How Long Does a Full Bathroom Renovation Take?

By your local bathroom remodeling contractor in Boston, Massachusetts

One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners planning a remodel is: “How long will it take?” Bathrooms are essential spaces—you can’t go weeks without one—so it makes sense to want a clear answer.

The truth is, the timeline for a full bathroom renovation depends on the size of the project, the complexity of the design, and the condition of your home. Still, there are general ranges you can expect. Let’s walk through what goes into the schedule and how long you should plan for.

The Planning Stage

Before any demolition starts, there’s planning. This stage includes design decisions, material selection, budgeting, and securing permits.

Design & selections: 1–3 weeks, depending on how quickly you choose fixtures, tile, and finishes.
Permits in Boston: 1–2 weeks, though sometimes longer depending on the season and the scope of work.

Many homeowners underestimate this step, but it’s critical. The more decisions you make upfront, the smoother the renovation will run once work begins.

Demolition

Once everything is approved, demolition begins. This involves removing old tile, flooring, vanities, fixtures, and sometimes even walls.

Typical duration: 2–4 days

Older Boston homes often reveal surprises during demolition, such as outdated wiring, water damage, or plumbing issues. These discoveries can extend the timeline slightly but are important to address before building the new bathroom.

Plumbing and Electrical Rough-In

With the room stripped down, licensed plumbers and electricians come in to update systems behind the walls. This may include moving water lines, upgrading old pipes, installing new wiring, and adding outlets or lighting.

Typical duration: 3–7 days

This step is especially important in Boston homes, where older systems often need upgrades to meet modern codes.

Framing and Structural Adjustments

If your remodel involves moving walls, expanding the bathroom, or adjusting doorways, framing happens next. Reinforcing the floor for a heavy soaking tub or creating space for a larger shower are examples.

Typical duration: 1–3 days

Not every remodel requires structural work, but when it does, it’s completed before moving on to finishes.

Drywall, Flooring, and Tile

Once the “rough-in” work is complete, the bathroom begins to take shape. Drywall is installed, flooring goes down, and tile work begins for showers, tubs, and walls.

Typical duration: 1–2 weeks

Tile work is one of the most time-consuming parts of the project. Custom patterns, niches, and specialty materials can add days to the timeline, but the results are worth the wait.

Installing Fixtures and Cabinets

At this stage, vanities, sinks, toilets, tubs, and shower fixtures are installed. Cabinets and countertops are also placed.

Typical duration: 3–5 days

Every detail, from faucet placement to cabinet alignment, is carefully checked to ensure both function and style.

Painting, Lighting, and Ventilation

Once the major elements are in place, the bathroom is painted, light fixtures are installed, and the ventilation system is set up.

Typical duration: 2–3 days

Good lighting and proper ventilation make a big difference in how the bathroom feels and performs.

Final Touches and Inspection

The last step includes mirrors, hardware, trim, and accessories. The space is cleaned, inspected, and made ready for everyday use.

Typical duration: 1–2 days

At this point, your new bathroom is complete.

Total Timeline

So, how long does it take? For most Boston homes, a full bathroom renovation typically takes 4 to 8 weeks of construction time, depending on complexity. Adding the planning and permitting stage brings the total project timeline closer to 6 to 10 weeks from start to finish.

Smaller updates may finish sooner, while luxury or highly customized remodels may take longer.

Why Timelines Can Vary

Every remodel is unique, but here are the main factors that can change the timeline:

Size of the bathroom
Scope of the remodel (cosmetic vs. full gut renovation)
Custom tile or cabinetry
Permit processing times in Boston
Hidden issues like plumbing or electrical updates

The best way to get an accurate estimate is by scheduling a consultation with a professional remodeler who can assess your specific space.

Your Renovation, On Schedule

So, how long does a full bathroom renovation take? While the typical range is 6–10 weeks from planning to completion, the exact schedule depends on your project’s scope and your home’s condition. The key is working with a contractor who communicates clearly, handles surprises professionally, and keeps the project on track.

If you’re ready to start your bathroom remodel in Boston, our team is here to help. We’ll walk you through the design, manage every detail of construction, and deliver a bathroom you’ll love—on a schedule you can trust. Call us today to set up your consultation and get your project moving.