What to Expect During a Bathroom Remodel: A Realistic Timeline & Insider Tips

Renovation closure sign on door.

Thinking about remodeling your bathroom? You’re not alone! According to the National Association of Realtors, 73% of homeowners feel a stronger desire to be at home after a bathroom remodel and honestly, we get it. A fresh, functional bathroom can be a total game-changer.

At First Coast Renovations, we know how exciting (and nerve-wracking) a bathroom renovation can be. So, let’s walk through what you can really expect—from demo day to that final sparkling clean reveal.

First Things First: You’ll Be Without a Bathroom

During the renovation process, it’s important to remember that the bathroom we’re working on will be completely out of order. If your home only has one bathroom, planning ahead is key. Whether it’s coordinating with nearby family and friends or even booking a short stay somewhere else, having a backup plan will help keep things stress-free during the project.

🔎 The Surprise Factor

One of the biggest things to keep in mind during any bathroom remodel is the potential for unexpected surprises. Here in St. Johns County, many of the homes we work in have been standing for years—so it’s not uncommon for us to uncover hidden issues once we start opening up walls. Some of these surprises may need immediate attention to keep your home safe, up to code, and functioning properly. Common discoveries include:

  • Old, leaky plumbing that needs to be replaced
  • Mold growth caused by long-term hidden moisture
  • Outdated or corroded fixtures that are prone to failure

At First Coast Renovations, we believe in total transparency. If we uncover anything unexpected, we’ll walk you through it step by step. Staying flexible with your budget and timeline helps ensure that your remodel stays on track—even if a few surprises pop up along the way.

Exposed wall with plumbing and insulation.
Rusty pipes above water-damaged wood
Gold shower fixture on unfinished wall.

The Dust Bubble (Yes, It’s a Real Thing)

During the demolition phase, we do everything we can to protect your home from dust. We set up a sealed-off “air bubble” using plastic sheeting and an air mover to keep dust from spreading into other areas. While this setup significantly reduces the mess, it’s still normal to find a little dust here and there so it doesn’t hurt to keep those swiffers nearby!

As for the timeline, most bathroom remodels in St. Johns County take about 1 to 3 weeks from start to finish. Demolition usually takes 1 to 3 days, followed by rough-in plumbing, which can take another 1 to 2 days. Tiling is typically the most time-consuming phase, especially for custom designs or larger bathrooms, and can range from several days to up to two weeks. Once that’s complete, we move on to installing your fixtures bathtubs, sinks, toilets, and vanities usually within a day. Then we finish off with trim, baseboards, and the final touches, including a full inspection to ensure everything works just the way it should.

Keep in mind, timelines can shift slightly depending on things like material availability or any surprises behind the walls, but at First Coast Renovations, we always keep you in the loop so there are no unwelcome surprises.

The Final Touches

Once all your major fixtures are installed, it’s time to focus on the finishing details that truly complete your space. This includes everything from paint touch-ups and fresh trim to installing beautiful custom glass shower doors measured and fitted by one of our trusted local partners. To wrap it all up, we’ll perform a final walkthrough and inspection to make sure every detail is just right and everything is functioning as it should.

Modern bathroom with blue cabinets.
Modern marble bathroom with glass shower.

 

If you’re located in Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, or anywhere in St. Johns County, First Coast Renovations is ready to bring your dream bathroom to life. We take care of the tough stuff, protect your home during the process, and treat your space with the same care we would our own.

Ready to start planning your bathroom remodel?

On to the next one…………