⏱ How Long Should a Renovation Take? A No-Nonsense Guide
Some builders drag out timelines.
Some clients underestimate them.
So let’s set the record straight.
This guide breaks down exactly how long a kitchen or bathroom renovation should take in Melbourne — and what factors can speed things up (or blow them out).
💡 Why This Matters
When you know what’s normal, you can:
Set realistic expectations
Plan around family routines
Spot red flags from dodgy builders
Trust the process without second-guessing
At Bluestone, we don’t sugar-coat it. We tell you exactly how long it’ll take — and we stick to it.
🚿 Bathroom Renovation Timelines
Standard timeline: 2–4 weeks
What’s involved:
Week 1: Demolition, plumbing rough-in, electrical prep
Week 2: Waterproofing, tiling prep, cabinetry install
Week 3: Tiling, grouting, fittings, final plumbing/electrical
Week 4: Cleanup, testing, handover
Factors that affect it:
Tile choice (custom = more time)
Plumbing relocations
Hidden issues behind old walls
🍳 Kitchen Renovation Timelines
Standard timeline: 3–5 weeks
What’s involved:
Week 1: Rip out old kitchen, reroute plumbing/electrical
Week 2: Plastering, floor prep, check measurements
Week 3: Cabinet delivery and install
Week 4: Benchtops, splashback, appliance fit-off
Week 5: Final touches, painting, cleanup
Factors that affect it:
Stone lead times (usually 7–10 days after cabinetry install)
Custom joinery vs flat pack
Appliance availability
Last-minute design changes (yep, we’ve seen it…)
What Speeds It Up
Pre-approved design and finishes
In-stock materials (tiles, tapware, etc.)
Fast decision-making
One builder managing everything (no waiting on trades)
At Bluestone, our scheduling is tight. We don’t vanish between trades. We stack timelines smartly to keep your project moving.
What Slows It Down
Client indecision
Design changes after works begin
External tradies or DIY overlap
Permit or structural surprises
Waiting for suppliers (especially overseas ones)
We flag these early. And if we sense delays, we adjust the plan — not the deadline.
What About Full Home Renovations?
Every project is unique. But as a guide:
Partial internal reno (kitchen + bathroom): 6–8 weeks
Kitchen + 2 bathrooms: 8–10 weeks
Full cosmetic reno (no extensions): 10–14 weeks
Full gut + rework: 3–5 months
We build the Gantt chart before starting, so you’re never in the dark.
The Bluestone Difference
Most clients aren’t just worried about how long it takes — they’re worried about:
Being left in the dark
Trades ghosting them
Chaos in their home
We eliminate all that with:
Clear communication
One point of contact
Tightly managed schedules
Clean, respectful crews who show up on time
Want your renovation done properly — and on time?
👉 Book a consultation with Bluestone Build Co and we’ll show you exactly what to expect.
