How long does a bathroom renovation take?

Most bathroom renovations in Ottawa take 2-4 weeks from start to finish, depending on the scope of work and whether you're doing a simple refresh or a complete gut renovation.

For a standard full bathroom renovation (new fixtures, tiles, vanity, but keeping the same layout), expect about 2-3 weeks. This includes demolition, plumbing and electrical rough-in, waterproofing, tiling, fixture installation, and finishing work. If you're simply updating fixtures and finishes without moving plumbing, you might be looking at 1-2 weeks.

Complex renovations take longer - typically 3-4 weeks or more. These include projects where you're moving walls, relocating plumbing, adding features like heated floors, or dealing with unexpected issues like outdated wiring or plumbing that needs upgrading to current Ontario Building Code standards. Older Ottawa homes (pre-1980s) often have surprises that can add time to the project.

Timeline Factors Specific to Ottawa

Several local factors can affect your timeline. Permit processing through the City of Ottawa typically takes 10-20 business days for straightforward bathroom renovations, though this should be handled before work begins. During Ottawa's busy renovation season (April through October), material delivery and trade scheduling can add extra days to your project.

Winter renovations can actually be faster since contractors have more availability, but material deliveries might be delayed by weather. The good news is that bathroom work is entirely interior, so Ottawa's harsh winters won't directly impact the construction timeline.

What Affects Timeline

The biggest time factors are scope changes during construction and hidden issues discovered during demolition. In Ottawa's older neighborhoods like the Glebe, Westboro, or Sandy Hill, we often find outdated plumbing that needs upgrading or electrical work that requires ESA permits and inspections.

Material selection and availability also plays a role. Custom tiles, special-order fixtures, or high-end finishes can add 1-2 weeks to your timeline if they're not in stock locally. Planning ahead and having all materials on-site before demolition begins helps keep projects on schedule.

Professional Guidance

While some homeowners tackle cosmetic updates themselves, full bathroom renovations require coordinated plumbing, electrical, and waterproofing work. In Ontario, any electrical modifications require ESA permits and licensed electricians, and plumbing changes need proper permits and inspections to ensure code compliance.

For a realistic timeline on your specific project, we recommend a free consultation where we can assess your space, discuss your goals, and provide a detailed schedule. Every bathroom is different, and factors like your home's age, current condition, and desired finishes all impact the timeline.