Bathroom Remodel Timeline: What to Expect

One of the first questions every homeowner asks is: how long will this take? It is a fair question, and it deserves a straight answer. The reality is that bathroom renovation timelines depend on project scope, material availability, and the condition of what is hiding behind your existing walls. But a well-run project follows a predictable sequence, and understanding that sequence puts you in control.

At Oakwood Remodeling Group, bathroom remodeling is our sole trade. We do not juggle kitchens, additions, or exterior work. That focus means our crews operate on refined schedules with minimal wasted days. Below, we walk through a standard mid-range bathroom renovation week by week, then address what changes for smaller and larger projects, and finally cover the delay factors that derail timelines when they are not managed proactively.

Before Day One: The Pre-Construction Phase (2-6 Weeks)

The work that happens before a hammer swings determines whether the active construction phase runs smoothly or becomes a series of interruptions. Pre-construction is not idle time -- it is the foundation of an efficient build.

Design and Material Selection (1-3 Weeks)

During this phase, you finalize tile selections, fixture brands and models, vanity style and dimensions, shower enclosure type, and lighting. Every item should have a confirmed SKU and delivery date before construction is scheduled. Changing your tile selection after demolition has begun is the single most common cause of self-inflicted delays.

Key decisions to lock in during this window:

• Floor tile material, size, color, and layout pattern
• Shower wall tile and any accent or niche tile
• Shower valve system (thermostatic vs. pressure-balanced, number of outputs)
• Vanity dimensions, configuration, countertop material, and sink type
• Toilet model and rough-in dimension
• Lighting fixtures, switch locations, and dimmer requirements
• Accessories: towel bars, robe hooks, toilet paper holder, shower niche count

Permits and Material Ordering (1-3 Weeks)

We submit permit applications as soon as the scope is finalized. Most Northern California jurisdictions process residential bathroom permits in 1-3 weeks. Simultaneously, all materials are ordered. Standard items from domestic suppliers arrive in 5-10 business days. Custom glass enclosures, imported tile, and specialty fixtures can take 4-8 weeks, which is why early ordering is critical.

Your project does not get a start date until permits are approved and all materials are either in our warehouse or confirmed for delivery before the scheduled phase.

Week 1: Demolition and Discovery

Days 1-2: Controlled Demolition

The old bathroom comes out -- tile, fixtures, vanity, drywall, and flooring. Our crews use dust barriers and floor protection to contain debris. Everything is loaded into a dumpster on-site. Demolition for a standard bathroom takes 1-2 days depending on what needs to be removed and how it was originally installed.

Days 2-3: Assessment and Remediation

With the bathroom stripped to studs and subfloor, we inspect for conditions that were invisible before:

• Water damage: Soft or discolored subfloor around the toilet flange or tub base
• Mold: Black or green growth on framing members, especially behind shower walls
• Outdated plumbing: Galvanized steel pipes, polybutylene supply lines, or cast iron drains with significant corrosion
• Electrical deficiencies: Ungrounded outlets, missing GFCI protection, or undersized circuits
• Framing issues: Inadequate blocking for grab bars, shower glass, or heavy vanities

If remediation is needed, it happens now. Subfloor replacement typically adds half a day. Replumbing a section might add a full day. Addressing these issues at this stage prevents far more expensive problems years later.

Days 3-5: Rough Plumbing and Electrical

With the space open, plumbers relocate or install supply lines, drain lines, and shower valves according to the new layout. Electricians run circuits for lighting, exhaust fans, GFCI outlets, and any specialty features like heated floors or towel warmers. This phase must be completed and inspected before walls can be closed.

Week 2: Building the Framework

Days 6-7: Inspection and Wall Preparation

A municipal inspector verifies that all rough plumbing and electrical work meets code. In Northern California, this inspection is typically scheduled within 1-2 business days of completing rough-in work. Once passed, cement backer board goes up on shower walls and any areas receiving tile. Moisture-resistant drywall (green board or purple board) is installed on remaining walls.

Days 8-9: Waterproofing

This is one of the most critical phases in the entire project. A liquid-applied or sheet membrane waterproofing system is installed on all shower surfaces, the shower pan, and any floor areas adjacent to wet zones. Each coat or layer requires specific cure time, usually 24 hours between applications. Rushing waterproofing leads to failures that are devastating to repair later.

We use manufacturer-certified systems (Schluter DITRA/KERDI or Laticrete Hydro Ban) and follow their specifications precisely. The waterproofing layer is flood-tested before any tile goes over it.

Day 10: Shower Pan and Pre-Slope

For custom-tiled showers, the shower pan is built or the prefabricated pan is set. The pre-slope must achieve proper pitch toward the drain (typically 1/4 inch per foot) to ensure complete water evacuation. This is verified with a level before proceeding.

Weeks 2-3: Tile Installation

Days 10-14: Shower and Floor Tile

Tile installation begins with the shower walls and niches, then moves to the shower floor, and finally the bathroom floor. Each surface is set in thinset mortar, leveled, and spaced according to the selected layout. Large-format tiles (12x24 and larger) require back-buttering and leveling clips to prevent lippage. Natural stone requires additional care in handling and setting.

A skilled tile setter completes roughly 30-50 square feet per day depending on tile size, pattern complexity, and the number of cuts required. Niches, corners, and borders are the most time-intensive areas.

Days 15-16: Grouting and Caulking

After thinset has cured (minimum 24 hours), grout is applied to all tile joints. Sanded grout for joints wider than 1/8 inch, unsanded for narrower joints. Grout needs another 24-48 hours to cure before the space can handle moisture. Change-of-plane joints (where walls meet floors or walls meet other walls) receive flexible silicone caulk rather than rigid grout to accommodate building movement.

Week 3-4: Fixtures, Finishes, and Completion

Days 16-18: Vanity, Countertop, and Plumbing Trim

The vanity is installed and leveled, the countertop is set and sealed, and the sink and faucet are connected. The toilet is set on a new wax ring and bolted down. Shower trim (handle, showerhead, body sprays) is installed and tested for proper function and no leaks.

Days 18-19: Glass Enclosure and Accessories

Frameless glass shower enclosures require precise measurements taken after tile is complete. If glass was pre-measured using a template, installation takes one day. Custom mirrors, medicine cabinets, towel bars, robe hooks, and toilet paper holders are installed during this phase.

Day 20: Painting, Trim, and Detail Work

Walls and ceiling receive their final paint coats. Door trim, baseboards, and any decorative molding are installed and caulked. All silicone joints are inspected. Switch plates and outlet covers go on. The exhaust fan is tested for proper CFM output.

Day 21: Final Inspection and Walkthrough

The municipal final inspection verifies all work meets code. After approval, we conduct a detailed walkthrough with you, testing every fixture, checking every grout line, and documenting the completed project. We provide care instructions for your specific materials and leave the space spotless.

Timeline Adjustments by Project Type

The week-by-week schedule above applies to a standard mid-range bathroom. Here is how other project types differ:

• Guest bath refresh (cosmetic only): 2-3 weeks. No plumbing relocation, simpler tile scope, and standard fixtures shorten the schedule significantly.
• Tub-to-shower conversion: 2-3 weeks. The footprint stays the same, but the plumbing transition from tub to shower requires careful drain work and waterproofing.
• Luxury master bath: 5-7 weeks. Larger square footage, natural stone tile, heated floors, multiple shower heads, freestanding tub, and double vanity all extend the timeline proportionally.
• Accessibility remodel: 3-4 weeks. Barrier-free shower pans, grab bar blocking, and wider doorways add complexity but not excessive time when planned properly.

Five Delay Factors and How to Neutralize Them

1. Backordered Materials

Mitigation: Order everything 3-6 weeks before the start date. Verify stock before committing to a tile or fixture. Have a backup selection identified for critical items.

2. Hidden Damage Behind Walls

Mitigation: Budget 10-15% contingency for unexpected conditions. An experienced contractor can often predict likely issues based on the home's age, previous remodel quality, and visible clues like soft spots or discoloration.

3. Mid-Project Design Changes

Mitigation: Finalize every selection before demolition. Visit tile showrooms and fixture displays in person. Once you commit, resist the temptation to reconsider. Changes after construction begins almost always cost more in time than in money.

4. Permit and Inspection Scheduling

Mitigation: Work with a contractor who has established relationships with local building departments and understands their scheduling windows. We apply for permits during the design phase so approvals are in hand before your start date.

5. Contractor Crew Availability

Mitigation: Choose a contractor who dedicates crews to your project rather than splitting them across multiple jobs. A bathroom-only specialist like Oakwood Remodeling Group runs focused crews that stay on your project from start to finish.

Sacramento Permit Timeline: What to Expect by Jurisdiction

Permit processing times vary significantly across the Sacramento metro area, and this variability directly affects when your project can begin. Understanding your jurisdiction's timeline prevents the frustration of a crew ready to work but no permit in hand.

City of Sacramento Building Division

The City of Sacramento processes residential bathroom remodel permits through their Community Development Department. Standard plan review takes 10-15 business days for projects that include plumbing and electrical changes. Over-the-counter permits are available for simpler scopes (fixture-for-fixture replacements with no layout changes), which can be issued same-day. The city offers an expedited review service for an additional fee that can reduce the timeline to 5-7 business days. Inspections are typically available within 1-2 business days of request, and the city's online portal allows digital submission and tracking.

Placer County Building Services

Placer County's building department in Auburn handles permits for unincorporated areas including Granite Bay, Loomis, and parts of the Highway 65 corridor. Standard residential plan review runs 10-20 business days, though this can extend during peak construction season (spring and early summer) when new residential construction in Lincoln and Rocklin drives high submission volumes. Placer County requires separate mechanical, plumbing, and electrical permits that are processed concurrently. Their inspection scheduling is reliable, usually within 2-3 business days.

City of Roseville

Roseville operates its own building department independent of Placer County and is known for being one of the more efficient jurisdictions in the region. Standard residential remodel permits are processed in 7-12 business days. The city's electronic plan review system speeds the process, and their inspection department is responsive -- next-day inspections are common. For bathroom remodels that do not alter the structural layout, Roseville occasionally issues permits within 5 business days.

City of Rocklin

Rocklin processes residential bathroom permits in 7-15 business days, with variability depending on workload from the city's ongoing residential development. The building department is smaller than Roseville's but maintains good turnaround times. Over-the-counter permits are available for straightforward scopes.

How Permit Delays Affect Project Scheduling

We submit permit applications during the design and material selection phase -- not after. This means permit review runs concurrently with material ordering and lead time fulfillment. In a well-managed project, the permit is approved and materials are received before the scheduled start date, so neither creates a delay. The risk arises when a homeowner hires a contractor who does not submit permits until after the contract is signed, or worse, after materials have already arrived. In that scenario, a 15-business-day permit review becomes 3 calendar weeks of idle waiting while your garage fills with tile boxes and your second bathroom remains your only option.

Material Lead Times in 2026

Supply chain conditions have largely normalized compared to the disruptions of 2021-2023, but certain categories still carry meaningful lead times that must be factored into your project schedule. Ordering materials late is the most preventable cause of construction delays, and it is entirely within the homeowner's control to avoid.

Tile

• In-stock domestic porcelain and ceramic: 3-7 business days from local distributors (Floor & Decor, Emser, Dal-Tile). These are tiles that are warehoused in California and available for immediate shipment.
• Special-order domestic tile: 2-4 weeks. These are tiles listed in a manufacturer's catalog but not stocked locally. They ship from regional or national warehouses.
• Imported tile (Italian, Spanish, Moroccan): 4-8 weeks. Imported tile ships from overseas or from limited U.S. distribution points. If you fall in love with an Italian porcelain at a showroom, plan your timeline accordingly.
• Natural stone slabs and tiles: 2-6 weeks depending on availability. Popular stones like Carrara marble and travertine are usually available within 2 weeks. Exotic quartzites and specialty marbles can take longer.
• Custom mosaic or handmade tile: 4-10 weeks. Artisan tile producers (Fireclay, Clé, Heath Ceramics) have production lead times that are longer than mass-manufactured options.

Fixtures and Hardware

• Standard fixtures (Kohler, Moen, Delta mid-line): 3-10 business days from major suppliers. These are widely stocked and ship quickly.
• Premium fixtures (Brizo, Rohl, TOTO Neorest): 2-4 weeks. Premium lines have smaller inventory pools and may ship from a single U.S. warehouse.
• Custom or imported fixtures (Waterworks, Fantini, Dornbracht): 6-12 weeks. These products are often made to order or imported from European manufacturing facilities.

Enclosures, Vanities, and Specialty Items

• Frameless glass shower enclosures (custom-templated): 2-3 weeks from template measurement to delivery. Template measurement happens after tile is complete, so this lead time runs during the later phases of construction.
• Stock vanities: 3-7 business days from retailers like Floor & Decor, Build.com, or local kitchen and bath showrooms.
• Semi-custom vanities: 3-6 weeks. These are modified from a base design with selected finish, size, and hardware options.
• Full custom cabinetry: 6-10 weeks from order to delivery. Local Sacramento-area cabinet shops can sometimes deliver faster than national custom manufacturers.
• Heated floor systems (Nuheat, Schluter DITRA-HEAT): 5-10 business days for standard sizes; custom mats may take 2-3 weeks.

Weather and Seasonal Considerations for Sacramento Remodels

Sacramento's climate is more relevant to bathroom remodeling timelines than most homeowners realize. While the work happens indoors, temperature and seasonal factors affect material performance, crew scheduling, and overall project efficiency.

Summer Heat (June-September): 95-110+ Degrees Fahrenheit

Sacramento's intense summer heat creates specific challenges for bathroom remodels:

• Thinset working time: Modified thinset mortar has a working time of 30-60 minutes under normal conditions. When ambient garage or workspace temperatures exceed 95 degrees, that working time drops to 15-30 minutes. Tile setters must mix smaller batches and work faster, which can slow overall daily output by 10-20%.
• Adhesive and sealant cure rates: Silicone caulk, construction adhesive, and liquid waterproofing membranes cure faster in extreme heat, which sounds beneficial but can actually cause skinning (surface curing before full depth cure) that compromises bond strength. Experienced installers adjust application techniques for hot conditions.
• Material staging: Tile, fixtures, and supplies staged in a garage can reach temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit during a Sacramento summer. While this does not damage most materials, it makes the garage an unpleasant workspace and can affect the temperature sensitivity of adhesives, caulks, and liquid membranes that need to be at 60-80 degrees for optimal application.
• Crew stamina: Interior bathroom work is partially shielded from outdoor heat, but working in a house with open walls and limited HVAC during demolition and rough-in phases is physically demanding in summer conditions. Responsible contractors adjust crew schedules, starting earlier in the day and providing adequate hydration and breaks.

Winter (November-February): Mild but Wet

Sacramento winters are mild by national standards (daytime highs of 50-60 degrees), making them excellent for interior remodeling. The primary winter consideration is rain: prolonged rainy periods can delay material deliveries, make dumpster pickup more difficult, and create muddy conditions around exterior access points. None of these are project-stopping issues, but they occasionally add a day to the schedule. The significant advantage of winter scheduling is reduced contractor demand, which often means faster start dates and more flexible scheduling.

Spring (March-May): Peak Demand Season

Spring is when most Sacramento homeowners decide to start renovation projects. Contractor schedules fill quickly, material suppliers see higher demand, and permit offices process higher volumes of applications. If you want a spring start date, begin your planning process in January or February to secure contractor availability and allow adequate time for design, material selection, and permit processing. Waiting until April to start planning a spring remodel typically pushes your actual start date into summer.

How Older Sacramento Homes Affect Timelines

The Sacramento metro area has distinct housing age bands that directly correlate with the likelihood and severity of discovery work during a bathroom remodel. Understanding what your home's era means for your project timeline helps set realistic expectations.

1950s-1960s Homes (Sacramento, South Land Park, Curtis Park, East Sacramento)

These homes are 65-75 years old and represent the highest probability of significant discovery work. Common timeline-affecting issues:

• Galvanized steel plumbing (add 1-2 days): Nearly universal in this era. Internal corrosion restricts flow and creates pinhole leak risk. Replacement with copper or PEX is strongly recommended when walls are open.
• Cast iron drain lines (add 1-2 days): Heavy cast iron waste pipes were standard. They develop internal scale and can crack or separate at joints after decades of service. Replacing accessible sections with ABS during a remodel prevents future drain problems.
• Asbestos-containing materials (add 3-7 days): Floor tile (especially 9x9 inch tiles), sheet vinyl flooring, pipe insulation, and some joint compounds from this era may contain asbestos. California requires testing before disturbance and licensed abatement if positive. Testing takes 2-3 business days; abatement scheduling depends on availability of licensed abatement contractors.
• Lead-based paint (add 0-2 days): Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint. EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule requires lead-safe work practices, including containment and specific cleanup procedures, which add time to the demolition phase.
• Outdated electrical panels and wiring (add 1-2 days): Federal Pacific and Zinsco electrical panels, common in this era, are considered safety hazards. Ungrounded two-prong outlets and lack of GFCI protection require circuit upgrades during a remodel.

Realistic timeline impact: Add 5-10 working days to the standard schedule for 1950s-1960s homes. Budget contingency should be 15-20%.

1970s-1980s Homes (Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, Orangevale, Rancho Cordova)

The suburban expansion era produced large volumes of ranch-style homes that now comprise a significant portion of Sacramento-area remodeling demand. Common timeline issues:

• Polybutylene supply lines (add 1-2 days): Widely used from 1978-1995, polybutylene (PB) piping is prone to failure at fittings and from chlorine degradation. When encountered during a remodel, replacement with PEX is recommended.
• Early CPVC plumbing (add 0-1 days): Some 1980s homes used early-generation CPVC that becomes brittle with age. Sections exposed during remodel may need replacement if brittle or showing joint degradation.
• Subfloor damage around original tub bases (add 0.5-1 day): Thirty to fifty years of minor moisture migration around tub bases and toilet flanges commonly produces localized subfloor rot. Replacement of affected plywood sections is routine.
• Fiberglass tub/shower combo removal (add 0.5 day): One-piece fiberglass units from this era were installed before interior walls were completed. They often cannot be removed intact and must be cut apart in place, which adds time compared to tile demolition.

Realistic timeline impact: Add 2-5 working days. Budget contingency of 10-15% is appropriate.

2000s-Present Homes (Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Folsom, El Dorado Hills)

Newer tract homes built in the 2000s and later typically have PEX plumbing, ABS drain lines, modern electrical panels, and no asbestos or lead concerns. Discovery work in these homes is rare and usually limited to minor issues like improperly installed shower pans or inadequate waterproofing from the original builder. These projects generally follow the standard timeline with minimal surprise additions. Budget contingency of 5-10% is sufficient.

Communication and Decision-Making During Construction

The pace of a bathroom remodel is not determined solely by the crew's speed -- it is equally dependent on how quickly homeowners make decisions when field conditions require adjustments. Understanding how communication flows during active construction helps you keep the project on track.

Decisions That Cannot Wait

Certain decisions must be made within hours, not days, to prevent crew downtime:

• Discovery work authorization: When demolition reveals damaged subfloor, corroded plumbing, or mold, the crew needs a go-ahead to proceed with remediation before the next phase can begin. A 24-hour delay in authorization is a 24-hour delay in the project. We provide photo documentation and cost estimates for any unexpected work, and we need a response the same business day.
• Tile layout approval: Before the first tile is set, the tile setter does a dry layout to determine the optimal starting point, cut locations, and pattern alignment. This layout should be approved in person if possible, because once thinset is applied, changes are expensive and time-consuming.
• Fixture placement confirmation: The exact height of the shower valve, the location of towel bar blocking, and the position of the toilet paper holder are finalized during rough-in. These locations are much easier to adjust during framing than after tile is installed.

The Single Decision-Maker Rule

Projects move fastest when one person has authority to approve decisions. When two homeowners need to confer, and one travels for work, a single tile layout approval can take 3-4 days instead of same-day. We strongly recommend designating one person as the primary project contact who can authorize field decisions without convening a household discussion. Discuss preferences and priorities as a couple before construction begins, then empower one person to handle real-time decisions during the build.

What Happens After Construction: The First 30 Days

Your new bathroom is not fully cured and settled on day one. Understanding what to expect in the weeks after completion prevents unnecessary concern and protects your investment.

• Grout cure time (3-7 days): Cement-based grout reaches initial hardness within 24-48 hours but continues to cure for up to 7 days. Avoid harsh cleaning or heavy scrubbing during this period. If grout sealer was not applied at installation (some contractors apply it after a 72-hour cure), apply it within the first week.
• Silicone caulk cure time (24-48 hours): Silicone caulk at change-of-plane joints needs 24-48 hours to fully cure. Avoid running water directly on fresh caulk joints for the first 24 hours after application.
• Paint touch-ups (2-4 weeks): Minor touch-ups may be needed as the space settles. Nail pops, hairline drywall cracks at corners, and minor finish imperfections are normal in new construction and are addressed during a warranty visit, typically scheduled 2-4 weeks after completion.
• Initial cleaning: We clean the bathroom thoroughly before handoff, but fine grout haze may appear on tile surfaces over the first few days as residual moisture evaporates. A white vinegar and water solution (for porcelain, not natural stone) or a grout haze remover eliminates this residue.
• Warranty walkthrough: Oakwood Remodeling Group schedules a warranty visit 3-4 weeks after project completion to address any punch-list items, minor adjustments, or questions about material care.

Timeline Comparison: Specialist vs. General Contractor

One of the most significant timeline advantages of hiring a bathroom-only specialist is crew continuity. General contractors who handle kitchens, roofing, siding, and bathrooms often split crews across multiple active job sites. Your bathroom may see a crew for 3 days, then sit idle for 2 days while the crew finishes a kitchen elsewhere, then resume for another 3 days. This fragmented scheduling can stretch a 3-week project into 5-6 weeks of calendar time.

At Oakwood Remodeling Group, your crew is assigned to your project from demolition through completion. They are not pulled to another job mid-project. Our tile setters, plumbers, and electricians work in coordinated sequence with minimal downtime between phases. The result is that our 3-4 week timeline for a mid-range bathroom remodel reflects 3-4 weeks of calendar time, not 3-4 weeks of working days spread across 6-8 calendar weeks.

This distinction matters practically: every additional calendar week your bathroom is out of commission is another week using an alternative bathroom, managing construction disruption, and living with a partially completed project. Compressed calendar timelines through crew continuity is one of the primary advantages of working with a focused specialist.

Pre-Construction Checklist: What Homeowners Should Do Before Day One

Completing these steps before your crew arrives on demolition day prevents delays and ensures a smooth launch:

• Clear the bathroom completely: Remove all personal items, towels, toiletries, wall decorations, and anything stored in cabinets or under the vanity. The crew needs a completely empty space.
• Ensure clear access path: The route from the front door (or garage) to the bathroom should be free of obstacles. Crews carry tile, backer board, vanities, and tools through your home multiple times daily.
• Arrange alternative bathroom access: If you have a second bathroom, plan to use it exclusively for the project duration. For single-bathroom homes, discuss temporary arrangements with your contractor before construction begins.
• Confirm material delivery receipt: Verify that all pre-ordered materials (tile, vanity, fixtures, toilet, shower glass) have arrived at the contractor's warehouse or your home. Missing materials on demolition day can stall the project before it starts.
• Communicate with neighbors: Let adjacent neighbors know about the upcoming construction. Dumpster placement, crew vehicles, and noise during demolition are all easier to manage with neighborly advance notice.
• Protect adjacent areas: While our crews install dust barriers and floor protection, removing fragile items from hallways and rooms adjacent to the bathroom provides additional peace of mind.
• Confirm pet and child arrangements: Construction zones include sharp materials, power tools, and open walls. Ensure pets and small children have safe areas away from the work zone throughout the project.

Plan Your Project

A well-planned bathroom remodel should not feel chaotic. When the schedule is clear, materials are staged, and the crew knows the plan, the process moves forward steadily and predictably. If you are considering a renovation and want a realistic timeline for your specific bathroom, schedule a free consultation with our team. We will walk through your space, discuss your goals, and provide a detailed project schedule alongside your estimate.