Understanding exactly what happens during a bathroom renovation reduces anxiety, helps you plan your schedule, and ensures you can make timely decisions when needed. This guide walks through a typical 10 to 14 day bathroom gut renovation as performed by General Modernizer in Nassau County, Queens, and Brooklyn.
Before Day 1: Preparation and Permits
Before any work begins, General Modernizer files all required permits with the Nassau County Department of Buildings or the relevant municipal building department. Permit approval typically takes 1 to 3 weeks. All materials -- tile, fixtures, vanity, glass, and accessories -- are ordered and confirmed before the start date to prevent delays. You will receive a written project schedule showing what will happen each day. We ask that you clear the bathroom completely of all personal items and create a clear path from the front door to the bathroom for material delivery and debris removal.
Day 1 to 2: Demolition
Demolition is the noisiest and dustiest phase of the renovation. Our crew removes all existing tile, fixtures, vanity, toilet, and drywall or cement board. We protect adjacent flooring and hallways with drop cloths and ram board. Debris is removed from the home daily. During demolition, we inspect the subfloor, framing, and plumbing for any hidden issues -- water damage, rot, outdated pipes, or inadequate electrical -- that need to be addressed before new construction begins. Any issues discovered are communicated to you immediately with a clear explanation of the impact on cost and timeline.
Day 2 to 4: Rough Plumbing and Electrical
After demolition, our plumber and electrician complete any rough-in work required by the new design. This includes relocating drain lines or supply lines if the layout is changing, updating electrical circuits or outlets to current code, installing the new exhaust fan ductwork, and roughing in for any new fixtures. This phase requires a building inspection in most Nassau County municipalities before walls can be closed. General Modernizer coordinates all inspections directly with the building department.
Day 4 to 5: Substrate and Waterproofing
Cement board is installed on all wet-area walls and the shower floor. The Schluter-Kerdi waterproofing membrane is then applied over the entire shower assembly -- walls, floor, and all seams and corners -- creating a continuous waterproof barrier behind the tile. This is the most critical phase for long-term performance. A properly waterproofed shower will never leak. An improperly waterproofed shower will eventually fail, causing water damage to the subfloor and adjacent walls. General Modernizer uses Schluter-Kerdi on every shower installation.
Day 5 to 9: Tile Installation
Tile installation is the most time-consuming phase and the one that most directly determines the final appearance of the bathroom. Our tile setter begins with the shower floor, setting tile with the correct slope toward the drain. Wall tile is then installed from the bottom up. Large-format tile (24x24 inches or larger) requires a perfectly flat substrate and precise layout planning to avoid small cuts at edges. After tile is set and the thinset has cured (typically 24 hours), grout is applied. After grouting, silicone caulk is applied at all changes of plane -- floor-to-wall transitions and inside corners -- where movement can cause grout to crack.
Day 9 to 12: Fixture and Finish Installation
With tile complete, the bathroom comes together quickly. The vanity, countertop, sink, and faucet are installed. The toilet is set. The shower valve, showerhead, and trim are installed. The frameless glass shower enclosure is measured after tile is complete (to account for any variation in the finished wall) and typically takes 3 to 5 business days to fabricate. The glass is installed on the final day. Lighting, exhaust fan, mirror, and all accessories are installed. The bathroom is thoroughly cleaned.
Final Day: Walkthrough and Sign-Off
On the final day, General Modernizer conducts a thorough walkthrough with you to inspect every element of the completed bathroom. We review the tile work, grout, fixtures, glass, and all finishes. Any items on the punch list are addressed before we consider the project complete. We obtain the final permit sign-off from the building department. You receive all manufacturer warranty documentation for fixtures and materials. Andy Perrotta personally conducts the final walkthrough on every General Modernizer project. Call (516) 212-7195 to schedule your free in-home consultation.
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