How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Usually Take?

If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, timing is usually one of the first things you want to understand. Not because you want it rushed, but because bathrooms aren’t optional. When one is torn apart, the impact is immediate.

In Connecticut, most bathroom renovations land in a pretty predictable range once construction starts. The part that surprises homeowners is what can shift that range. Let’s talk through what’s typical and what changes the schedule.

What’s a typical bathroom renovation timeline in Connecticut?

Most full bathroom renovations take about two to four weeks once construction begins. A smaller refresh can be closer to one to two weeks. A more involved rebuild can run four to six weeks, especially if the layout changes or the home is older.

When people hear a timeline, they often picture the visible work. Tile, vanity, fixtures, paint. What actually drives the schedule is the order of operations behind the walls and under the floor, plus cure times for waterproofing, thinset, grout, and paint.

What makes a bathroom renovation take longer?

Layout changes are a big one. Moving a shower, relocating a toilet, or shifting a vanity usually adds time because plumbing adjustments and inspections come into play.

Tile work can also stretch timelines. A simple surround moves faster than a full tiled shower with a niche, bench, or detailed layout. It’s not just install time. It’s also doing waterproofing correctly and allowing each step to cure.

Older homes can add time as well. Once we open things up, we might find outdated wiring, weak venting, or subfloor damage. None of that means the project is a disaster. It just means the timeline needs room to handle reality.

What does the work sequence usually look like?

Most bathrooms follow a similar flow. Demo and prep. Rough plumbing and electrical if needed. Backer board and waterproofing. Tile. Then vanity, fixtures, trim, paint, and final punch list.

If your project includes a custom shower, it helps to treat it like a true bathroom renovation project instead of a quick cosmetic update. That mindset keeps the plan realistic and protects the long-term performance of the space.

Can you stay in the house during the renovation?

If you have a second bathroom, the project is usually much easier to live through. If you don’t, it doesn’t mean you can’t renovate. It just means planning matters more. Some homeowners phase the work. Others set up short-term alternatives during the most disruptive days.

How should you plan your own bathroom renovation timeline?

The simplest planning rule is to assume the middle of the range, not the shortest possible scenario. Make your selections early, be clear about layout changes, and leave room for the unknowns that only show up after demo.

If you want to talk through your specific bathroom and get a realistic timeline based on the scope you have in mind, a bathroom renovation consultation is a good place to start.