If you are looking to invest in a bit of home improvement in the future, setting your sights on your bathroom is a sensible option. As one of the highly utilized areas of your home, it should be just as lovely and comfortable as the other rooms. When done right, your bathroom remodel can provide comfort and efficiency for years to come. Apart from enjoying a beautiful and functional space, an updated bathroom can increase your home’s overall value and even lead to water and energy savings.
A bathroom remodeling project tends to be among the most versatile projects. Depending on what you’re having done, its actual timeline is dependent on several factors. In other words, it can be hard to determine with utmost certainty the exact date of its completion. Here’s a look at some of the variables that affect the timeline of your bathroom remodel.
Scope of the Bathroom Remodel
The project timeline will depend on whether you want an immediate makeover or a lengthy full remodel. The former is one that takes much less time, resources, and labor, with the structure, setting, and frame of the original bathroom remaining intact. A bathroom makeover is usually a cosmetic change, and this may involve installing new tiles, applying a fresh coat of paint on the walls, replacing furniture, and so on.
The latter, meanwhile, is exactly what it is: a full bathroom remodel. It involves replacing the entire floor plan, which means tearing down the walls to make way for expansion and relocating the electrical system and plumbing fixtures. Unlike a simple makeover, it takes more time, resources, and labor.
Here’s what to look out for when setting your expectation on either a bathroom makeover or full remodel:
- Replacing the Fixtures
It usually takes a day to replace an old faucet, lighting fixture, or toilet, as long as the original plumbing or electrical system remains in place. However, if the project requires changing the placement of all fixtures, the pros will have to devote a day or two for the rough-in of the new infrastructure. Moving the shower or tub to a new location, for instance, takes at least two days to complete. Scheduling an inspection is imperative when doing a full-scale change, but it may take a week or two to book an inspector before work can continue.
- Expanding the Bathroom Space
Expect additional days to your bath renovation timeline if you intend to demolish walls to expand the existing space. After about two to three days, the pros will then hang new drywall, and it will take another few days to apply the necessary finishes on it. Depending on how extensive the changes are, this phase of the construction should take between two to four days.
- Installing the Bathroom Flooring
The length of time needed to complete the bathroom floor installation depends largely on the number of pieces needed to be put together. Vinyl flooring, for instance, can take about a day to finish. If you intend to make the whole space look splendid with some tile or wood flooring, expect the job to be done after two to three days.
Unforeseen Repairs
Remodeling a room in an older home usually reveals structural problems that are not always apparent on the surface. A sturdy wall may look good from the outside, but its interior could be full of rot due to termite or mold infestations.
There have been instances where the pros have done their initial inspection of the bathroom before the start of the construction only to reveal damage that requires intensive repair. Repairing unforeseen damage to the bathroom’s structural components may require stretching the project timeline further to up a few additional days.
Scarcity of Supplies
It is not common in many remodeling projects to experience a lack of supplies, but it still can happen. Supplies running out while in the middle of the renovation means placing new orders for the latest batches. It doesn’t matter if the supplies come from a manufacturer or supplier two hours or two days away from your home—being in this situation can affect your bathroom remodeling timeline.
Fortunately, there are ways to combat this. Ordering more supplies than what is needed ahead of time would suffice as long as it is within the remodeler’s recommendation. Working with an experienced contractor is imperative because they know how to estimate the number of supplies and materials needed for the project as accurately as possible.
Change Orders
No one wants to deal with a change order in the middle of a remodel. Unfortunately, it still can happen at times. The color you’ve chosen for your bathroom wall may have looked too bright for your liking or you’ve seen a far better tile design.
Making last-minute alterations while the bathroom renovation is in progress is both costly and time-consuming, resulting in delays. However, this can be avoided by emphasizing complete planning before the project starts. As much as possible, discontinue the design and planning process after the work has begun.
Material Choice
Your choice of material can also affect how long it takes to complete your bathroom remodel. Different materials require different installation requirements, which means different completion times. Installing a tile floor, for example, takes into consideration the use of a certain type of adhesive and grout, the curing time, and the prep work.
Certain countertops, especially ones made of natural stone, require careful shipping and handling, and this can extend the project timeline further. The same can be said for fragile fixtures such as furniture. Unless you choose stock cabinets for your bathroom, custom ones take time to design and manufacture. Depending on the cabinets’ size, it could take up to 10 weeks from the date of order.
As you plan your bathroom remodeling project, remember that the length of the construction extends as you fill up your wishlist. Also, expect the unexpected when it comes to this investment. Nevertheless, it helps that you work with a reliable contractor ready to guide you throughout the entire process from start to finish.
The Bathroom Store can deliver a complete bathroom remodel when your old space doesn’t work for you anymore. We can also help revitalize the important features of your bathroom through either tub or shower installation or vanity, sink and faucet replacement. Our team listens to your needs and walks you through our product options and design features so you can make the best choice for your remodel.
Not sure where to start? Schedule a free estimate with us by calling (701) 223-1008 or filling out our contact form.
