Thinking about renovating your bathroom but not sure where to start? Wondering how much it might cost, or how long you’ll be without a working shower? Or maybe you’re asking yourself whether to tackle it alone or bring in the experts?
Whatever the question, we’re here to answer it with our bathroom renovation guide. You’ll discover what to consider before work begins, what each stage entails, and how a trusted specialist can bring your vision to life seamlessly.
Things to know before starting
a bathroom renovation
Let’s go through the key factors to consider, covering everything from what a full bathroom renovation is, to the importance of setting a realistic budget.
What is a full bathroom renovation?
A full bathroom renovation goes beyond simple touch-ups or cosmetic upgrades. It’s a complete transformation of your space, often involving the removal of existing fixtures, flooring, lighting and tiles, along with the installation of new features and a reconfigured layout.
How much does a bathroom renovation cost?
The total price of a bathroom remodel can vary significantly, with many factors influencing the cost. These include the size of your bathroom and how complex the new design is. Any extra construction work that’s required can also add to the cost, such as plumbing or electrical upgrades or layout alterations.
Since no two renovations are the same, we advise you to get in touch with one of our expert advisors for a tailored quote.
How it’s going to look
You may have a picture-perfect idea of how your finished bathroom will look. But if you’re a little unsure on a few features or even the entire space, taking inspiration from other sources can help.
You could create a mood board, browse online, or head to our showroom to view a range of our premium bathroom designs. Our knowledgeable experts are here to advise on everything from materials to bespoke features. Book a free consultation today to get started.
What needs upgrading or rerouting
Inspect your existing plumbing and electrics. Do they need upgrading or rerouting? If they do, it’s an important consideration for your budget, as they will typically add more to the cost. Generally, keeping your fixtures in their current positions is the most cost-effective option and involves less work than relocating them entirely.
Consider who will be using the bathroom
It might sound obvious, but if you live with others, it’s important to make sure your new bathroom works for everyone. That’s why it’s a good idea to balance aesthetics and functionality during the planning stage.
You could start by considering how the space will be used — and by whom. A family bathroom may need to prioritise durability, easy-clean materials, and plenty of storage. An ensuite, on the other hand, gives you more freedom to focus on comfort and luxury detailing.
Will you need planning permission to renovate your bathroom?
You usually won’t need planning permission to renovate your bathroom, especially if the project doesn’t involve structural changes, moving external walls, rerouting drainage, installing new windows, or altering the building’s exterior.
However, if your bathroom is in a listed building or a conservation area, you may need planning permission, as these properties often have specific restrictions in place. If you’re unsure, you could contact your local council’s building or planning department for guidance.
Who’s going to do it?
You’ll also need to decide whether you’re going to take on the project yourself or enlist the services of a renovation specialist. While both have their benefits, calling on a renovation specialist such as Pimlico Plumbers can help ensure your project is delivered on time, within budget, and to a premium level.
With our network of over 230 trade professionals, we can manage and deliver your renovation from start to finish. Having every trade in-house not only makes renovations more convenient, but it can also reduce the time it takes to complete your bathroom.
What’s the standard process
of a bathroom renovation?
There are many stages that go into a full bathroom renovation. Here’s how long each one typically takes:
1. Planning and Design (3–6 weeks)
It all begins with your vision. This stage is about defining the layout of your bathroom, choosing suitable materials, and refining the overall design.
How long this stage takes depends on the scale of your project. For instance, a larger bathroom will naturally take longer to plan than a simpler refit. Whether you’re designing it yourself or working with trusted professionals, this stage lays the groundwork for your renovation.
2. Ordering Materials (2–8 weeks)
Once your design is confirmed, it’s time to order your materials. Items such as custom cabinetry, bespoke fixtures, and tiles can take several weeks to arrive. However, with Pimlico Plumbers, your dedicated project manager can oversee the delivery schedule and ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
3. Site Preparation (1 day)
The space needs to be prepped before any work begins. That means covering nearby areas, fitting dust sheets, and mapping access routes for safe, efficient work. It may seem minor, but proper preparation makes the entire renovation smoother and keeps your home as clean and undisturbed as possible.
4. Demolition (1–3 days)
Out with the old, in with the new. The existing fixtures, tiles, and surfaces are removed to make way for your new bathroom. This stage needs extra care to avoid damaging any underlying plumbing or electrics.
During this phase, people often uncover issues such as uneven floors or ageing pipework. If you’re doing some work yourself, check local skip and waste-disposal guidelines before clearing debris.
Rest assured, if we’re handling your renovation, we’ll safely remove all waste and dispose of it responsibly.
5. Plumbing and Electrical Work (2–6 days)
This stage is crucial. Without it, you may not have running water or working electricity. It often includes rerouting pipework, installing new waste outlets, upgrading electrical circuits, and wiring for lighting or underfloor heating.
With Pimlico Plumbers, our certified engineers and qualified electricians ensure every feature is compliant, safely installed, and works efficiently.
6. Wall Preparation and Tiling (5–10 days)
Once the structure is ready, it’s time to plaster, waterproof, and repair (if required) the walls before tiling begins. Larger rooms or complex tile patterns can extend this stage, and drying times for grout and adhesive can add a few extra days.
7. Fixture Installation (2–4 days)
Now comes the most visible change: sinks, toilets, baths, and showers are installed and tested. Our trade professionals can install every fixture seamlessly, usually taking just a few days to complete.
8. Painting and Finishing Touches (1–3 days)
With the main installation complete, let’s focus on those finishing touches. Walls can be painted with moisture-resistant paint, mirrors and shelving installed, and final fittings such as towel rails or accessories added. These last touches help bring your bathroom to life.
9. Final Inspection and Clean-Up (1–2 days)
Before you can enjoy your bathroom, every element needs to be checked and tested. The last thing you need is an unexpected leak while you’re running your first bath in the new suite.
At Pimlico Plumbers, we inspect pipework, seals, and electrical systems to make sure everything functions perfectly. Then we give the area a professional clean so it’s spotless from the moment you step inside.
10. Total Duration: 4–8 weeks
Every bathroom renovation is different, though most projects take between 4–8 weeks from start to finish. The timeline depends on factors like design complexity, product lead times, and whether you’re managing parts of the process yourself.
Why choose Pimlico Plumbers
for your bathroom renovation
We’re London’s leading service for improving and maintaining homes. Covering all 32 boroughs in the capital, our complete range of bathroom renovation services ensures your vision is brought to life with precision and efficiency.
Through our network of over 230 skilled trade professionals, we’re here to manage and deliver your renovation from concept to completion. Having every trade under one roof not only makes the process seamless, but it can shorten the overall project timeline too.
Already working with an architect or interior designer? That’s also fine with us. We can collaborate with them directly to create your dream bathroom. Or, if you’d prefer to manage the project yourself, we can act solely as your installer while you stay in control.
Whichever approach works for you, the result is always the same: expert bathroom renovations carried out to the highest standards. That’s the Pimlico Plumbers difference, and that’s why we’re London’s leading home repairs and maintenance service.
Speak to our team today to discuss your ideas, arrange a consultation, and see how we can turn your vision into a reality.
