If you only have one or two bathrooms, the first thing you want to know is how long you'll be without one. Here's what a full bathroom renovation looks like from the first call to the final walkthrough, and what can make it take longer.
The short answer
Most of our full bathroom renovations are completed in about 7 days once work begins. Before that, there's a planning stage: the walkthrough, your written quote, choosing finishes, a permit if the job needs one, and getting materials on site. How long the planning takes depends mostly on your choices and on material lead times.
Before work starts
1. Walkthrough. We look at the room, the plumbing and what you want to change.
2. Written quote within 24 hours of the walkthrough. It lists what's included and the schedule for your bathroom.
3. Choosing finishes. We help you pick tile, the vanity, fixtures and glass that fit your budget and the rest of the house. Making these decisions early is the best way to keep the job on schedule.
4. Permit, if required. Like-for-like replacements usually don't need one. Adding or moving plumbing fixtures, or changing walls, typically does. We handle the City of Ottawa permit when it's required, and any inspections that come with it are built into the schedule.
5. Materials on site. We start once the key materials are in hand, so the crew isn't waiting halfway through.
The 7 days, one by one
Day 1: Protection and demolition. Floors and the path to the bathroom are covered, the old tub or shower, vanity, toilet and tile come out, and everything is hauled away. This is also when we find out what's behind the walls.
Day 2: Repairs and rough-in. Any damaged subfloor or framing is fixed. Plumbing and electrical are adjusted for the new layout: drains, supply lines, the shower valve, lighting and the exhaust fan.
Day 3: Walls and waterproofing. New board goes up and the shower walls and floor are waterproofed. This is the most important step in the whole job, because it's the one you never see again once the tile is on.
Days 4–5: Tile. Floor and wall tile go in, including the shower.
Day 6: Grout and finishing. Grout, caulking, trim and paint.
Day 7: Fixtures and final walkthrough. The vanity, toilet, faucets, shower fixtures and accessories go in, everything is tested, the room is cleaned and we walk through it with you.
You get a progress update every day, so you always know what was done and what's next.
What can stretch the schedule
What's behind the walls. Older Ottawa homes can hide water damage, soft subfloors or old plumbing that only show up during demolition. We tell you right away and explain the options before doing anything extra.
Layout changes. Moving the toilet, shower or vanity means more plumbing work and usually a permit with inspections. Converting a tub? See our walk-in shower conversions.
Custom items. Custom vanities, special-order tile and shower glass can have longer lead times.
Changes mid-project. Switching a finish after it's been ordered or installed adds time. Settling choices before work begins avoids this.
Your quote gives the schedule for your bathroom, so you know what to plan around before anything starts.
Living through it
If it's your only bathroom, plan where everyone will shower for the week (family, a gym, a neighbour) and talk to us about timing at the walkthrough. Daily updates mean you're never guessing when it'll be usable again.
When it's done
The finished bathroom comes with a 5-year craftsmanship warranty and a lifetime warranty on the waterproofing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does a bathroom renovation take in Ottawa?
Most of our full bathroom renovations are completed in about 7 days once work begins. Planning, permits and material lead times come before that, and your quote shows your schedule.
Can I use the bathroom during the renovation?
Usually not once demolition starts. Plan for the room to be out of use until the fixtures go back in at the end.
What slows a bathroom renovation down?
Hidden damage found during demolition, moving plumbing, permit inspections, custom items with long lead times and changes made after work starts.
Do I need a permit, and does it add time?
Adding or moving plumbing fixtures or changing walls typically needs a City of Ottawa permit; like-for-like replacements usually don't. We handle it when it's required and build any inspections into the schedule.
Will I know how the job is going?
Yes. You get a progress update every day until it's finished.
READY TO PLAN YOURS?
Book a free walkthrough and get a written quote, with your schedule, within 24 hours.
