One of the most common questions we get from Toronto homeowners is how long a bathroom renovation actually takes. The honest answer depends on the scope, but here are realistic timelines based on what we see in practice not best-case scenarios.
Small Bathroom: 2 to 3 Weeks
A small bathroom full gut renovation demolition to studs, new waterproofing, tile, vanity, and fixtures typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the first day of demo to final walkthrough. This assumes no structural changes, no plumbing relocations, and materials that are in stock or ordered ahead of the start date.
The first day or two is demolition and disposal. Days three through five are waterproofing and substrate. From day six onward it is tile installation, which takes the bulk of the time on most bathrooms. Grouting, fixture installation, and punch-list items fill the final days.
Master Bathroom: 4 to 6 Weeks
A master bathroom renovation with a custom walk-in shower, heated floors, double vanity, and premium fixtures typically takes 4 to 5 weeks. Add structural work relocating a wall, recessing a subfloor for a curbless entry, moving plumbing and you are looking at 5 to 7 weeks.
Custom elements add time. A curbless shower on a second floor with a concrete subfloor takes longer than the same shower on a main floor with wood framing. A custom vanity with a 6-week lead time adds to the pre-construction phase. These factors should be built into the schedule from the start.
What Actually Affects the Timeline
Material availability. The most common cause of project delays is materials that are not in stock or arrive damaged. We do not schedule demolition until all materials are either on-site or have confirmed delivery dates that align with when they are needed in the build sequence.
Permit inspections. When a permit is required, the municipality schedules an inspection at specific stages of construction. Inspection wait times in Toronto vary. We build this into the schedule but cannot always control the exact timing.
Discoveries behind the wall. A pre-war Toronto home with tile set over plaster and no waterproofing, galvanized pipes, and knob and tube wiring will take longer to remediate than a 2005 build. We price and schedule for what we expect based on the home's age and construction, but discoveries require time to address properly.
Decision delays. Homeowners who have not finalized tile selection, fixture choices, or layout decisions before demo starts create delays. This is exactly why we do the 3D design before demolition every decision is locked in before the first wall comes down.
What Happens Before Demo Day
The pre-construction phase is where most of the schedule risk is managed. This includes:
- 3D design and approval typically 3 to 5 days after the in-home consultation
- Material ordering tile, vanity, fixtures, and shower systems ordered once the design is approved
- Permit application submitted once scope is finalized, required for plumbing and structural work
- Trade scheduling plumber, electrician, and tile team coordinated into the build sequence
A well-run project spends two to three weeks in the pre-construction phase before demo begins. This time is not wasted it is what prevents the delays that extend construction time.
What a Typical Week Looks Like During Construction
Construction weeks are generally structured by trade. Plumbing rough-in and framing early in the project. Waterproofing before any tile goes in. Tile installation through the middle weeks this is the longest phase and the one where the room really starts to take shape. Grouting, fixtures, glass, and accessories in the final week.
You will not have tradespeople in your home every single day. There are curing times for waterproofing and adhesive, and inspection waits between stages. This is normal and expected. A good contractor communicates when work is happening and when the next phase is scheduled so you are never left wondering.
If you have a specific start date in mind or are working around a deadline, get in touch early. We can give you a realistic timeline for your specific project and work around your schedule where possible.
