One-Day Bathroom Remodels: Are They Worth It?
When it comes to home improvement, the bathroom is one of the most impactful spaces you can upgrade. But if the thought of a long, messy renovation keeps you from moving forward, you may be tempted by the promise of a one-day bathroom remodel. These fast-turnaround projects are marketed as convenient, affordable solutions, but are they truly worth it in the long run?
In this blog, we’ll break down what a one-day remodel really involves, explore the pros and cons, and help you decide whether it’s the right choice for your home or if a complete renovation is the better investment.
What is a One-Day Bathroom Remodel?
A one-day bathroom remodel is a project focused on efficiently updating or replacing specific elements like showers, vanities, or bathtubs. These remodels aim to minimize disruption and cut costs by completing a project in one day.
There are a couple of popular options when it comes to one-day bathroom remodels:
Tub-to-Shower Conversion: This is a common choice for homeowners who need to convert their space into a more functional bathroom. Tub-to-shower conversions involve removing the bathroom and installing a walk-in shower to make the room feel spacious and easily accessible. They’re also ideal for those who prefer showers over baths.
Shower Replacement: If homeowners want to update their bathroom efficiently, shower replacements are a solid option. Shower replacements include turning traditional showers into luxurious walk-in or tiled showers. Contractors will often consider size, layout, and personal style preferences.
Other one-day bathroom remodel tasks include replacing existing fixtures, installing or updating countertops, repainting walls, or adding new shelving.
The Pros & Cons of a One-Day Bathroom Remodel
Homeowners who want to save time and money rather than undergo a complete renovation often choose one-day bathroom remodels. While these projects offer certain benefits, they also neglect several vital elements. Let’s look at the pros and cons of one-day bathroom remodels to determine their worth.
3 Pros of One-Day Bathroom Remodels
Cost-Effective: The most significant reason homeowners feel drawn to one-day bathroom remodeling is its cost-effectiveness. One-day remodels cost an average of $6,000–$12,000. These low prices are due to the projects only involving surface-level changes compared to complex alterations requiring electrical rewiring or plumbing.
Minimal Disruption: Remodeling a bathroom in one day is a limited interruption to your daily routine, which is a significant pro of completing the whole job within 24 hours. If your house is busy, one-day bathroom remodeling could be a tempting offer.
Simple & Fast: One-day bathroom remodels have fast turnaround times, so you’ll enjoy the upgrades quickly. If you’re preparing a house to sell or want it to look suitable for guests arriving, a one-day refresh could be the solution you’re looking for.
3 Cons of One-Day Bathroom Remodels
Surface-Level Upgrades: While one-day bathroom remodels can give your space an aesthetic facelift, they don’t address deeper issues like hidden water leaks or old plumbing. This could lead to costly problems down the road and neglect long-term durability for the sake of finishing it within a short time frame.
Lower Quality Materials: One-day bathroom remodel contractors often use less-than-ideal materials conducive to fast turnaround times. Although one-day bathroom remodels may look nice at first, homeowners often need to replace materials more quickly than if they had done a complete renovation with a team prioritizing quality over time efficiency.
Limited Design & Customization: One-day remodels rely on off-the-shelf products, limiting your choices in style, materials, and finishes. Because one-day bathroom contractors are often pressed for time during these quick projects, the work may lack the craftsmanship and attention to detail that a complete remodel provides.
What is a Full Bathroom Remodel?
A full bathroom remodel involves completely renovating the entire bathroom. It often includes several changes, including the layout, plumbing, electrical wiring, fixtures, cabinetry, flooring, and more. Full bathroom remodelers take into account your stylistic preferences, layout, and upgrade choices, prioritizing quality and intentionality every step of the way. A complete bathroom remodel allows for a total transformation of the space and will enable you to create the bathroom of your dreams, from floor to ceiling.
There are a few steps involved in a full bathroom remodel:
Determine Your Goals: Decide what you want to achieve with your remodel. Are you looking for more storage, improved functionality, a spa-like retreat, or simply an updated look? Clarifying your goals will help guide every other decision.
Establish a Budget: Set a realistic budget that accounts for materials and labor, as well as potential unexpected expenses. Complete renovations usually cost around $15,000–$30,000 or more, so it’s essential to ensure you have the finances to complete the upgrade. This planning ensures you can prioritize the features that matter most without overspending.
Consult with the Design Team: Work with experienced designers and contractors to explore layout options, material choices, and finishes. Their expertise can help you balance style, function, and budget while bringing your vision to life.
Finalize the Plan: Once the design, materials, and schedule are confirmed, finalize the plan before construction begins. This step ensures everyone is aligned, minimizing delays and costly changes later in the process.
Compared to one-day bathroom remodels, complete renovations can take between 3 and 8 weeks or more, depending on the project's scope.
How Complete Bathroom Remodels Provide Long-Term Advantages
Complete bathroom remodels provide significant advantages that one-day renovations can’t offer:
Increased Home Value
While one-day remodels can provide a quick cosmetic refresh, they rarely add significant long-term value to your home. On the other hand, a complete remodel modernizes plumbing, layout, and finishes, creating a bathroom that appeals to future buyers and increases resale value.
Durability & Quality
One-day remodels often rely on prefabricated products that may not withstand years of daily use. Complete remodels use higher-quality materials and professional craftsmanship, resulting in a bathroom built to last and requiring fewer repairs over time. During a full renovation, contractors have the time to identify and correct underlying issues, including plumbing and electrical problems, enhancing overall functionality and safety.
Customized Bathroom Design
With a one-day bathroom remodel, your design options are limited to what’s available in pre-set packages. A complete renovation allows you to create a bathroom that fits your lifestyle, style preferences, and functional needs, from layout changes to custom finishes, giving you a truly personalized space you can enjoy for years.
Final Thoughts: One-Day Bathroom Remodels Aren’t Worth it for Lasting Value.
If you’re wondering whether a one-day bathroom remodel is worth it, the answer lies in your budget, goals, and timeframe. Although these projects can save time and money upfront, they often sacrifice long-term quality, leading to costly repairs, cookie-cutter designs, and surface-level fixes that don’t truly transform your bathroom. If you want a bathroom that only increases in value over time and meets your style preferences to a T, a complete renovation is what you’re looking for. Even with the higher upfront costs and longer time frame, the investment pays off through superior craftsmanship, long-lasting materials, and a space tailored to your lifestyle.
Do you want a team that delivers premier, comprehensive bathroom remodels built to last? At Elevated Kitchen & Bath, we provide superior bathroom remodels in Utah backed by expert craftsmanship, high-quality materials, a lifetime warranty, and a commitment to 100% satisfaction. Our projects stand the test of time—each space designed to look beautiful and function flawlessly for years to come. Contact us today to begin your full bathroom renovation in Utah and experience the difference.
