What to Expect with a Bathroom Remodel

Bathrooms are the most personal spaces in our homes and are also one of the most exciting to remodel. Whether you’re adding your dream soaker tub or finally getting the storage space you need, a new bathroom can enhance the quality of your daily life overnight.

Unfortunately, the remodel itself doesn’t happen overnight. It also comes with a set of unique challenges we’d all rather avoid. Keep reading to learn more about realistic bathroom remodel expectations and a blueprint of how the process will go.

Bathroom remodel expectations: What you may not see coming

A National Association of Realtors (NAR) report finds that 73% of residents experience a greater desire to be at home after a bathroom remodel. Your current bathroom remodel expectations may entail daydreams of enjoying a spa-like experience amid a backdrop of flawless new tile work.

Here’s what comes before any of that:

The bathroom being remodeled will be out of commission.

If you have more than one bathroom, you may not worry about this. However, the water needs to be shut off completely during various phases of the project.

Always discuss downtimes with a contractor in advance. It might be best to stay somewhere else for part or all of the remodel.

Revealing the plumbing can result in some unwelcome surprises.

Even if you didn’t plan on redoing the plumbing, removing walls can reveal that you need to. Removing fixtures can also uncover cases of dry rot. Ensure you have an additional 15% in the budget for surprises like this.

Your design may be fundamentally incompatible with the home.

You drew up a plan for your bathroom remodel and decided you’d like the new toilet on the opposite wall of the old one. But there’s a reason your toilet is sitting against that wall; it’s where the plumbing stack is.

Factors like this can drastically increase the cost of a bathroom remodel if it’s even a possibility. Don’t set your bathroom remodel expectations in stone until you review the design with a professional.

You need to meet local building codes.

Bathrooms are such a private area that you forget local government has a say in what you do there. Your municipality needs to know of any project where you’re modifying electrical or plumbing.

Before doing anything, visit local offices to get a full rundown of permits and building codes. You may also hire a contractor to handle this for you.

Even larger bathrooms don’t make great construction sites.

Why do bathroom remodels take so long? A few reasons, but a huge one is the lack of space. It’s not easy to fit four people specializing in different areas into your bathroom at once. That’s why project phases don’t overlap here as much as in other room remodels.

Decide ahead of time where to set up materials and supplies, how often cleanup happens, and above all, try to be patient.

The bathroom remodel process

A bathroom remodel process will differ based on the specific layout, the amount of work to be done, the contractor, and other variables. However, here is a general idea of how the process goes:

1. Planning

The planning phase comes first on every single bathroom remodel. It includes:

• Creating a budget
• Hiring a designer, contractor, or both
• Measuring the bathroom (at least twice)
• Choosing materials and fixtures
• Creating a schedule for the project

2. Demolition

Next, the old bathroom must go. The utilities will have to be disconnected and the team will remove all old components, from fixtures to flooring. Ensure that the demolition phase includes plans to haul away and properly dispose of the old bathroom.

3. Rough-in

Now it’s time for skilled labor. Electricians, HVAC technicians, and plumbers address their respective areas. A carpenter handles framing and anything else that will make up the “bones” of the new bathroom.

4. Installation

The main installation phase covers the following:

• Bathtub and shower
• Toilet
• Sinks
• Flooring
• Walls

5. Finishing

The final touches include trim, such as baseboards, and painting. Other hardware, accents, or custom work, like a glass shower door, can also be installed.

6. Inspection

Ensure all utilities and fixtures are in proper working order. Do a walkthrough with the contractor and make any final adjustments.

The average timeline for a bathroom remodel

The average timeline for a bathroom remodel is three to four weeks, but some can take up to seven weeks.

Sound like a long time? Let’s look at how long various steps of the process might take:

• Demolition and refuse removal from your property can take two to four days.
• Each skilled professional working during the rough-in phase can need one to three days. It’s unlikely they’ll all be working in the same space the entire time. So, if you have a plumber, electrician, HVAC tech, and carpenter, this phase can take a few weeks.
• Insulation, drywall, and drywall finishing can take about three days.
• Tile work and flooring each take two to three days. Again, these are unlikely to be completed simultaneously, so that could be another week or two.
• Connecting everything and adding fixtures takes one or two days.
• Installing trim and painting also takes one or two days.

Don’t forget to add in the unexpected delay and a day to test the new features and perform a thorough inspection. It’s plain to see why complete bathroom remodels can take a month or more.

Bonus: Bathroom remodeling tips for success

A big, happy reveal is nice. But how will you feel about your renovation three, five, or 15 years down the line? Here are some bathroom remodeling tips to get the most out of this undertaking.

• Select materials that can handle moisture. Choose ceramic tile, stone, and glass wherever possible for a bathroom remodel that stands the test of time.
• Install various types of lighting. Expand a window to add more natural light. Install an ambient lighting option in addition to bright overhead lighting. Multiple light sources let anyone customize the look and feel of the room at any time.
• Think about resale value. Peacock green tiles might not be a huge selling point to a future buyer. Consider a neutral palette if you want to sell later on.
• Pay attention to ventilation. Ventilation is more than just a requirement. Paying special attention to this area and investing in a robust system can extend the life of the new bathroom by removing moisture and preventing mold.

Dream up a better bathroom with The Designery

The perfect bathroom is a massive reward for a long and involved process. If your bathroom remodel expectations include perfection, start building your team of professionals now.

The Designery offers scalable services. We can help you design a new bathroom, choose materials, and have our licensed and insured contractors complete the remodel. Or simply take advantage of our design and supply services to be completed by your contractor. Request your complimentary design consultation today to learn more.

FAQ

How long does it take to remodel a bathroom?

The average timeline for a bathroom remodel is approximately 25 days. This varies depending on the bathroom size, the remodel’s complexity, the contractor’s schedule, and other factors.

What are the stages of a bathroom remodel?

The main stages of a bathroom remodel are planning, demolition, rough-in work, installing fixtures and finishes, adding finishing touches, and the final walkthrough and inspection.

What should I expect during a bathroom remodel?

Any remodel comes with unexpected challenges, but bathroom remodels typically involve the following:

• A few weeks to a few months without use of the bathroom
• Possible design restrictions based on current layout and utility placement
• The potential for water damage or dry rot once plumbing is exposed
• Six phases, from planning and demolition to finishing and final inspection
• Permits and various code requirements