How long does it take to renovate a bathroom?

The duration of a bathroom renovation depends on the extent of the work, the condition of the room, the materials chosen, and the organization of the various professionals.

A simple refresh can be done in a few days. A complete renovation usually requires several weeks of work, especially when it includes a new layout, plumbing modifications, a custom shower, or extensive preparatory work.

It is also important to distinguish between the duration of the work itself and the total duration of the project. Before demolition, several steps are necessary: bathroom assessment, design, preparation of the bid, selection of materials, ordering and scheduling of professionals.

Here are the expected timeframes and the main factors likely to influence the timeline of your renovation.

What is the average duration of a bathroom renovation?

As a guide, the estimated delivery times are as follows:

• Aesthetic refresh: 2 to 5 days

  Painting, replacement of certain accessories, the mirror or the washbasin unit, without major modifications to the installations.

• Partial renovation: 1 to 2 weeks

  Replacing a shower or bathtub, installing new flooring or upgrading several pieces of equipment.

• Complete renovation: 2 to 4 weeks

  Demolition, plumbing, electricity, ventilation, waterproofing, ceramics, appliance installation and finishing.

• Complex transformation: 3 to 6 weeks, sometimes longer

  Significant changes to the configuration, relocation of networks, structural work, custom-made equipment, or problems discovered during demolition.

  
  

These deadlines correspond to the construction site itself. The design, the choice of materials and their delivery must be planned in advance.

Only an assessment of the existing bathroom will allow for the establishment of a timeline suitable for the project.

Why isn't a small bathroom always quicker to renovate?

The surface area alone does not determine the duration of the work.

Even a small bathroom may require:

• a complete demolition;

• the relocation of the plumbing;

• an update of the electrical installations;

• a new ventilation system;

• waterproofing the shower;

• the laying of many tiles;

• the installation of custom-made furniture;

• several drying times.

In a confined space, professionals also have less room to work and store their tools. Some tasks cannot be carried out simultaneously.

Technical complexity and level of finish therefore often influence the schedule more than the number of square feet.

Bathroom: Small Space

The main stages of a bathroom renovation

A realistic schedule takes into account each phase of the project. Some steps can be carried out quickly, while others require drying times or the successive involvement of several trades.

1. Project evaluation and design

Before setting a construction date, the contractor must understand the owner's needs and examine the existing bathroom.

This phase generally includes:

• the tour of the room;

• taking action;

• configuration analysis;

• the evaluation of technical installations;

• defining the needs;

• the design of the new layout;

• the choice of equipment;

• budget preparation.

A change to the provision may require further study.

Moving the toilet, shower or washbasin unit has consequences for the plumbing and sometimes for the flooring.

BonBain offers a bespoke bathroom design service to prepare a coherent layout before work begins.

This step can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and the time needed to make decisions.

2. Submission and Planning

Once the project is defined, the contractor can prepare a detailed submission.

This document must specify the work, materials, equipment, exclusions, payment terms and approximate schedule.

The homeowner should take the time to verify that the proposal meets their expectations. Our guide explains the points to check in a bathroom renovation quote.

After acceptance, the contractor plans:

• ordering materials;

• the availability of professionals;

• the order of interventions;

• the delivery of equipment;

• the protection and organization of the construction site.

A well-planned renovation limits the periods during which no work can progress.

3. Ordering and delivery of materials

Standard materials available in stores can be obtained quickly. However, some products require several weeks for manufacturing or delivery.

This is particularly the case:

• of a custom-made washbasin unit;

• of a counter cut according to the dimensions of the room;

• of a custom-made shower enclosure;

• of certain imported tiles;

• of a particular type of tap;

• of a bathtub or equipment that is out of stock.

It is best to secure the main materials before demolition. Otherwise, a mistake in the reference, a damaged product, or a delivery delay could bring the project to a standstill.

Availability should be checked when choosing equipment, especially if the owner wants a specific collection or finish.

4. Demolition of the old bathroom

The demolition marks the visible start of the work. It includes the removal of equipment, coverings and elements that will not be retained.

According to the project, the team removes:

• the bathtub or the shower;

• the toilet;

• the washbasin unit;

• the taps;

• ceramics;

• certain parts of the walls;

• the floor covering.

Demolition can take one or more days. Its duration depends on the existing structure, access to the room, and the amount of material to be removed.

It is also at this stage that hidden problems can appear: old leaks, mold, deteriorated piping, weakened flooring or non-compliant installation.

5. Plumbing, electricity and ventilation

Once the room is opened, professionals can modify or upgrade the technical installations.

The work may include:

• the relocation of water inlets;

• the modification of evacuations;

• preparing the shower drain;

• the connection of a bathtub;

• the addition or relocation of sockets;

• the installation of lighting circuits;

• the preparation of a heated floor;

• the installation or replacement of the fan.

The more the new configuration differs from the old one, the more time this phase will take.

A bathroom that retains the location of the toilet, shower, and sink can often progress more quickly than a project requiring the relocation of all fixtures.

BonBain coordinates the plumbing, electrical and ventilation work required for its renovation projects.

6. Surface preparation and waterproofing

After the technical work, the walls and floor must be prepared to receive the new coverings.

This step may include:

• the repair or replacement of the subfloor;

• the closing of the walls;

• the installation of suitable panels;

• leveling of surfaces;

• the creation of flow slopes;

• waterproofing the shower;

• the treatment of joints and corners.

The products used sometimes require a drying period before work can continue. Artificially accelerating this phase can compromise the durability of the installation.

Waterproofing is one of the invisible tasks that requires as much attention as decorative finishes.

7. Laying the ceramic tiles

The application time depends on:

• of the area to be covered;

• the format of the tiles;

• of the chosen pattern;

• the number of cuts;

• the presence of a niche;

• of the shower configuration;

• of the condition of the surfaces;

• the level of precision required.

Large-format tiles can reduce the number of grout lines, but their handling and cutting require careful preparation. Complex patterns or small tiles require more installation time.

After installation, the glue and grout must dry sufficiently before proceeding with certain work.

8. Equipment Installation

Once the surfaces are finished, the main equipment can be installed:

• toilet ;

• bathtub ;

• vanity unit;

• counter ;

• sink ;

• taps;

• lighting fixtures;

• mirror ;

• accessories.

A custom-made glass partition may require measurements to be taken after the ceramic tiles have been permanently installed. Its fabrication can therefore continue even when other work is nearly complete.

In some projects, the bathroom can be partially usable before the final installation of the glass.

9. Finishing touches and final check

The final days of the construction project are dedicated to the details:

• paint ;

• silicone seals;

• installation of moldings;

• adjusting doors and drawers;

• installation of accessories;

• cleaning;

• retouching;

• equipment check.

The contractor is responsible for checking, among other things, the water flow, connections, taps, lighting, ventilation and the quality of the finishes.

This final inspection allows us to identify the last adjustments before the bathroom is delivered.

What factors can prolong the work?

Several situations could alter the announced timeline.

The discovery of hidden problems

It is difficult to know the exact condition of the walls and floor before demolition. Water damage, a weakened structure, or a faulty old installation may require additional repairs.

The contractor must then explain the problem, propose a solution and specify its impact on cost and time.

A modification requested during construction

Changing the tile format, moving equipment, or choosing new faucets after work has begun can disrupt the schedule.

The modification may require:

• a new order;

• a different kind of preparation work;

• the return of a professional;

• additional materials;

• a delivery timeframe.

It is therefore preferable to validate important decisions before demolition.

A delivery delay

A glass partition, a custom-made piece of furniture, or a special tap may be delivered later than expected.

Where possible, the main equipment should be ordered and checked before the start of construction.

The availability of different professions

Plumber, electrician, tiler, and installer must work in a specific order. A delay in one step can postpone the others.

Using a turnkey bathroom renovation service makes this coordination easier.

The rules of a condominium

In a condo, renovations may be subject to:

• specific times;

• prior authorization;

• rules concerning elevators;

• insurance requirements;

• noise restrictions;

• procedures for the removal of debris.

These elements must be checked before planning the construction site.

How to avoid delays?

Not all unforeseen events can be avoided, but good preparation significantly reduces the risks.

Before work begins:

1. Clearly define the layout.

2. Approve the budget.

3. Choose the materials.

4. Check their availability.

5. Order custom-made products.

6. Inform the contractor of the building constraints.

7. Request a realistic timeline.

8. Avoid modifying the project while it is in progress.

9. Respond quickly to questions requiring a decision.

10. Allow a margin for unforeseen discoveries.

Choosing the right company also plays an important role. Learn how to select a bathroom renovation contractor.

Can the bathroom be used during the renovations?

During a complete renovation, the bathroom is usually unusable for a large part of the construction work.

If the accommodation has a second bathroom, the occupants can often stay there. Otherwise, a temporary solution must be found, particularly for showering.

Before work begins, ask the contractor:

• on what date will the devices be removed;

• when the toilet can be reinstalled;

• at what point should the water be shut off;

• if the other facilities in the accommodation will be affected;

• when the shower can be used safely.

Drying times must be respected even when the equipment appears to be already installed.

Plan your bathroom renovation in Montreal

BonBain Construction assists homeowners with their bathroom renovation projects in Montreal , Lachine, Laval, Longueuil, Brossard and on the South Shore.

Our team prepares and coordinates the various stages of the project, from design to finishing. A schedule is established based on the existing space, the scope of work, the materials chosen, and the availability of equipment.

Check out our portfolio to discover bathroom transformations in the Montreal area.

Want to know the estimated duration of your project? Contact BonBain Construction to request a bathroom assessment.