How long do common bathroom projects take?
The answer depends on how much of the room changes. Here’s what on-site time usually looks like for the projects we do around Lexington. These are working days with the crew in your home, not counting the wait for materials beforehand.
| Project | Typical on-site time | What stretches it |
|---|---|---|
| Bathtub replacement | 2 to 4 days | Removing an old cast-iron tub, wall repairs |
| Shower replacement | 3 to 6 days | Tile walls instead of panels |
| Tub-to-shower conversion | 3 to 7 days | Moving the drain, a curbless entry |
| Tile shower | 1 to 2 weeks | Niches, a bench, large-format tile |
| Full bathroom remodel | 2 to 4 weeks | Layout changes, older-home repairs |
| Accessible bathroom | 2 to 4 weeks | Widening doorways, a roll-in shower |
These ranges are planning numbers. Your quote will spell out the expected on-site time for your room.
What happens before the work starts?
The weeks before demolition matter as much as the work itself.
Quote and design. We visit, measure and go over what you want. You get a written, itemized quote.
Choosing finishes. Tile, vanity, fixtures, the shower system and lighting all get picked now. This is where you have the most control over the schedule.
Ordering. Stock items may be available quickly. Special-order vanities, certain tile lines and some fixture finishes can take 1 to 3 weeks or longer. We prefer to have the key items on hand before demolition so the bathroom isn’t sitting open while we wait.
Permits. If the job moves a drain or adds a fixture, it needs a state plumbing permit. Moving a wall or adding a window means an LFUCG building permit. Our Lexington permit guide explains which applies.
What is the correct order of a bathroom renovation?
Work moves from the inside of the walls to the surface. Doing it out of order means tearing into something finished. A full remodel runs roughly like this:
- Protection and demolition. We cover floors along the path, then remove fixtures, tile and wall finishes. In a 1930s Kenwick bath with plaster walls, this stage takes longer and makes more dust than drywall would.
- Repairs. Any soft subfloor, rotted framing or damaged drain gets fixed now.
- Plumbing and electrical rough-in. New supply lines, drains, the shower valve, wiring and the vent fan go in while the walls are open.
- Walls and waterproofing. Cement board or a similar backer goes up, and the shower gets a waterproof membrane.
- Tile. Shower walls, then the floor. Tile needs time to set before it’s grouted.
- Fixtures and vanity. The vanity, top, sink, toilet, faucet and shower trim are installed.
- Glass, paint and finish work. Custom glass is measured once tile is done, then installed when it comes in. Paint, trim, mirror and accessories wrap things up.
Why does a full remodel take weeks, not days?
Much of the time goes to steps that can’t be rushed. Tile adhesive and grout need curing time. Waterproofing needs to be done right and given time before tile goes over it. Old houses often need extra prep to get floors level and walls flat enough for tile.
There’s also sequencing. Plumbing has to be finished before walls close, tile has to be done before glass is measured, and so on. Each step depends on the one before.
How does the age of the house change the timeline?
1920s to 1940s homes (Chevy Chase, Ashland Park, Bell Court, Kenwick). Expect the long end of each range. Plaster removal, galvanized supply lines and cast-iron drains all add days, and floors are rarely flat.
Postwar ranches and split-levels (Southland, Gardenside, Cardinal Valley, Tates Creek). Older tile was often set in a thick mortar bed, so demolition takes muscle. The plumbing tends to be straightforward once it’s exposed.
1990s to 2010s homes (Hamburg, Masterson Station, Beaumont, Palomar, Andover Forest). These are usually the quickest. Builder-grade fiberglass surrounds come out fast, and the framing is usually square. Removing a large garden tub and extending a shower adds a few days.
What usually causes delays?
- Late materials. A backordered vanity or tile is the most common cause. Ordering early helps.
- Hidden damage. A soft subfloor or cracked drain found during demolition has to be repaired before anything new goes in. We show you what we find before fixing it.
- Changes mid-job. Switching tile after demolition can mean a new order and a pause.
- Custom glass. Because it’s cut to fit the finished tile, it often goes in after everything else.
What can you do to keep the schedule on track?
A few habits make a real difference:
- Make every finish decision before demolition. Tile, grout color, vanity, faucet, shower trim and light fixtures should all be settled.
- Approve the layout in writing. It’s much easier to move a niche or a grab bar location on paper than after the backer board is up.
- Clear the path. Moving furniture and valuables out of the hallway before day one saves time each morning.
- Be reachable. If we find a soft subfloor or an old drain problem, a quick answer from you keeps the work moving. Most small pauses on a job come from waiting on a decision.
How do you live with a bathroom out of service?
If you have a second bathroom, the remodel is mostly a matter of dust and noise. Many older Lexington homes have just one full bath, though, so it’s worth a plan:
- For a tub or shower swap, the shower is usually out for the length of the job, and the toilet can often stay in use part of the time.
- For a full remodel, expect the room to be out of service from demolition until the fixtures are reconnected near the end.
- Ask us which days the water will be shut off, so you can plan around them.
How do you get a timeline for your bathroom?
A good timeline starts with a good look at the room. We’ll measure, check what we can of the plumbing and subfloor, and give you an itemized quote with an expected on-site duration. We don’t promise start dates before materials are confirmed, but we’ll walk you through what the schedule depends on.
For pricing, see the Lexington bathroom remodel cost guide. To set up a visit, call (859) 710-5815 or request a free quote.
