The bathroom is one of the most-renovated rooms in the home—second only to kitchens. Yet, while many homeowners are eager to have an upgraded and modern bathroom, actually moving forward with this project can be a bit overwhelming.
Despite the relatively small size of most bathrooms, especially compared to kitchens and other residential spaces, a typical bathroom remodel requires quite a bit of planning and a significant investment of both time and money. After all, you are dealing with both plumbing and electrical systems, along with major components like bathtubs, showers, vanities, and toilets.
During the complex process of remodeling your bathroom on the Florida Gulf Coast, you will also make a myriad of decisions that impact the schedule, cost, and outcome of your project. It’s enough to make any homeowner’s head spin. Knowing what is to come can help you set realistic expectations and prepare for the disruption to your daily life while you design and remodel your bathroom.
What Is the Process for Bathroom Renovation in Florida?
Your custom bathroom remodel in Sarasota or Bradenton can play out differently depending on a variety of factors, including the size and current condition of the space, your anticipated scope of work, and the availability of your remodeler. It also depends on what method you choose for your residential construction project.
For example, the design-build approach to home remodeling projects is the most popular and fastest-growing project delivery method in the nation—and for good reason. This integrated approach combines both design and construction into a seamless process that is managed by one company, giving you a single source for communication and accountability.
There are numerous consumer benefits of going with a design-build process and a professional builder. It saves homeowners both time and money while allowing for more innovation, collaboration, and efficiency. Design-build projects are delivered faster and with greater reliability in cost and schedule performance than other project delivery systems.
Typical Bathroom Remodel Timeline with Design-Build
If you decide to go with the design-build process for your custom bathroom renovation in Sarasota, the average timeline for the entirety of the project—from planning and design to your final walk-through—is about three to six months. Your project could end up taking longer if you are completely making over a master bath or expanding a smaller space to add new components.
Here is a look at what you can expect to occur within your bathroom renovation timeline:
1. Preliminary Meeting
The first step of the design-build process in the Florida Gulf Coast is planning and preparation. After gathering general information, your team will meet with you to discuss your project in detail. This conversation generally entails getting to know you, your specific lifestyle needs, and your goals regarding the bathroom you plan to remodel. This is also an opportunity for you to get better acquainted with your project manager and the other professionals who will be involved in your bathroom renovation, ask questions and learn more about what to expect during the process.
2. Complimentary Home Visit
After the initial meeting has taken place, your consultant will come to your home to see the space in person, review your goals and objectives, and discuss the bathroom renovation timeline and budget. By the end of this meeting, if both parties agree it’s a good fit, you are ready to move forward to the design, product selection, and pricing phase.
3. Selecting Your Features, Fixtures, and Finishes
During this step of the design-build process, your designer will invite you back to the showroom to start nailing down details for your project. You will be presented with an initial plan, including complete 3D drawings of your space. With the guidance of your consultant, you will make product and design selections for each aspect of your custom bathroom renovation, from the layout of the space to the type of bathtub, vanity, and flooring you want to incorporate. Your consultant will work hand-in-hand with you to refine the drawings as necessary during the selection process.
4. Signing the Construction Agreement
After the design for your bathroom remodel is complete and selections have been reviewed and approved, your design-build team will present you with the final construction plan and agreement. This document outlines in detail the full scope of work for your bathroom project, your product selections, and the cost of each element, as well as the overall project price. Once the agreement is signed, the crew can begin to order your materials, pull permits, and provide you with an estimated start date.
5. Pre-Construction Meeting
Typically, a week prior to the start of work on your Florida bathroom, your team will schedule an onsite pre-construction meeting that involves you, the construction manager, and the lead carpenter. At this time, you will review all things related to your project, including but not limited to: site access, work hours, and what to expect along the way. If you need a temporary shower while renovating your bathroom, they can also help with this.
6. Construction Phase
Finally, you’re ready to break ground on your bathroom renovation. The construction phase of a bathroom remodel could take about two to four months, give or take a couple of weeks depending on the scope of work. The process often starts with laying down a protective gear and making sure your home is ready for the dust and debris. After the site preparation is complete, they can start demolition. If you are giving your bathroom a new layout or expanding it, this may also involve gutting the space and moving walls around.
Over the next several weeks, your team will work on plumbing and electrical rough-ins, framing, backing, and crafting any custom built-ins. From there, they can upgrade or expand your HVAC system, install your new bathtub and/or shower, put in drywall, and complete tile work for your walls and floors, before priming and painting the walls and adding your main fixtures. After construction is complete, the crew will clean up your newly remodeled bathroom and get it ready for inspection and a final walk-through.
Updating Your Bathroom in Your Sarasota or Bradenton Home?
The process of remodeling a bathroom in Florida can be exciting, yet also overwhelming. At Gilbert Design-Build, we have developed a tried-and-true six-step process to make the whole experience smoother, more efficient, and more rewarding for homeowners in the Sarasota and Bradenton area. With our whole team dedicated to your project, from start to finish, we can ensure you get the beautiful and functional bathroom you envision.