Written by Tim Gaughan, Urban Edge. Published June 3, 2026.
A full bathroom remodel usually takes 3 to 5 weeks on site once work starts, plus time before that for design, ordering and any permit. The on-site time is mostly set by the order of trades and the waiting between them, such as inspections and the curing time for waterproofing and tile.
The phases, in order
| Phase | What happens | Typical time |
|---|
| Design and drawings | Layout, fixtures, tile, cabinet choices, a written price | 2 to 4 weeks |
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| Ordering | Cabinets, tile, fixtures and glass arrive | 2 to 6 weeks; custom items take longest |
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| Permit | Needed when plumbing, electrical or walls change | 2 to 4 weeks |
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| Demolition | Down to studs and subfloor | 1 to 2 days |
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| Rough-in | Framing, plumbing and electrical moved; inspection | 3 to 5 days |
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| Waterproofing and tile | Shower pan, membrane, tile, grout | 1 to 2 weeks |
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| Cabinets, counters, fixtures | Vanity, top, toilet, faucets, mirror, lights | 3 to 5 days |
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| Glass and finish | Shower glass is measured after tile; trim, paint, punch list | 1 to 2 weeks |
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What makes it run long
- Waiting on materials. We order before demo so nothing sits open waiting on a box.
- What's under the floor. Older Portland bathrooms often hide soft subfloor near the toilet or tub. Fixing it adds days, and we price it in writing before going further.
- Changes mid-job. Moving a fixture after rough-in means redoing work and sometimes another inspection.
- Custom shower glass, which can't be measured until the tile is done.
Shower-only jobs
Replacing a tub with a shower, or redoing just the shower, is shorter: about 2 to 3 weeks on site.
Can I use the house while it's going on?
If it's your only bathroom, plan for that up front. We'll talk through options at the design visit, such as how we keep the toilet working: we keep it working at the end of each day when we can, and tell you ahead of time about the days we can't.
How we keep it on schedule
Everything is chosen, drawn and priced before demo day, and the schedule is in the written proposal. If new floors are part of it, our Flooring site explains floor timing.
Our work is covered by a 2-year workmanship warranty, in writing.
Book a free design consultation or call Tim, (503) 597-8520.