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.