The average bathroom remodel can take one to two months. This timeline applies to a full demolition and replacement of all features. 

Two months is more likely for luxury master baths, bathrooms with custom cabinetry and complex tilework, or those where plumbing is being relocated. One month is typical for a single bath, or a master that’s retaining some of its current features. 

However, many details and factors go into accurately answering the question, “How long does a bathroom remodel take?” If you’re feeling a bit anxious, keep reading. We’ll go over everything that helps bathroom remodels run smoothly, from knowing what to expect to strong communication and planning.

Do you need a bathroom remodel?

A month or more without your bathroom can have you second-guessing the whole operation. Maybe only a partial remodel is appropriate? 

If you don’t have the budget for a complete gut and remodel, you may still need to address some important issues. Ignoring the following signs can lead to damage so great that it ends up costing you more in the long run. And if you like having a functioning bathroom, you won’t have a choice of when to spend it.

  • Soft floors. Is there a little more give when you step on a certain spot? This could be a leak or moisture collecting from poor ventilation. Letting this go means you would need to replace the subfloor and all flooring on top of fixing the source and drying out the rotting area.

  • Mold or discoloration. Excessive mildew, grout that’s always crumbling, caulk that changes color within months, stains that seem to be appearing from behind paint. All of these are signs that your bathroom is either suffering from some plumbing issues or isn’t properly moisture-proofed.

  • Age and disrepair. We all love solid wood cabinets or one-of-a-kind tiling. This unfortunately doesn’t describe the materials we replace in the majority of old bathrooms. Leaking, rusting fixtures, warped old wood, cracked tiles, stained vinyl, and trim that’s falling off need to be replaced. They’re unsanitary at best and an injury hazard at worst.

Read more signs that you need a bathroom remodel. If any of it sounds familiar, it’s wisest to get ahead of it. 

 

Why is my bathroom remodel taking so long? Factors that stretch the timeline

The best laid plans are always subject to change. If you received a scheduling estimate that has given you pause, or don’t understand why your remodel is taking so much longer than your neighbor’s, it’s probably due to one of these factors.

Layout changes and design complexity.

Moving the sink to the opposite wall, installing a freestanding tub in a corner that’s been historically dry, or building the toilet its very own little water closet. 

These aren’t just construction jobs with a fixture thrown in. Multiple professionals have to coordinate to make it happen in stages. Your home may also have some unique attributes that make routine tasks a little trickier to execute. 

Material, product, and contractor availability.

Custom cabinets and tilework are worth the wait. And you will have to wait, as a craftsperson has to fabricate and procure everything you want in your design. You aren’t paying them to head to the store for you. 

Material shortages and packed schedules are common during some times of the year as well. Having your bathroom out of commission while you’re away on a summer vacation sounds too convenient to pass up. But back home, any little holdups can throw your contractor’s busy summer schedule off. 

Permitting and compliance.

Securing the proper permits and completing inspections won’t happen on your time or even your contractor’s. Delays happen, and revisions can be requested. 

This is another reason why you may not want to remodel during a busy time. Fall and winter projects are more likely to run on time. Consider whether this is possible for your schedule and discuss it with your designer and contractor. 

Surprises.

So you want to revise midway through. This is better than regretting your results, but making the switch may not be as fast and easy as you think. 

Other unforeseen issues can come up as the current bathroom is dismantled. Water damage, faulty pipes, pest infestations, mold, and even asbestos can reveal themselves. Hopefully, you allotted some budget for unwelcome surprises. In addition to this, it can create scheduling delays. 

What to expect from a bathroom remodel

Tear the old out, and put the new in. In truth, the bathroom remodel timeline includes six stages. Your design will determine how long each one takes. 

1. Planning

If you work with a designer, this can go much more smoothly. Either way, you have to create a budget and select everything you want in a bathroom, right down to the trim. Some people can dedicate a week to planning their new bathroom, while others spend months. 

2. Demolition

The demo phase doesn’t only involve removing what’s currently there. It has to be taken off the property and disposed of properly. Depending on the size of your bathroom and the materials and fixtures in there, full demolition takes two to four days on average. 

3. Rough-in

Frame-up and utilities are handled here. This is where coordinating the schedule of multiple skilled workers comes into play. Regardless of how long it takes, don’t try to rush it. Proper ventilation and updated, efficient plumbing that lasts are more important. If it’s a full master bath remodel with HVAC, plumbing, electricians, and carpentry, it takes weeks to complete.

4. Installation

Multiple pros will also handle drywall, wet areas, and fixtures. Flooring, toilets, and the permanent features like built-in shelving and custom vanities arrive and are installed.

Drywall alone can take four days, as can tilework, and doing so simultaneously often isn’t possible. 

5. Finishing 

The finishing phase is most associated with paint and trim. In addition to this, it’s time to add touches we avoid damaging while heavier work is underway, like glass doors and mirrors.

6. Inspection

It’s time for your contractor walkthrough. Test all of the utilities, bring in a third-party inspector if you like, and don’t be too eager to have it all over with. Now is your final chance to make small adjustments or request additional work. 

How to make your bathroom remodel go by faster (without cutting corners)

Before we wrap up, here are a few tips that can help you stay on schedule and survive your bathroom remodel. 

  • Research building codes and permits during planning. Your contractor may handle some of this, but don’t leave it all up to them. Visit your local government office or website and get the ball rolling. 

  • Define the scope of work. You know when you want it done and for how much money. Don’t take for granted that everyone else knows precisely what’s being done. List every detail and ensure your contractor agrees they’re responsible for it.

  • Stay involved. If you don’t have another bathroom and want to leave the home during the weeks it’ll be out of operation, identify ways to stay in close communication. Staying nearby, daily emails, video updates, and more help. Communication frequency and channels are another detail to discuss with contractors ahead of time.

  • Be organized. Keep copies of everything and track progress on your own. If a delay crops up, it’s much more likely you’ll understand why. That alleviates a lot of the impatience or frustration homeowners experience during big projects.

The Designery makes planning and remodeling bathrooms easier than ever.

The most important tip of all in making a bathroom remodel run smoothly is having someone on your side. A professional designer from The Designery helps create a plan that you know you can pull off, mitigating common holdups and giving you confidence in your design. 

You also avoid delays from materials and products that aren’t as promised. Our showrooms make it possible to see premium quality materials and fixtures in person. From there, we can even order and schedule installation for custom tile setting, cabinets, hardware, counters, and more.

“The team was super helpful from start to finish. They made the process easy, helped me find the perfect style for my space, and the installation looks amazing,” says our client, Jordan. “The quality of the product and attention to detail really stood out. Highly recommend them to anyone looking to upgrade their floors, kitchen, or bathrooms!”

Don’t stumble blindly into a remodel and get thrown off course by the unexpected. Visit a showroom or book a free consultation today.