Is a One-Day Bathroom Remodel Too Good to Be True?

You’re on the hunt for a bathroom remodel near me, and a certain service has caught your eye: the one-day shower or tub remodel. The thing is, not every company you’re considering seems to offer that, even if they mention that they can often complete a tub or shower install in as little as one day. Is the one-day bathroom remodel too good to be true? Is it a marketing ploy? A red flag? Or, is it the service that can best suit your needs?

With over two decades of experience, ZINTEX Remodeling Group is one of those bathroom remodeling companies that doesn’t market a one-day remodel, not because it isn’t possible, but because it isn’t possible every time. Keep reading to learn more about what happens during a bathroom remodel and why we prefer not to promise a one-day turnover.

Table of Contents

1.  What Happens During a Bathroom Renovation Install?
2.  Can Bathrooms Be Remodeled in One Day?
3.  Bathroom Contractor Red Flags to Avoid

What Happens During a Bathroom Remodel Installation?

You probably know that just about every bathroom remodel company will start your remodel process with a free consultation. During that time, you can discuss the problems you’re having with your current bathroom and the vision you have for your bathroom renovation. You should walk away with an accurate project estimate and a sense of whether or not that company is the right one for you.

The question is, what happens next? A bathroom remodel installation should consist of these key steps:

1. Demolition of existing materials: your installation team will remove any old materials that they’re replacing and dispose of them properly on your behalf.
2. As-needed structural repairs and upgrades: assuming it’s within their scope of experience and licensing, your installation team will address any structural issues, such as water damaged support beams or corroded pipes.
3. Installation of new materials: your installation team will install all new materials, such as your new walk-in shower or bathtub replacement, non-slip flooring, or vanities and sinks.
4. Post-renovation cleanup: your installation team should leave your home as clean as they found it and ensure that your new bathroom features are ready to use.
5. New bathroom walkthrough: to ensure that your bathroom customizations meet your expectations, your installation team will show you your new bathroom features and answer any questions you may have. This is especially important if you’re investing in an accessible bathroom remodel with features like grab bars or a hydrotherapy walk-in tub.

For a detailed list of walk-in shower installation steps, check out this guide.

Can My Tub or Shower Be Installed in One Day?

Chances are, your full bathroom remodel timeline will be anywhere from 3 days to a full week, depending on the scope of the project. When bathroom remodeling companies boast a one-day remodel, they’re typically referring to a one-day shower or one-day bath installation. Is this reasonable?

A ZINTEX shower remodel can often be completed in one day, but we generally don’t like to advertise our services as one-day bathroom remodeling services. Why? 

We plan meticulously to prevent things like delays, but the unexpected can still occur. For example, we may discover during demolition that you have old plumbing that needs more work than anticipated. Rarely will this kind of situation add more than a day to your remodel, but that still means that you’re looking at two days total. The alternative would be to speed through your installation process, which would sacrifice quality and craftsmanship.

In other words, calling it a one-day remodel has the potential to become false advertising, even when your bathroom remodeling company has the best of intentions.

Bathroom Remodeling Company Red Flags to Look Out For

If a bathroom remodeling company is advertising a one-day shower or one-day tub, that isn’t inherently a red flag. However, you may want to ask how often they’re actually able to complete those remodels in one day, and how they ensure that quality is never compromised in the process of meeting the one-day mark.

What are some of the red flags you should typically steer clear of? Some of the top bathroom remodeling company red flags include:

Looking for an Affordable Shower Remodel Near Me? ZINTEX Can Help

Can you get a new tub or shower installed in a single day? You absolutely can. That said, we don’t like to set up false expectations. While we tend to finish our new shower and tub installs in one day, we know that the unexpected can require additional time to navigate without sacrificing quality.

Having completed over 15,000 bathroom renovations, ZINTEX Remodeling Group knows that the timeline is only one of many important considerations customers have when scheduling their remodel. Cost is another, and arguably the most important. Take a look at our guide to building a better shower remodel budget.

FAQs About One-Day Shower Remodels

Q: Are one-day bathroom remodels less expensive?

A one-day shower or tub remodel is not necessarily less expensive than a walk-in shower or tub remodel that isn’t advertised that way. However, some companies may limit things like accessories and other customizations for their one-day remodels, which would make it easier to get the remodel done in that time. If you’re limited to standard design options, it will probably cost less than a more customizable tub or shower.

Q: How long is the lead time after my bathroom consultation?

Whether or not you schedule a one-day remodel, there’s a difference between the installation timeline and the overall timeline, which will include lead time (the weeks it takes to prepare for your installation after you sign your contract). A typical lead time is about four to six weeks. With our Quick Ship Program, you can cut this lead time in half and go from contract to install in three weeks or less.

Q: Which shower wall material is fastest to install?

Shower wall panels are almost always faster to install than something like tile, which requires a piecemeal approach. You can find shower wall panels in materials like acrylic (a mid-range option) or natural stone (a high-end or luxury option).