Bathroom Renovation Timeline: What to Expect When You Design Your Bathroom
Of all of the rooms in a home, the bathroom is one of the most popular ones to renovate. And while bathrooms are often the very smallest rooms in the house, they are also often very labor-intensive and time-consuming to remodel. This is why many homeowners are shocked to discover that their bathroom remodel schedule isn’t going exactly as planned.
So, to help you have realistic expectations and streamline the process to design your bathroom, here is a description of a typical bathroom renovation timeline and tips for creating a space that you love.
How to Remodel a Bathroom
There’s a big difference between giving your bathroom a small makeover and doing a full bathroom remodel or installing all-new bathroom features. A bathroom makeover typically focuses on cosmetic improvements to your existing space without plumbing or electrical updates. This may involve replacing tile, installing a new toilet, or painting your bathroom walls a new color.
But if you’re looking to completely overhaul your current bathroom, chances are that you’ll need a permit to get the job done. To address the question of how to remodel a bathroom, you’ll also likely need multiple inspections to get the permits you need and be willing for the project to take between one and three months from start to finish. The project length depends on the size of your bathroom and also how many customized features you want.
A Realistic Bathroom Remodel Schedule
On the first couple days of your bathroom remodel schedule, your contractors will get to work to prepare the site, protect the floor, provide a barrier for dust protection, perform demolition activities, and do other prep work. Then on days three and four, they may work on the initial plumbing, install the tub, move onto the initial electrical work, and install your exhaust fan. From here, the contractors will work on the drywall and then install tile, as well as the grouting and sealing for your tiled areas.
After a couple weeks of work, they may be ready to start painting the walls, installing the vanity, and finishing up with carpentry work. Custom-size pieces will add extra days onto your bathroom renovation timeline. Plumbing fixtures and electrical fixtures come next, followed by the installation of towel bars and other accessories, paint touch-ups, and a final cleaning so that the bathroom is ready to use.
Permits and Other Considerations
Even if you’re not doing the actual work yourself, the process of waiting for it to be done as you design your bathroom can be excruciating. One of the biggest causes for wait periods and delays is permits. Projects that acquire more than simple aesthetic updates require permits if you’re adding or removing walls, adding beams to support bathroom features, or making other structural changes to your home. However, fixture replacements that don’t require plumbing line modifications may not require any permits. Regulations very based on where you live, so contact your local building department to ask about local requirements. If you are caught building without the proper permit, you could face hefty fines and stop-work orders that delay your project even more.
How to Streamline the Process to Design Your Bathroom
Since sticking to a bathroom renovation timeline requires a lot of different professionals and coordination, it’s important to get your plumber, electrician, tile professional, carpenter, and cabinet professional all on the same page. Plan your bathroom remodel project for a time when you won’t be in a rush and have another bathroom in the house to use during construction. Remember to be patient and courteous with renovation professionals, but also communicate your wishes clearly and ask questions to stay informed throughout the entire process.
At Central Plumbing Specialties, we have a huge selection of plumbing and heating supplies, as well as decorative bathroom supplies to help you design your bathroom. Architects, designers, contractors, and homeowners are all welcome to visit our showrooms and pick out the perfect products all in one place. This is a great way to streamline your remodeling process and stick as closely to your ideal bathroom remodel schedule as possible.