How long does it usually take to remodel a small bathroom?

Jenny Hicks
by Jenny Hicks
Want to replace old tub/shower combo with a tiled, walk-in shower. TThe room is only as wide at the tub is long, and there's a window around shoulder height above the long side of the tub. Toilet and flooring need to be replaced, also. Has a single sink vanity and large linen closet (must close bathroom door to open linen closet). Any approx. cost available?
  9 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Mar 15, 2018

    for whom to do it?

  • Mogie Mogie on Mar 15, 2018

    The full-scale tear out and rebuild of a small bathroom should not take long. When all working parts mesh correctly, you can expect a bathroom to be fully remodeled in a total of 23 days. Assuming that no work is done on weekends, this translates to 4.5 weeks.

  • Carol Marszalek Carol Marszalek on Mar 15, 2018

    Hi, if you are a do it yourself are capable of doing the tile work yourself you could probably redo the entire bathroom for $1,500 maybe less. Go to surplus building supply places where you can get a good deal on ceramic tile, vanities, mirrors. To maximize space (depending on the hallway) If there’s wall space I would hang a barn door that would slide open so that your linen closet would be available without having to close the bathroom door. Unfinished vanities are relatively inexpensive and you can always find good deals on vessel sinks and faucets online.. The only real expense would be a shower door if you choose to enclose the shower, if not you could hang a shower curtain and just build up a short lip. Toilets are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. Other than the tile work the only issue you have is making sure that you seal the shower walls with the appropriate material, and laying the shower pan.

    • Jenny Hicks Jenny Hicks on Mar 16, 2018

      Wow! Barn door may be the way to go. I'm not a do-it-yourselfer, but this is great information I can use to track progress from anyone I hire. Thank you very much.

  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Mar 15, 2018

    It will take about a month depending on getting contractors when you need them and how long it takes for inspections, maybe more, maybe less if you get lucky. There are many things that need to be done.

    As for cost, there are many factors that determine the amount. What finishes you pick could determine some of your costs. Even where you live, labor and materials could cost different amounts. I've done redone about 12 bathrooms in different houses. I live in New Jersey about 7 blocks from the beach. The last one I did was 3 years ago. It was a small bathroom and it cost us over $10,000. I had matching granite countertop, shower threshold, shower seat and threshold for entering the bathroom. My faucets were expensive, costing about three thousand dollars for the sink faucet, shower head, rain head, handheld, all the valves and trim kits, towel bar, toilet paper holder, hooks for back of door, toilet handle and hand towel ring (I tend to buy high end products a lot of people haven't even heard of). The brand is Brizo, they have a lifetime warranty and are heavy and very nicely made. They were purchased online, so location had no bearing on the faucet prices. Keep in mind, big box stores may have a faucet that looks exactly like a really expensive one online, it isn't the same inside and the insides are the most important. Plastic verses ceramic, you always want ceramic.

    I will gladly give you a detailed description of everything that needs to be done. Just reply to my post and I will help you anyway I can.

    • See 1 previous
    • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Mar 17, 2018

      Three years ago, when I did my last bathroom, even my plumber hadn't heard of Brizo and he works in some very large, expensive homes. After putting ours in, he only recommends Brizo fixtures. He says they a very good quality and easy to install and service.

      Since you live in the Seattle area, I would suggest an ALL plywood construction for the vanity and any other wood in the bathroom. Living near the ocean, it gets humid here, too, and that's all I get. Eventually the particle board in cabinets will swell and look disgusting. But you have to stress the ALL part when ordering, I've even had sales people try to talk me out of it.

      Online purchasing will save you quite a bit if you shop around. Sometimes, you can find the faucet for a lower price on one site and the shower head for less on another. Order where it's less. Shipping is usually free and it's all the same.

      I saw you replied to other posters. I would not suggest you go to a big box store for your contractor. Ask around, stop at houses that are under construction, check on websites like Angies list, don't just leave your bathroom to someone who could sub it out to someone else not qualified to do your work. And don't let them tell you it doesn't happened. It does, a lot. Ask for references and go check out other work that they did.

      And last, barn doors can be great. Keep in mind that electric outlets with things plugged in and light switches could be in the way, make sure to check on that. Also remember that it will take up some room in your hall, a proper hall should be 36 inches wide. If your hall is wide enough, then that's not an issue.

      Good luck with your project. Let us know how it's going and post pictures when you are finished.

  • Wendy Wendy on Mar 16, 2018

    Get your family and friends to help out- it'll take quicker and be fun!

    • Jenny Hicks Jenny Hicks on Mar 16, 2018

      Good idea, at least for demo. Maybe a barbecue--tempt them with the promise of food! Thanks.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Mar 16, 2018

    The answers to your questions all depends upon who is doing the work. If it is a professional, it will cost more, but take less time. To say how much it would cost, is an impossibility as professional rates are different in different areas of the country. The cost of cabinetry, fixtures, tile, etc. also very depending upon how much you want to spend for those things.

  • Jenny Hicks Jenny Hicks on Mar 16, 2018

    Good idea!

  • Dfm Dfm on Mar 16, 2018

    mine was out of commission for 2 weeks. had it done in the cooler months....better working conditions. they did reseat the toilet before they left for the day.