When your existing bathroom feels outdated, too small, or no longer meets your needs, it’s time to start thinking about a remodeling project. But if you’re like many San Antonio homeowners, the prospect of dealing with a construction project feels daunting, especially if you only have a single bathroom in your home.
At Ballroom Baths & Home Design, San Antonio’s bathroom remodeling company, the first question we get from many clients is, “How long does it take to remodel a bathroom?” We work closely with every client to develop a project timeline and typically advise them to expect the entire remodeling process to take at least four to six weeks from start to finish.
Since Ballroom Baths & Home Design is a complete design and build remodeling company, we can eliminate many of the hassles and delays of a bathroom renovation project. We can serve as general contractors, so you don’t need to spend time hiring individual contractors for each phase of the project.
To help you get a better sense of what to expect during a bathroom remodeling project, we outline the elements that influence the construction schedule and a typical project timeline below.
Factors that Determine Bathroom Remodeling Duration
At the beginning of your bathroom remodeling project, your designer and contractor will provide a ballpark estimate of how long the work will take. They base the time estimate on factors including:
The Extent of the Work
A bathroom remodel that involves completely gutting the existing spaces down to the studs takes longer than a mostly cosmetic renovation. Changes to the plumbing, electrical work, intricate tile, and other in-depth project add to the project length. For example, walk-in shower installation is significantly more complex than simply installing a new bathtub or vanity, adding a few days to the timeline.
Availability of Materials
Sometimes, the answer to “How long does it take to remodel a bathroom?” depends entirely on the availability of materials. If you choose fixtures, floor tiles, and other materials that are in stock and readily available, the project will finish sooner than if you have to wait for them to arrive. Imported materials can take several weeks or months to arrive, which delays progress.
Permitting
San Antonio requires homeowners to secure permits for certain remodeling projects. Your contractor can help you with the process, but it can take time for the city to approve your application. In some cases, it can take up to six weeks to get approval before work can begin.
Design Changes
Homeowners can change the design or materials once the project is underway, but substantial deviations from the original plan can result in delays. Even if you do not request changes, being unavailable during the remodeling process can delay progress. It’s important to answer calls or texts from your contractor immediately to prevent work slowdowns.
Keep in mind that even with careful planning, unexpected delays can occur. It is rare for a project to go exactly as scheduled due to delays in material deliveries, unplanned repairs, equipment malfunctions, issues with permitting, or any other problem out of their control. While your remodeling contractor’s construction schedule will likely attempt to accommodate these challenges, be flexible and patient if your remodeling project doesn’t precisely follow the timeline.
The Basic Bathroom Remodeling Timeline
Most bathroom renovations follow the same general timeline. Specifics vary, but you can expect your project to follow this general schedule once we have a final design and the necessary permits in place.
Demolition
Removing the old fixtures, walls, and flooring typically takes two days, depending on how difficult it is to remove the debris.
Carpentry
If you are adding new structures, moving existing structures (like relocating a doorway), or the existing structure needs repairs, this work takes place during the carpentry phase. It can take up to several days to complete the work.
Plumbing
Plumbing rough-in usually takes a day, but changes to the room layout or major plumbing repairs can extend the project by a few days.
Electrical
Electrical work to install lines for additional outlets or new fixtures typically takes a day or two.
Insulation and Drywall
Depending on the size of the room and local insulation inspection requirements, contractors can install and finish the new walls within four days.
Paint and Tile
Most contractors paint the drywall as soon as it’s finished, which only takes a few hours. If the project includes tile work on the walls, it can take several days to complete due to the dying time.
Cabinet and trim installation
In most cases, this work only takes a day.
Flooring installation
The type of flooring you choose determines how long it takes to install. Floor tiles can take several days, again, because of drying time, while vinyl and engineered wood flooring may only require a day to install.
Fixture Installation and Hookup
It typically takes a couple of days to install and hook up sinks, faucets, shower heads, lighting, and other fixtures. The more complex your design, the longer it takes.
Inspections
The remodeling process requires code inspections at various points: after the plumbing and electrical rough-in and after painting the drywall.
Again, these are rough estimates, and some parts of the project may take more or less time to complete. Your contractor will build in time for delays or setbacks and keep you informed at every step of the process.
Trust Ballroom Baths and Home Design for Stress-Free Bathroom Remodeling
If you want to upgrade your home with a stylish new bath but aren’t sure how to plan a bathroom remodel, call our experts at Ballroom Baths & Home Design. We can answer all your questions, including “How long does it take to remodel a bathroom?” and help you bring your dream bathroom to life with superior design and construction skills.
Enjoy personalized service and a hassle-free home improvement experience by calling San Antonio’s leading bathroom remodeling company at (830) 755-6444 for a consultation today.
- How to Plan a Bathroom Remodel: A Step-by-step Guide - April 20, 2023
- How Long Does it Take to Remodel a Bathroom? - April 20, 2023
- Understanding the Walk-In Shower Installation Process - April 20, 2023
