How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take?

If you’ve been researching wet area remodeling timelines, you’ve probably encountered confusing information ranging from “one day” to “several weeks.” The truth is, when you focus specifically on tub and shower remodeling—not full bathroom renovations—the timeline becomes much clearer and faster. At Express Bath, we specialize exclusively in wet area transformations across Alabama, and we’ve streamlined our process to minimize disruption to your daily routine.

Why We Focus Only on Wet Areas

Unlike companies that tackle entire bathroom renovations, Express Bath specializes in what we do best: tub-to-shower conversions, shower replacements, and bathtub installations. This focused approach means:

• Shorter project timelines since we’re not dealing with flooring, electrical rewiring, or major plumbing relocations
• Specialized expertise in the specific challenges of wet area installation
• Streamlined processes that eliminate the coordination headaches of multi-trade projects
• Predictable schedules without the variables that come with full bathroom gut jobs

Express Bath Wet Area Timeline at a Glance

Here’s what Alabama homeowners can expect for our specialized wet area projects:

• Tub-to-shower conversion: 1-2 days of installation after planning
• Shower replacement: 1-3 days depending on configuration
• Walk-in tub installation: 1-2 days for standard installations
• Shower wall and base system: 1-2 days for most configurations

The key advantage? While other companies promise “express” service but still require weeks of multi-trade coordination, our wet area focus means the actual construction disruption is typically under one week.

Phase-by-Phase: Your Express Bath Wet Area Remodel

1. Design & Consultation (1-2 weeks)

Your project begins with a free in-home consultation where we measure your existing wet area and discuss your vision. Since we’re not redesigning entire bathrooms, this phase moves quickly. We focus on:

• Measuring your current tub or shower footprint
• Discussing accessibility needs and preferences
• Selecting from our proven wet area solutions
• Creating your custom design within our specialized scope

2. Product Selection & Manufacturing (1-2 weeks)

Express Bath partners with regional suppliers to minimize lead times for our most popular wet area systems. Our focused inventory means:

• In-stock acrylic systems typically arrive within 5-7 business days
• Custom-sized panels for unique dimensions take 10-14 days
• Walk-in tubs with standard features ship within 2 weeks
• Specialty grab bars and fixtures are usually available immediately

3. Permits & Preparation (3-5 days)

Since we’re working within existing wet area footprints, permitting is typically straightforward. Express Bath handles:

• Pulling necessary permits for plumbing modifications
• Coordinating with local inspectors in Birmingham, Huntsville, and other Alabama cities
• Scheduling around your availability
• Preparing your space for minimal disruption

4. Installation Phase (1-3 days)

This is where Express Bath’s wet area specialization really shines:

Day 1: Demolition & Prep

• Remove existing tub or shower (2-4 hours)
• Assess and prepare plumbing connections
• Clean and prep the installation area
• Set up dust barriers to protect the rest of your home

Day 1-2: Installation

• Install new shower base or tub
• Mount wall panels or tile wet area walls
• Connect plumbing fixtures and controls
• Install safety features like grab bars

Day 2-3: Finishing

• Complete caulking and sealing
• Install shower doors or curtain rods
• Final cleanup and inspection
• Walk-through with homeowner

5. Final Inspection & Cleanup (Same day)

Express Bath considers the job complete only when:

• All installations meet our quality standards
• Your wet area is fully functional
• The workspace is thoroughly cleaned
• You’re completely satisfied with the result

Total Timeline: 2-4 Weeks Door-to-Door

From your initial consultation to enjoying your new wet area, most Express Bath projects complete in 2-4 weeks total. The actual installation disruption? Usually 1-3 days.

We believe in giving you honest, realistic timelines that account for proper preparation, quality installation, and thorough cleanup. When we say 2-4 weeks, we mean it—no surprises, no delays, and no cutting corners. Our timeline includes everything from design consultation through final cleanup, ensuring you know exactly what to expect every step of the way.

What Can Extend Your Wet Area Timeline?

Even with our specialized focus, some factors can add time:

• Plumbing surprises: Older homes may need updated supply lines or drain modifications
• Structural issues: Water damage or settling that requires attention before installation
• Custom sizing: Non-standard tub or shower dimensions requiring special manufacturing
• Accessibility modifications: Additional blocking or reinforcement for grab bars and safety features
• Permit delays: Occasional processing delays during holidays or busy periods

How Express Bath Keeps Wet Area Projects On Track

Our Alabama-tested system for reliable wet area remodeling:

Local Wet Area Inventory

We maintain strategic partnerships with regional suppliers throughout Alabama and the Southeast who specialize in our most popular wet area configurations. This means we keep frequently requested shower bases, wall panels, and tub systems in stock at nearby warehouses, dramatically reducing lead times. Instead of waiting weeks for materials to ship from distant manufacturing facilities, we can typically source your wet area components within days. Our inventory management system tracks demand patterns across Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and surrounding areas, so we anticipate which products Alabama homeowners prefer and keep them readily available. This regional approach eliminates the shipping delays that can derail project timelines.

Wet Area Installation Teams

Our crews focus exclusively on tub and shower installations. This specialization means:

• No waiting for teams to finish kitchen or full bathroom projects
• Expertise in wet area-specific challenges
• Consistent quality across all installations

Weather-Resistant Scheduling

Alabama’s climate can affect traditional bathroom remodeling, but wet area work is largely interior-focused, allowing us to maintain schedules regardless of weather.

Streamlined Communication

With one project manager focused on wet area installations, there’s no confusion between multiple trades or competing priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why doesn’t Express Bath do full bathroom remodels? A: Our specialization in wet areas allows us to offer faster timelines, predictable pricing, and superior expertise in tub and shower installations. When companies try to do everything—flooring, electrical, plumbing, tile work, vanities—they often struggle with coordination between multiple trades, leading to delays and communication issues. By focusing exclusively on what we do best, we can guarantee our timelines, maintain consistent quality, and offer competitive pricing. Our crews are wet area specialists who have perfected techniques for shower installations, tub conversions, and walk-in tub setups. This focused expertise means fewer surprises, faster completion, and installations that last for decades.

Q: Can you really install a new shower in one day? A: For standard tub-to-shower conversions where plumbing doesn’t need relocation, absolutely. Our teams have perfected this process through thousands of installations across Alabama. The key is preparation—we pre-measure everything, have materials ready, and our crews know exactly what to expect. A typical one-day conversion involves removing your old tub in the morning, installing the new shower base and wall system, connecting existing plumbing, and completing final touches by late afternoon. However, if your project requires plumbing modifications, electrical work, or structural repairs, we’ll be upfront about needing additional time. Quality is never compromised for speed.

Q: What about my toilet and vanity during the wet area remodel? A: We work around your existing toilet and vanity, focusing only on the wet area. Your toilet remains fully functional throughout the entire project—you’ll never be without this essential fixture. Your vanity and sink may have brief interruptions if we need to access plumbing connections, but we coordinate these disruptions to minimize inconvenience, often scheduling them during times when you’re at work or away from home. We protect all surrounding areas with plastic sheeting and ensure your bathroom remains as functional as possible during the installation process.

Q: How do you handle Alabama’s humidity during installation? A: Alabama’s climate presents unique challenges that we’ve learned to navigate over years of local installations. Our wet area materials are specifically chosen for high-humidity environments—our acrylic systems won’t warp, crack, or develop mold issues like some materials can in our climate. During installation, we use industrial ventilation fans to maintain proper air circulation and ensure optimal curing conditions for adhesives and sealants. We also schedule installations to work with Alabama’s weather patterns, avoiding the most humid periods when possible. Our experience in cities like Mobile and Montgomery, where humidity levels are consistently high, has taught us the best practices for ensuring long-lasting installations regardless of weather conditions.

Q: Will my water be shut off during the installation? A: Water service to your bathroom will be temporarily interrupted during the installation process, typically for 4-6 hours while we connect new plumbing fixtures. However, we coordinate with you to schedule this disruption at the most convenient time, often while you’re at work or away from home. The rest of your home’s water service remains unaffected. We also provide advance notice so you can plan accordingly—perhaps scheduling the work for a day when you’ll be out, or making arrangements to use another bathroom or shower facility temporarily.

Q: What happens if you discover problems during demolition? A: Occasionally, removing an old tub or shower reveals underlying issues like water damage, outdated plumbing, or structural concerns that weren’t visible during our initial assessment. When this happens, we stop work immediately and discuss the situation with you. We provide clear explanations of what we’ve found, why it needs attention, and what options are available. Our goal is always transparency—we’ll never proceed with additional work without your explicit approval and understanding of any timeline or cost implications. Most issues can be resolved within our original timeline, but we believe in honest communication about any complications that arise.

Q: Do you handle permits and inspections? A: Yes, Express Bath handles all permit applications and coordinates with local building departments throughout Alabama. We’re familiar with requirements in Birmingham, Huntsville, Madison, Montgomery, and other cities where we work regularly. Our team submits all necessary paperwork, schedules required inspections, and ensures compliance with local building codes. This service is included in our project management—you never have to worry about navigating municipal requirements or ensuring compliance. We also stay current on any changes to local regulations that might affect wet area installations.

Q: What if I’m not satisfied with the timeline or quality? A: Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we stand behind both our timeline commitments and installation quality. If we’re running behind schedule due to issues on our end, we’ll communicate proactively and work extra hours to get back on track. Our lifetime warranty covers all installation work, and we address any quality concerns immediately. We’re not satisfied until you’re completely happy with both the process and the results. Our reputation in Alabama communities depends on delivering exactly what we promise, when we promise it.

Get Your Wet Area Remodel Started

Express Bath’s focused approach to wet area remodeling means you get the bathroom upgrade you want with minimal disruption to your daily routine. Our specialized process eliminates the unknowns and delays that come with full bathroom renovations.

Ready to transform your tub or shower area? Schedule your free consultation today and discover how quickly we can bring your wet area vision to life.