Category: Bathroom Remodeling

Bathrooms are some of the most used spaces in our homes. And while complaints of small bathrooms being cramped and claustrophobic are commonplace, remodeling them can breathe new life into the space.

But how long does it take to remodel a small bathroom? 

This is one question I am often asked by New York residents planning small bathroom renovations. 

Now, the answer to this isn’t straightforward as the exact timeline will depend on the scope of remodeling. 

For instance, a remodel general contractor like myself can complete minor upgrades within a week or two. However, I can’t say the same for an extensive overhaul since the timeline can run into a month or more. 

I’ve broken down the average time to remodel a bathroom based on the different stages of bathroom renovation. Also, I’ve explained the factors that influence renovation timelines along with my own remodeling expert insights. 

So. read on and get answers to all your questions. 

How long does it take to remodel a small bathroom? 

Let me start by answering your main query, i.e., how long does a small bathroom remodel take. 

As I said earlier, the exact bathroom remodel timeline will depend on how extensive your remodeling project is. 

Take, for instance, a bathroom remodel involving a simple upgrade of fixtures and finishes. This will roughly take a week to finish. 

Similarly, a full-scale remodel with gut and rebuild plans will take longer to finish, most likely a month. 

All in all, here’s the average time to remodel a bathroom based on type of remodeling: 

1. Minor upgrades: 1-2 weeks

Most of the homeowners undertake cosmetic upgrades only when remodeling small bathrooms. That’s because not only are these upgrades faster and affordable, but you also don’t need a permit for remodeling. 

You see, projects like these include repainting bathroom walls, replacing the lights, or swapping out the faucets. And if you’re planning one such upgrade, you’ll need anywhere between 1-2 weeks’ time to complete it. 

2. Partial remodel: 2-4 weeks

Partial bathroom remodels are popular because apart from the cosmetic changes they also offer opportunity for essential upgrades. 

For instance, a partial remodel typically includes toilet, sink, and tile replacement before you move ahead with painting the walls. 

And the best part is that New York city codes consider these upgrades minor, so you don’t need any paperwork. 

Now, finishing a project like this can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks, which is double than minor upgrades. 

3. Full remodel: 4-6 weeks 

A full bathroom remodel is where you swap out and replace everything from tiles to toilet to flooring, and more, giving your bathroom a new look altogether. In fact, this is exactly why contractors equate these renovations as similar to building a new bathroom. 

Now, if you’re planning something similar and wondering how long does it take to renovate a small bathroom from scratch, let me tell you that it’s a lengthy process. So much so that it can take about 4-6 weeks for a residential remodeling company to finish it. 

And this is mainly because you do need a permit for bathroom remodel first, which is then followed by an extensive overhaul involving complete wear down and re-construction. 

A complete bathroom remodel timeline breakdown 

By now you know approximately how long does it take to renovate a small bathroom. But it is also essential that you know what takes how much time. 

So, let me break down the bathroom renovation timeline and give you a clearer picture of what each of the bathroom renovation stages involve and how long they take. 

1. Planning the remodel: 1-3 weeks

First thing first, you’ll have to create a detailed bathroom remodeling plan. Herein, you’ll decide the type of upgrade to undertake and the kind of materials to procure. 

For instance, whether a cosmetic upgrade is good enough or your bathroom needs a partial remodel is something you’ll have to decide. Thereafter, your contractor will create a layout based on the renovation type. 

And while all of these things shouldn’t take more than a week, the planning phase usually gets delayed if it involves permit approval. Meaning you can expect between 1-3 weeks planning your small bathroom upgrade. 

2. Removing or demolishing existing elements: 1-2 days

Once you’ve planned the remodel thoroughly and received necessary approvals you can now start removing the outdated elements and demolishing existing structures. 

For instance, a smaller upgrade will require removing bathroom faucets, tiles, fixtures, etc., before you install new ones. Similarly, you might have to remove existing doors and windows, demolish walls, etc., a full bathroom remodel. 

And depending on the scale of your project, you’ll spend 1-2 days completing this stage. 

Note: Major bathroom renovations involving demolition or significant wear and tear need a building department permit. And although demolition itself doesn’t take a long time, it is the permit approval that decides how long does it take to remodel a small bathroom exactly. 

And speaking of permit approval, you can expect delays depending on the workload on your local building department. 

3. Reworking plumbing and electrical systems: 2-4 days

Next up in the stages of bathroom renovation comes plumbing and electrical work, a cornerstone of every remodel. 

Here, you’ll start with a plumbing system overhaul involving faucet replacement, fixing or replacing plumbing lines, etc. And this will be followed by adding new electrical outlets, changing faulty fixtures, replacing bathroom lights, and more. 

Now, plumbing and electrical work don’t take a long time either. So, 2-4 days should be sufficient for this part of remodeling. 

4. Remodeling drywall and flooring: 3-5 days

Having worked with the electrical and plumbing systems, you’ll now install drywall in your bathroom. And this will be followed by flooring wherein you might install a new tile or waterproof laminate flooring for bathrooms. 

To complete both, an average timeline of 3-5 days should be sufficient. Nevertheless, since custom tile or laminate flooring can sometimes take longer, this timeline can exceed up to a week. 

5. Installing cabinetry and other fixtures: 3-5 days 

Yet another important stage of bathroom renovation, cabinetry and fixture installation takes about 3-5 days, depending on the size of your bathroom. 

For instance, in the case of smaller bathrooms you can expect about 3 days to install semi custom cabinets and up to 5 days to install custom cabinets. Also, you can expect about the same time for vanity, toilet, and fixtures installation. 

6. Painting and finishing: 2-3 days 

The last of all bathroom renovation stages, painting and other finishes will take between 2-3 days’ time. 

This stage involves the final touches before you finish remodeling your small bathroom. And this includes painting the walls, installing baseboards, or adding any final aesthetic touches. 

Factors that determine how long does a small bathroom remodel take 

So far in the blog, you’ve already got an in-depth answer to how long for bathroom remodel, along with a timeline for bathroom renovation stages. 

However, it isn’t just the renovation type or stages that decide how long you’ll spend remodeling your bathroom. That’s because the actual timeline will also depend on your bathroom, renovation material, contractor, and more. 

Overall, here are some essential factors that will determine your bathroom remodel time: 

1. Bathroom size and layout 

One of the most crucial factors that decides the total remodel timeline is the size and layout of your bathroom. 

For instance, I am often asked: How long does a 5×8 bathroom remodel take? 

Now, a 5×8 layout is common for small bathrooms in New York. And this usually takes far less time compared to other bathroom sizes. 

So, you can expect to complete remodeling such a bathroom in 1-2 weeks. 

2. The scope of your project 

Another important factor in bathroom remodeling time is the extent of your project. 

For instance, if you’re simply upgrading the cabinets or tiles, you won’t spend more than two weeks remodeling your bathroom.

Nonetheless, a full remodel involving complete bathroom demolition and reconstruction will surely take more than a month to complete.

3. Materials being used 

The materials that you use for bathroom remodeling also decide the total time you’ll spend renovating. 

You see, while custom remodel materials take longer to source and install, you can almost instantly purchase ready made materials. As such, remodeling with custom materials takes much longer compared to prefabricated materials. 

4. Remodeling contractor 

A reputed contracting company with a large team of seasoned professionals will complete remodeling your bathroom more quickly and efficiently. At the same time, you’ll risk delays and shoddy work if you go with a lesser known firm. 

And this is exactly why I always suggest homeowners to check reviews and feedback from both online and offline sources before they hire a contractor for remodeling. 

5. Permit approval 

Lastly, your permit approval time will also determine how long you actually spend remodeling your bathroom. 

A lot of times, permits get delayed because building department officials are either overworked or your renovation plan doesn’t meet local building codes. 

Frequently asked questions about bathroom renovation timeline 

How long does it take to remodel a small bathroom exactly? 

The average time to remodel a bathroom ranges between a week and over a month. However, the exact amount of time you’ll spend remodeling will depend on the project’s scope and scale. 

For instance, you can easily finish remodeling a small 5×8 bathroom within a week if you’re doing minor upgrades only. 

But remodeling from scratch a bathroom relatively larger in size will take well over a month. 

Can you finish a full bathroom remodel within a week?

No, you can’t.   

Even a small 5×8 or 6×10 bathroom will take at least 4 weeks for a full remodel. 

You see, from permit approval to wear and tear to reconstruction and finishes, there are various stages of bathroom renovation. And each stage takes anywhere from a few days to weeks. 

Can you speed up the remodel process? 

Yes, you can. 

There are various ways you can speed up the various bathroom renovation stages without actually compromising on workmanship or breaking any building code. 

For starters, you can pre-order all the required materials after consulting with your contractor. This will reduce the time you spend procuring remodeling materials like faucets, cabinets, fixtures, etc. 

Also, I suggest you establish strong communication with your remodeling professionals and stick to the original remodel plan. 

I have worked with homeowners who changed remodel plans at a later stage. And this caused them significant delay since they had to apply for permits and procure materials over again. 

What are the risks of rushing a bathroom remodel? 

I always suggest homeowners against rushing their bathroom remodel. That’s because even if a remodel takes longer than initially thought, rushing things will only complicate the situation. 

How?

First, a rushed project is likely to leave you with subpar workmanship and cost you big time in the long run. 

Second, you’re likely to miss permit approval or building department inspections, which, in turn, will land you in legal troubles. 

Third, you might miss out on key details and end up remodeling your bathroom over again in the future. 

Can you stay in your home during bathroom remodel? 

Yes, you can. 

Most of the homes in New York have a second bathroom. Meaning even while one of the bathrooms is being renovated, you can use the second one. 

However, for those homes that have just one bathroom, this can be a tricky situation. So, for such residents it makes sense to look for a temporary accommodation while their bathroom is being renovated. 

To sum up

As I conclude this blog, I am sure you’ve got all the answers about how long does it take to remodel a small bathroom​. Also, you should now be able to estimate your own bathroom remodel timeline based on the above bathroom renovation stages and factors. 

Need more assistance with your small bathroom remodeling project? 

Reach out to us today!

At Creative Design Ceramic & Tile, we’re a team of seasoned remodeling professionals servicing Long Island since 1986. And having completed 3000+ projects, we bring unparalleled expertise. 

In short, we’ve got all your bathroom remodeling needs covered on a budget. 

When it comes to home renovation, bathroom remodeling projects are among the most popular upgrades. So much so that over 25 percent of all homeowners have had their bathroom remodeled at some point.   

After all, this is one project with really high ROI in terms of increased aesthetics and overall property value. 

But if there’s one question that I am often asked by homeowners planning bathroom upgrades, it is: Do I need permits to remodel my bathroom? 

And as someone planning a bathroom remodel, I am sure you’re puzzled by the same question. 

Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer to this as permit requirements depend on the nature and scope of your project.

For instance, in New York you can go about minor upgrades without a permit. However, that’s not the case with major renovations. 

But you can rest easy as I’ve broken down when do you need a permit for a bathroom remodel along with my own general construction contractor insights. So, read on and find a clear-cut answer. 

Do you need a permit for a bathroom remodel or not? 

When moving ahead with a bathroom remodeling project, the biggest doubt you’ll face is whether or not you should apply for a permit for bathroom remodel. And you’re not alone, as almost everyone faces this confusion. 

This happens mainly for two reasons: 

1. There are some projects which are clearly exempt from any permit requirement at all. 

2. There are many projects that strictly require a permit and proceeding without one can land you in legal troubles. 

For instance, anything that exceeds the definition of minor alteration will need an ALT-2 permit application. 

But how do you know if your project comes under the scope of bathroom remodel permit requirement? 

Well, that’s exactly what I’ve explained in the below sections with examples. 

When do you need a permit for bathroom remodel? 

Let me start by addressing the elephant in the room, i.e., when do you need a permit to remodel bathroom. 

As per New York City’s building codes, any bathroom renovation that’s beyond the scope of minor cosmetic change will need a permit. 

For instance, let’s say you’re planning a bathroom upgrade that requires plumbing replacement or electrical overhaul. In this case, you’ll definitely need an ALT-2 permit before moving ahead. 

All in all, here’s when a bathroom renovation permit is mandatory: 

1. Plumbing overhaul 

Every bathroom remodeling project involves some degree of plumbing work, notwithstanding the extent of renovation. And this includes removing or replacing existing pipes, laying new pipes or installing new faucets, to name a few. 

Also, as a bathroom remodeling expert, I’ve worked on bathroom plumbing renovations that required relocating the shower enclosure or toilet. 

Now, all of these projects come under the scope of permit requirement. That’s because there are risks of water leakage and damage, among others, if you proceed without approved plans.

So, you’ll have to obtain a permit before you can undertake any plumbing work. 

2. Electrical upgrade 

Just like plumbing work, you’ll need a permit to revamp the electrical system in your bathroom. 

For instance, your bathroom remodeling plan might include making changes to the electrical system. And this can range from removing electrical outlets to installing light fixtures to replacing bathroom wiring, and more. 

You see, these are the things that carry the risk of electrical and fire hazards. As such, the city of New York requires prior approval to make sure your electrical renovation complies with the building codes. 

3. Structural changes 

Bathroom remodel plans call for making changes to your home’s structural system more often than not. 

For instance, you might want to go about creating a new window, expanding the bathroom length, or moving shower plumbing to another wall. 

Now, all of the above renovations will require structural changes, which, in turn, can affect the overall integrity of your home. And this is exactly why a permit is made mandatory to make sure you don’t end up endangering your home’s critical systems. 

When can you proceed with bathroom remodel without permit? 

By now I am sure you’ve got an answer to when exactly do you need a permit for a bathroom remodel. 

But as I mentioned earlier, there are also projects that don’t need any building department approval. The City of New York defines these changes as minor alterations and exempts them from permit requirement. 

However, homeowners still find themselves confused. So much so that a lot of them even end up applying for a bathroom remodel permit for these minor upgrades. 

And to make sure you don’t find yourself in this situation, I’ve detailed all such bathroom remodelings that are permit exempt. 

1. Changing fixtures and fittings

Not all bathroom renovation projects have to do with removing complex plumbing lines. In fact, a lot of remodels are all about creating a modern aesthetic by upgrading fixtures and fittings. 

For instance, you might want to swap the faucets, sink, or toilet with a newer design. And these projects don’t need a permit since you’re not making changes to the main plumbing line. 

2. Replacing tiles 

Tiles play an essential role in overall bathroom aesthetics. And homeowners often want to replace them to keep up with the latest design trend. 

So if you find yourself asking, do I need a permit to remodel my bathroom tiles, you’re not alone. 

Thankfully, bathroom tile remodel doesn’t need any permit. That’s because removing the existing tiles and installing new ones doesn’t affect your home’s structural or waterproofing systems.   

3. Painting 

Remodeling your bathroom can be as simple as applying a fresh coat of paint to the walls and cabinets. And obviously this is a cosmetic upgrade, so you need not reach out to the building department for a permit. 

4. Essential repairs 

Regular maintenance items like changing leaky faucets or unclogging bathroom drain or replacing broken tiles are exempt from bathroom renovation permit requirements. 

Nevertheless, you’ll have to ensure these repairs don’t involve any major upgrade. And if they do, you’ll have to get a permit first. 

For instance, while unclogging the drainage you might discover a major seepage that requires tearing out pipes. Now, this will definitely require a permit. 

Why do you need a permit for a bathroom remodel? 

Having answered our main question about when do you need permits to remodel a bathroom, let me shift focus to another important aspect. 

You see, homeowners in New York often ask me: ‘Why do I need a permit to renovate a bathroom?’ 

And I tell them, it is only meant for your safety and wellbeing. After all, this is a way for local governments to ensure your bathroom remodeling project complies with safety codes and standards. 

A lot of mishaps in the past have occurred as a result of faulty plumbing, shoddy electrical work, and damaged structural components. 

Take this news from Brooklyn, for instance, where a building under renovation without permit collapsed and killed a construction worker. As per building experts, this mishap was completely preventable had the renovation complied with permit requirements and followed safe practices. 

You certainly don’t want to end up compromising your home’s safety like in this case. In fact, this is exactly why you do need a permit to remodel kitchen, among other areas of your home. 

What are the risks of bathroom renovations without permits? 

I know plenty of instances where homeowners proceeded with remodeling their bathroom without a permit. And although a lot of these people made this mistake out of lack of awareness, they had to face legal and other consequences. 

So, here are all the risks of a bathroom remodel permit violation: 

1. Penalties and legal hurdles 

The most obvious risk of renovating your bathroom without a permit is penalty. 

But what kind of penalty are we talking about? 

Well, as per New York City Code, building officials can levy a fine up to $25,000 on such renovations. On top of it, they can also put other penalties and accrued interest. 

And that’s not it. 

You can end up in court with a criminal case as officials have the right to bring homeowners to court. 

2. Expensive fixes 

Apart from penaltis, the building department can also ask you to redo your bathroom after a proper permit procedure. Also, you might be required to remove all changes or additions and go back to the original bathroom design. 

All of these can cost you big time with expenses running in tens of thousands. 

3. Building seizure and demolition 

Although rare in case of bathroom remodeling, a major renovation without a proper permit can lead to the building being seized and demolished. 

4. Problems with resale 

When you put your home up for sale, it usually goes through a buyer inspection. And among other things, these inspections also check for any non-permit work.

Now, if the buyer finds out that you had a remodeling without permit, they can reduce their offer significantly or even walk out of the deal. 

5. Insurance denial 

Insurance companies clearly mention in their policy documents that they don’t provide coverage in case of an unpermitted work.

So if any damages result from non-permit remodeling, your insurance provider can deny your claim for coverage. 

How to obtain a permit for bathroom remodel?

When it comes to obtaining a bathroom remodel permit there’s a slew of processes that you’ll have to follow. And it starts with reaching out to the building department since they’re the ones who’ll permit your permit. 

Now, the entire process for permit application, processing, and approval might seem overwhelming. 

So, for your ease of understanding, I’ve broken it down into a four-step process, which includes: 

Step 1. Reach out to the building department 

The first step in acquiring a bathroom remodeling permit, you’ll have to get in touch with your local building department officials and explain the scope of your project. 

These officials will examine your project and inform you whether or not do you need a permit for a bathroom remodel. 

Also, the building department in New York offers online resources to help you determine if your project needs a permit. 

Step 2. Submit your bathroom remodel plans 

Once you’re sure that your project does indeed need a permit, you can go ahead and submit your remodel plans at the building department. This will include everything from plumbing updates to electrical rewiring to any structural changes you plan on undertaking. 

Step 3. Pay permit application fees 

Remodeling permits require payment of a permit application fees, something you’ll pay at the time of submitting your remodel plan. 

And for a 1-3 family home in New York, this fee ranges from $0.12 per square foot to $.06 per square foot. However, the total fee can’t be less than $100. 

Step 4. Prepare for inspection 

An inspector from the building department will visit your home at different stages of the remodel. Herein, they will assess your project to see if it meets the building codes. 

For instance, they might inspect plumbing rough-ins or electrical work before walls are closed up. Also, once your remodel is complete, they will carry out a final inspection and approve your project. 

Bonus: Always hire a licensed contractor for bathroom renovation permit

While there’s no written rule that requires you to hire a licensed general contractor for permit application, hiring one can make your life easier. 

How? 

For starters, the bathroom remodel permit application process is complex and tricky as you’ve to navigate a lot of laws and sub-laws. And unless you’re well versed with ever changing New York building codes, this can be very confusing and time-consuming. 

Now, your local licensed contractor works through these codes on a daily basis. . 

Also, they know what kind of projects are likely to be permitted or rejected. So, from large bathroom renovation to small kitchen remodel design ideas, and more, you can expect their continued assistance with everything. 

Moreover, there are certain permit types that explicitly require a contractor to file an application. 

For instance, if your bathroom remodel involves major plumbing wear and tear, you’ll need a NY Registered Design Professional to submit permit documents. Similarly, you’ll need an electrical contractor to file an electrical plan review for major electrical work. 

Overall, having a licensed and seasoned contractor by your side can help you navigate the bathroom remodel permit process way more efficiently. 

Frequently asked questions 

Do you need a permit to remodel a bathroom? 

The answer to whether or not do you need a permit for bathroom remodel depends on the scope of your remodeling project. 

That’s because while cosmetic updates involving minor alterations are exempt from permit requirements, that’s not the case with major upgrades. 

In fact, it is mandatory to obtain an ALT-2 permit application for any major bathroom renovation. 

Do you need a permit to tile your bathroom? 

No, you don’t.
Removing existing tiles or adding new ones to your bathroom doesn’t damage or compromise your home’s structural systems. As such, this is considered a minor alteration and is exempt from permit requirement. 

Do you need permit to replace bathtub? 

No, bathtub replacement doesn’t require a permit even though it involves plumbing work. That’s because you’re not working around or altering the main plumbing lines. 

Can you move toilet in bathroom without a permit? 

Yes, you can move the toilet in your bathroom without filing for a permit as long as it doesn’t require changing or upgrading the main plumbing line. 

What happens if you go forward with a bathroom remodel without permit? 

I am often asked, ‘Can I remodel my bathroom without a permit?’

And my answer is yes, but only till your project is minor and it doesn’t involve extensive wear and tear. 

Now, if you move ahead with the latter without a permit, you can be charged hefty fines by the local building department. Also, not only will you have to reverse the non-permit upgrades but you might also be denied insurance. 

What happens if you add a bathroom without a permit? 

Just like bathroom renovations without permits, adding a new bathroom without obtaining a permit can land you in trouble. 

Moreover, new home additions like bathrooms without permit can also be subject to a court case. And the court can order your building to be seized and for new structures to be demolished if they violate local codes.  

How to get a permit to add a bathroom? 

The permit application process for a new bathroom is the same as that of a bathroom remodel permit. Meaning you’ll have to reach out to the building department, submit your bathroom plan, pay the application fees, and pass the inspection process. 

How much does it cost to obtain a permit for bathroom remodel? 

While the exact cost of permit application and processing varies for different regions, here’s an estimated permit cost in New York City: 

1. For 1-3 single family homes: $0.12 per square foot to $.06 per square foot with $100 being the minimum fees. 

2. For buildings more than 7 stories or 1000 square feet: $0.26  per square foot to $0.45 per square foot with $290 being the minimum fees. 

Conclusion 

So far in this blog, I’ve answered everything from when do you need a permit for a bathroom remodel, why you need one, and how you can go about with permit application. 

Also, I’ve highlighted the dangers of moving without a permit and provided essential information and resources that might help with obtaining a permit. 

Need further assistance with your permit application or overall bathroom remodeling project? 

You can get in touch with us!

At Creative Design Ceramic Tile & Bath, we are NY State licensed contractors with experience spanning decades. And we’ve got all your home remodeling projects covered on a budget.