Bathroom Remodel Timeline in Boise
A phase-by-phase breakdown of how long your bathroom remodel will take — from first consultation through final inspection. Plan around realistic Boise-area timelines.
The single biggest factor in your timeline is scope. A surface-level update takes days; a complete gut renovation takes weeks. Here is what to expect for each level of bathroom remodel in Boise.
Cosmetic Refresh
1 – 2 WeeksPaint, new vanity, updated fixtures, mirror, and lighting — no plumbing or electrical changes. The fastest path to a noticeably different bathroom.
- Vanity and faucet swap
- New toilet (same location)
- Updated light fixtures and mirror
- Fresh paint and hardware
- Re-caulk tub and shower
Standard Remodel
3 – 4 WeeksThe most common scope for Boise homeowners. New tile, vanity, fixtures, and shower or tub upgrade with minor plumbing and electrical modifications.
- New tile flooring and shower surround
- Semi-custom vanity with countertop
- Tub-to-shower conversion
- Updated plumbing fixtures
- New lighting with GFCI outlets
- Glass shower enclosure
Full Gut Renovation
4 – 6 WeeksEverything stripped to studs. New layout, plumbing relocation, electrical rewiring, complete waterproofing, and premium finishes throughout.
- Complete demolition to framing
- Plumbing and electrical rough-in
- Layout reconfiguration
- Custom tile work throughout
- Heated floors and custom lighting
- Frameless glass shower enclosure
Master Bath Luxury
5 – 8 WeeksThe most extensive scope — often involves expanding the bathroom footprint, adding a freestanding tub, curbless shower, custom cabinetry, and high-end smart features.
- Wall removal or expansion into closet/bedroom space
- Freestanding soaking tub and separate walk-in shower
- Custom double vanity with quartz or marble
- In-floor radiant heating
- Smart toilet, steam shower, or digital controls
- Custom lighting design with multiple zones
Every Iron Crest bathroom remodel follows this proven sequence. Each phase must be completed and inspected (where required) before the next phase begins. Skipping steps or rushing curing times leads to callbacks and failures.
Planning & Design
Initial consultation, measurements, material selections, and design finalization. We present a detailed scope of work with itemized pricing before any work begins.
- In-home consultation and measurements
- Design layout and 3D renderings (for complex projects)
- Material and fixture selection assistance
- Detailed proposal with line-item pricing
- Contract signing and deposit
Permits & Procurement
We file all necessary permits with Ada County or the City of Boise and order materials. Long-lead items like custom vanities and specialty tile are ordered immediately to prevent delays.
- Permit applications submitted (building, plumbing, electrical)
- Ada County plan review (5–10 business days typical)
- Material ordering and delivery scheduling
- Subcontractor scheduling confirmed
- Pre-construction walkthrough with your project manager
Demolition
Existing fixtures, tile, drywall, and flooring are removed. The space is inspected for hidden issues — water damage, outdated wiring, or plumbing that does not meet code.
- Fixture, tile, and drywall removal
- Debris hauled away (dumpster on site)
- Framing inspected for rot or damage
- Subfloor condition assessed
- Any hidden issues documented and discussed before proceeding
Rough-In Plumbing & Electrical
Licensed plumbers and electricians install new supply lines, drain pipes, vent stacks, wiring, outlet boxes, and exhaust fan ducting. This is the structural foundation of the bathroom.
- New water supply lines (PEX or copper)
- Drain and waste pipe installation or relocation
- Vent stack modifications if required
- Electrical circuit installation, GFCI protection
- Exhaust fan ducting and heated floor wiring
- Rough-in inspection by Ada County inspector
Waterproofing & Substrate
The critical step that protects your home from water damage for decades. We install cement backer board, apply waterproofing membranes, and build the shower pan — then allow proper cure time.
- Cement backer board installation on walls and floor
- Schluter Kerdi membrane or RedGard liquid membrane application
- Shower pan construction with pre-slope and waterproof liner
- Seam taping and corner treatments
- Cure time (24–48 hours depending on system)
- Waterproofing / shower pan inspection
Tile Installation
Floor tile, shower walls, accent features, and niches are installed. Large-format tiles, intricate patterns, and natural stone take longer. Grout is applied and sealed after tile sets.
- Floor tile layout and installation
- Shower wall and ceiling tile
- Accent tile, niche, and border details
- Grout application (24-hour cure before sealing)
- Grout sealing for moisture protection
- Floor tile extends under vanity for a finished look
Fixture & Vanity Install
Vanity, countertop, toilet, faucets, showerhead, lighting, mirrors, and accessories are installed. Glass shower enclosures are measured after tile and installed at this stage.
- Vanity and countertop set and leveled
- Toilet installation and wax ring seal
- Faucet, showerhead, and valve trim installation
- Light fixtures, exhaust fan, and switches
- Mirror and medicine cabinet mounting
- Glass shower door measurement and installation
- Towel bars, robe hooks, and accessories
Final Inspections & Punch List
Final plumbing, electrical, and building inspections are scheduled with Ada County. We walk through the completed bathroom with you, address any punch-list items, and ensure everything meets our standards and yours.
- Final plumbing inspection
- Final electrical inspection
- Final building inspection
- Client walkthrough and punch-list review
- Touch-up paint, caulk, and silicone details
- Cleaning and debris removal
- Warranty documentation and care instructions
Several Boise-specific factors can add days or weeks to your project. Understanding these upfront helps you plan realistic expectations and avoid frustration.
Material Lead Times
Custom vanities can take 6–8 weeks to manufacture. Specialty tile from European or artisan suppliers may require 4–6 weeks for shipping. We order long-lead items as soon as the contract is signed to minimize wait times. Stock materials from local Boise suppliers are typically available within 3–5 business days.
Permit Processing
Ada County standard plan review takes 5–10 business days. If your project triggers structural review or is in a historic district, allow 2–3 weeks. Simple fixture-replacement permits can sometimes be issued over the counter in 1–2 days. We submit permits immediately after contract signing to run this process in parallel with material ordering.
Weather & Delivery Impact
Boise winters can delay material deliveries — icy roads in November through February occasionally push truck deliveries back 1–3 days. Snow and ice do not affect interior work once materials are on site, which is why bathroom remodels are excellent winter projects. We build a 2–3 day buffer into winter schedules.
Inspector Availability
Ada County inspectors are busiest April through October during peak building season. Inspection requests typically require 24–48 hours notice, but during peak months, wait times can extend to 3–5 business days. We schedule inspections proactively and maintain flexibility to avoid downtime between phases.
The best contractors manage the construction timeline — but homeowners play a critical role in keeping things moving. These seven practices consistently separate on-time projects from delayed ones.
Finalize all material and fixture selections before demolition begins. Mid-project changes are the number-one cause of delays.
Choose in-stock materials from local Boise suppliers when possible. Custom orders add 4–8 weeks to the schedule before work can even start.
Approve the design and scope of work completely before signing the contract. Change orders during construction create cascading delays.
Prepare an alternate bathroom arrangement for the duration of the project. Knowing you have a backup reduces pressure to rush critical steps.
Communicate quickly. When your contractor asks a question or presents an option, respond within 24 hours to keep the project moving.
Trust the cure times. Rushing waterproofing, thinset, or grout curing leads to failures that cost far more to fix than the extra day of waiting.
Schedule your remodel during Boise's off-season (November–February) for faster permit processing, better inspector availability, and priority scheduling from trade subcontractors.
Timelines connect directly to cost, permits, and material choices. Explore these related guides to build a complete picture of your project.
Common questions about bathroom remodel timelines in the Boise area.
How long does a typical bathroom remodel take in Boise?
A standard bathroom remodel in Boise takes 3–4 weeks of active construction. Add 2–4 weeks before construction for planning, design, permits, and material ordering. A cosmetic refresh can be completed in 1–2 weeks, while a full master bath luxury renovation may take 5–8 weeks of construction time.
What is the fastest way to remodel a bathroom in Boise?
The fastest approach is a cosmetic refresh using in-stock materials from local suppliers: new vanity, toilet, light fixtures, mirror, paint, and hardware without changing the layout or plumbing. This can be completed in as few as 5 business days. Avoiding permit-triggering work (no plumbing or electrical changes) also eliminates the 1–2 week permit review period.
How long does a shower-to-tub conversion take?
A tub-to-shower conversion in Boise typically takes 2–3 weeks of active construction. This includes demolition of the existing tub, plumbing modifications for the new shower valve and drain location, waterproofing, tile installation, and glass enclosure. Add 1–2 weeks for permits and material ordering.
Can I use my bathroom during a remodel?
No — once demolition begins, the bathroom is off limits until the project is complete. For homes with only one bathroom, we recommend arranging access to a friend or neighbor's bathroom, or we can install a temporary portable unit. For homes with multiple bathrooms, we coordinate to keep at least one fully functional at all times.
What causes bathroom remodel delays in Boise?
The most common causes are: custom material lead times (6–8 weeks for custom vanities), mid-project design changes, hidden water damage or outdated plumbing discovered during demolition, permit processing times during peak season (April–October), and inspector scheduling delays. Iron Crest mitigates these risks with thorough pre-construction inspection, early material ordering, and proactive scheduling.
Ready to Set Your Project Timeline?
Contact Iron Crest Remodel for a free consultation. We will walk through your bathroom goals and provide a realistic, phase-by-phase schedule for your Boise home.