Many remodeling projects require a building permit. Obtaining the permit can take weeks. Once received, demolition can begin. Before starting, it’s a good idea to use cement board for areas exposed to moisture since it is more humidity-resistant than drywall. Layout changes can include a full fixture replacement or rerouting plumbing. It may also involve electrical alterations.

Jacksonville Bathroom Remodeling is a great way to update your home and increase its value, but it can be time-consuming. Many factors can affect the duration of your remodel, from material selection to construction timelines. To speed up your project and minimize delays, you must communicate clearly with your contractor and plan ahead.

During the planning phase, you’ll select materials and layout options. Keep in mind that changing your plans midway through the renovation process can lead to unforeseen expenses, including the extra time needed for sourcing new materials. It’s also important to choose high-quality materials that will stand up well to frequent use and last a long time.

Once you’ve completed the design and budgeting phase, your contractor will submit for permits and begin preparing for the construction process. This includes ordering your materials and scheduling subcontractors. It’s also a good idea to set up a temporary bathroom arrangement in the meantime.

The construction process can take anywhere from 40 to 50 days depending on the scope of your remodel and unforeseen issues that may arise during the build. You should expect lulls in the schedule based on lead times for materials, as well as inspections and subcontractors’ availability.

Demolition

Bathroom remodeling is messy and inconvenient, but with open communication between the homeowner and contractor, it can be less disruptive than expected. It is helpful to make a plan for renovations before beginning construction and communicate these plans with your contractor. Creating a timeline will help to keep the project on track and avoid delays that could affect your budget.

Demolition is one of the most time-consuming aspects of a remodel and can take anywhere from a few days to a week. This is when existing fixtures, flooring, cabinetry and other materials are removed from the space. This task can be especially hazardous if asbestos or lead is discovered, requiring the services of an abatement company.

The next step is rough-in plumbing and electrical. This is when plumbing and electrical lines are rerouted to accommodate your new layout. This can take a few days to a week, depending on how complex your changes are.

A full remodel is the most extensive level of a bathroom renovation and can involve expanding the space, moving walls, adding windows and much more. These projects require a permit and board approval and often take longer than surface-alteration bath remodels.

Plumbing

Bathrooms may be one of the smallest rooms in your house, but they’re among the most labor-intensive to remodel. Even a minor upgrade can require moving plumbing and electrical wiring, as well as installing new fixtures like a shower or tub, sink, toilet, cabinet, flooring, and drywall.

It’s also a good idea to draw up a new floor plan at this point, especially if you’re making major layout changes that change where the existing plumbing and wiring are located. This helps ensure that the plumber and electrician can provide accurate estimates for their services.

Once the demolition and plumbing work are complete, your contractor will start on the drywall installation. They’ll install cement board and vapor barriers in the shower and bathtub areas, as well as drywall for the remainder of the room. They’ll also add blocking for grab bars if needed.

Depending on the scope of your renovation, you’ll need to pass a final inspection and walkthrough with your contractor before payments are made and construction is complete. This step includes a comprehensive breakdown of what was removed and added, as well as discussion about any changes that you want to make. It also involves informing neighbors about the renovation so that they know what to expect.

Electrical

Whether the bathroom remodel is a simple makeover or a complete overhaul, there’s typically a lot of electrical work involved. While some of this can be done by the homeowner, it’s usually best left to a professional electrician.

For example, if the bathroom will have new outlets or switches installed, it’s important to map out where you want them to be in advance. That way, the electrician can plan out the wiring accordingly. Moreover, if your bathroom is near any water sources, then all of the outlets should be GFCI protected to prevent electrocution risks.

Once the plumbing and electrical work is finished, it’s time to hook up any fixtures that need to be connected. This includes things like the sink, toilet, bathtub, and lighting. It’s also a good time to install a waterproofing barrier in the floor and vapor barriers in the walls.

Finally, the bathroom is ready for a walkthrough and comprehensive breakdown with your contractor. This is a great time to discuss any thoughts or concerns you may have. It’s also a great opportunity to get your final inspections and payments completed. It’s important to remember that remodeling your bathroom is both about function and style, so a professional contractor will be able to help you seamlessly weave these concepts together.

Flooring

Depending on the purpose of the bathroom and your family’s needs, you can choose from several different flooring options. Your budget will also determine what kind of flooring you can afford.

Flooring that is moisture resistant and attractive is ideal in bathrooms. Ceramic and porcelain tile, natural stone, luxury vinyl flooring (LVP), and sheet vinyl are favored bathroom floor materials for their beauty and moisture resistance.

Wall tiling is another common choice. It adds a touch of style to the room and cleans up well. Wet tile is slippery, but texturing can make it safer to walk on. If you’re tiling a bath or shower, it’s important to have a waterproof membrane under the tile, or you could experience water damage.

Wood is another popular option for a bathroom floor, but it’s more expensive than other types of flooring and can be prone to warping. Laminate is an inexpensive alternative to wood that looks similar and is more durable. Bamboo flooring is also a sustainable option and comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes. Once the walls are finished, cabinets and fixtures can be installed. Finishing touches like mirrors and a fan can be added at this point.

Painting

Once the drywall is finished, it’s time to add some color. Bathrooms require a special interior paint that is resistant to humidity. Professionals usually use a semi-gloss finish. It’s best to paint before installing the new sink, vanity, tub, and tiles.

If you have crown molding, wainscoting, or baseboards in your bathroom, they will need to be painted as well. This should be done before laying any tile, so that the wall color doesn’t get smudged and messed up.

It’s also a good idea to cover furniture and other items in the area of the bathroom with plastic sheeting or cloth, to avoid dust and debris. Local painting pros are often available for this part of the project. They will usually remove wall plates like light switches and the toilet lid, so they can paint behind them.

Depending on the size of your remodel, you may need to replace any fixtures that were moved during the layout phase. Replacing or relocating these items is cumbersome, messy, and expensive, but it’s sometimes necessary to change a layout. Changing the footprint of your bathroom will also incur plumbing or electrical changes, and will usually require a permit.

Tile Work

The size of your bathroom and the scope of the remodel can dramatically affect how long this phase takes. If you are simply putting in a new vanity or changing out the toilet, the project can take a day or two at most. However, a full-scale gut renovation that requires dropping walls, rerouting plumbing lines and rewiring electrical will significantly extend the time.

If the floor is to be re-tiled, the existing tile needs to be removed and prepped for installation. This typically includes stripping the old flooring and wallpaper, sanding until rough to the touch, and then applying a primer to make the surface more porous for thin-set adhesives.

After the tile is laid, it is usually bonded with either grout or another cement-like bonding agent to set and harden. The amount of time this process takes depends on the type of tile and how it is installed.

The last step involves the contractor performing a walkthrough with you to review and critique the work they’ve done. If any changes are requested, they will be completed before final payment is made. This allows you to ensure your bathroom remodel is completed according to the design and quality standards you want.