A bathroom renovation can take anywhere from 5 days to 6 weeks, depending on the size of the space, contractor availability, and how well it’s planned. In this article, I’ll walk you through what delays to watch for, how to ensure materials arrive on time, and how a well-organized contractor can make or break your timeline. Whether you’re remodeling a powder room or a large ensuite, here’s how to set realistic expectations and avoid the common pitfalls. If you’re just starting your project, be sure to check out how to plan a bathroom renovation for a full step-by-step guide.
Factors That Affect Bathroom Renovation Timelines
Is your contractor working on multiple jobs?
The biggest variable is whether your contractor focuses on one job at a time or juggles multiple clients. If they’re doing your bathroom start-to-finish without distractions, expect a much quicker turnaround. But if they’re moonlighting or spreading themselves too thin, your project could drag on for months.
Size and complexity of your bathroom
A standard 3- or 4-piece bathroom usually takes about 2–4 weeks. But if you’re upgrading a large ensuite with custom work—think curbless shower, double vanity, or layout changes—it could take 4–6 weeks depending on the complexity of the job.
We go over specific options like walk-in shower installation and luxury bathroom features in our renovation guides, which can add to timelines based on what you choose.
Subcontractor scheduling
If plumbing, electrical, or tile work is being outsourced, each delay adds up. Waiting 2–3 days for each trade? That can stretch your timeline significantly. When subcontractors are all running separate schedules, it can get messy fast. That’s why tight coordination is key.
The Importance of Planning Ahead
Material availability is everything
Even the best contractor can’t work without materials. If your tiles, vanity, or fixtures aren’t on site before demolition starts, the whole project pauses. That’s why pre-ordering materials is critical. A good general contractor (GC) should help you know exactly what to buy and when.
This is especially important when you’re selecting things like bathroom flooring materials or bathroom vanity replacements, which can take time to arrive.
Your contractor should be the planner
A well-organized GC does more than build—they coordinate materials, labor, and timeline. If your contractor is making excuses halfway through, chances are they didn’t plan properly. We always say: 50% of a successful bathroom reno is planning.
If you’re worried about the process, here’s how to spot a good bathroom renovation contractor.
Typical Timelines by Bathroom Type
2-piece powder room: 3–5 days
Standard 3/4-piece bathroom: 2–4 weeks
Large 5-piece ensuite: 4–6 weeks
These estimates assume all materials are available and the job is done in a linear, start-to-finish schedule.
Real Example: 3-Week Full Bathroom Remodel
Here’s one we recently completed:
Full gut
New lighting and electrical
Toilet repositioning
Water closet removal
Rebuilt subfloor
In-floor drain and curbless shower
Custom 2-person vanity
Timeline: 3 weeks
What made it possible? We met with the homeowner two months in advance, gave them an itemized list of what to buy, where to get it, and when it needed to arrive. Everything was delivered before day one. That level of prep allowed us to work efficiently from start to finish with no delays.
Want more examples? See 3 Things We Fix Most Often from Other Contractors for insight into how poor planning can delay jobs by weeks.
Can I Live at Home During a Renovation?
Yes—if done properly. For most bathroom renos, the work is contained to a single room. With proper floor protection and sealing, your living space should remain unaffected. You’ll still need to make alternate bathroom arrangements, but your daily routine won’t be turned upside down.
What About Stage-by-Stage Timelines?
We don’t assign rigid timelines to each stage (like demo, tiling, plumbing, etc.), because jobs flow differently depending on the room, design, and materials. What matters more is that each step has zero downtime between them, which only happens with proper planning.
Why 2-Piece Powder Rooms Are Faster
A basic 2-piece powder room (toilet and vanity) can often be completed in 3 to 5 days. Here’s why:
No shower or bathtub to tile or waterproof
Less plumbing and electrical rerouting
Smaller square footage
Minimal complexity
Common tasks include removing old flooring, installing new tile, patching and painting walls, replacing the vanity and toilet, and installing new lighting.
If you’re only doing a minor upgrade, check out our ideas for budget bathroom renovations to keep costs and timelines under control.
Final Thoughts: How to Stay On Schedule
If you want your bathroom renovation done on time and without stress, here’s what I recommend:
Choose a contractor who doesn’t juggle multiple jobs
Make decisions ahead of time
Have all materials on-site before demolition begins
Get a clear, written timeline from your contractor
Confirm if any subcontracting is involved and who’s responsible for scheduling
If you’re still in the early stages, you may also want to read about the average cost of a bathroom renovation in Toronto to set realistic expectations.
And if you’re ready to get started, feel free to contact us for a consultation.