A bathroom is one of the smallest rooms in a home and one of the most frequently mis-scheduled. Plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, and finishing all have to happen in a precise order, and each stage depends on the one before it being done correctly — not just quickly. Here is what actually determines how long a bathroom renovation takes, stage by stage.

01The Initial Consultation

Every project starts with a conversation, not a quote. We walk the space, discuss how it's used day to day, and understand the scope you have in mind — a refresh, a full gut, or something in between. This is also where realistic budget ranges and timeline expectations are set, before any drawings exist.

02Measurements and Design

Precise measurements are taken on site, including plumbing stack locations, window and door positions, and structural elements that can't move without added cost. Layout options are drawn and reviewed with you until the plan is settled. This stage typically takes one to two weeks, and rushing it is the single most common cause of change orders later.

03Material Selection

Tile, stone, cabinetry, and fixtures are selected once the layout is approved. Lead times vary widely — in-stock porcelain can arrive in days, while special-order stone or custom cabinetry can take six to ten weeks. Selecting materials early, in parallel with permitting, is what keeps a schedule intact.

04Permits, If Required

Most cosmetic bathroom updates don't require a permit. Work that changes plumbing layout, moves walls, or affects electrical service typically does. Municipal permit review in the GTA can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the municipality, so this step is confirmed at the design stage — not discovered midway through demolition.

05Demolition

Existing tile, fixtures, and in some cases subfloor are removed, and the space is assessed for any hidden issues — water damage, outdated wiring, or subfloor deterioration that wasn't visible before the walls came down. A well-run demolition takes one to three days depending on the room's size and condition.

06Plumbing and Electrical Rough-Ins

Supply lines, drains, and electrical circuits are run to their new positions before any wall or floor finishes go back in. This is the stage where layout changes are actually built, and it's inspected before it's covered up — which is exactly why sequencing matters here more than almost anywhere else in the project.

07Waterproofing

A proper waterproof membrane in the shower and around wet areas is what prevents the most expensive kind of failure — the kind that isn't visible until it shows up in the ceiling below. This step is not optional and not skippable, regardless of schedule pressure.

The stages that get rushed are rarely the ones you can see once the room is finished — which is exactly why they get rushed, and exactly why they shouldn't be.

08Tiling

Floor and wall tile are set once waterproofing has cured fully. Large-format tile and intricate patterns take longer than standard layouts, and natural stone requires additional care in cutting and sealing. Expect three to seven days for tile work on an average bathroom, depending on pattern complexity.

09Cabinetry and Fixtures

Vanities, toilets, faucets, and hardware are installed once tile and paint are complete. Custom cabinetry that was ordered during the material selection stage arrives and is set now — which is why ordering it early, rather than waiting until the room is ready for it, protects the overall schedule.

10Inspections

Any work that required a permit is signed off by the municipality before the project is considered complete. Scheduling inspections in step with the work — not after everything is closed up — avoids the costly scenario of opening finished walls back up to satisfy an inspector.

11The Final Walkthrough

Before handover, we walk the finished space with you against the original plan — checking that every detail, from grout lines to hardware finish, matches what was agreed. Anything outstanding is documented and resolved before the project is closed.

12What Typically Causes Delays

13A Realistic Timeline

A standard bathroom renovation — assuming materials are in stock and no permit is required — typically runs three to five weeks from demolition to final walkthrough. Projects requiring permits, custom cabinetry, or special-order stone commonly run eight to twelve weeks in total, including design and material lead time before construction even begins. The goal is never the fastest possible schedule — it's a schedule that holds.