When you decide to remodel your bathroom, you’re not just changing a room — you’re upgrading your daily routine. From that first morning shower to winding down at night, your bathroom plays a huge role in your comfort and lifestyle.
But there’s one question nearly every homeowner asks before diving in:
“How long will my bathroom remodel take?”
The answer depends on several factors — your project’s scope, the materials you choose, and whether you hire professionals like Bathtub Made New or take a DIY approach. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a realistic bathroom remodel timeline step-by-step so you can plan, budget, and prepare with confidence.
Average Bathroom Remodel Duration
For most homeowners, a standard bathroom remodel takes between three and six weeks once the actual construction begins. However, the full process — from planning and design to final cleanup — can stretch over two to three months when you factor in research, ordering materials, and scheduling contractors.
Every project is different. A quick bathtub or shower update might take a few days, while a full gut renovation could span several weeks. Let’s break it down stage by stage.
1. Planning and Design (1–3 Weeks)
The first step is dreaming and planning. This is where you define your goals, research styles, and establish a realistic budget.
What happens during this phase:
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Set your total budget and timeline expectations.
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Decide on your bathroom’s style, color palette, and layout.
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Gather inspiration from design websites, Pinterest, or our [bathroom remodeling gallery].
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Schedule a consultation with a remodeling specialist like Bathtub Made New to explore your options.
Pro tip:
The more detailed your planning, the smoother the project will go. Choosing fixtures, tile, paint, and finishes early prevents costly delays later on.
2. Ordering Materials (1–4 Weeks)
Once your design is finalized, it’s time to order materials. Product lead times can significantly affect your remodel schedule — especially for specialty or custom items.
Items typically ordered at this stage include:
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Shower or tub systems
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Tile or wall panels
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Flooring
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Vanities and countertops
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Plumbing fixtures
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Lighting and mirrors
Quick tip: If you’re opting for groutless shower systems like Jetcoat or Onyx, delivery and installation can happen faster than traditional tile setups — often reducing your timeline by several days.
Potential delays:
Backordered materials are one of the biggest timeline disruptors. Ordering everything up front helps keep your remodel on schedule.
3. Demolition (1–3 Days)
With materials on hand and your crew scheduled, demolition begins. This is where the old fixtures, tile, and flooring are removed to make way for the new.
What to expect:
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Temporary water shut-offs
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Dust and noise (especially in older homes)
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Disposal of old materials
If you’re staying in your home during the remodel, plan to use another bathroom or make temporary arrangements. At Bathtub Made New, we always protect surrounding areas and minimize mess, keeping your home as livable as possible during the process.
4. Plumbing, Electrical, and Structural Work (3–5 Days)
Before the new fixtures go in, licensed professionals handle any behind-the-scenes updates — plumbing, wiring, and framing. Even minor remodels often require small plumbing or electrical adjustments.
Common upgrades include:
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Moving or adding outlets
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Updating old plumbing lines
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Adding ventilation fans or recessed lighting
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Reinforcing flooring for heavy tubs or tile
Pro tip:
This is the best time to future-proof your space. Consider adding accessibility upgrades like grab bars or a curbless walk-in shower, even if you don’t need them right now.
5. Installation of Walls, Floors, and Shower Systems (5–10 Days)
Now the space starts coming to life. Once the prep work is done, the installation of your new surfaces begins.
This phase includes:
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Hanging and finishing drywall
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Installing shower walls or tile
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Laying new flooring
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Priming and painting walls
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Installing vanities and countertops
Choosing groutless shower walls, such as Jetcoat or Onyx, can significantly speed up this step. Unlike traditional tile that requires multiple days for setting and grouting, these systems often install in as little as one to two days, saving both time and labor.
6. Fixtures and Finishing Touches (3–5 Days)
Once the surfaces are complete, your contractor installs the finishing details that define your bathroom’s style and function.
This includes:
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Plumbing fixtures (faucets, showerheads, drains)
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Lighting and electrical switches
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Mirrors, shelving, and towel bars
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Caulking and sealing
Bathtub Made New focuses on precision during this phase — every seal, edge, and fixture placement is carefully inspected to ensure both beauty and durability.
7. Final Inspection and Cleanup (1–2 Days)
The last stage is about polishing and perfection. The team will thoroughly clean the area, test all plumbing and electrical features, and walk you through the finished space.
You can expect:
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A spotless bathroom, ready for use
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A full inspection checklist
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Touch-ups or adjustments as needed
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Final approval and walkthrough
Once this step is complete, you can finally enjoy your newly remodeled bathroom — designed to last for years.
Typical Bathroom Remodel Timeline Summary
| Phase | Estimated Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Planning & Design | 1–3 Weeks | Budgeting, design ideas, material selection |
| Ordering Materials | 1–4 Weeks | Purchasing and delivery of products |
| Demolition | 1–3 Days | Removing old fixtures and surfaces |
| Plumbing & Electrical | 3–5 Days | Installing or updating behind-the-walls systems |
| Installation | 5–10 Days | Walls, flooring, tile, or wall systems |
| Finishing Touches | 3–5 Days | Fixtures, painting, and accessories |
| Final Inspection | 1–2 Days | Cleanup and final walkthrough |
| Total Estimated Time: | 4–8 Weeks (on average) | Varies by project size and materials |
Factors That Affect Your Bathroom Remodel Timeline
Even with careful planning, a few factors can extend or shorten your project duration:
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Scope of Work – A cosmetic update (like tub refinishing or new shower walls) takes far less time than a full renovation that involves moving plumbing or rebuilding walls.
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Material Availability – Backorders or special-order products can cause weeks of delay.
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Permits and Inspections – Some projects require city permits, especially when plumbing or electrical systems are being moved.
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Contractor Scheduling – During peak remodeling seasons, schedules fill fast. Booking early helps secure your ideal dates.
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Unexpected Repairs – Water damage or hidden mold can add extra days but are best addressed immediately to prevent future issues.
How Bathtub Made New Streamlines the Process
At Bathtub Made New, we specialize in efficient, high-quality bathroom remodels that minimize disruption to your home. Our experienced team manages every detail from design to cleanup — and because we focus on modern materials and proven systems, we often complete remodels faster than traditional contractors.
Our streamlined process includes:
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Fast, detailed estimates
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Expert design guidance
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Professional installation of Jetcoat, Onyx, and other premium systems
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Quality refinishing and resurfacing options for bathtubs, showers, and tile
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Dedicated customer communication throughout the entire project
Whether you’re updating your tub, installing a new walk-in shower, or completely transforming your space, we make the process stress-free and efficient — without sacrificing quality.
Tips to Keep Your Remodel on Schedule
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Finalize decisions early. Changes mid-project almost always cause delays.
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Order materials before demolition. Having everything ready prevents downtime.
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Communicate with your contractor. Stay informed about progress and next steps.
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Prepare your home. Clear paths, protect floors, and plan for alternate bathroom access.
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Trust professionals. DIY remodels often run weeks longer than expected — and can cost more in the long run if mistakes need fixing.
Ready to Start Your Bathroom Remodel?
Every bathroom remodel is a journey — and the right team can make that journey smooth, predictable, and rewarding. If you’re in Rochester, NY or surrounding areas, Bathtub Made New is here to help you design a space that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get a detailed, customized bathroom remodel timeline for your project. You’ll know exactly what to expect — from day one to the final reveal.