What happens during a bathroom remodel?

A bathroom remodel runs in a set order: demolition, rough-in of the plumbing and wiring, inspection, waterproofing, tile, fixtures and finishes, then a final inspection. Where the walls and floor are opened up, the work is licensed trade work with permits and inspections along the way: under Virginia's building code, a permit is required before removing or adding any wall or partition, or altering the water supply and distribution system, sanitary drainage, vents, electric wiring, mechanical systems or fuel supply systems.^[1] A small refresh can take far less than that, and a full gut takes all of it.

Before work starts

The contractor measures, agrees the layout and fixtures with you, and puts it in a written contract. Virginia's Board for Contractors says the contractor should apply for and obtain any necessary building permits, that this should be spelled out in your contract, and that you should not allow work to start until the contractor gives you copies of the officially issued permit(s).^[2] The same guide says to resist the temptation to make any changes verbally with the contractor and to be sure all changes are in writing.^[2]

This is also when you choose the tub or shower, vanity, toilet, faucets, tile and lighting. Fixtures and tile that are special-ordered can take weeks to arrive, so a good contractor wants them chosen before demolition begins, not after.

Demolition and what it uncovers

Crews protect the rest of the house, shut off and cap the water to the room, and take out the old tub or shower, vanity, toilet, flooring and any wall surfaces being replaced. Opening a wall is where surprises appear: rot around an old tub, corroded pipes, outdated wiring or a subfloor that has been wet for years.

In an older house, two hazards need a plan before anything is torn out. EPA says that approximately three-quarters of the homes in the United States built before 1978 still contain some lead-based paint, and its rule says anyone paid to perform work that disturbs painted surfaces in homes built before 1978 must be certified and their employees trained in lead-safe work practices.^[3] On asbestos, EPA says you can't tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it,^[4] and the building code requires a permit before the removal or disturbing of any asbestos containing materials during the construction or demolition of a building or structure.^[1] If a contractor suspects either, ask for testing first.

Rough-in and the first inspection

With the room stripped to the framing, the licensed plumber moves or connects supply lines, drains and vents for the new layout, and the electrician adds or relocates outlets, lights and the exhaust fan circuit. Any framing change, such as a recessed niche or a relocated wall, happens now.

The building code lists, among its minimum inspections, "Inspection of electrical, mechanical and plumbing materials, equipment, and systems prior to concealment".^[5] That means the inspector looks at the rough-in before the walls are closed. The code says that when construction reaches a stage of completion that requires an inspection, the permit holder shall notify the building official.^[5] If the work is not ready or fails, the schedule slips, which is why the inspection dates matter more than the calendar.

Waterproofing, tile and finishes

Once the walls are closed, wet areas get a waterproof layer under the tile. Products differ, and the manufacturer's installation instructions govern. One liquid-applied membrane's data sheet, for example, lists the line "Flood test immediately after drying".^[6] The point of a flood test is to find a leak while it is still behind a membrane and nothing is tiled over it.

After that come tile and grout, then paint, the vanity, toilet, faucets and shower trim, mirrors, lighting and accessories. Grout and sealants need time to cure before heavy use, so the contractor will tell you how long to keep the shower out of service.

Ventilation and the final inspection

A bathroom that stays damp grows mold. EPA's tip for homeowners is: "Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering".^[7] Check that the new fan vents outdoors and works before the crew leaves. The code's list of minimum inspections ends with a "Final inspection".^[5] Do not pay the last installment until it has passed. The Board for Contractors tells homeowners: "Do not pay 100% of the total bill until the work is 100% complete."^[2] It adds: "Make sure all required building inspections have been completed".^[2]

How long it takes

Time depends on scope, not on a fixed number of days. Swapping a vanity, toilet and flooring is quick. Moving a tub, relocating drains or rebuilding a shower adds trade visits, inspections and cure times, and a hidden problem found at demolition adds more. Ask for a schedule with start and finish dates, what is waiting on special-order items, and who calls the inspector.

When to call a licensed pro

Hire one for any bathroom work behind the surface. Under the Code of Virginia, the Board for Contractors must require a master tradesman licence as a condition of licensing electrical, plumbing and HVAC contractors.^[8] Check the licence of the contractor and ask which licensed trades will do the plumbing and wiring.

To budget the job, read how much a bathroom remodel costs in Virginia, and whether you need a permit. The kitchen version of this guide is what happens during a kitchen remodel. You can also browse remodeling businesses or read every remodeling answer.

To get quotes for your bathroom, describe the project once and licensed local contractors will bid on it.