new water lines are labour intensive particularly if your floors and walls have to be opened.
- Supply Delays: This includes items such as bathroom fittings, tiles, cabinetry, mirrors and hardware. If something is out of stock, is a special order, delayed in shipping, or custom made, it can hold up installation of your fitted bathroom.
- Complex Tile Work: Larger tiles, intricate patterns and mosaic borders will take longer for layout, cutting and grout setting etc.
- Waterproofing and Drying Time: Tiles and grout need the right temperature and humidity to set quickly, and sealants or membranes need to cure.
- Electrical Work: If you need new wiring or re-routing, it might require an electrician to be scheduled and possibly inspections.
- Access and Layout: Tight spaces and difficult rooms will slow down the installation time of your fitted bathroom. Delays can also come from waiting for contractors.
- Custom Elements: Any bespoke vanities and bespoke joinery will add to the timeframe of installing your fitted bathroom.ย
What You Can Do to Speed up the Process?
Here are some tips to help speed up the timeframe of installing your fitted bathroom:
- Plan Early and Thoroughly
Choose your bathroom fittings, tiles, cabinetry, mirrors and flooring etc in advance. Double check everything such as dimensions and colours. That way orders can be placed and deliveries scheduled so nothing holds up the trades. - Choose Standard Sizes Where Possible
If you use off the shelf fittings and fixtures instead of bespoke or custom, it will usually avoid delays. - Use Reliable Suppliers
Choose suppliers who have local stock and good delivery services. - Check Regulations in Advance
If permits or inspections are needed, plan these so that they donโt hold up completion. - Be Decisive
Itโs best to make decisions from the start when choosing materials, colours, fittings and layouts. Any late changes can cause big delays on installing your fitted bathroom.
Conclusionย
There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing your fitted bathroom design. The timeframe of installing your fitted bathroom depends on several factors including the size of your fitted bathroom, any structural changes and any issues that arise along the way. If youโre looking to have a fitted bathroom installed, you should hire a professional accredited contractor to ensure quality results. An accredited contractor who specialises in fitted bathrooms will offer experience and knowledge and will install your fitted bathroom efficiently and to the highest standards. Consumer Advisory will put you directly in contact with approved and accredited contractors, to give you peace of mind.
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