By LE Construction · Published October 6, 2026
Bathrooms are small, but they pack in plumbing, waterproofing, tile and glass, each with its own steps and waiting time. Here is a realistic sequence.
Before construction
- Visit and estimate: we check the floor, the plumbing and the fan.
- Selections: tile, vanity, fixtures, glass style. Ordering before demolition keeps the bathroom out of service for less time.
- Permit: needed for most full remodels that move plumbing, change the fan or add circuits.
Construction sequence
- Demolition to studs and subfloor.
- Repairs to any rot found in framing or subfloor.
- Rough plumbing and electrical, including valve and drain changes.
- Rough inspection.
- Shower pan, waterproofing and flood test.
- Backer board and drywall, then paint.
- Tile, grout and sealing.
- Vanity, toilet, fixtures, fan and lighting.
- Glass measured, fabricated, installed.
- Final inspection and walkthrough.
How long it takes
- Small bathroom, fixtures in place: often one to two weeks of construction.
- Primary bathroom with layout changes: longer.
- Glass: add the fabrication time after tile.
What can shorten it
- Decide everything before demolition.
- Keep drains in place, especially on a slab.
- Choose in-stock tile and fixtures.
What can lengthen it
- Rot behind old tile or under the toilet.
- Slab cutting to move drains.
- Back-ordered or custom items.
- Changes after work starts.
If it is your only bathroom
We plan the order of work to minimize days without a toilet, and sometimes a temporary toilet can be set during parts of the job. Let us know at the estimate.
See bathroom remodeling and our bathroom cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the shower glass take so long?
Frameless and custom glass is measured after the tile is finished, so it fits the actual walls, then fabricated. That usually adds a gap at the end of the project when the bathroom is usable except for the shower door.
Can I use the bathroom during the remodel?
Not for most of it. Plan to use another bathroom. If it is your only one, we schedule to keep the toilet out of service as briefly as possible.
Does a flood test add time?
It adds a short wait before tile goes in, while the shower pan holds water to confirm it does not leak. It is well worth it, since a leak found after tile is far more expensive to fix.
What makes a bathroom remodel take longer?
Moving drains on a slab, repairing rot behind old tile, custom or special-order tile and fixtures, and permit timing. Small bathrooms with fixtures in place go fastest.