bathroom remodel
15
Oct

How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take?

The bathroom is one of the most frequently requested remodeling jobs here in the Greater Philadelphia area. Master baths are a common remodel project, but sometimes powder rooms need a spruce-up. The size and scope of the project determine how long the job will take. 

Steps before construction begins

When people ask how long the remodeling will take, they’re usually referring to the time that the bathroom will be inoperable. However, there are a few steps before that. 

Design: We recommend that you work with a designer associated with the general contractor you choose. Our designer works closely with our clients and collaborates with our construction experts to create a design that captures what the client wants that is also efficient and economical. Independent designers are more likely to create a design that looks good on paper but is a nightmare to build, takes longer than it has to, and costs the clients much more money than is necessary. 

Choosing and ordering materials: After a basic design is in place, you’ll have to choose materials and fixtures. Consider that some materials are more time-consuming to install than others. For instance, laying a floor of individual tiles is going to be a much lengthier process than laying a sheet of flooring. You will then need to wait until all materials and fixtures are available before we start deconstructing your bathroom so that there are no delays once we begin. 

These two steps can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on how long it takes to develop your design and the availability of the materials you choose. 

Other factors to consider when trying to estimate a reasonable timeframe:

  • Are you taking the room down to the studs or just redoing a few items? Changing the tub, vanity, and toilet could take only a few days. Tearing out the walls and reconstructing could take weeks.
  • Are you moving plumbing or electric? This may require additional permits and will certainly take more time.
  • Are there any damaged sections of the bathroom that need to be repaired? If you have a plumbing leak that has gone undetected for a while, there may be rot in the flooring that will add significant time.
  • Are you likely to change your mind during the project? It happens. Sometimes a client realizes that a fixture or a style just doesn’t look right after all and needs to be redone. Making changes will certainly lengthen the building process. 

 

Steps once construction has begun

Once the design is finalized, all permits are secured, and all materials are ready, it’s time to shut down the bathroom for a little while and let us work our magic. Here’s a possible timeline, assuming all goes well and no hidden problems crop up. 

  • Site preparation, putting up dust barriers and floor protection, and taking out existing walls or fixtures: 1-2 days
  • Layout of new design including, as necessary, new framing, plumbing, electrical, exhaust fans and ventilation, installation of new shower or tub: 2-3 days
  • Installation of drywall and moisture-resistant boards around plumbing, as necessary: 2-3 days
  • Paint ceiling, installation of tile floors or walls: 5 or more days, depending on extent of tiling
  • Paint walls and trim: 1-2 days
  • Vanity, countertops, toilet, fixtures, and lighting installed: 1-3 days
  • Final inspection of electric and plumbing function, last-minute touches, cleanup: 1-2 days 

 

In many projects, unexpected problems arise, especially in places like the bathroom or kitchen, which are heavily trafficked and have potential plumbing issues. So you may want to add a few more days or up to a week in your timeframe estimate. If you’re lucky, nothing will go wrong! But don’t plan a big party without allowing a little wiggle room in the construction timeframe. 

Are you thinking of remodeling your bathroom? Give us a call at (610) 353-2895. Family-owned and operated, we service Philadelphia and surrounding areas from our location on the Main Line.