What to Expect During a Bathroom or Kitchen Remodel
September 5, 2026
Bathroom and kitchen remodels are the two projects homeowners ask us the most questions about before agreeing to anything — which makes sense, since they are disruptive to daily life and usually the biggest single investment in a home improvement plan. Here is what the process actually looks like, start to finish.
The first walkthrough
We start by looking at the space in person, not guessing from photos. For a kitchen, that means checking the layout, plumbing and electrical locations, and anything structural that could limit what is possible. For a bathroom, we are looking closely at the subfloor and any signs of past water damage around the tub, shower, or toilet — issues here change the scope more than almost anything else.
Scope and pricing
After the walkthrough, we put together a written scope: what is being removed, what is being installed, and a price based on the actual work, not a rough estimate. This is also when we talk through decisions that affect cost — cabinet grade, countertop material, tile versus a one-piece shower surround — so there are no surprises once the work has started.
Demo and any surprises behind the walls
Once demolition starts, this is the point where hidden issues sometimes show up — water damage, outdated wiring, or plumbing that was not to code when the house was built. We would rather find this now than cover it back up. If we find something that changes the scope, we stop and explain it before continuing, with a clear price for the additional work, instead of just doing it and adding it to the bill later.
Rough-in work
This is the least visually exciting part of the project and also the most important: plumbing, electrical, and any framing changes happen before anything gets closed back up. For a bathroom, this includes moving or adding fixtures. For a kitchen, this is when new outlets, lighting circuits, or gas lines for a range get run.
Finishes: the part everyone is waiting for
Drywall, tile, flooring, cabinets, countertops, and fixtures go in during this phase, generally in that order. This is also the longest visible phase of the project, since each trade needs the previous step finished and cleaned up before starting theirs.
Final walkthrough and punch list
Before we consider a project done, we walk it with you. Anything that is not right — a cabinet door that is not aligned, a caulk line that needs cleaning up, a fixture that is not sitting flush — goes on a punch list and gets fixed before we call it finished. We would rather take the extra day than leave you with a list of things to live with.
How long does it actually take
A bathroom remodel typically runs 1 to 3 weeks depending on scope; a kitchen usually runs 3 to 6 weeks. Both timelines depend heavily on whether custom materials (cabinets especially) are on order, which we account for when we give you a schedule up front.
If you are thinking about a remodel and want a straight answer about scope and cost before committing to anything, call us at 570-517-9122 or request an estimate online.