When Is the Best Time to Remodel a Bathroom?
Any time may be a good time, but winter is best
Highlights
Spring and early summer are the most popular times of the year for remodeling.
During the winter, contractors tend to have more availability, and materials are less expensive.
Permits and municipal approvals are typically quicker during the colder months.
A bathroom remodel can take a few weeks or months to complete, so it’s best to plan early.
Bathroom remodeling can be a huge task that takes weeks or even months to complete. But if there is no immediate urgency to getting the project done, you should plan ahead and pick the best season for your needs. While most remodeling projects are done in the spring and early summer, a winter remodel can not only save you money but also make it easier to schedule. Learn more about the best time to remodel a bathroom so you can check this major project off your to-do list.
When to Remodel a Bathroom
Because bathroom remodeling takes place inside, you can technically tackle this project any time of the year—the weather shouldn’t matter unless you’re bundling this remodel with outdoor home improvement projects.
However, if you’re concerned about bathroom remodel costs or contractor availability, winter is actually the best season for the project since labor and materials are often less expensive after the holiday rush. Keep in mind that this means you’d have to get this project on the books months ahead of time, sometimes longer, depending on how popular a contractor is.
Factors That Affect Remodeling a Bathroom
When deciding who to hire for a bathroom remodel, contractor scheduling and expenses for materials and permits are just some factors that can influence a project’s timeline.
Contractor Schedules
Remodeling and renovation projects typically occur during the warmer months, so contractors are at their busiest. Your contractor may be juggling multiple projects at once, which could lead to some delays. And if you don’t plan ahead, you may find yourself on a waitlist.
The winter months are the off-season for contractors, so it’ll be easier to schedule the project, and the contractor can take their time with your bathroom remodel.
Expenses
Because spring and summer are the busiest seasons for remodeling, labor is more expensive. During the off-season, contractors may lower their bids to keep busy, and some materials may also be discounted (usually after the holidays).
Material Stock
When remodeling jobs are at their peak, materials may be harder to come by. You may have to wait days or weeks for items to be restocked. The longer that takes, the longer it takes to complete the project. Unless you have more than one bathroom, time is of the essence when completing a bathroom remodel. This could put some added stress on your family while the bathroom is out of commission.
Permits
A bathroom remodel takes two to three months and requires a permit and city approval. Government agencies that issue both are less busy during the winter since fewer home improvement projects are happening.
Climate
Although winter is a better option for budgetary and scheduling reasons, the longer days and cooperative temperatures of spring and early summer make a bathroom remodeling project much easier.
Cost to Remodel a Bathroom
The cost to remodel a bathroom ranges from $6,630 to $17,550, with an average of $12,000. However, if you’re gutting a bathroom and using high-end materials to rebuild it, a remodel can cost up to $30,000 or more. You can also expect higher costs for a primary bathroom compared to a half-bath. The overall cost breaks down to $70 to $250 per square foot—factors that influence this cost are bathroom size, layout, labor, permits, and the types of materials you use.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Hiring a pro costs between 40% and 65% of the overall project, but bathroom remodel costs are considerably less if you do it yourself—about $3,000 to $8,000. However, there are many things to take into consideration before attempting it. Replacing a faucet or toilet may be simple, but more extensive jobs, like replacing tiles, moving electrical outlets, and reconfiguring plumbing may not only be difficult to do but also dangerous.
Also, think about how many nights and weekends will now be devoted to a renovation. Unless you have other people to help, a DIY renovation may take a lot longer than hiring a team.
If you’re not an expert, you’ll benefit from the expertise of a bathroom remodeler near you and know that the job was done properly and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before removing any fixtures or buying materials, you should plan the remodel out on paper, including ideas for how you want the project to look and what you’d like to keep or replace. Then, you should consult with a contractor in your area to iron out the details.
While most modern sinks, toilets, and showers will last up to 20 years or more with no issues, experts suggest a bathroom remodel should take place at least once a decade. Otherwise, your bathroom might start to look dated.