Remodeling the bathroom in your Fort Myers home can be overwhelming, especially if you want to change the layout around or completely tear everything out and start over.
So, what are the steps and how long will it take?
Below we describe the tasks involved in a complete tear-out and re-build, and provide an approximate timeline.
- Demolition – This is the messiest part. Figure on about 2 days, unless the bathroom is in a difficult location, like the second floor. Old floors can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, particularly if they have to be scraped off.
- Carpentry – This could take another 2 days unless everything is in good shape. Your contractor will also be looking for evidence of water damage, dry rot, or mold damage that need to be repaired. If you plan to install a luxurious new walk-in shower with heavy glass doors, the surrounding frame will have to be capable of supporting it.
- Plumbing – Allow 2 full days, especially if you plan to move everything around, such as the toilet, shower and tub. If you’re adding a soaker tub or a multi-head shower, consider that you may need to install a new water heater to avoid running out of hot water.
- Electrical – Most professional electricians should have this work done in 1 day. It may take longer if your home is very old. In this case, be prepared to install a dedicated 20-amp circuit and plenty of outlets for all the appliances you use.
- Insulation – A reasonably fast job, allow 1/2 day for insulation.
- Drywall – When the insulation is in, hanging the drywall can start. Allow a total of 3 days for hanging, applying joint compound, letting it dry, sanding it, and sometimes repeating a few of these steps. The applying and drying process takes time.
- Tilework – Similar to drywall, if you’re doing tilework, plan on 3 days for the cutting, applying and drying process. If you’re installing a spa-like shower with Travertine or stone walls and floors, the material may also have to be sealed properly.
- Cabinets – Unless your bathroom is huge, there should not be many cabinets involved. Allow 1 or 2 days, depending on how much work needs to be done.
- Flooring – Installing wood or tile floors may take 2 days, but laying down a vinyl floor will generally take 3 or 4 hours. If you’ve chosen ceramic or stone tile and aren’t pouring a new floor, add a subfloor or some kind of flexible underlayment to prevent the tiles from cracking.
- Fixtures – Allow 1 day for the faucets and fixtures (including remaining light fixtures) to be installed, hooked up, and checked to be sure everything works as expected.
- Paint/Wallpaper – Once the walls, fixtures and cabinets are in place and the floor is down, it will take about 1 day to paint or wallpaper the walls and ceiling. Wallpaper generally doesn’t stand up to humidity well, so consider wainscoting if you don’t want all tile.
- Finishing Touches – There’s usually something no one thought of, so allow another 1 to 1.5 days to sort them out.
Keep in mind that the above 18- to 19-day timeline could be slightly shorter or longer based on your unique bathroom.
Although it may be messy and time-consuming, remodeling the bathroom in your Fort Myers home will improve its comfort, livability and add to its value.
Sunrise Remodeling is the leading remodeling company in Southwest Florida. When you’re ready to get started, call us at (239) 246-9315 to discuss your plans.
We can help preserve your sanity during the remodeling process!
