Many homeowners brace for endless delays when they renovate. Kitchen projects earn that reputation, but bathroom upgrades usually move faster.
The speed comes from a smaller footprint, fewer trades, and shorter cabinet lead times. A predictable timeline runs from the first measurement to the final coat of paint.
”Knowing exactly what happens on day three versus day thirteen turns a stressful project into a smooth process.”
Here is the realistic phase-by-phase schedule we use for a full bathroom renovation in Vaughan.
Total project timeline
A full bathroom renovation takes 4 to 8 weeks from contract signing to the final walkthrough. The job splits into two distinct parts.
Pre-construction happens quietly at supplier facilities and in our shop. On-site work is where the noise begins, and clients appreciate knowing exactly when that starts.
| Phase | Typical Duration | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-construction | 2 to 4 weeks | Design, contracts, permits, material orders |
| On-site construction | 2 to 4 weeks | Demolition, rough-in, tile, fixtures |
| Total project | 4 to 8 weeks | Contract signing to final walkthrough |
Custom material shipping across Canada can push this schedule out by a month, so we build buffer time into the plan.
Phase 1 - Design and quote (Days 1-7)
Planning and design take 5 to 10 days. It begins with a free in-home consultation to measure the space and photograph existing conditions.
Identifying plumbing or structural triggers early prevents expensive surprises later. Designers build accurate 3D renderings so you can visualise the layout before a hammer swings.
- 2-3 layout options (if the layout is changing).
- Material schedule (tile, fixtures, vanity, lighting).
- Fixed-price contract.
- Project timeline.
You receive this package within one week of the visit. Revisions are handled quickly to lock in the fixed-price contract.
Phase 2 - Permits and ordering (Days 7-14)
A City of Vaughan building permit for bathroom-scope work takes a couple of weeks to review. We file the application immediately to avoid delays.
Plumbing relocations, electrical work, and structural changes all trigger this requirement. Minor plumbing permits usually cost a couple hundred dollars, while larger structural permits are priced per square metre on the City of Vaughan fee schedule.
| Material | Sourcing | Typical Lead Time |
|---|---|---|
| In-stock tile | Local GTA distributors | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Custom or imported tile | European suppliers | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Standard fixtures | Plumbing suppliers | 1 to 3 weeks |
| Custom vanities | Canadian manufacturers | 4 to 6 weeks |
Glass shower enclosures are measured after tile is installed and take 2 to 3 weeks to fabricate. For cosmetic-only updates that need no permit, this phase compresses to a few days.
Phase 3 - Demolition (Days 1-3 of on-site)
Demolition takes 1 to 2 days for cosmetic changes and up to 3 days for a full tear-out down to the studs, which exposes any hidden water damage.
Ontario Regulation 278/05 requires a Designated Substance Survey for any home built before 1990, common in the older parts of Woodbridge and Maple. Asbestos can hide in old vinyl floor tiles or joint compound, so negative air pressure and HEPA filters go up before debris is removed.
- All fixtures (toilet, vanity, sink, shower or tub).
- Wall tile and substrate.
- Floor tile and underlayment.
- Ceiling drywall, if recessed lighting or fan changes.
- Anything water-damaged behind tile or under fixtures.
Disposal bins are scheduled to keep your driveway clear. Demolition is the messiest part of the process.
Phase 4 - Plumbing and electrical rough-in (Days 3-6)
Rough-in takes 2 to 3 days for a standard scope. Licensed trades install the infrastructure behind the walls.
Plumbing rough-in includes new lines for relocated fixtures, valve roughs for the shower, shut-offs, and drain modifications. Moving plumbing across the room adds one to two days.
New electrical circuits support heated floors, GFCI outlets, exhaust fans, and lighting. A dedicated 20-amp circuit is now standard. An Electrical Safety Authority inspection happens before the walls close up.
Phase 5 - Waterproofing (Days 6-9)
Waterproofing needs a 48-hour cure before tile can begin. This is the most critical step for preventing leaks five to ten years out, and the Ontario Building Code requires it in all wet areas.
- Schluter Kerdi membrane on shower walls.
- Kerdi-Drain for the shower drain.
- Foam shower pan board instead of a mortar bed.
- 48-hour cure time before tile installation.
Installers use unmodified thin-set meeting ANSI A118.1 to attach the membrane. Every seam is sealed with Kerdi-Fix, which cures fully in 24 hours.
Phase 6 - Tile installation (Days 9-15)
A full-bathroom tile installation runs 5 to 8 working days, following a set sequence:
- Floor tile (sequenced first or last depending on the approach).
- Wall tile (shower and vanity backsplash).
- Niches and accents.
- Grouting, typically 24 hours after tile install.
- Sealing, for natural stone or porous tile.
A mechanical levelling system keeps large 24x48 inch tiles flat. Custom patterns, hexagons, and small-format mosaics extend the schedule.
Phase 7 - Fixture install (Days 15-18)
Final fixtures and plumbing connections take about three days, installed in a specific order to protect new finishes:
- Toilet, vanity, sink, after floor tile is sealed.
- Shower fixtures connected and tested.
- Faucets installed and pressure-tested.
- Mirror, lighting, accessories.
- Glass shower enclosure, measured, fabricated, then installed.
High-efficiency toilets meet the Ontario Building Code maximum of 4.8 litres per flush. Local GTA glass fabricators need 5 to 10 days after measuring, which we overlap with tile work.
Phase 8 - Finishing and walkthrough (Days 18-21)
Painting, caulking, and the final walkthrough take the last three days:
- Paint and trim in a mildew-resistant finish.
- Final caulking around fixtures in 100% silicone.
- Hardware, including towel bars and hooks.
- Final cleanup.
- Walkthrough with the client for a deficiency review.
Silicone caulking needs 24 hours to cure before the shower is used. Any deficiencies found at the walkthrough are documented and resolved on the spot.
What can extend the timeline
- Custom tile patterns or small-format mosaics: add 3 to 7 days to install.
- Heated floor systems: add 2 to 3 days for dry time and ESA certification.
- Wall removal or structural change: adds 3 to 5 days for engineer review, framing, and inspection.
- Plumbing relocation: can add 1 to 2 weeks if it triggers permit waits or coring through concrete.
- Backordered fixtures: the project pauses if a critical fixture fails to arrive.
- Asbestos discovery: certified abatement pauses work for 1 to 2 weeks.
What we do during the timeline
Kitchen Renovations Vaughan provides daily site updates and weekly milestone reports, sharing photos so you always know the state of the job. That communication removes the stress of living beside a construction zone and creates a permanent record of what is behind the walls.
Every project closes with a comprehensive two-year installation warranty registered in your name. Browse our bathroom renovation service, see small bathroom design ideas, or book a free in-home consultation to scope your project.
Week-by-week bathroom renovation timeline chart
