Bathroom Renovation Timeline: What Sydney Homeowners Can Realistically Expect in 2026

Are you thinking about a bathroom renovation, but you’re concerned about how long it might take? Every renovation requires a measure of patience, but with no end in sight for labour shortages and longer lead times, you’re likely to face an extended timeline for your bathroom renovation project. We discuss what’s contributing to the problem and what homeowners can realistically expect from a bathroom renovation in 2026. 

1. Sydney’s Changing Renovation Timelines For 2026

Homeowners can expect a longer renovation timeline in 2026, and there are a range of reasons for this. In addition to the broader industry influences, such as the ongoing trades shortage in NSW and increased lead times for fixtures, fittings, and parts, there is a higher demand for renovations. 

There are stricter compliance requirements, which are for everyone’s safety, but they can slow the timeline. Whether it’s an issue with permits, paperwork, or a specific compliance problem with a design, these processes can slow your development. Additionally, if you own a unit in a Strata body, approval can disrupt the schedule.

Homeowners are more clued up than ever, with complex design features to include smart tech, eco-friendly features, concealed cisterns, and other special touches. These are stunning, and they’re more than worth it, but they can add to your timeline due to imported materials and longer lead times for special products.  

2. The Timeline: Stages of Bathroom Renovation 

Every project is different, and the timeline will largely depend on the size of your bathroom and the complexity of your design. The more specialist the item, the longer the potential wait.

1. Research & Design, 1 – 3 weeks

This stage can take anywhere from a single week to three weeks. 

Your journey starts with a sit-down meeting with the designers or builders on your shortlist. You should seek several quotes. This is also the inspiration gathering stage, where you can gather photos and ideas to share your vision for your bathroom renovation in Sydney. The team will listen to your ideas and create a 3D Image to show a rough image of the completed project. Once the layout is decided, you can enter the budget planning.

If you want to make changes to your bathroom layout, now is the time to discuss it. Layout changes require additional plumbing and electrical work, which will increase the cost of your project and extend its timeline.

2. Finalise Quotes & Sign on the Dotted Line, 1 – 2 weeks

If you choose Crystal Bathrooms for your bathroom renovations, we’ll start with a site inspection to assess your bathroom and finalise the detailed quote. It’s time to make the final decisions regarding the products you want in your renovation. Once all that’s done, we’ll sign a contract with you, take your deposit, and establish the schedule for your bathroom renovations in Sydney.

3. Approvals, Compliance Checks, and Certifications, up to 6 weeks

For the most part, bathroom renovations are exempt from development. You likely won’t require council approval, but structural changes do require a permit. Regardless of whether a permit is required, the contractors must adhere to AS 3740 Waterproofing standard, Plumbing Code of Australia, and the NSW Building Code. If the work affects common property in a Strata building, you require approval from the Owners Corporation.

Plumbing, electrical, and waterproofing work must be carried out by licensed plumbers, electricians, and waterproofing technicians. Waterproofing must be given a certificate of compliance, and electrical work must adhere to AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules. Additionally, plumbing fixtures require a WaterMark certification.

4. Product Ordering & Lead Times, up to 8 weeks

This timeline will largely depend on what you order. However, the most realistic timeline in 2026 is up to an eight-week wait. 

• Custom joinery will extend the timeline, whether it’s a medicine cabinet or a vanity. 

• Highly popular items may need to be ordered in advance to cut the wait time. 

• Imported goods have longer lead times, whether it’s shower screens, smart toilets, tapware, or tiles.

The delays experienced in the product ordering and lead times generally occur before the on-site construction phase begins. 

5. Construction Phase, up to 6 weeks

1. Week One: Demolition 

Construction begins with protecting the site, ensuring there is a safe passage through the home for workers, and setting up the skip bin. Then, we’ll remove the old bathroom. If there are any underlying issues with plumbing or electrical, we’ll uncover them at this stage. Unfortunately, unexpected problems can add to the timeline, and it’s a common occurrence in Sydney, especially in older homes and Strata buildings.

2. Week Two: Rough-in 

While the walls are down, all plumbing and electrical rough-in can work, whether this is to change the layout or to replace some damaged parts. If plumbing requires relocation, it will add delays to the timeline and will likely require a compliance inspection to ensure certification.

3. Week Three: Waterproofing 

Waterproofing must comply with AS 3740, and a licensed waterproofer must complete this task. It’s slow-going as each waterproofing coat requires drying time before another can be applied. Waterproofing must be certified. 

4. Week Four: Tiling 

Once the waterproofing is complete, the wall tiles and floor tiles can be installed and grouted. If you opt for a mosaic or a geometric pattern to create a feature wall, it will add to the timeline. As will niches and recesses. 

5. Week Five: Fit-Off 

This is the final stage of construction when the bath, mixers, taps, toilet, and shower system is installed on the plumbing side. The electrical fit-off includes fans, lights, and smart controls. The finished touches are the vanity, mirror(s), and accessories. 

6. Week Six: The Final Clean & Inspection

The project manager will handle the quality assurance inspection and create a snagging list of any small fixes the team needs to make. Once those are rectified, we’ll take you on a client walk-through to hand over your brand-new bathroom. 

While some people may have enjoyed short timelines in the past, you shouldn’t expect a turnaround of less than four weeks for bathrooms in Sydney in 2026.

3. The Most Common Delays in Sydney 

• Approval times in Strata properties
• Wait times for licensed plumbers, electricians, and waterproofers 
• Tile shortages
• Delays in custom joinery 
• Uncovering asbestos when working in older properties 
• Hidden water damage upon demolition 
• The weather when handling structural work or moving walls 

4. 2026 Renovating Bathroom Timeline Summary

• The fastest possible renovation is four to six weeks, and that’s if you’ve selected a simple, straightforward renovation design. 

• If you have your eyes on a standard Sydney bathroom, you can expect a wait time of six to ten weeks. 

• If you have luxury or custom features in mind, you’re looking at a timeline of between 10 and 14 or more weeks. 

How Crystal Bathrooms Adds Value

If you’re looking for bathroom renovation experts, look no further than Crystal Bathrooms. We offer end-to-end project management, coordinating the trades, offering support with strata/council requirements, and assisting with selecting products. Additionally, the project manager will ensure you receive a transparent and realistic timeline so you know precisely what to expect. The project manager will serve as your point of contact and oversee work to ensure full compliance with the relevant regulations.

You can rely on Crystal Bathrooms to deliver high-quality workmanship, waterproofing, plumbing, and electrical work. The project manager will regularly communicate with you throughout the renovation so you’re fully up-to-date. Get in touch today to arrange your free consultation.