Perhaps you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade your bathroom to match your dream bathroom. You’ve committed to the process, and now, you need to iron out the details. Although remodeling your bathroom is an excellent way to upgrade your home, it can become a drawn-out and frustrating process.
In most cases, a bathroom remodel takes about four to five weeks. Some take shorter, some longer. It all depends on the complexity of the project and the size of your bathroom.
So, before you dive into the project, here are a few things you should know about the timeline of a bathroom remodel!
Why Do I Need Bathroom Renovation?
Renovating your bathroom is the perfect way to give your home a facelift without tearing it all down and starting from scratch. While redoing the bathrooms in your home is time-consuming, it’s well worth it in the end.
Bathroom renovations can be beneficial on various fronts. The advantages of overhauling your bathroom are extensive, including a chance to repair old problems (plumbing leaks, rotted floors, etc.), increased home value, and an opportunity to incorporate storage and revamp the layout.
Decide, Whether It Is DIY Or Professional Task?
Once you commit to renovating your bathroom, you need to decide whether you want to handle the project yourself or outsource it to a professional. Each option has its merits, but it’s ultimately up to you.
DIYing the project can save you hundreds of dollars in labor, but it might not be the most time-effective option. For example, if you squeeze remodeling into a busy daily life, including work and family commitments, the project might take much longer than you’d like.
On top of that, you might need permits for electrical and plumbing work. If you DIY the project, it’s up to you to handle these steps. If you outsource the work, your contractor will likely handle this part for you.
It’s worth noting that some contractors work on several projects at a time, so your bathroom remodel could take a while. However, you can find contractors who focus on each project solely, meaning there likely won’t be business days where nobody works on the bathroom.
How Long Does A Bathroom Remodel Take?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all time frame for remodeling a bathroom. Every scenario is different, as each individual has different expectations and plans for their bathroom. So, the timeline can vary drastically from one remodel to the next.
That said, most bathroom remodels will take a minimum of 20 days to complete. Under ideal circumstances, contractors can usually finish small bathroom remodels within 23 days. If they don’t work weekends, this comes out to about 4 ½ weeks, as long as the process goes smoothly.
The project length for larger bathrooms extends based on the scope. However, numerous extenuating circumstances can affect the amount of time it takes to complete the project, from start to finish. It could take even longer if a few unforeseen hiccups arise throughout the process.
What Are The Time Factors? What Takes Most Time?
When it comes to bathroom remodels, there’s no rushing time. Certain parts of the process require a specific amount of time for completion, so there may be a period while you wait for these parts to wrap up.
Generally, the most time-consuming part of the process is the plumbing, flooring, and electrical steps. These steps take much longer than simply installing a new cabinet or faucet. However, other time factors that may affect your project include:
- State of the bathroom: You need to consider the condition of your bathroom – if you need to start from scratch and gut the bathroom, it will take considerably longer than working with existing elements.
- Permit and contract approval: Before starting, you’ll need to obtain the necessary contracts and permit approvals. Depending on what you need, this can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to complete.
- The number of contractors hired: Hiring several contractors may speed up the process, as each company can bring different expertise to the table. However, beware of hiring too many companies, as this can lead to scheduling conflicts that could slow the process.
Main Factors That Affect Actual Bathroom Remodel Time
Multiple small factors affect the actual amount of time your bathroom remodel will take. However, three main factors will determine the significant chunks of time throughout the project.
These factors include:
- Project scope: You must consider how much you want to get done in the bathroom. Are you stripping the entire space down to the studs, or are you working with existing elements? How much do you want to change the layout and design? These aspects can significantly impact how long the remodel takes.
- DIY or professional: With DIY projects, you can go as quickly (or as slowly) as you’d like. With a professional, there may be scheduling delays or other issues that could lead to delays. DIYing the project can become taxing, as it consumes much of your free time for weeks on end. However, this might be your best bet if you’re hoping to save money.
- Material availability: This is a significant consideration in your project’s timeframe. If materials aren’t readily available, you might need to compromise with alternative materials or delay the project while you wait for materials.
Phases And Time Frame To Renovate A Bathroom
A typical bathroom renovation has three primary phases: pre-construction, during construction, and post-construction. Each stage encompasses vital parts of the process that contribute to the overall goal.
In the first phase of pre-construction, you need to post your job. This alerts local companies of your project needs, attracting qualified individuals of varying expertise to your door. While searching for the perfect fit, you should schedule site visits and bids. From there, you can choose your contractor.
You’ll need to sign the contract and obtain the necessary permits, then ensure you purchase all necessary materials. At this point, it doesn’t hurt to warn the neighbors of the upcoming construction project. Generally, this phase takes 6-8 weeks, primarily because of the permit approval waiting period.
Phase two is where the project truly begins. The contractors prepare your old bathroom, removing anything you no longer want. They’ll complete the necessary flooring, plumbing, and electrical work, then have the city inspect the work and sign off on the permit. Next, floor and structure work is complete, followed by installation of the bath, sink, vanity, and toilet.
Finishing touches, such as decor and storage additions, come in on this step, then the bathroom is ready for cleaning. This phase usually takes between 19 and 41 days, although it may be shorter or longer, depending on the project.
In the final phase, your bathroom is complete! Now, it comes down to reviewing the work with your contractor. You’ll walk through with your contractor, noting any changes necessary. The contractor can make those changes, and once those are complete, you go through the final inspection with your contractor.
After the inspection is complete and finalized, your last step is to finish payments to settle the contract! Just like that, your project is complete!
Frequently Asked Questions On Remodeling A Bathroom
Here are some frequent questions we get about remodeling bathrooms.
How Long Does It Take To Fit In A Walk-In Shower?
Incorporating a walk-in shower into your new bathroom can take up to a week to complete. Of course, the time frame varies based on what you’re working with to start. For example, if you’re working with a similar-sized shower, the project might not take as long.
However, if you’re replacing a tub with a walk-in shower, it could take up to a whole week to complete.
How Long Does It Take To Refurbish A Small Bathroom?
Generally, it takes around 23 days (under ideal circumstances) to refurbish a small bathroom. The time frame may vary based on your expectations and project scope. Additionally, deciding to DIY the project could take less time, especially if you devote all your free time.
For a professional to refurbish your bathroom, you can expect it to take around 4 ½ weeks.
How Much Does A Bathroom Remodel Cost?
Bathroom remodels can become incredibly costly, especially if you hire a professional to handle the project. On the low end, it may cost around $2,500. However, if you decide to hire a professional to handle the remodel, it could easily cost over $10,000.
Of course, varying circumstances can raise or lower the price. For example, if you keep certain bathroom fixtures, the project will be slightly less expensive. Or, if you’re gutting the bathroom and starting fresh, it may cost even more.
Conclusion
Although bathroom remodels are time-consuming and expensive projects, they’re well worth it in the end. Remodeling your bathroom offers one of the highest returns on investment of any work you can do on your home! On top of that, you can give your home a facelift without having to tear the whole thing down to start from scratch.
A bathroom remodel is your chance to replace old designs and elements with those more attuned to your personal aesthetic. If you need help with your bathroom remodeling in the Toronto area, contact Maserat today!
