One-Day Bathroom Remodels — Worth It or Not?

Question

Looking for feedback from the real estate community.

Has anyone used a one-day bathroom remodeling company for a rental property or investment property? I'm considering updating a bathroom and would like to hear real-world experiences.

• How was the quality of the work?
• Did it hold up over time with tenant use?
• Was it truly completed in one day?
• Was the cost worth it compared to a traditional remodel?
• Any companies you would recommend or avoid?

I'm looking for something durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective for a rental unit. Any insights, photos, or lessons learned would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance! 🏠🔨

Richard F. · Answer

@Mario Morales, you state "Needs to be renovated", which tells me this will be done during a vacancy. Why pay the premium for a "one day" job, when there is no need for the rush? Most likely a job like that they will minimally address the actual plumbing, which, if the existing "needs" reno, you can bet the pipes need a hard look and most likely replacement. If you do NOT deal with the fundamental piping now, you will be tearing out most if not all of whatever "new" work you actually do, to replace them in the near future.

You want durable, low maintenance, cost effective...nothing meets those criteria better than a standard tub/shower combo or walk in shower. All ceramic tile walls should be backed with hardi board; choice of shower pan materials, either copper or a neoprene/rubberized flexible product with ceramic tile for shower floor as well; or an Americast cast iron/porcelain bathtub. Properly installed, AFTER having replaced waste lines, supply lines, and shower riser as determined necessary based on type of existing; along with new faucet assemblies. Depending on your choice of ceramic tile and fixtures vs. more costly finishes and fixtures the cost can vary from quite reasonable to extravagant. BUT, it will last 30 years with minimal maintenance regardless of those two choices. Cutting corners elsewhere, such as with plastic, fiberglass, Corian, or other options for the surround will last 10 years or less due to deterioration of the significantly less durable surfaces.

Improperly installed, or cheap, plastic or fiberglass "kits" will rarely last 5 years without becoming very dull due to improper cleaning processes; and often actually cracking due to inadequate support or just poor material. They are also more likely to leak into the cavity below and behind the space.

Once you demo the old tub and surround out, address all pipe, framing, and subflooring issues. Once ready for install, two days work tops; three days for everything, typically.

Drew Sygit · Answer

First, what analysis have you done to calculate the expected ROI on redoing the bathroom?

How much will it ACTUALLY increase rent?- Find at least 5 competing rentals in the area and check out their bathrooms vs rents

How much will it increase the property value?- Find at least 5 competing properties for sale or sold, in the area, and check out their bathrooms vs price.

One challenge of all this - just redoing a bathroom, when the rest of the home is below the neighborhood standard, is unlikely to improve rent or value.FYI - kitchen improvements typically have a better ROI than bathroom improvements.

Now, regarding one-day companies - time is money. These companies typically charge more for the convenience of speed!Also, gotta imagine they will cut corners, here & there, to get it done quickly - or find a problem that "justifies" a an extra day or more.

Hopefully, if you do this, you're planning to do it between tenants. So, why would you NEED to pay more to have it done in one day?

A week or two is typical timeline to complete a bathroom. How long do you typically take to RentReady between tenants? Will it really take that much longer to redo the bathroom?

How much will you potentially lose in rent over that time difference?

Jim Johnson · Answer

I've looked at a few of these over the years, and my takeaway is that they can make sense for rental properties when the goal is speed, durability, and minimizing vacancy—not necessarily creating a high-end bathroom.

The biggest advantage I've seen is getting a unit back on the market quickly. A traditional remodel can drag on for weeks, while a one-day system can significantly reduce downtime if the existing plumbing layout is staying the same.

That said, I'd pay close attention to the materials and warranty. Some hold up very well under tenant use, while others can start showing wear sooner than expected. The quality often depends more on the installer and product line than the "one-day" concept itself.

For a rental, I'd be comparing the total cost against the lost rent from an extended renovation. Sometimes the faster turnaround ends up being the better financial decision even if the upfront cost is a little higher.

Mario Morales · Answer

Thanks Drew, a lot of good information you provided. Bathroom needs to be renovated, so exploring options based on peoples experience. Definetly pro's and con's to the 1-day remodel.

One-Day Bathroom Remodels — Worth It or Not?

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