So, you are finally working on that aging bathroom. Good, but between Pinterest boards and paint swatches: how long will you brush your teeth in the kitchen sink? Let’s break down the real timeline—from permits to paint—so you can plan accordingly and keep your sanity intact throughout the transformation.
The Reality Check
Here’s the truth: how long does a bathroom remodel takes depends on how complex your project is. Most bathroom remodels take, on average, 6 weeks to 3 months, start to finish. The actual construction? Plan for 20-30 working days of hammering, drilling, chaos, etc.
Pre-Construction: The Waiting Game
Before the fun demolition begins, you’ll navigate several crucial steps that often take longer than expected.
Finding Your Perfect Contractor
The first step is looking for contractors and booking a site visit with each. Plan 1-3 weeks for this step. After each visit, you will want to get a written bid in 5-7 business days.
Ensure that you compare the estimates really well (takes another 1-2 weeks). Look beyond the bottom line:
What materials are included?
How detailed is the scope of work?
What’s the payment schedule?
The Permit Predicament
If any plumbing, electrical, or gas work is being relocated, permits are needed, and this takes from 2 weeks to several months, depending on your location. Just moving a toilet a few inches? Permits are needed. Your contractor should handle this paperwork, but building department delays are unfortunately common.
Material Sourcing
That Italian tile that you love and want to have? It might take 6-8 weeks to come in. Custom vanities take even longer in some scenarios. Order materials as soon as your design plan is finalized—don’t let a backordered faucet derail your entire timeline.
Construction Phase
Once permits are approved and materials arrive, the real work begins.
Demo Day and Rough-Ins
Demolition typically takes just one day. Then plumbers and electricians spend 1-2 days rerouting pipes and wires behind the walls. If permits were required, schedule city inspections before closing up walls—the actual inspection takes an hour, but scheduling might take days or weeks.
Installation
Floor tiles go in first (half to full day). Then comes everything else:
Tub or shower installation
Vanity and sink mounting
Toilet installation
Wall tiles and lighting
Hardware and accessories
Installation typically takes 1-3 days, depending on complexity.
The Final Details
Schedule a thorough walkthrough with your contractor. Test every drawer, inspect grout lines, and run all faucets. Create a punch list of any issues—these fixes usually take 1-5 days unless waiting on backordered items.
Pro tip: keep a notepad in the bathroom for two weeks post-completion. Live with the space and jot down anything that needs tweaking.
Cost Considerations
Budget expectations vary dramatically by scope. A basic refresh might run $5,000-$15,000, while a full gut renovation can exceed $25,000-$50,000 or more in major metros. Always build in a 15-20% contingency budget for surprises like old plumbing or water damage.
Your Renovation Success
The bottom line? How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding each phase helps you plan realistically. With proper preparation, a reliable contractor, and patience during the permit process, you’ll be soaking in your dream bathroom before you know it.
Goyal Development keeps bathroom renovations on budget and on schedule. We efficiently handle permits and provide transparent communication. Ready for your personal oasis? Visit goyaldevelopment.com to start your customized timeline today!