How long will you be without your bathroom during a remodel? It’s one of the first questions homeowners ask, and for good reason. Living without a functional bathroom disrupts your entire household. The answer, specifically for a project titled “How Long Does a 5×8 Bathroom Remodel Take,” depends on your project scope, but most 5×8 bathroom remodels take 2 to 4 weeks from start to finish.
This guide breaks down exactly what happens during each phase, how long each step takes, and what factors might extend your timeline.
Expected Timeline for a 5×8 Bathroom Remodel
A standard 5×8 bathroom remodel takes 2 to 4 weeks when working with professional contractors. This assumes you’re doing a complete remodel without major structural changes.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Cosmetic refresh only: 3-7 days (painting, new fixtures in the same locations, flooring)
- Standard full remodel: 14-21 days (new everything, same layout)
- Complex renovation: 4-6 weeks (moving plumbing, structural changes, custom work)
The 2-4 week timeframe represents active work days, not always continuous. Demolition takes 1-2 days, plumbing and electrical work takes 3-5 days if walls are opened, and tiling, painting, fixture installation, and finishing typically require 7-10 days.
At T And J Remodeling, we’ve completed dozens of 5×8 bathroom remodeling projects in Waukesha, averaging 18 days from demolition to final walkthrough. The key to hitting this timeline? Thorough planning before we swing the first hammer.
Breaking Down the Bathroom Remodel Timeline
Understanding each phase helps you plan around the disruption and know what to expect each day.
Planning and Design (1-2 Weeks)
Ultimately, if you’re wondering about efficiency, this guide will help you understand how long a 5×8 bathroom remodel takes and what to expect at each step.
This happens before construction starts, but it’s critical to your timeline. During planning, you:
- Meet with contractors for estimates
- Choose fixtures, tiles, vanities, and materials
- Finalize your design and layout
- Order materials (especially important for custom items)
- Pull necessary permits
Smart planning prevents delays later. If you order a custom vanity that takes six weeks to arrive, your timeline starts when it arrives, not when you’re ready to begin demolition.
Pro tip: Start ordering long-lead items like custom cabinets, special tiles, or unique fixtures immediately after finalizing your design. Standard fixtures ship quickly, but custom pieces can add weeks to your project.
Demolition (1-2 Days)
The demolition phase usually takes one to two days. This is when contractors remove:
- Old toilet, sink, and shower or tub
- Existing tile on floors and walls
- Old vanity and cabinets
- Light fixtures and mirrors
- Sometimes, drywall is accessing plumbing behind walls
Demolition is loud, dusty, and disruptive. Most contractors use plastic sheeting to contain dust, but expect some mess throughout your home. Stay elsewhere during demolition or keep doors closed to other rooms.
The bathroom becomes completely unusable during this phase. Plan bathroom access through neighbours, family, or your workplace.
Rough-In Work (3-5 Days)
The rough-in work phase focuses on the installation of essential systems, including plumbing and electrical work. This is where contractors:
- Install or relocate plumbing pipes
- Run new electrical wiring
- Add or move outlets and switches
- Install the shower pan or tub
- Frame any structural changes
- Add blocking for grab bars or wall-mounted fixtures
If you’re keeping fixtures in their current locations, this phase takes 2-3 days. Moving a toilet or shower extends it to 4-5 days because plumbers must reroute the drain lines and water supply.
Inspections happen after rough-in work. Schedule inspectors early because waiting for inspection approval can add 1-3 days to your timeline.
Inspection and Drywall (2-3 Days)
After passing rough-in inspection, contractors close up walls. Hanging drywall and insulation takes one to two days to complete. This phase includes:
- Installing cement board in wet areas
- Hanging drywall on other walls
- Taping and mudding seams
- First coat of joint compound
- Sanding smooth
Drywall needs time to dry between coats. Rushing this creates visible seams and imperfections. Most contractors apply multiple thin coats over 2-3 days rather than one thick coat.
Tile Installation (3-5 Days)
Tile work takes the most time of any phase. Professional tile setters need:
- Day 1: Prepare surfaces and apply waterproofing
- Days 2-3: Install wall and floor tile
- Day 4: Let tile set completely (24 hours minimum)
- Day 5: Apply grout and seal
Complex tile patterns, small mosaic tiles, or intricate designs add 1-2 days. Large-format tiles install faster than small ones.
Don’t rush tile work. Proper setting time prevents cracks and loose tiles later. We’ve seen homeowners try to speed this up, only to have tiles pop loose within months.
Fixture Installation (2-3 Days)
Hookups for plumbing and electrical are crucial, involving the connection of sinks, toilets, and lighting fixtures, which can take 2-4 days. During this phase:
- Install vanity and countertop
- Connect the sink and faucet
- Set toilet
- Install shower fixtures and doors
- Hang mirrors and medicine cabinets
- Install light fixtures
- Add towel bars and accessories
Custom vanities or complicated installations extend this phase. Standard fixtures install quickly, usually 2 days total.
Final Touches (1-2 Days)
The last phase completes everything:
- Paint walls and trim (if not done earlier)
- Install baseboards and trim
- Caulk around fixtures and tiles
- Touch up any dings or scratches
- Clean thoroughly
- Final walkthrough and inspection
Some contractors paint before installing fixtures to avoid splatters. Either way works, but painting first can save time.
Key takeaway: The entire active construction timeline adds up to 14-21 days for a standard 5×8 bathroom remodel without complications.
What Factors Affect Your Bathroom Remodel Timeline?
Several factors can speed up or slow down your bathroom remodel. Understanding them helps you plan realistically.
Scope of Work
The biggest timeline factor is what you’re actually doing:
Cosmetic refresh (3-7 days):
- Paint walls
- Replace fixtures in the same locations
- New flooring over existing
- Update lighting
Standard remodel (14-21 days):
- New everything
- Keep the same layout
- Standard materials
- Professional installation
Full gut renovation (4-6+ weeks):
- Move plumbing fixtures
- Relocate walls
- Custom tile work
- Structural modifications
- High-end finishes
Moving a toilet adds 3-5 days because plumbers must reroute drain lines through the floor. Relocating the shower entrance requires reframing, adding 2-3 days.
Similar to our kitchen remodeling projects, structural changes dramatically extend timelines. A simple like-for-like replacement goes much faster than reimagining your space.
Material Availability
Material lead times for custom vanities, tiles, or fixtures can delay installations. Standard materials ship in days, but special orders take weeks or months:
- Standard white subway tile: 2-5 days
- Imported Italian tile: 4-8 weeks
- Stock vanity from home center: Same day
- Custom-built vanity: 4-6 weeks
- Standard shower door: 1-2 weeks
- Custom frameless glass enclosure: 3-4 weeks
Order everything before demolition starts. Nothing stalls a project faster than contractors standing around waiting for a backordered sink.
Contractor Schedule
Professional contractors juggle multiple projects. Your bathroom might not get continuous attention:
- They work Monday through Thursday on your bathroom
- Friday, they start another project
- Monday, they’re back at yours
This is normal and actually efficient. It lets one crew handle multiple jobs without idle time. However, it means your “3-week” timeline might span 4-5 calendar weeks.
DIY projects take 2-3 times longer than professional work because you’re learning as you go and only working evenings and weekends. A project that professionals finish in 3 weeks might take you 2-3 months doing it yourself.
Permit and Inspection Requirements
Permits and inspections add time but ensure safe, code-compliant work:
- Permit approval: 3-10 days
- Rough-in inspection scheduling: 1-3 days wait
- Final inspection scheduling: 1-2 days wait
Never skip inspections to save time. Failed inspections cost more time than the original inspection would have taken—plan for inspection delays in your timeline.
Working with experienced Bathroom remodeling contractors in Waukesha who handle permits regularly helps minimize approval delays. They know what local inspectors look for and ensure work passes the first time.
DIY vs. Professional: Timeline Differences
Should you DIY your bathroom remodel or hire professionals? Timeline is a major consideration.
Professional contractors:
- Complete 5×8 bathroom in 14-21 days
- Work full days, 5-6 days per week
- Have specialized tools and expertise
- Handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Pass inspections first try (usually)
DIY homeowners:
- Need 6-12 weeks for the same project
- Work evenings and weekends only
- Learn techniques as they go
- Complete one task before starting the next
- Might fail inspections and need rework
DIY saves money on labor but costs significantly more time. If you can’t live without your bathroom for 2-3 months, hire professionals.
We’ve rescued several DIY bathroom projects in New Berlin where homeowners got overwhelmed. Six months in with a half-finished bathroom, they called us to complete the work. The total cost ended up higher than hiring professionals from the start.
Common Delays That Extend Bathroom Remodels
Even well-planned projects face delays. Here are the most common culprits:
Hidden damage: Opening walls reveals rot, mold, or termite damage requiring repair before proceeding. This adds 2-5 days and extra costs.
Permit issues: Incorrectly filed permits or missed requirements force resubmission, adding 1-2 weeks.
Material backorders: Your chosen tile is discontinued or backordered, forcing you to reselect. This can add weeks if you’re particular about matching your design.
Weather delays: Exterior ventilation work requires good weather. Rain and cold slow or stop certain installation tasks.
Inspection failures: Work not meeting code requires corrections and reinspection, adding 3-7 days.
Change orders: Deciding mid-project to upgrade tile or change the vanity stops work until new materials arrive.
Contractor scheduling: Contractors get pulled to emergency jobs or other projects run long, creating gaps in your timeline.
Build buffer time into your expectations. We tell clients to plan for 3 weeks but don’t schedule major events for 4 weeks.
What to Expect During Your 5×8 Bathroom Remodel
Knowing what happens helps you prepare mentally and practically:
Week 1: Demolition is messy and loud. Your home will be dustier than normal despite plastic barriers. The bathroom is completely unusable. Rough-in work begins, with plumbers and electricians working simultaneously.
Week 2: Inspections happen. If you pass, drywall goes up quickly. Tile installation begins and requires careful, slow work. Your bathroom starts looking like a real bathroom again.
Week 3: Fixtures install, paint goes on, and finishing touches complete the space. By week’s end, you have a functional, beautiful bathroom.
Buffer days: We always recommend assuming a few extra days. Better to be surprised by early completion than stressed by delays.
Throughout the process, expect:
- Daily contractor arrival (usually 7-8 AM)
- Noise and disruption during work hours
- Frequent questions requiring quick decisions
- Gradual transformation from disaster zone to dream bathroom
Is a Faster Timeline Possible?
Yes, but with tradeoffs. You can complete a 5×8 bathroom in 1-2 weeks if:
- You choose all standard, in-stock materials
- You keep the same layout (no plumbing moves)
- You pay premium rates for dedicated contractor attention
- You accept whatever contractor schedule allows
- Nothing goes wrong
Rush jobs cost 20-30% more because contractors prioritize your project over others. Unless you have a compelling reason (selling your home, hosting an event), the standard 3-week timeline offers better value and quality.
Quality work takes time. Rushing tile installation, not letting materials cure properly, or skipping proper preparation creates problems within months.
FAQ: How long does a 5×8 bathroom remodel take
How long does a 5×8 bathroom remodel take on average?
A standard 5×8 bathroom remodel takes 14-21 days (2-4 weeks) of active work with professional contractors, assuming a complete renovation without structural changes or custom elements requiring extended lead times.
What is the fastest way to remodel a small bathroom?
The fastest approach is a cosmetic refresh, taking 3-7 days: keep all fixtures in current locations, use in-stock materials, paint instead of retiling walls, and hire professional contractors working full-time on your project.
How long does each phase of a bathroom remodel take?
Demolition takes 1-2 days, rough-in plumbing and electrical takes 3-5 days, drywall takes 2-3 days, tile installation takes 3-5 days, fixture installation takes 2-3 days, and final touches take 1-2 days.
Can you remodel a bathroom in one week?
Yes, but only for minor cosmetic updates like painting, replacing fixtures in the same locations, and installing new flooring. A complete remodel with plumbing, electrical, and tile work requires at least 2-3 weeks minimum.
How can I speed up my bathroom remodel?
Speed it up by keeping the layout the same, choosing in-stock materials, and working with an efficient contractor who coordinates well.
