Your Bath Transformation: Is a 1-Day Remodel Too Fast?

You’ve probably seen the ads promising a brand-new bath or shower in just one day. It sounds almost too good to be true—and honestly, it often is. 

While the idea of a fast, hassle-free remodel is appealing, many homeowners don’t realize the shortcuts some of these companies take to deliver speed over quality. From flimsy materials to improper installation, a one-day bath remodel can lead to costly problems down the road.

At Joyce Windows, Sunrooms & Baths we understand that no one wants a drawn-out renovation process. A bathroom is one of the most important spaces in your home, and being without it for too long can be a major inconvenience. That’s why so many people are tempted by the promise of a quick fix. 

But what’s more frustrating than a longer project? Having to redo a poor-quality job just a few years later, ending up costing you even more time, money, and stress.

Understanding the differences allows you to confidently choose the option that best suits your needs, budget, and long-term goals.

1-Day Bath Remodel Is Fast

A one-day bath remodel is designed for speed and convenience. This option particularly appeals to homeowners who want to minimize disruption in their daily routine. 

A one-day remodel typically involves installing a new tub or shower system over the existing space or using acrylic or composite materials custom-fitted to the bathroom’s dimensions. This streamlined process allows for quick installation. Completing the transformation in a single day is a significant advantage for those with a busy lifestyle or only one bathroom in the house. 

While a one-day remodeling might sound convenient, it comes with potential downsides that homeowners should consider. 

Beware of Rushed Bath or Shower Installation

One-day remodels often prioritize speed over precision. Contractors may cut corners to meet the tight deadline, leading to improper sealing, uneven surfaces, or overlooked details. The scope of work is generally more focused on surface-level updates rather than structural or plumbing modifications. If a bathroom has underlying issues such as water damage, mold, or outdated plumbing, a one-day remodel may not effectively address these concerns. 

One-day bath remodel companies sometimes cut corners by partially removing walls, skipping drain and plumbing replacements, avoiding leak tests, and using inadequate materials like ¾” plywood instead of proper blocking for seating, shelving, and grab bars—all to save time. This not only voids manufacturer warranties but also leads to frustrating finger-pointing when issues arise since the work is subcontracted.

What they may not mention is that their “one-day” install often stretches to 14+ hours, meaning installers could be in your home from 7 AM until 8-10 PM, rushing to finish before moving on to the next job the following morning. These crews are heavily bonuses on completing the job fast within the one-day visit, not on the quality of their work.

Furthermore, faster installations can mean less durable results, requiring repairs or replacements sooner than expected. If problems are missed or not properly sealed during the rapid installation, you might face more expensive repairs down the road. 

Take this real reviews from homeowners who used two different one-day bath remodeling companies:

I'm very disappointed in the final product. While the bulk of the job appears satisfactory there is no attention to detail as the crew was in a big hurry to get out the door and on the road to tomorrow's job. Corners are sloppy and there are big gaps between the wall and the beauty strips. 

It’s what I expected from a shop at home company. Sales rep was nice but far from a professional contractor and knew little about the construction field or how to approach solving my problems long term. Just another measure and thorough out a price to see if it sticks company. They tried to approach my project with a bandaid approach quick, fast, and way over priced!!! 

2-Day Bath Remodel: Still Fast, Quality Focused

On the other hand, a two-day bath remodel balances efficiency with a more thorough renovation process. While still faster than a full-scale bathroom remodel, a two-day project allows for additional work, such as minor plumbing updates, wall reinforcements, and proper installation techniques. 

The extra day allows for better craftsmanship and attention to detail. Installers have time to inspect and address any underlying issues like water damage, mold, or plumbing concerns before installing new materials. Extra time ensures accurate measurements and meticulous finishing work, resulting in a polished, long-lasting remodel.

A thorough two-day bath remodel ensures that proper sealing and waterproofing is complete. Techniques used to provide a high-quality installation, like setting tubs and bases in a mortar bed, cannot be done without the overnight dry time for the mortar to set. Instead, tubs and bases are just glued to the floor. The mortar bed setting of tubs and bases has been done for over 100 years and is a trademark of old-school craftsmanship. 

 Ensuring that waterproof barriers are correctly installed and tested to prevent leaks or future damage greatly decreases the chance of future expensive repairs.

2-Day Bath Remodels Take Longer: The Downside

Of course, the downside to a two-day bath remodel is the additional time required. While it’s still a relatively short turnaround, homeowners must plan for at least two days of limited bathroom access. This may be a minor inconvenience for households with multiple bathrooms but could be more challenging for those with only one.

Unexpectedly, even a two-day job can turn into a three-day job if unexpected problems are found. The key is you want someone to take however long it takes for them to transform your bathroom with lasting quality. Would you shop for a cardiologist based on how fast they complete your heart bypass or how fast they work?

Is a One-Day Bath Remodel Your Best Choice?

At Joyce, we believe in doing things the right way—not the fastest way. Our expert team ensures that your bath remodel is built to last, using high-quality materials and proper installation techniques. We focus on long-term value, not just quick turnarounds, so you can enjoy a beautiful, durable bathroom without worrying about future repairs. Cutting corners isn't worth it when it comes to something as important as your home.

Ultimately, choosing between a one-day and a two-day bath remodel comes down to priorities. If speed and minimal disruption are the primary concerns, a one-day remodel could be your choice. A two-day remodel provides the best of both worlds for homeowners looking for a bit more thorough process and the ability to address minor updates that might not be visible until demolition. 

Are you interested in learning about our bath installation process? Read our Bath Installation Guide to take the next step toward understanding it.