Renovating a bathroom is an exciting project, but it can quickly become overwhelming if not managed properly. One of the key trades you’ll need to schedule carefully is your plumber. In New Zealand, regulations require licensed plumbers for any work involving water supply and drainage, so knowing when to call them is crucial.
1. Planning & Design Stage
Before any demolition begins, involve your plumber to discuss:
Feasibility of layout changes (moving fixtures like toilets, showers, and vanities)
Water pressure considerations
Compliance with NZ plumbing regulations
Consents required
A quick consultation with your builder at this stage can help avoid costly mistakes later!
2. Before Demolition
If your reno involves moving plumbing fixtures, your plumber may need to cap off existing pipes to prevent leaks or contamination. This step is crucial before ripping out old fixtures, especially if you’re keeping some plumbing in place.
If not, this is a great time to have our Summit Suite booked in, where you can have the portable shower and toilet with a bit of style during the next stage!
3. First Fix Plumbing (After Framing, Before Gib or Tiling)
This is when the real work begins. Once the old bathroom is stripped back and any structural changes are made, your plumber will:
Install or move pipes for taps, showers, toilets, and drains
Set up the shower waste and bath drainage
Ensure everything is compliant with NZ building codes
Timing tip: Ensure electrical rough-in (for lighting, heated towel rails, or underfloor heating) is completed before this step.
4. After Gib & Before Tiling
Once walls are up but before tiles go on, your plumber may return to:
Fit shower mixers and bath spouts
Pressure test pipes for leaks
This ensures that if any adjustments are needed, they can be made before tiles are permanently installed.
5. Final Fit-Off (After Tiling & Painting)
The home stretch! Now your plumber comes back to:
Install taps, showerheads, toilets, and vanities
Connect waste pipes and ensure everything is sealed
Test all fixtures for leaks
Pssst! This is when you can finish our rental!
Key Takeaways for Project Management
One of the biggest challenges in a bathroom renovation is keeping all the trades in sync. Builders, electricians, plumbers, and tilers all play vital roles - but having everyone on site at once doesn’t always mean efficiency. In fact, it can sometimes create costly delays or mistakes.
If you’re unsure how to sequence the trades, bringing in a project manager can make the process much smoother. Companies like Tuit offer design and project management services to take the stress out of coordinating your build.
I asked Tuit for their expert advice, and they’ve even put together a standard bathroom renovation schedule to guide you through the process. Want to take a look?
