Bathroom refit: what happens, in what order

A bathroom refit usually follows the same sequence. Knowing it helps you understand the timetable and why some days look quieter than others.

1. Strip-out: old suite, tiles and sometimes plaster are removed.
2. First fix: new pipes, waste and cables are run before walls are closed up.
3. Boards and plaster: walls are made flat and ready for tiling.
4. Waterproofing: wet areas are tanked. This step is easy to skip and expensive to get wrong.
5. Tiling: walls and floor.
6. Second fix: toilet, basin, bath or shower, taps, fan and lights.
7. Finishing: silicone, decoration and a final check for leaks.

Electrical work in bathrooms is often notifiable. See GOV.UK on competent person schemes.