Are One Day Bathroom Remodels Worth It? What You Need to Know About This Quick Turnaround

Let's be honest. A bathroom renovation project is no easy task and can take up significant time and budget. For many, it is something you end up planning (and dreading!) for a long time. For those looking to change the way their bathroom looks entirely, this type of remodel is not recommended, nor is it practical. After all, to design a beautiful, considered space with inspiring elements, you need time and patience.

However, if it is just cosmetic changes, light touches, and simple upgrades you're looking for, there may be a chance that a one-day remodel could work, even though it will stretch you and the contractors out a little bit!

To help you understand how to remodel a bathroom in a day and the restrictions and possibilities with this quick turnaround, we asked experts for advice. Take a look at these tips that will help you make up your mind better.

What does a one day bathroom remodel mean?

A bathroom remodeling project is a crucial one as it can make the entire home come to a halt. In the process of designing the modern bathroom , you end up spending a few inconvenient days while the WC, lighting, paints, and more furnish the place. Largely, the goal of a one-day remodel is to upgrade the bathroom’s appearance quickly and efficiently without altering its layout or plumbing. This is not a project for when you want to undertake a full reno to give the space a brand-new look and feel.

'Very few designers have the experience of doing a one-day bathroom remodel as that's not an easy task,' says Lucie Ayres , founder of 22 Interiors. 'However, if the bathroom is in decent shape, I guess it is possible. This type of remodeling would only work if you're looking to make surface-level changes and not structural ones.'

What are some of the elements you can remodel in one day?

Amit Porwal and Preeti Porwal, founders of Icon Projects Inspace offer some easy upgrades that won't take up more than a day: 'Swap out old faucets, showerheads, and bathroom storage handles for modern, stylish alternatives,' they aver. 'You could also install chic vanity lights or add LED strip lighting around the mirror for a fresh, bright look.'

'Hardware aside, replacing the mirror with a statement piece, or adding a decorative frame to the existing one too can give the room a decorated look,' say Amit and Preeti. 'Or simply apply a new coat of paint or use peel-and-stick bathroom wallpaper to upgrade the room's look. This should take just a few hours. You could also use peel-and-stick tiles or a chic area rug to update the flooring without the hassle of a full renovation. Ensure all hardware, from towel racks to toilet paper holders, match and complement the overall design.'

'Also, re-glazing the tiles and tub could be an effective one-day update,' shares Lucie.' This should cost you a few hundred dollars, depending on the size of the space.'

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What are some roadblocks you can face with a one day remodel?

While the one-day remodel may seem like a stressful task to accomplish, experts also warn against these issues that could crop up during the process.

'Discovering water damage, mold, or plumbing issues in the bathroom as you begin the project is one of the biggest roadblocks to take into account,' offer Amit and Preeti. 'There's also a possibility of a time crunch and you might find you've run out of time to finish all tasks. There also could be material and tool shortages. You may have measured the bathroom wrong so now your bathroom vanity is bigger than expected! There could also be installation problems which could delay the reno. If yours is a small bathroom , there may be problems working efficiently inside a tight space which could lead to delays.'

How can you make surviving a bathroom remodel easier?

If you have specific ideas in mind and want your bathroom to look a certain way within the limited time frame of the reno, designers suggest you create a detailed mood board. This will be helpful when the remodeling is underway and no confusion is delaying the project.

'Define your vision,' suggest Amit and Preeti. 'We suggest using digital tools such as Canva or Pinterest to put together images of bathrooms, paint swatches, and more. No matter what type of changes you want to make, ensure that the entire room looks cohesive. Zero in on the key elements, and if possible, even gather material samples so you know exactly how the bathroom will look after the changes. Also, consider measuring the placement of new items so that there are no mistakes on the day of the reno. List all items you need and purchase them ahead of time. Set a timeline for the day, so you can plan the sequence of tasks to be completed within one day. Also, don't forget to consider the clean-up time.'

So, is a one day bathroom remodel worth it?

If your bathroom requires more extensive work or you have a larger budget for a more decorated space, then a more comprehensive remodel might be the better choice — so a 1-day remodel won't work. For a bathroom that needs just a light touch and upgrade, a one-day remodel may be possible.

If you’re looking for a quick, cost-effective way to update your bathroom color , knobs, bathroom lighting or even mirrors, you could consider a day's remodel. Do remember to get all the permit requirements beforehand otherwise the "one day" remodel could become three due to the inspections.

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How much does a one day bathroom remodel cost?

A one day remodel is usually more affordable and cost-effective, especially if you’re focusing on minor updates. For small bathrooms, it can cost anywhere between $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the materials used, your location and the contractors you employ. For a mid-range bathroom, it would be between $7,000 and $15,000.

Can you replace a walk in shower in a one day bathroom remodel?

No. A walk-in shower replacement takes about 3-6 days as many elements need to be considered. Not only do you need to re-tile the bathroom, install new showerheads, and insert an enclosure/partition, but you also need to ensure the plumbing works perfectly. Plus you could consider adding other shower features such as floating shelves, shower curtains, and more which would take more time.