Living at Home During a Bathroom Remodel: What to Expect

Good news: you do not need to move out for a bathroom remodel. Almost every homeowner we work with in Allen, McKinney, Plano and Frisco stays home during the project. With a little planning, it is much easier than most people expect.

How long you will be without that bathroom

• Shower remodel or tub-to-shower conversion: usually about 1 to 2 weeks.
• Full master bathroom remodel: usually about 2 to 3 weeks.

The bathroom being remodeled is out of service for that time. If it is your only full bathroom, plan where everyone will shower. For a detailed week-by-week breakdown, see our bathroom remodel timeline.

A typical project, step by step

1. Free in-home visit. We measure, talk through your ideas and bring samples to your home.
2. Written, itemized quote. You know the full scope before anything starts.
3. Selections. Tile, vanity, countertop, fixtures and glass are chosen and ordered.
4. Permits, if your project needs them.
5. Demolition, usually the first day or two.
6. Plumbing and electrical rough-in, then inspections when required.
7. Shower pan and waterproofing. See why waterproofing is the most important step.
8. Tile, vanity, fixtures and lighting.
9. Glass, measured after tile and installed last.
10. Final walkthrough with you.

What a typical day looks like

• The crew arrives in the morning and works through the afternoon.
• Floors and furniture are protected on the path from the door to the bathroom.
• The work area is closed off with plastic barriers to control dust.
• The area is cleaned up at the end of every day.

The noisy days

Demolition is the loudest and dustiest part, usually the first day or two. If you work from home, plan calls away from that part of the house during demo. After that, the noise level drops a lot.

Water and power

There may be short periods when the water or power is turned off while plumbing and electrical work is done. We let you know ahead of time so you can plan around it.

How to prepare your home

1. Empty the bathroom completely: cabinets, closets, walls and anything on the counters.
2. Clear a path from the entry to the bathroom.
3. Plan for pets so they stay away from the work area and open doors.
4. Set up a temporary routine in another bathroom.
5. Decide finishes early. Tile, vanity and fixtures chosen before demolition keep the schedule on track. Delays usually come from late decisions. See common remodeling delays and how to avoid them.
6. Tell us about your schedule, such as work-from-home days, school pickups or travel.

Tips for families with kids

• Move bath toys, towels and toiletries to the bathroom they will use during the project.
• Keep kids away from the work area, especially during demolition.
• A tub-to-shower conversion in a kids' bath usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks, so it can fit into a school break.

Inspections

If your project needs a permit, city inspectors will visit at certain stages, usually after plumbing rough-in and sometimes after waterproofing. We schedule and attend them. Read more about bathroom permits in Collin County.

Frequently asked questions

Can I live in my house during a bathroom remodel?

Yes. Almost all of our clients stay home. Only the bathroom being remodeled is out of service, and the work area is closed off and cleaned every day.

How long will I be without my bathroom?

Usually about 1 to 2 weeks for a shower remodel or tub-to-shower conversion, and about 2 to 3 weeks for a full master bathroom remodel.

Will there be a lot of dust?

Demolition creates the most dust. We close off the work area with plastic barriers, protect the floors on the way in and clean up at the end of every day.

Do I need to be home while the crew is working?

No. Many homeowners go to work as usual. We agree on how the crew will get in and out before the project starts.

One crew, one point of contact

Our own in-house crew does the work, so you always know who is in your home. Questions during the project go directly to the owners, and we are based right here in Allen. Book a free in-home visit to plan your bathroom remodel in Allen, McKinney, Plano, Frisco or anywhere in Collin County.