What Makes a Shower Remodel Installation Longer Than 1-2 Days?

You’ve read online that many shower remodels can be done in 1-2 days. However, you need to be sure before you request time off from work or go out of town with your family. It can also be uncomfortable having a crew in your home longer than you would like.

Shugarman's Bath has completed more than 6,500 remodels. While we’ve completed most projects in 1-2 days, some have taken 3-5 days. We know all too well what factors can affect your project timeline.

This article breaks down the specific factors that can extend your shower installation timeline.

Table of Contents:

• How Long Does It Take to Install a Shower?
• What Makes a Shower Remodel Take More Than 1-2 Days?
• How Does the Scope of Work Change the Shower Installation Timeline?
• Can Plumbing Issues Add Extra Days?
• How Does Mold and Water Damage Affect a Shower Installation Timeline?
• What Other Surprises Can Slow Down an Install?
• Can Homeowner Rules or Schedules Extend the Project?
• What Can You Expect If Your Project Runs Longer Than Planned?

How Long Does It Take to Install a Shower?

Whether you are installing a bathtub or a walk-in shower, a standard shower remodel takes 1-2 days. This applies to shower sizes close to 60 inches by 40 inches, up to about 60 by 42 inches.

What Makes a Shower Remodel Take More Than 1-2 Days?

A shower remodel usually takes 3 to 5 days when it includes a bigger scope of work. Here are a few factors that can extend your project timeline:

• A bigger scope of work, like a Cali combo.
• Adding a custom bench, a tub ledge, a new wall, or removing a soffit or bump-out.
• Plumbing problems, especially cast iron pipes or a gas line that needs to move.
• Mold or water damage found behind the wall.
• Less common surprises like asbestos, lead paint, electrical or HVAC lines in the way, or pests.
• Homeowner schedules or HOA rules that limit how many hours your crew can work each day.

Each of these can add anywhere from a few hours to several days. It depends on the severity of the issue. The sections below will break down what to expect from these issues.

How Does the Scope of Work Change the Shower Installation Timeline?

A bigger scope of work is one of the most common reasons installation timelines run past two days.

A California combo has a separate bathtub and walk-in shower, typically separated by a pony wall.

Cali combos take 3-5 days depending on the size, additions, and amount of materials.

Cali combos aren’t the only projects that last 3-5 days. A tub or shower remodel can also take longer than three days if you’re adding extra features. Adding a custom bench, a pony wall, or a tub ledge adds about a day to the project. Removing a soffit or bump-out will also add a day.

Many of these additions can overlap in the same project. For example, a walk-in shower with a custom bench, pony wall, and other features like a storage niche, plus removing a bump-out, usually stays within the 3-5 day range.

Can Plumbing Issues Add Extra Days?

Yes, plumbing can add extra days, especially with old cast iron piping.

If your home’s main sewer line is cast iron and it’s too corroded to connect to, your project can take an extra 1-2 days. A third-party plumber would need to replace the piping that connects to the tub and shower area.

Many homes built before the 1970s used cast iron plumbing, which typically lasts about 50 years. In San Diego, cast iron issues often show their ugly faces in Clairemont (especially in the 92117 and 92110 area codes), and parts of Linda Vista, La Mesa, and Chula Vista.

In our experience, we’ve seen gas lines run through the tub and shower area. The gas line will need to be relocated, which can add a day. This requires bringing in a separate company that specializes in gas line work.

How Does Mold and Water Damage Affect a Shower Installation Timeline?

Finding mold when your crew opens the wall adds about a day to your project. Heavy water damage can add about 3 days.

Some contractors require you to hire a mold remediation company before continuing an installation, which can add another day. Shugarman's Bath holds a mold remediation license, so we treat and clean mold ourselves.

Wet wood doesn’t always need to be replaced if it isn’t causing damage. After all, the tree the wood came from grew partly because of water. Wet wood only becomes an issue if it’s been saturated long enough to cause wood rot. Wet, undamaged wood requires sealing off the area and running dehumidifiers for 72 hours before resuming your install.

What Other Surprises Can Slow Down an Install?

Here are some more surprises that can slow down a shower remodel:

• If a space tests positive for asbestos, a licensed abatement company must remove it, plus you'll need an air clearance test the next day.
• Homes built before 1978 are treated as having lead paint. If more than 6 square feet needs to be disturbed, your crew must follow specific lead-safe steps during demo, which can extend your timeline.
• Electrical wiring or HVAC lines running through your tub and shower area may need to be relocated before work can continue.
• Live pests found during demo, like termites, roaches, rodents, or bees, need to be handled by an exterminator before your project can move forward.

Can Homeowner Rules or Schedules Extend the Project?

If your HOA requires work to start and stop at certain times, it limits the crew's workday. A 1-day project can turn into a day and a half or 2 days. Sometimes longer, depending on the scope of your project.

Even without HOA restrictions, crews will work around and respect your schedule and personal comfort. Some companies set a hard cutoff time for their crews. Others will let their crew stay for as long as you’re comfortable having them in your home. If you want crews out of your home at a certain time, they’ll respect that request. However, they will be limited to what they can get done in those hours.

What Can You Expect If Your Project Runs Longer Than Planned?

Your installer should be updating you on your project timeline daily. Any reputable contractor will communicate potential roadblocks and how they affect your project timeline.

On day one, your installer should give you an estimate for how long the project will take. After demo, they can confirm that estimate or let you know if it's changed. The crew can tell you whether they expect to finish on schedule.

Since the crews are working in your home, you can always ask your installer for a status check. Your installer is expected to give you an honest answer at any point during your project.

Know What to Expect Before Your Remodel Starts

Most shower remodels can be finished in 1-2 days, but factors can extend the timeline. There’s a decent chance the window will be extended if your project is a larger-than-standard scope of work, has plumbing issues outside the tub and shower area, or has significant water damage.

Now that you know what can make a shower remodel go longer than 1 to 2 days, read our article on the step-by-step remodeling process to see what happens from start to finish.

Have any questions about shower remodeling and timelines? Contact Shugarman's Bath to talk with one of our experts.

The opinions expressed in the referenced materials are those of the authors only, not necessarily of Shugarman’s Bath. While these referenced materials are useful in answering generalized questions, each bathroom is unique. For a particular question about your tub or shower remodeling project, contact your Shugarman’s Bath consultant.