When you’re thinking about remodeling a bathroom, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “How long is this going to take?” And it’s a fair question. A bathroom is one of the most essential spaces in your home, so the idea of losing access to it—even temporarily—can feel stressful for any family.
At Custom Built, we’ve spent more than 20 years helping Michigan families navigate this exact concern. We know the unknowns can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing work, kids, routines, and the simple need for a functioning bathroom. Our design-build process is built to bring clarity to every phase so you understand what’s happening, when it’s happening, and what to expect.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how long a bathroom remodel typically takes with Custom Built, from design to preparation to construction, so you can plan confidently and avoid unnecessary surprises along the way:
1. The Design Phase: 4-8 Weeks
This is where your ideas start taking shape. During the design phase, our team works with you to build a clear vision of your new bathroom, from layout improvements to materials, lighting, storage, and fixtures.
Here’s what happens during this stage:
- You discuss your goals and frustrations with your designer during the Design Vision Meeting.
- We explore design concepts, layouts, materials, and styles, finalizing your selections during the Selection Showcase.
- You review 3D renderings to picture the finished space.
- Together, we refine the plan until everything feels just right.
Some homeowners make decisions quickly, while others want time to explore options. Both are completely normal. Most families land within the 4-8 week range, depending on how fast they’re ready to move from “dream” to “done.”
2. Production Prep: 2-6 Weeks
Once your design is approved, our production team steps in to prepare your project for construction. This step protects your timeline and ensures that when we start building, we don’t hit avoidable delays.
During this stage, we:
- Order all cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, tile, and materials
- Schedule your project’s start date
- Coordinate trades and secure any necessary permits
- Finalize logistics to keep your home safe and disruption minimal
Material lead times vary, as tile, specialty vanities, and custom cabinetry can take longer to deliver. So, this 2-6 week window allows us to receive everything before construction begins.
3. The Renovation Phase: 6-12 Weeks
This is where the transformation happens. The renovation timeline depends on your bathroom’s size, complexity, and your home's age. Older homes sometimes reveal surprises behind the walls, but our team plans and keeps you updated every step of the way.
Most bathroom remodels fall within the 6-12 week range as we:
- Demo the existing space
- Update plumbing and electrical
- Install ventilation, insulation, and drywall
- Lay tile, set cabinetry, and fit fixtures
- Install shower systems, flooring, mirrors, lighting, and accessories
- Complete final walkthrough and quality checks
By the time we wrap up, you’ll have a beautiful, efficient, and durable bathroom ready to support your family’s daily life for years to come.
Total Timeline: 12-26 Weeks
When combining all phases, design, prep, and construction, most Custom Built bathroom remodels take 12 to 26 weeks from first meeting to final walkthrough.
While every home has its unique challenges, our design-build process eliminates guesswork, keeps your project organized, and gives you clarity from start to finish.
Why Bathroom Remodel Timelines Can Vary
Every bathroom remodel is different, and the timeline reflects that. Bathrooms may be small, but they pack plumbing, electrical, ventilation, structural components, and moisture-sensitive materials into one tight footprint. Any change to the layout, hidden conditions inside the walls, or custom design preferences can shift the schedule.
Several factors can influence how long your remodel takes:
- Age of the home: Older homes often feature plaster walls, outdated framing, or original plumbing that needs to be replaced. Even small surprises can add extra steps to the process.
- Supply chain and material lead times: Some tile lines, vanities, countertops, or specialty fixtures may require longer ordering windows. We’ll plan ahead so these delays don’t derail your project.
- Design complexity: The more custom the design (niche shelving, detailed tile patterns, statement vanities, specialty lighting), the more time it takes to build correctly.
- Plumbing or electrical relocation: Moving a shower, toilet, or vanity can require opening floors or walls, rerouting lines, and coordinating inspections with your local municipality.
- Local permitting requirements: Each city and township in Michigan has its own process. Pulling the right permits and passing inspections is essential for safety and long-term value.
At Custom Built, we walk through these variables early in the planning phase. You’ll know what to expect, why your timeline looks the way it does, and how we’ll manage the moving parts so your family can plan confidently.
How to Streamline Your Bathroom Remodel
While some factors are outside of anyone’s control, homeowners can help keep a bathroom remodel moving forward. A smooth, steady decision-making process eliminates bottlenecks and reduces the risk of rework, rescheduling, or delays.
Here’s how you can help streamline the timeline:
- Make decisions promptly during design: Selections like tile, cabinetry, fixtures, and layout changes drive ordering—and ordering drives the schedule.
- Ensure access to the home during the workday: Uninterrupted access keeps our team moving and prevents downtime.
- Prepare alternative bathroom arrangements: Set up a temporary bathroom plan (especially for households with one main bath) to reduce stress and keep the project moving.
- Communicate openly about family schedules: If kids are home from school, family is traveling, or pets need special arrangements, just let us know. Good communication helps us plan workdays efficiently.
With clear decisions and consistent communication, your remodel moves from design to construction to a finished bathroom with fewer interruptions. Our goal is to keep your project on track so your family can enjoy your new space as soon as possible.
Next Steps to Remodeling Your Bathroom
Remodeling your bathroom is a significant investment of both time and energy, and understanding the timeline helps you plan effectively.
In this article, you learned about the bathroom remodeling timeline with Custom Built, from our design work through the renovation phases.
At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, we guide families across Michigan through every step of their remodel, ensuring smooth scheduling, quality craftsmanship, and thoughtful design.
Contact Custom Built to start your bathroom remodel consultation, explore design options with our team, and set up a plan that fits your schedule and lifestyle.
Now that you know more about how far in advance you should plan your home remodel, let’s explore the first step of your project with Custom Built, how much your bathroom will cost, and the factors that influence that final price:
- What is a Discovery Call with Custom Built? - This article details what your first call with Custom Built looks like as you start planning your remodel.
- How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Lansing, Michigan? - Discover accurate price ranges for your potential bathroom remodeling project.
- 10 Factors That Affect the Cost of Bathroom Remodels - Learn more about the details that impact the cost of your bathroom remodel before you sign on the dotted line.
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