How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take in Atlanta?

One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners across Decatur, Avondale Estates, Virginia-Highlands, and the Atlanta metro area is:

“How long will my bathroom remodel take?”

The honest answer: it depends on the type of remodel, the condition of the home, and how much planning happens before construction starts. Below, we’ll break down realistic timelines based on our experience at Blue Juniper Construction — and explain why some projects move fast while others need more time.

Elegant primary bathroom featuring basket weave marble tile flooring, a sleek double sink vanity, and a spacious walk-in shower with a luxurious marble interior.

Typical Bathroom Remodel Timelines

Hall Bathroom Refresh: About 1 Week

A hall bath with a straightforward scope — new fixtures, flooring, vanity, and finishes — can often be completed in about one week, starting with demolition and ending with final installs.

This assumes:

• No major layout changes

• No hidden damage

• Materials are selected and ordered in advance

  
  

Full Gut Bathroom Remodel: 5+ Weeks

A complete bathroom remodel — taken down to the studs and subfloor — typically takes five weeks or more from demolition through final details like custom glass installation.

These projects involve:

• Plumbing and electrical updates

• Waterproofing and tile prep

• Inspections at multiple stages

• Leveling subfloors and plumbing walls

• More detailed finish work

While they take longer, they also give homeowners peace of mind that nothing is being covered up.

What Can Speed Up — or Slow Down — a Bathroom Remodel?

Permits & Inspections

In Atlanta and surrounding cities, permitting and inspections are required for most full bathroom remodels. Ceratin inspections must pass before work can move to the next phase, which adds structure — and sometimes time — to the schedule.

One commonly overlooked issue we see:

• Windows near showers or tubs Code requires glass within a certain distance to be tempered (glazed). If it isn’t, the framing inspection will fail.

Correcting this can add 1–2 weeks, as the glass must be ordered, delivered, and installed before work can continue.

Hidden Water Damage

Water damage to:

• Subfloors

• Wall studs

…is common, especially in older homes. While addressing it may add a couple of days, it’s critical for long-term durability and safety.

Why Pre-Construction Planning Is Critical

Many homeowners think demo day is the beginning — but the real work starts earlier.

Pre-Construction Includes:

• Reviewing floor plans and if any plumbing or electrical needs to be updated or moved

• Creating 3D renderings

• Selecting fixtures and finishes

• Coordinating permits

• Ordering all materials and ensuring materials are onsite and not damaged before beginning demolition

When this phase is done thoroughly, construction moves faster and more smoothly — with fewer surprises.

What Takes the Longest During Construction?

The most time-intensive phase is almost always the tiling including:

• Installing blocking, backerboard and the shower pan

• Waterproofing

• Tile installation on walls, floors, niches, and benches

• Grouting

This portion alone can take about one full week, even in efficient projects — and for good reason. Proper prep and installation are what prevent leaks years down the road.

Older Atlanta Homes: What to Expect

In neighborhoods like Decatur and Virginia-Highlands, older homes often bring unique challenges:

• No existing exhaust fan

• Outdated wiring

• Hidden water damage

Addressing these items correctly may add a few days, but skipping them isn’t an option if the goal is a safe, code-compliant bathroom.

How Design-Build Shortens the Timeline

Our design-build approach means design and construction work together from day one.

This results in:

• Seamless communication

• Fewer delays from design changes

• Less rework during construction

• Shorter overall timelines

When decisions are made early and everyone is aligned, projects stay on track.

How We Communicate During the Remodel

While we’re on site, homeowners receive daily communication explaining:

• What was completed that day

• What’s planned for the next day

This transparency helps eliminate stress and keeps expectations clear throughout the project.

Clearing Up the “One-Day Bathroom” Myth

You may hear ads for one-day bathroom remodels. That approach applies to very specific surface-level updates.

A true full remodel — down to the studs and subfloor — takes longer, but it ensures:

• Hidden issues are addressed

• Work meets current code

• Nothing is simply covered up

The result is a bathroom that lasts.

Thinking About a Bathroom Remodel?

If you’re planning a bathroom remodel in Atlanta, Decatur, Lake Claire, or nearby neighborhoods, we’re happy to talk through your specific scope and timeline.

Schedule a consultation to get a realistic plan — and a bathroom built the right way.