Bathroom renovations are some of the most rewarding home improvement projects, but they also come with one of the most common questions homeowners ask: How long does a bathroom renovation actually take? With multiple trades involved—plumbers, electricians, tilers, painters, and installers—a bathroom remodel is complex and requires careful coordination. The timeline can vary widely depending on the size of the space, the scope of work, and the experience of your renovation team.
Planning & Design Phase
Every successful renovation begins with planning. This phase usually takes anywhere from one to four weeks, depending on how decisive you are with materials and design choices.
During this stage, homeowners:
- Discuss layout and design ideas
- Choose tiles, fixtures, lighting, vanities, and finishes
- Review budgets
- Meet with contractors
- Finalize timelines
Professionals in busy markets—such as those dealing with building construction in Toronto—often emphasize how important thorough planning is to avoid delays later. When you finalize everything early, the renovation phase goes much smoother.
Demolition Phase
Once the plan is set, the renovation team prepares the space. Demolition typically takes two to five days, depending on bathroom size and the amount of existing material that needs to be removed.
This phase may include:
- Removing old tiles
- Taking out the tub or shower
- Pulling out old vanities
- Opening walls for plumbing or electrical upgrades
Homeowners are often surprised at how quickly the bathroom goes from fully functional to completely stripped down.
Plumbing & Electrical Rough-In
After demolition, plumbers and electricians enter to update or reconfigure systems behind the walls. This stage usually takes three to seven days.
Work may include:
- Running new plumbing lines
- Adjusting drain locations
- Adding outlets or lighting
- Installing ventilation upgrades
If you’re expanding the space or converting a tub to a walk-in shower, this stage becomes slightly longer. Renovation teams in larger cities like Toronto and Mississauga often work with licensed trades to ensure everything meets current building codes.
Drywall, Flooring & Waterproofing
Once the behind-the-walls work is approved, contractors close up the space and prepare it for finishes. This stage takes four to eight days.
It includes:
- Installing drywall
- Mudding and sanding
- Waterproofing shower areas
- Preparing the subfloor
- Laying tile or flooring
Waterproofing is especially important. A professional, such as one from a reliable commercial construction company Toronto, ensures the bathroom is sealed properly to prevent mold, leaks, and future damage.
Tile & Fixture Installation
Tile installation is one of the most time-consuming parts of a bathroom renovation. Depending on the tile type, pattern, and size of the space, this stage takes one to two weeks.
Tasks include:
- Laying shower wall tiles
- Installing floor tiles
- Grouting
- Caulking
- Setting the shower base
Once the tiling is complete, contractors install major fixtures such as:
- Vanity
- Toilet
- Shower system
- Tub
- Lighting
- Cabinetry
Homeowners in fast-growing renovation areas—such as those planning home renovation Brampton projects—often underestimate how much tile work impacts the timeline. Quality installation takes time, and rushing it can lead to cracks, leaks, and uneven surfaces.
Painting & Final Touch-Ups
After the major fixtures are in place, painters come in to refresh the walls and ceiling. Painting is usually completed in one to two days.
Final touch-ups include:
- Finishing electrical installations
- Installing mirrors and accessories
- Adding hardware
- Sealing grout
- Conducting final inspections
The last 10% of the project often involves meticulous detail work that makes the bathroom feel polished.
Total Estimated Timeline
For most residential homes in Canada, a standard bathroom renovation takes 3 to 6 weeks once construction begins. Larger bathrooms, custom builds, specialty materials, or structural changes can extend the timeline to 6 to 10 weeks.
The biggest factors affecting completion time include:
- The complexity of design
- Plumbing or layout changes
- Custom tile work
- Material availability
- Contractor scheduling
- Size of the renovation team
If you’re working with a coordinated construction team—like a well-established commercial construction company Toronto—your renovation is more likely to stay on schedule due to better project management and access to skilled trades.
Tips for a Smooth and Timely Bathroom Renovation
Choose Materials Early
Delays often happen when tiles, fixtures, or lighting arrive late. Order everything before demolition.
Stick to the Original Layout
Moving plumbing equals time + money. Keeping sinks, drains, and toilets in place speeds up the project significantly.
Hire the Right Contractor
Experienced teams know how to coordinate trades efficiently. This prevents overlap delays and miscommunication.
Be Prepared for Surprises
Old homes often reveal hidden issues—mold, structural problems, outdated wiring—that add extra time. Expect the unexpected.
Communicate Daily
Regular check-ins with your contractor keep the project moving and ensure everyone stays aligned.
Final Thoughts
A bathroom renovation requires coordination, patience, and planning—but the results are worth the wait. Whether you’re remodeling a powder room or redesigning a full master ensuite, understanding the timeline helps reduce stress and improves the experience. With the right contractors—from specialists handling building construction in Toronto to experts assisting with home renovation Brampton—your project stays organized, efficient, and professional.
Most importantly, a well-planned bathroom renovation adds comfort, beauty, and long-term value to your home. When done correctly, the transformation feels well worth the weeks invested.
