A full bathroom renovation has a fairly predictable sequence, even though every project has its own quirks. Here's a general sense of how a full gut-and-rebuild typically goes, week by week.
Week 1: Demo and rough-in prep
The existing bathroom comes out down to the studs and subfloor. Once it's opened up, we get a clear look at the plumbing and electrical behind the walls — this is when any surprises from an older home usually show up.
Week 1–2: Plumbing and electrical rough-in
New supply lines, drain lines, and electrical are run to their new locations if the layout is changing. This is also when any structural adjustments, like reinforcing for a soaking tub, happen.
Week 2: Inspection
Rough plumbing and electrical typically need to pass inspection before anything gets closed up behind drywall. We schedule this directly so it doesn't sit as a bottleneck.
Week 2–3: Drywall, waterproofing, and tile prep
Walls go back up, and any wet areas — showers especially — get properly waterproofed before a single tile goes on. This step gets rushed on cheap renovations and is exactly where leaks show up two years later if it is.
Week 3–4: Tile work
Floor and wall tile, including any custom shower pattern work, generally takes the longest single stretch of the project. Precision here is what makes the finished bathroom look intentional instead of just functional.
Week 4–5: Fixtures, vanity, and finishes
Vanity, toilet, shower glass, lighting, and hardware go in. This is when the bathroom starts looking like the finished product rather than a construction site.
Week 5: Punch list and final walkthrough
We go through the space together, address anything that needs a final touch-up, and hand over a finished bathroom. Total timeline typically runs four to six weeks depending on scope and material lead times — custom tile and fixtures can extend that if they're back-ordered.