What to Expect During a Bathroom Remodel: A Step-by-Step Guide
Inviting a crew of contractors into your home for three weeks to rip out walls and plumbing is an inherently stressful concept. For most homeowners in Lakewood, the anxiety doesn't stem from the cost of the remodel, but from the fear of the unknown.
Will the house be covered in dust? Will you be without water? What happens if they find black mold behind the walls?
As a premier bathroom contractor in Lakewood CO, we believe that a successful project is built on clear communication and managed expectations. In this guide, we are pulling back the curtain on the entire bathroom remodeling process, breaking down exactly what happens on your property from demolition day to the final walkthrough.
Want a stress-free remodeling experience?
We handle everything from pulling the local Jefferson County permits to the final clean-up, ensuring your project stays on schedule and your home stays clean.
Schedule a free consultation today →Phase 1: Pre-Construction and Preparation
The most important part of a bathroom remodel happens before a single hammer is swung.
Before construction begins, all materials must be ordered and delivered to our warehouse. In the post-2020 supply chain, a custom vanity or specialty porcelain tile can take six weeks to arrive. We never begin demolition until 100% of your materials are accounted for. This prevents your bathroom from sitting completely gutted for three weeks while we wait for a delayed shower valve.
On Day 1, our primary job is protecting your home. We install heavy-duty floor protection (like Ram Board) from your front door directly to the bathroom. We hang plastic zip-walls to seal off the construction zone, tape over the bathroom HVAC vents, and set up HEPA air scrubbers to capture airborne dust.
Phase 2: Demolition (Days 1–2)
Demolition is the loudest and messiest part of the project.
The crew will shut off the water to the bathroom, drain the lines, and begin tearing out the vanity, toilet, tub, and tile. Depending on the scope of the project, we may take the walls all the way down to the bare wooden studs to ensure the new waterproofing system has a solid foundation.
The "Hidden Surprise" Stage
Once the drywall is gone, the skeleton of your bathroom is exposed. This is when we often discover signs of hidden water damage, termite damage, or dangerous, unpermitted wiring from previous homeowners. If we find anything, we stop work, show you the issue, and present a solution before moving forward.
Phase 3: The Rough-In and Inspections (Days 3–5)
With the walls open, the licensed tradesmen take over.
The plumber will arrive to run new PEX water lines, move the shower drain if you are converting a tub to a walk-in shower, and install the new shower mixing valve behind the wall. The electrician will pull new wire to add GFCI outlets, install recessed LED lighting, and wire the new exhaust fan.
Before we can cover the walls back up, a city or county inspector must visit the site to review the "rough" plumbing and electrical work. This ensures everything is safe and up to current building codes.
Phase 4: Drywall, Waterproofing, and Tile (Days 6–12)
Once the rough-in is approved, the room finally starts looking like a room again.
- Drywall: Moisture-resistant drywall (greenboard) is hung, taped, and mudded.
- Waterproofing: In the shower area, we install cement backer board or a modern foam board system (like Schluter-Kerdi). All seams and screw holes are completely waterproofed to create a watertight envelope.
- Tile Installation: This is the most time-consuming phase. The tile setter must slope the shower pan perfectly toward the drain, cut intricate tile patterns around niches, and ensure every grout line is perfectly straight. This requires meticulous craftsmanship and patience.
Phase 5: Fixtures and Finishes (Days 13–15)
This is when the magic happens. The major construction is finished, and the room comes together rapidly.
The walls are painted, and the new vanity is set into place. The plumber returns to install the "trim"—attaching the showerheads, setting the toilet, and hooking up the sink faucets. The electrician returns to hang the decorative vanity lights and install the outlet covers. Finally, the custom glass shower enclosure is measured, ordered, and installed (Note: custom glass can sometimes take an additional week to manufacture after the tile is finished).
Phase 6: The Final Walkthrough
Before we pack up our tools and remove the floor protection, the project manager will walk through the finished bathroom with you.
We test the water pressure, check the hot/cold balance in the shower, and ensure the exhaust fan is drawing air correctly. We will look for any minor paint touch-ups or caulk lines that need attention. Once you are 100% thrilled with the space, we hand over your warranty information, and your brand new bathroom is yours to enjoy.
💡 The Bottom Line
A bathroom remodel is a major surgical operation on your home. By hiring a specialized, organized local contractor, you eliminate the chaos. The process becomes a predictable, structured timeline rather than an endless construction nightmare.
Ready to Start the Process?
We are Lakewood's trusted experts for custom showers, master suites, and complete bathroom transformations. Let's build something beautiful together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in my house during a bathroom remodel?
Yes, you can absolutely stay in your home during a bathroom remodel, provided you have at least one other working bathroom. Reputable contractors will use zip-walls and floor coverings to isolate the construction zone and minimize dust.
How messy is the bathroom remodeling process?
Demolition and drywall sanding generate a significant amount of dust. However, a professional contractor will utilize negative air pressure machines (HEPA scrubbers), seal off the HVAC vents in the bathroom, and lay down floor protection from the front door to the bathroom to keep the rest of your house clean.
What is the longest part of a bathroom remodel?
The longest phase of a bathroom remodel is usually the tile installation. Pouring a custom shower pan, allowing it to cure, waterproofing the walls, setting the tile, and applying the grout can easily take 4 to 6 days for a single bathroom.
Who pulls the permits for a bathroom remodel?
Your licensed bathroom contractor should always pull the necessary building, plumbing, and electrical permits. If a contractor asks you to pull the permits as a 'homeowner', it is a massive red flag that they are either unlicensed or uninsured.
What happens if contractors find water damage after demolition?
It is common to find old water damage behind tubs or toilets in older Lakewood homes. If rot is discovered, the contractor will pause, document the damage, and provide you with a change order detailing the cost to replace the rotted subfloor or drywall before proceeding.
How long does a bathroom remodel take from start to finish?
A standard gut remodel takes about 2 to 3 weeks of active construction. However, you must also factor in the planning phase—ordering materials, custom cabinetry, and tile can take 4 to 8 weeks before demolition ever begins.
Related Reading
- How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take in Lakewood, CO?
- Do You Need a Permit for Bathroom Remodeling in Lakewood, CO?