How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take?

What Colorado homeowners need to know before demo day

Whether you’re updating a tired guest bath or planning a complete primary suite overhaul, one of the first questions homeowners ask is:

"How long will a bathroom remodel actually take?"

The short answer?

Most bathroom remodels take 3 to 8 weeks once construction starts.

But that’s just part of the story.

Let's break down the entire timeline—from initial concept to final inspection—so you have an idea of what to expect and how to plan around it.

______________________________

⏳The 3 Phases of a Bathroom Remodel Timeline

1. Planning and Design: 2–6 weeks

Before any tools hit the tile, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work:

• In-home consultation (1 week): A contractor visits to understand the scope, style, and budget.

• Design & selections (1–3 weeks): You’ll choose tile, fixtures, vanities, lighting, etc.

• Permits & ordering (1–2 weeks): If there are permits involved (which there usually are in Colorado), now's when the process begins. Fixtures and materials are ordered in advance to prevent delays.

🛁Tip: Get everything nailed down before demo starts. Second-guessing mid-project introduces time—and expense.

______________________________

2. Building: 3–6 weeks

This is where the magic happens. A rough estimate could be as follows:

🗓️ Sample Bathroom Remodel Timeline

Week 1:

• Demolition

• Plumbing rough-in

• Electrical rough-in

Week 2:

• Framing (if needed)

• Inspections

• Cement board and/or drywall installation

Week 3:

• Waterproofing

• Tile work (shower walls, floor tile, backsplash) and grout

Week 4:

• Paint

• Install vanity, mirror, lighting

Week 5:

• Install toilet, faucets, accessories

• Final plumbing and electrical connections

Week 6:

• Touch-ups

• Final walkthrough

• Deep clean and handoff

🛠️Note: Smaller bathrooms or partial remodels (e.g., new tile and fixtures) can take under 3 weeks. Large or custom remodels can take 6+ weeks, especially if inspections or materials are behind.

______________________________

3. Punch List & Final Touches: 1–2 weeks

Every remodel ends with a final walk-through (yours and occasionally the city's), small adjustments, and finishing touches:

• Caulking and sealing

• Adjustment of doors and/or drawer fronts

• Installation of towel bars and light plates

• Touch-up paint

• Final cleaning

______________________________

🏔️What Can Delay a Bathroom Remodel in Colorado?

Residing on the Front Range has its special advantages—and some timing issues:

• Permit holdups in Boulder or Jefferson counties

• Snow or winter weather that affects deliveries or subcontractor availability

• Extended lead times on specialty items such as custom vanities or imported tile

• Dealing with radiant heat systems in older homes

That's why it is necessary to have a contractor familiar with local codes and with trustworthy suppliers and trades booked.

______________________________

🕒How to Remain on Schedule (or Close to it)

This is how to keep your remodel on schedule:

• Make final design decisions ahead of time

• Place orders for materials prior to demo start

• Prevent mid-project changes

• Leave lines of communication open with your contractor

• Budget for the unexpected (even the best projects encounter a hiccup or two)

______________________________

Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Remodel Smooth

So, how long does a bathroom remodel really last?

✔️ Most average projects: 3–6 weeks of construction time

✔️ With planning + materials: 6–10 weeks total

✔️ Larger or high-end projects: 7–12+ weeks

Remodeling your bathroom can feel disruptive—but with the right team and a clear plan, it’s absolutely worth it. You’ll gain a fresh, functional space—and a smoother morning routine.

______________________________

🏔️Ready to update your bathroom but not sure where to start? Let Alpine Home Repairs guide you through the process with honest timelines, clear pricing, and beautiful results. Reach out for a free consultation today.

Alpine Home Repairs