If you’re thinking of remodelling your bathroom, you’re probably curious about how long the whole endeavour will take. After all, you want to know how long your bathroom will be out of commission, and how long your family will be inconvenienced. This concern is even more pressing if your home doesn’t have extra bathrooms that can be used for the time being.
Unfortunately, estimating the time required to revamp a bathroom can be difficult. As with any other home improvement project, several factors come into play, which means that giving a definitive answer is near impossible. The key, in this case, is to understand the nitty-gritty of the process and the factors that can push back the projected date of completion. This way, you can have a rough idea of the schedule.
Sounds confusing? Don’t worry. This article covers everything you need to know about how long it takes to remodel a small bathroom in Toronto and the rest of GTA.
The Timeline of a Bathroom Remodel
Before getting started, the first question that probably comes to mind is this: “How long does it take to remodel a bathroom?”
On average (and under ideal circumstances), it takes around 23 days or 4.5 weeks to revamp a small bathroom. However, this is just an approximation – and a pretty ambitious one at that. After all, in the real world, you also have to take downtime into account. Not to mention that the amount of work done each day is rarely ever uniform. Some days, the contractors may accomplish more, while other days, they may be less productive.
Furthermore, accept that the unexpected always happens, including setbacks that can delay the projected deadline. So, realistically speaking, the estimated timeframe of around 4 weeks will likely double and stretch to 9 weeks.
Factors Affecting the Renovation Time
This can’t be stressed enough: when remodelling your bathroom (and any other part of the home, for that matter), not everything will go exactly as planned. Several factors can throw off your well-thought-out schedule. Here are some of the most notable ones.
1. Scope of the Project
The timeline of a bathroom remodel project largely depends on its scope. If you’re only replacing a few fixtures or doing a light cosmetic refurnishing, a few days to a week will suffice. But if your bathroom has to be demolished and stripped bare, your workers will certainly require more time. Depending on the extent of the renovation process, the job can take anywhere between a few days and several months to complete.
2. DIY vs Hiring a Contractor
Are you going to renovate the bathroom yourself or are you hiring a contractor? As might be expected, the remodelling project will most likely be completed faster if you leave the job to a professional. Moreover, if you go by the do-it-yourself route, you’ll probably work in your bathroom only when you can (meaning, in chunks) instead of finishing everything in one go. Hence, it can take you as much as a year (or even years) to finish.
On the other hand, if you’re hiring a contractor to handle the job, another deciding factor is if they are working solo or subcontracting electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. If it is the former, the bathroom remodel will take more time since the contractor will try be juggling multiple jobs at a time.
Related Article: How to Choose a Bathroom Remodelling Contractor
3. Availability of Materials
If the materials are readily available or easily accessible, you’re in luck. That means you can save some precious time. Conversely, if you’ll mainly be using made-to-order goods or if the materials will take some time to deliver, then you can expect some delays in the project.
The Breakdown of a Bathroom Remodelling Project
Now that you know the most common factors that can wreak havoc on your plans, it is time to take a closer look at how the process of renovating a bathroom typically goes. We’ve also included the estimated time of completion for each task.
Related Article: Bathroom Renovation Cost Toronto: How Much Do You Need to Spend?
1. Demolition
Many remodelling projects involve demolishing the bathroom so that the contractors can start with a clean slate. This first step is labour-intensive and can take longer if the bathroom is located on the second storey. The workers will also have to deal with the wastes generated in the process.
Allotted Time: 2 days
2. Framing
Framing or rough carpentry work is needed if you intend to make significant changes to your bathroom’s construction and layout. The more dramatic the change and the larger the space, the more time the contractors will need. You can skip this step if your bathroom’s underlying structure is still in excellent shape.
Allotted Time: 2 days
3. Plumbing
The plumbing work involves the installation of water lines, drain lines, and plumbing fixtures (such as the toilet, sink, tub, and shower). You’ll need a full 2 days if you plan to relocate any of the lines or fixtures. Again, your workers may need more time depending on the degree of modifications.
Allotted Time: 1 to 2 days
4. Electrical Work
During this step, the electricians will typically just do a “rough-in” or set up the electrical cables and lines without hooking up the final connections. In other words, the switches, outlets, and lights won’t be attached yet. Any reliable licensed electrician can work quickly and efficiently, so electrical works usually won’t take more than a day.
Allotted Time: 1 to 2 days
5. Initial Inspection
The first inspection before the insulation and drywall work goes fast and will rarely take more than a day. Unfortunately, making arrangements for inspectors can be difficult, so don’t be surprised if this step ends up adding an extra couple of weeks to your timeline.
Allotted Time: 1 day
6. Insulation and Drywall
Insulating the bathroom usually goes rapidly and can be accomplished in half a day. However, be aware that some places may require an insulation inspection, which can slow down the remodel. To be safe, make sure to check the local laws or building codes in your area before getting started. If you’re from Toronto, refer to this document.
Immediately after the insulation work is done, the contractors will then move on to hanging and finishing the drywall. This step is more time-consuming and may take up to 3 days.
Allotted Time: 3.5 days
7. Painting
Painting the walls while the bathroom is stripped bare is relatively simple. So, for this step, a day will suffice.
Allotted Time: 1 day
8. Final Inspection
Similar to the initial inspection, the final inspection also goes by very fast. Again, the problem lies in scheduling the building inspector.
Allotted Time: 1 day
9. Tile Work
Tiling can be meticulous work. It is critical not to rush this step. After all, any mistake – no matter how minor it seems – can become a costly, full-scale problem down the road. As with drywall installation, tiling also involves an applying/ drying cycle, which can be time-consuming.
Allotted Time: 2 days
10. Cabinetry and Trim
In general, cabinetwork in the bathroom is minimal. Of course, this doesn’t apply if your bathroom is extra-spacious and filled to the brim with storage cabinets.
Allotted Time: 1 day
11. Flooring
The scope of the flooring work generally depends on what type of material you plan to use. The old plain vinyl floor can be installed within the morning, whereas tiles, engineered wood, and other flooring options may take more time.
Allotted Time: 2 days
12. Finishing Touches
This final step involves the installation of fixtures(including toilets and sinks) and setting up the vanity, among other things. Matters related to design will also be addressed during this phase.
Allotted Time: 2 days
13. Miscellaneous
As with any construction work or home makeover project, you’ll want to set aside some extra time for any contingencies.
Allotted Time: 1.5
Related Article: How to Start Planning Your Bathroom Renovation
Remodel a Bathroom Successfully and Efficiently
Remodelling a small bathroom may take some time, especially if it will be completely torn down. Typically, your bathroom may be out of service anywhere between a few days to several months. It is important to manage your expectations, be prepared for the unexpected, and avoid rushing your workers and contractors. If you leave the restoration job to skilled and capable hands, we guarantee you that it will be worth the wait. Be patient, and it won’t be long before you can finally enjoy your brand-new bathroom to your heart’s content.