Free trade sequencing planner
Renovations don't blow out because trades are slow. They blow out because the order is wrong: the screen measured before the tiles, the cabinets ordered late, the membrane rushed. Here is the correct sequence, how long each stage takes, and how far ahead each trade books out.
The trap room. Waterproofing must cure before tiles, the screen is measured after tiles, and every trade comes back twice (rough-in, then fit-off).
Rubbish off site, old membrane out. If the house is pre-1990, allow for an asbestos check first.
All pipe moves happen now. Moving a drainage point later is the most expensive variation on the job.
Lighting, fan, heated towel rail circuits in the wall while it's open.
Villaboard, niche framing, wall-hung vanity blocking. Decide the niche NOW, not at tiling.
AS 3740 membrane, two coats, each needs cure time. Rushing this is how bathrooms fail. Days shown include cure.
Good tilers book out furthest of any trade. Tiles on site BEFORE the tiler arrives.
Usually the tiler's last day.
Can only be measured AFTER tiling. The made-to-order wait starts here; this is the classic dead fortnight nobody plans for.
Toilet, vanity, tapware, shower set. Same plumber as rough-in; book both visits together.
Lights, fan, accessories. Book with the rough-in.
Ceiling and untiled walls. Wet-area paint only.
Lands when the made-to-order screen arrives. Silicone cures overnight before first use.
One photo of your room comes back finished, with every product priced, quantified and linked to the supplier. Hand that schedule to your trades and the quotes come back tight.
Durations and lead times are typical 2026 Australian bands for a standard single-room renovation, drawn from the TuttoCasa costing engine's trade scopes. Your trades, your suburb and your site set the real calendar; use this as the shape of the job, not a contract program.