What is the timeline of a bathroom or kitchen project? Well, the short answer is that it depends on the type of renovation you are taking on. Here is a rough idea of the timings you can expect…

Getting an idea of project timelines can be hard. How long your renovation will take depends on the scale and complexity of your project. We asked our experts, and the majority agreed that the design time before you start construction is around four weeks for kitchens and two for bathrooms. The fitting process takes around six to 12 weeks for a kitchen – for a single bathroom, it’s two to four. The consensus is that it can take anything from six to 18 months for whole house renovations. 

If the stars align and everything goes to plan, you could go from old and drab to a brand new space in under three months for kitchens and under two for bathrooms. However, that is the absolute fastest you can expect. 

It sounds like a long time, but renovations have many challenges, and that’s even if everything runs smoothly. Think about the individual skills and specialised tradespeople each part of the process requires.

What exactly are the necessary steps needed in the project timeline?

“On average, the design process for a kitchen can take anywhere from two to six weeks. Which depends on complexity, the availability of design resources, and any input and feedback,” advises Simon Collyns, marketing and retail sales director at Symphony Group. “The renovation phase involves construction work, which can include demolishing the existing space. Then installing new cabinetry, appliances, worktops, plumbing, electrical work, and finishing touches.

“For a bathroom, this can range from two to four weeks. The renovation phase then includes tasks such as removing fixtures, installing new plumbing, tiling, waterproofing, cabinetry, and completing the finishing work.”

What can you do to ensure you stick to the schedule?

Designers and installers typically set the deadlines, which can feel as if important decisions are out of your hands.  Plus you can be let down by tradespeople and experience delays of the all important building materials.

“My top tip is to make every tiny decision in advance,” suggests Phil Etherden, managing director at The Albion Bath Co. “It really slows down the process if customers try to make decisions when the renovation is already in progress. In addition, tradespeople often need everything on site before they can begin work. So, look at the lead times for all your chosen products and be organised.”

Nikita Pearce, founder of Honest by Design, believes that sticking to project timelines is a two-way street. The renovator needs realistic expectations, while the designer needs to be honest about real times.  

Draw up contracts to ensure everything works smoothly and efficiently. Allow extra time for those unexpected delays and make sure it doesn’t impact the overall timetable. “Although you may agree upon a schedule, you should incorporate any potential delays so that your project doesn’t run over,” warns Tabitha Cumming, a property expert from The Lease Extension Company. “A timeline is something that can be worked into a contract, as you will usually be agreeing to labour costs for a set number of days. By adding this into a contract, things will be easier if the job takes longer than anticipated.” 

Make sure you and your designer are on the same page. Leave some extra time as a contingency and figure out a workable project timeline and try to stick to it.

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