Planning a bathtub remodel is exciting, but most New Orleans homeowners want to know one thing before they commit: how long is this actually going to take?
The honest answer is that a standard bathtub remodel takes between 3 and 10 business days from demolition to final cleanup. When you factor in the planning, consultation, and material ordering phases before work begins, the full process typically spans 3 to 6 weeks from first call to finished bathroom.
In this guide, we walk you through every phase of a bathtub remodel so you know exactly what to expect, when to expect it, and how to keep your project on track.
Every successful remodel starts with a solid plan. During the first one to two weeks, you’ll connect with a remodeling professional who will evaluate your current bathroom and discuss your vision for the finished space.
Here’s what happens during the planning phase:
This phase is your opportunity to ask every question you have. A thorough consultation prevents delays later by catching problems before they become expensive surprises.
Once the plan is locked in, it’s time to choose your materials. This phase runs one to two weeks depending on what you select.
Standard materials like acrylic tubs, prefabricated surrounds, and common fixtures are usually available within a few days from local suppliers. Custom or specialty items like claw foot tub remodels, freestanding soaking tubs, or imported tile can take two to four weeks or longer to arrive.
During this phase, your contractor will also:
Pro tip: Choosing in-stock materials from your contractor’s preferred suppliers is one of the fastest ways to shorten your overall timeline.
This is when the transformation begins. On demo day, the crew arrives to remove your old bathtub, tear out the existing surround, and prepare the space for what comes next.
A typical demo day includes:
By the end of Day 1, you’ll have a blank canvas ready for the new installation.
Plumbing is the backbone of any bathtub remodel. If your existing plumbing is in good condition and the new tub has the same drain and supply line placement, this phase can wrap up quickly, often on the same day as demolition.
If your remodel involves moving the drain location, upgrading supply lines, or replacing corroded pipes, expect the plumbing phase to extend into Day 2. For homes that need a full plumbing overhaul, such as swapping old galvanized pipes for modern PEX or copper, this could take an additional day.
This is also the stage where your contractor addresses any code compliance updates required by the City of New Orleans.
With demolition complete and plumbing in place, the new bathtub goes in. This is the most exciting phase because your bathroom starts to take shape.
Installation includes:
Depending on the complexity of your surround material, installation may carry into Day 3.
The finishing phase turns a construction zone back into a bathroom. This is where the details come together:
Quality finishing work is what separates a professional remodel from a DIY project. It’s also what protects your investment from moisture infiltration for years to come.
The last phase is all about making sure everything works perfectly and leaving your bathroom spotless.
Not every bathtub remodel follows the standard five-day schedule. Here are common factors that can add time to your project:
The City of New Orleans permit process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the scope of work and current application volume. Planning ahead and working with a contractor who has established relationships with the permitting office helps speed this up.
When walls come down, surprises sometimes come out. Corroded pipes, improper previous repairs, or outdated drain configurations may require additional plumbing work that wasn’t visible during the initial consultation.
Specialty tubs, imported tile, or custom glass enclosures can take three to six weeks to arrive. If you have your heart set on a specific material, order early.
Water damage to floor joists, subfloor rot, or termite damage in the framing can add one to three days for repair work before the new installation can proceed.
Homes built before the 1960s often have non-standard framing, lead paint, or asbestos-containing materials that require special handling. These situations add time and cost but are critical for your family’s safety.
Remodeling in New Orleans comes with a unique set of conditions that affect project timelines. Understanding these upfront helps you set realistic expectations.
New Orleans’ subtropical humidity means adhesives, grout, caulk, and mortar take longer to cure than they would in drier climates. Your contractor may build in extra drying time between phases, particularly for tile installations and waterproofing membranes. Rushing this step leads to premature failure, so patience pays off.
The City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits handles residential remodeling permits. Turnaround times vary, but most standard bathtub remodel permits are processed within one to two weeks. Your contractor should submit permit applications during the material ordering phase so permits are in hand before demo day.
New Orleans is a city of historic homes. From shotgun doubles in the Bywater to raised cottages in Mid-City, many of these houses have plumbing systems that have been patched, rerouted, and repaired over the course of a century. A bathtub replacement in these homes almost always uncovers something unexpected. Working with a contractor experienced in older New Orleans construction helps manage these surprises without blowing up your timeline.
Summer months bring both peak humidity and hurricane season. While most remodels proceed without weather-related delays, it’s worth noting that severe storms can interrupt material deliveries and inspector availability. Spring and fall tend to be the ideal seasons for bathroom remodeling in the Greater New Orleans area.
A smooth timeline doesn’t happen by accident. Here’s how to keep your bathtub remodel moving efficiently:
At TurnKey Bathtubs, we’ve built our reputation on delivering bathtub remodels that are on time, on budget, and done right the first time. Here’s what sets us apart:
Whether you need a straightforward tub swap, a bathtub refinishing to refresh your existing tub, or a complete bathtub installation with custom surround, we handle every detail so you don’t have to.
If your tub has minor damage, we also offer bathtub repairs that can restore your existing fixture without the time and expense of a full remodel.
TurnKey Bathtubs proudly serves homeowners throughout the Greater New Orleans metro area, including:
Metairie | Kenner | Gretna | Harvey | Slidell | Covington | Mandeville | Madisonville | Hammond | LaPlace | River Ridge | St. Rose | Baton Rouge
No matter where you are in the Greater New Orleans area, our team delivers the same professional service, transparent pricing, and quality craftsmanship.
A standard bathtub remodel takes 3 to 5 business days for the active construction phase. When you include the planning, consultation, and material ordering stages, the entire process from first call to finished bathroom typically spans 3 to 6 weeks.
You will not be able to use the bathtub or shower in the bathroom being remodeled. However, the toilet and sink may remain functional for part of the process depending on the scope of work. We recommend arranging access to a second bathroom during the project.
If the project involves plumbing modifications, you will likely need a permit from the City of New Orleans. TurnKey Bathtubs handles the entire permitting process on your behalf so you don’t have to navigate city offices.
The most common causes of timeline extensions are hidden plumbing issues discovered after demolition, delayed material deliveries, permit processing times, and structural problems like subfloor rot or water-damaged framing. Working with an experienced contractor minimizes these risks.
Yes, significantly. Bathtub refinishing can typically be completed in a single day, making it an excellent alternative if your tub is structurally sound but has cosmetic issues like stains, chips, or a dated color.
The first step is a free, no-obligation consultation. Contact us to schedule an in-home assessment where we’ll evaluate your space, discuss your goals, and provide a detailed estimate with a projected timeline. Visit our FAQ page for more answers to common questions, or check out our project gallery to see our completed work.
Ready to transform your bathroom on a timeline that works for you? TurnKey Bathtubs makes the remodeling process simple, predictable, and stress-free.
Call us today at (504) 666-3779 or schedule your free estimate online.
TurnKey Bathtubs is New Orleans’ #1 bathtub services provider, proudly serving the Greater New Orleans area with licensed, professional bathtub remodeling, installation, refinishing, and repair services.
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