How Long Does It Take to Renovate a Bathroom? A Complete Guide
Remodeling your bathroom is an exciting project, but one of the biggest questions homeowners have is: how long does it take to renovate a bathroom? Whether you’re updating a small guest bath or completely transforming a primary ensuite, the timeline varies based on scope, materials, and contractor availability.
At Tailored Interior, we’ve helped countless homeowners bring their dream bathrooms to life, and we know that timing is just as important as design. If you’re planning a bathroom turnkey project or partial bathroom remodel, you’ll want to know what to expect—and how to keep things moving smoothly with accredited professionals.
If you’re considering a home renovation in Edmonton, now is the perfect time to start planning. Let’s break down the timeline and key factors that impact how long your project will take.
How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take on Average?
Most bathroom remodels take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the level of work involved.
A small cosmetic update—like painting, swapping fixtures, and retiling—may take as little as 2-4 weeks. On the other hand, a full remodel that involves plumbing, electrical work, custom cabinetry, and layout changes can take 6-10 weeks or longer.
If you're planning a custom design, you can check out our designer gallery for inspiration and ideas to fit your space and timeline.
Typical Timeline for a Standard Bathroom Renovation
A bathroom remodel involves multiple stages, each requiring careful planning, skilled labour, and time for materials to be installed properly. If you're wondering: “How long does a bathroom remodel take?” the answer largely depends on the complexity of the project and the condition of your existing bathroom. While every renovation is unique, here’s what a standard bathroom remodel timeline typically looks like:
Planning & Design: 1-3 Weeks
The first step in any successful bathroom renovation is planning. This phase includes:
Finalizing the design layout
Selecting materials like tiles, vanities, and fixtures
Getting quotes from contractors
Securing permits, if necessary
If you're hiring a renovation contractor, they will help with design selections and provide a project schedule. Delays often occur when homeowners make last-minute design changes, so having a solid plan upfront is key.
Demolition & Prep Work: 1-3 Days
Once the design is finalized, demolition begins. This involves:
Removing old tiles, flooring, and fixtures
Tearing down drywall if electrical or plumbing needs rerouting
Addressing any existing mould, water damage, or structural concerns
If you’re remodelling a small bathroom, this phase may only take a day. However, for larger projects or renovations in older homes, unexpected issues could extend demolition time.
Plumbing & Electrical Updates: 3-7 Days
If your remodel includes:
Moving a toilet, sink, or shower
Upgrading electrical wiring for new lighting or heated flooring
Installing new plumbing lines
This phase can take anywhere from three days to a full week. If your home has outdated plumbing, additional time may be required to replace old pipes and bring everything up to code.
Drywall, Insulation & Painting: 2-5 Days
Once the plumbing and electrical work is approved, insulation and drywall go up. This phase includes:
Installing moisture-resistant green board drywall
Applying joint compound and sanding
Painting walls and ceilings
If you’re opting for specialty paint, such as mould-resistant or high-gloss finishes, drying times may extend this stage by a day or two.
Tile Installation & Flooring: 1-2 Weeks
Tile work is one of the most time-consuming parts of any bathroom remodel. This includes:
Preparing and leveling the subfloor
Laying floor tiles and allowing them to set
Installing shower walls and backsplashes
Grouting and sealing tiles
Custom tile patterns, larger bathrooms, or high-end materials (like natural stone) can extend this phase. On average, expect one to two weeks for all tiling work.
Vanity, Fixtures & Finishing Touches: 3-5 Days
As the renovation nears completion, your new fixtures are installed. This includes:
Placing the vanity, toilet, and bathtub
Connecting water supply and drainage lines
Installing mirrors, towel racks, and other accessories
Mounting light fixtures and ensuring proper electrical connections
This step is often faster in smaller bathrooms, where fewer fixtures need to be installed.
Final Inspections & Cleanup: 1-2 Weeks
Before your new bathroom is ready to use, final checks are necessary:
Ensuring plumbing and electrical work meets building codes
Inspecting for leaks or imperfections in tile work
Making final adjustments (like caulking or sealing)
Thorough cleaning and debris removal
If permits were required, the final city inspection may take a few extra days to schedule.
What Can Extend the Timeline?
Even with careful planning, unexpected delays can impact how long a bathroom remodel takes. Some common causes include:
Custom orders for vanities or tiles taking longer than expected
Permit delays, especially in larger cities
Hidden structural damage discovered during demolition
Scheduling conflicts with subcontractors
For a seamless renovation, working with an experienced home renovation Edmonton team can help you anticipate these challenges and keep your remodel on track.
What Affects How Long It Takes to Remodel a Bathroom?
Small Refresh vs. Full Remodel
The scope of work is one of the biggest factors affecting how long it takes to renovate a bathroom.
A quick refresh—new fixtures, paint, and lighting—can be done in 2-4 weeks
A full remodel with plumbing, electrical, and layout changes will likely take 6-10 weeks or more
Custom features like built-in storage, heated flooring, or a spa-like shower can also extend the timeline. If you're looking for custom home designs, check out our video tours to see what's possible.
How Long Does It Take to Renovate a Bathroom in an Older Home?
If your home is 50+ years old, expect the timeline to be a bit longer. Why?
Old plumbing and wiring might need to be completely replaced, adding 1-2 extra weeks
Hidden issues like water damage, mould, or outdated subflooring can slow things down
Permits and inspections may take longer if you're dealing with significant upgrades
For homeowners in Edmonton, hiring an experienced Edmonton interior designer ensures your project follows local regulations and avoids delays. We have years of experience helping people turn their homes into beautiful, functional spaces.
How Long Does It Take to Remodel a Bathroom in a Condo vs. a House?
If you’re wondering, “how long does it take to remodel a bathroom in a condo?” the answer is usually longer than a house remodel.
Condo renovations come with extra hurdles, including:
Approval processes from building management, which can add 1-2 weeks to your timeline
Restricted work hours, meaning contractors can’t complete tasks as quickly as they could in a house
Shared plumbing and ventilation systems often require additional planning and coordination
Because of these restrictions, a condo bathroom remodel typically takes 6-10 weeks, compared to 4-8 weeks for a house.
How the Season Affects Bathroom Renovation Timelines
If you’re planning a spring renovation, you might be wondering, how long does it take to renovate a bathroom in spring? The truth is, the season you choose for your remodel can affect your timeline more than you might think.
Spring & Summer: Contractors are busier, and material shipments may be delayed. If you’re renovating during peak season, book early to avoid waiting
Fall & Winter: Shorter contractor wait times make these ideal seasons for renovations
Want to stay up to date on design trends and renovation tips? Visit our interior design blog for expert insights.
How Long Does It Take to Renovate a Bathroom When Permits Are Required?
If you're making major plumbing, electrical, or structural changes, permits are mandatory.
Some permits are approved in days, while others can take weeks.
Inspections at different stages (plumbing, electrical, final walkthrough) can add 1-2 weeks to the process.
To avoid unnecessary delays, it’s best to apply for permits early and have your Canadian interior designers coordinate with the city.
How Long Does It Take to Renovate a Bathroom, All Things Considered?
So, how long does it take to renovate a bathroom? Most projects take 4-8 weeks, but factors like home age, condo restrictions, permit delays, and seasonality can extend the timeline.
To keep things on schedule, make sure you:
Order materials early to prevent backorders
Work with a dedicated contractor who won’t juggle multiple projects
Stick to your plan and avoid mid-project design changes
If you’re ready to start your renovation, check out our renovation services and let Tailored Interior help you bring your vision to life here.
FAQs About How Long Does It Take to Renovate a Bathroom
Can a bathroom remodel be finished in two weeks?
Only small updates like new paint and fixtures can be done that fast. A full remodel usually takes 4-8 weeks.
How long does it take to renovate a bathroom with old plumbing?
If pipes need to be replaced, add 1-2 extra weeks to your remodel.
Does a condo bathroom renovation take longer?
Yes, due to building restrictions and shared plumbing, a condo remodel usually takes 6-10 weeks.