Timelines & Scheduling
A shower remodel schedule, week by week
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Short answer
A typical single-shower remodel runs about two to three weeks of active work, plus glass. Week one is demolition, repairs and rough-in. Week two is waterproofing, tile and grout. Glass is templated after grout and installed one to three weeks later, with final trim after that.
Key takeaways
- Active work is measured in days, but cure times and glass lead time set the calendar.
- Waterproofing inspection or flood testing happens before any tile goes on.
- Grout and sealing need dry time before the shower is used.
- The shower is unusable for the whole run, so plan a second bathroom or a friend's.
- A firm start date matters more than an optimistic finish date.
Week one: demolition, repairs, rough-in
- Protection through the house and dust containment at the bathroom door
- Demolition of tile, pan and substrate down to framing
- Any framing or subfloor repair discovered at demolition, priced and approved first
- Plumbing rough-in: drain position, valve height, blocking for grab bars and bench
Week two: waterproofing and tile
The pan is built and sloped, the membrane goes on, corners and the drain are detailed, and the assembly is tested before tile. Then tile sets, cures, and gets grouted. This is the week where rushing shows up years later, so cure times are respected rather than compressed.
After tile: glass and trim
| Step | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template glass | 1-3 days after grout | Measured against the finished wall, not the plan |
| Glass fabrication | 1-3 weeks | Frameless and low-iron take longer |
| Glass install | Half a day | Silicone needs a cure period before use |
| Final trim and walkthrough | Same week | Fixtures, door hardware, punch list |
Frequently asked questions
- Can the shower be used before the glass arrives?
- Usually yes, once grout and any sealant have cured, with a temporary curtain. We will tell you the exact date it is safe to use.
- Do you work on more than one project at a time?
- We schedule so a bathroom has crew on it on consecutive working days rather than being opened up and left. That is the whole point of a firm start date.
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