How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take? Maryland Timeline Guide
The most common planning question we hear from Maryland homeowners before a bathroom remodel: "How long is this going to take?" It's a fair question — you need to know how long you're going to be without a bathroom. The honest answer is that it depends on scope, but here's a realistic breakdown for Anne Arundel and Howard County projects in 2026.
How Long Does a Cosmetic Bathroom Refresh Take?
A cosmetic refresh — new vanity, toilet, fixtures, mirror, paint, and minor tile work without moving plumbing or making structural changes — typically takes 1–2 weeks of active work. This is the fastest bathroom project because it doesn't require rough inspections or significant demolition.
The main timeline variables at this scope are material availability and scheduling. If your vanity is in stock locally, work can often begin within a week of contract signing. If it's a custom or special-order piece with a 6-week lead time, that drives your start date.
How Long Does a Standard Bathroom Remodel Take?
A standard remodel — full demo of tile, new shower or tub surround, new flooring, updated plumbing fixtures in the same locations, and electrical updates — typically takes 3–4 weeks of active construction. Here's how those weeks break down:
- Week 1: Demolition, rough plumbing and electrical work
- Week 2: Rough inspection, waterproofing, backer board, beginning tile work
- Week 3: Tile completion, vanity and fixture installation
- Week 4: Final trim, punch list, final inspection
The rough inspection — where the county inspector signs off on plumbing and electrical before walls are closed — is the biggest scheduling variable. In Anne Arundel County, inspections are typically scheduled within 3–5 business days of request. Howard County is similar. We schedule these proactively to avoid delays.
How Long Does a Full Gut Bathroom Renovation Take?
A full gut renovation — everything down to the studs, possible layout changes, new plumbing rough-in, full electrical update, custom tile, and high-end finishes — typically takes 6–8 weeks. Complex projects with layout changes, niche installations, or custom tile patterns can run longer.
At this scope, the project involves multiple inspection stages and more complex sequencing. The permit itself may take 2–4 weeks to be issued before work begins, which is separate from the construction timeline.
What Causes Bathroom Remodel Delays in Maryland?
- Material lead times: Special-order tile, custom vanities, and specific fixtures can have 4–12 week lead times. We address this by ordering materials before demolition begins whenever possible.
- Hidden conditions: Old homes in Anne Arundel and Howard Counties — particularly those built before 1980 — sometimes have surprises behind the walls. Outdated knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized supply pipes that need replacement, or water damage from slow leaks are the most common. We factor in a contingency allowance for older homes.
- Inspection scheduling: While county inspections are generally timely, high-demand periods (spring and summer) can mean slightly longer waits. We monitor this and schedule inspections as soon as work is ready.
- Change orders: Homeowner-requested changes mid-project — different tile, upgraded fixtures, added features — affect the timeline. We discuss this upfront and try to finalize all selections before work begins.
What's the Full Timeline Including Permits?
The construction timeline above doesn't include the time before work begins. For projects requiring permits — any remodel with plumbing or electrical work — add the following to your planning:
- Anne Arundel County permit processing: 2–3 weeks for straightforward bathroom remodels
- Howard County permit processing: 2–4 weeks depending on complexity
- Material ordering and lead times: 2–8 weeks depending on selections
For a standard bathroom remodel in Anne Arundel or Howard County, plan for a total timeline of 6–10 weeks from contract signing to completed project. We walk through this timeline explicitly during the estimate process so you know exactly when to expect each phase.
How Do You Plan Around Being Without a Bathroom?
If you're remodeling your only full bathroom, here's how we minimize the disruption:
- We sequence work to restore basic functionality (toilet and sink) as quickly as possible, typically within the first few days
- For full gut projects, we discuss sequencing upfront and identify what you can use during construction
- We maintain a clean jobsite and seal off the work area to contain dust and debris
Ready to plan your bathroom remodel? Contact us for a free estimate, or use our online estimate tool to get a ballpark range. We remodel bathrooms throughout Annapolis, Columbia, and across Anne Arundel and Howard Counties. See all our bathroom remodeling services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bathroom remodel be done in a week?
A cosmetic refresh without plumbing or structural changes can be completed in 1–2 weeks. Any project involving tile, plumbing relocation, or electrical work takes longer — typically 3–8 weeks depending on scope.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel in Anne Arundel or Howard County?
If your remodel involves moving plumbing, adding electrical circuits, or structural changes, yes — you need a permit. Cosmetic-only updates (new fixtures in the same locations, paint, flooring) typically don't require permits. We handle all permitting as part of every project.
What's the most common cause of bathroom remodel delays?
Material lead times and hidden conditions are the two most common causes. We address both by ordering materials early and building contingency allowances into our project schedules for older homes.
Should I move out during a bathroom remodel?
For most bathroom remodels, moving out isn't necessary. We sequence the work to maintain toilet and sink access throughout the project when possible, and we contain dust and debris to the work area. Full gut renovations of a home's only bathroom may warrant discussing temporary accommodations for a few specific days.
How do I choose the right time of year to remodel a bathroom in Maryland?
Bathroom remodels can be done year-round since all work is interior. Fall and winter are typically less busy periods for contractors, which can mean faster scheduling and sometimes better pricing. Spring and summer are peak demand — plan further ahead if you want a specific start date.