How Long Does It Take to Remodel a Bathroom in Des Moines?

Is your bathroom stuck in the 20^th century? Whether the room is too small, or you’re tired of looking at the ugly pink tiles on the wall, a bathroom renovation will give you the space and modern features you want. Taking a look at bathroom renovation steps can help you determine just how long your Des Moines bathroom remodel will take.

How Long Does the Typical Des Moines Bathroom Remodel Take?

So how long does it take to remodel a bathroom? A small bathroom remodel with no delays usually takes, from planning through completion, about 4 ½ weeks, according to The Spruce. Larger, more complicated projects may take several months or longer, from planning to completion.

However, the building phase itself is usually anywhere from a week for a powder room to 5-6 weeks for a master bath.

But here's a full breakdown of what the bathroom remodeling timeline often looks like, step-by-step:

Step 1: Dreaming and Planning

Inadequate storage, leaks or outdated design are among the many reasons homeowners decide that it’s time to remodel. If you’re like most people, you’ve probably spent months or even years thinking about how you’ll improve your bathroom one day.

Maybe you’ll double the size of the room and add radiant heating to the floor, or perhaps you’ll create the perfect relaxation spot with a large soaking tub and fireplace. If you’re not sure which features you want to include in your renovation, home magazines and Internet sites like Houzz and Curbed offer information on the latest bathroom trends and products.

Step 2: Choosing a Remodeling Company

Once you have a rough idea of the changes you want to make, you can start contacting Des Moines remodeling companies. Experience matters when it comes to bathroom renovations. Although you may save a little money if you choose a renovator who hasn’t remodeled many bathrooms, you may not be happy with the finished product.

When you talk to contractors, ask them a few of these important questions:

How long have you been in business?
How many bathrooms have you remodeled?
Do you have designers and carpenters on your staff?
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Des Moines?
Can you provide references from satisfied customers?
Have you worked on projects like mine before?
How long does a bathroom remodel take on average?
How soon could you start work?
Do you have any suggestions that would enhance my remodel?

Selecting a remodeling company usually takes between one to four weeks, depending on how many renovators you contact.

Step 3: Incorporating Your Needs and Wants Into a Final Design

Once you’ve chosen a remodeling company, the fun begins. During your meeting with the company’s designer, you’ll choose fixtures and finishes and discuss all of the features you want to include in your bathroom. Depending on the complexity of the design and how many changes you request before approving the final design, this step could take one to three weeks or longer.

Step 4: Starting the Renovation

The length of the renovation process will depend on the extent of your renovation. If you’ll be using the same footprint, your remodel will be finished much more quickly than if you move the fixtures or expand the size of the room. Your renovator will provide you with a bathroom remodel schedule at the beginning of the project. Although the company will make every effort to adhere to the schedule, sometimes delays can happen. The project could take longer than expected due to bad weather or delays in receiving building products or fixtures.

Change orders can also extend the length of your project. The orders are submitted when you make changes or additions after construction has already begun. Change orders not only delay your renovation but can be costly. Fortunately, you can keep the orders to a minimum by carefully considering your must-have bathroom features during the design process.

Delays can also occur if your renovator must special order certain products or supplies. For example, your made-to-order teak vanity or stained glass window may not arrive for weeks or months. If you don’t have time to wait, your remodeler may be able to recommend other products that will still give your bathroom a custom look.

Are you ready to start a bathroom remodel in the Des Moines area? Take a look at our gallery of completed projects for inspiration, then call us when you’re ready to proceed.