Planning a Bathroom Remodel Before the Holidays? Start by September

Short answer: If you want a bathroom remodel finished before Thanksgiving, late summer is the time to start. A tub-to-shower conversion or walk-in shower may take only a day or two on site once work begins, but the calendar starts earlier: consultation, measurements, design choices, product ordering, and installation scheduling all come first.

That lead time is easy to underestimate. Homeowners often picture the demolition and installation because that is the part they can see. The quieter steps before installation are what determine whether a project lands comfortably before the holidays or turns into a last-minute scramble.

Here is how to plan it honestly.

How early should you book a bathroom remodel before Thanksgiving?

For a Thanksgiving goal, start your consultation by late summer or early September. That does not mean every project takes months of construction. It means you are giving yourself room to make good decisions and allowing the products chosen for your bathroom to arrive before an installation date is locked in.

A typical planning sequence looks like this:

1. In-home consultation. We look at the actual room, listen to what is not working, and talk through the level of remodeling you want.
2. Measurements and design choices. Wall system, base or tub, fixtures, storage, grab bars, seating, and doors all need to fit the space and work together.
3. Final order and scheduling. Materials are ordered for the project, and the installation is placed on the calendar.
4. On-site work. Many focused wet-area projects move quickly once the crew starts. A more extensive remodel can take longer.

Starting early gives you time to choose the right shower wall, fixtures, and safety features without settling for whatever can arrive fastest. It also leaves breathing room if the room reveals an issue that was not visible before work began.

How long does a tub-to-shower conversion actually take?

Many tub-to-shower conversions take about one or two days on site once installation begins. The old tub and wall surround come out, the plumbing area is prepared, the new base and wall system go in, and the fixtures, accessories, and shower door are finished.

That is the focused version of the project: replace the wet area and keep the rest of the bathroom largely intact. It is a good fit when the vanity, toilet, flooring, and lighting are still doing their jobs.

A full bathroom remodel is different. Moving plumbing, replacing flooring, changing electrical work, installing a new vanity, or repairing more of the room adds time. During the consultation, we separate the must-haves from the nice-to-haves and explain what each choice does to the schedule.

The useful question is not simply, “How many days will someone be in my house?” It is, “What needs to happen between today and the first day of installation?”

What should you decide before the consultation?

You do not need to arrive with a finished design. A short list of priorities is more useful than a folder full of inspiration photos.

Think about these questions:

• Is the main problem the high step over the tub?
• Do you want a shower seat now, or blocking for one later?
• Where do your hands naturally reach when you enter, turn, or stand up?
• Is scrubbing grout the maintenance problem you most want to eliminate?
• Does the room need a full refresh, or is the wet area the real issue?
• Will visiting family use the bathroom during the holidays?

Those answers point the design in the right direction. We can bring samples and help with the rest at your home, where the lighting, layout, and existing finishes are right in front of us.

Can a safer shower still look like a normal bathroom?

Absolutely. Good aging-in-place design does not have to look institutional.

A lower threshold removes the awkward climb over a tub wall. A handheld showerhead makes it easier to rinse while sitting or standing. Finished grab bars can match the rest of the fixtures. A seat can be built into the design instead of added as an afterthought.

The most important part of a grab bar is behind the wall. It needs to be anchored into proper blocking so it can do its job when someone puts real weight on it. During a remodel, the wall is already open, which is the right time to put that support where it belongs.

If safety is part of the reason for the project, explore our accessible bathroom options. We can plan for what you need now and what may make the room easier to use later.

Are grout-free shower walls easier to maintain?

Yes. Solid-surface shower walls are popular because there are no grout lines to scrub, seal, or regrout.

Excel Shower & Bath installs Onyx Collection and Bath Concepts wall systems. Both are designed for a clean, low-maintenance shower. Onyx is a custom solid-surface option with a substantial feel and a wide range of colors and finishes. Bath Concepts offers acrylic wall systems with plenty of patterns and practical choices.

The right one depends on your room, preferences, and budget. We bring samples so you can see the surfaces in your own light instead of trying to choose from a small screen.

What can throw a holiday timeline off course?

Three things cause most avoidable delays.

First, waiting to schedule the consultation until the calendar already feels tight. Second, changing major product choices after the order is placed. Third, expanding a wet-area project into a full-room remodel without adjusting the expected timeline.

There can also be hidden conditions behind an old tub or wall. No responsible contractor should promise that every wall is perfect before it is opened. What matters is having a clear plan for how discoveries are explained and handled.

We would rather give you a realistic schedule than sell you a date that sounds good. Starting early creates the margin to handle the project properly.

What is included in Excel’s August bath offer?

For qualifying bath projects contracted in August 2026, Excel’s monthly promotion includes 15% off the total project price. A qualifying tub-to-shower or shower remodel also includes up to two professionally installed grab bars with the required wall blocking and a Moen Verso handheld showerhead at no charge.

15% off applies to new bath, window and door projects contracted between August 1–31, 2026. Siding and roofing projects are not eligible. Cannot be combined with another monthly promotion. Standing discounts — senior, military, first responder, repeat customer, and referral credit — still apply, up to a maximum combined discount; your design consultant will confirm what applies to your project. Not valid on projects quoted, contracted, or completed before August 1, 2026, and cannot be applied retroactively to an existing contract. One monthly promotion per project. Discount applies to the total project price and must appear on the signed contract. Grab bars and handheld showerhead are part of this promotion, not a separate offer, and are included with qualifying bath projects contracted in August 2026. Maximum two grab bars per project, professionally installed with required wall blocking included.

Ready to get the bathroom on the calendar?

Excel Shower & Bath has been family-owned in Tinley Park since 1982. We serve Orland Park, Frankfort, Mokena, and communities throughout Chicagoland’s south suburbs.

Schedule a free in-home bathroom design consultation and we will measure the space, bring samples, and give you a realistic plan for the project. No pressure, and no guesswork.