Remodeling a bathroom typically takes between four weeks and three months. This timeline depends mostly on the scope of the work, the size of your contractor’s team, the availability of materials, and the resolution of any unforeseen issues such as mold removal, repairs to existing pipes, and other unanticipated repairs.
Scope of the Work
Replacing outdated bathroom fixtures, vanities, and lighting with trendier items takes less time than completing a full demo that may include the removal of drywall, subflooring, shower and floor tile. Reconfiguring your bathroom to increase the square footage or to improve the aesthetic flow of the space will take more time to complete as this usually requires moving the toilet, vanity, adding or removing the bathtub or shower to suit your needs.
Your Contractor’s Team
The contractor you choose can play a large part in how quickly your bathroom remodel takes. Many contractors work with small teams that juggle multiple construction projects at once. This means that the team will start phase one of your project, then move on to another client’s project, then return to your project for the next phase and so on. Some contractors hire sub-contractors to complete plumbing, painting, and tile installation to help speed projects along.
Before hiring a contractor, ask about their work methods and how these methods will affect the timeline.
If you’re planning to remodel a bathroom yourself, consider the amount of work as well as your level of expertise prior to starting. If you run into any major repair problems, you will have to call in a professional, which may extend the timeline.
Availability of Materials
Drywall, basic subway tile, and other construction materials are typically available at any time. It’s those specialty items such as custom countertops and vanities, decorative tile, unique fixtures, and lighting that take may longer to find, order, ship, and install.
Unforeseen Issues
Unless there are visible water stains, soft spots in the drywall, rodent droppings, or other tell-tale signs of potential damage behind the walls, there is no way to predict additional repairs and fixes that could shift the construction timeline prior to starting the project. You should add a few days or a week to the completion date just to be on the safe side – this is especially important if you’re completely tearing down your bathroom to the studs. When in doubt, always contact a professional like VL Builders.
