Common Bathroom Remodel Delays in Gilbert and How to Avoid Them

A bathroom remodel in Gilbert can make a home feel more comfortable, especially during the cooler winter months when we tend to spend more time indoors. While January and February are good times to start a remodel, before things heat up and schedules get packed, this time of year comes with its own delays. Some of these issues are easy to prepare for, but others can catch homeowners off guard if planning isn’t handled early on.

Whether it’s a long wait on tile deliveries or missing a chance to book an inspector in time, small delays can stretch out a project and throw off plans. That’s why it helps to spot the typical issues now and figure out how to avoid them before work starts. We’ve gathered a handful of situations that tend to slow things down in Gilbert around this time of year and how to get ahead of them.

Getting Plans Finalized Before Work Starts

The early planning stage often sets the tone for how smooth the rest of the remodel will go. If the design or layout changes halfway through construction, it can cause a full stop until new pieces are ordered or measurements are updated.

• Picking materials too quickly or skipping layout walk-throughs may lead to last-minute changes during the build

• Missing key decisions around hardware, finishes, or cabinet styles can delay ordering windows for install

• Not including final measurements upfront could mean cabinet fabricators or tile suppliers need to restart a job

Permits are another area where delays sneak in. In Gilbert, permits are required for most plumbing and electrical changes during a bathroom remodel. When the plans aren't finalized right away, the whole process, submitting, reviewing, and getting approvals, gets pushed back. Instead of starting work at the end of January, you might find yourself waiting into February just to break ground.

Blox Builders handles every phase of the design and permitting process, providing clients with full-service project management. Our knowledge of local requirements means you will not be held up by unexpected paperwork or regulatory issues.

Ordering Products Too Late

Waiting to order items until demolition is finished feels like a way to keep things flexible, but it usually backfires. Many of the materials that go into bathroom remodels, like vanities, specialty tile, and glass, take time to arrive. And if you're going with something custom, the lead time stretches even longer.

• Tiles or countertops may be backordered, especially popular ones after holiday sales

• Some items may arrive damaged or in the wrong color or size and need to be returned

• Glass pieces, like shower surrounds, often need custom measurements taken post-demolition, which adds more turnaround time

Early-year supply chains also tend to move slower. With fewer shipments running in January and many vendors just reopening after holidays, delivery windows may take longer than usual. Starting orders as soon as your final design is approved gives you a better shot at keeping everything on schedule. That way, when demo wraps up, you’re ready to move straight into the build.

Blox Builders offers guidance during the material selection process and helps organize timely procurement so product delays do not interfere with your remodel.

Scheduling Conflicts With Contractors or Inspectors

In a quiet time of year like mid-January, it’s easier to think that schedules will open up fast. But as spring moves closer, construction timelines tighten. Tradespeople like plumbers, electricians, and flooring crews often work in sequential order, and any bump in one trade’s timing causes others to get held up.

• Plumbers may not be able to start on time if the tile contractor hasn’t finished

• An electrician might be booked several jobs out if called late in the process

• One missed inspection could delay the install of major pieces by several days

The inspection schedule is another critical point. Gilbert inspectors can be flexible early in the season, but if inspections aren’t requested with enough lead time, approvals can’t move forward. This is especially tricky if you need a re-inspection because of a small code correction. Planning this kind of timing carefully helps the remodel progress step by step without idle gaps.

Underestimating How Winter Weather Affects the Work

Winters in the Phoenix region aren’t packed with snow or harsh conditions, but the dry air and cooler mornings still affect how indoor projects move forward. Some trades need consistent temperatures for materials to bond, dry, or settle properly.

• Grout or caulk can take longer to cure in the cold, slowing the pace of tile work

• Paint may not dry evenly overnight if overnight temps dip low enough

• Adhesives and backers are more finicky during overall climate changes

There are outdoor access steps to factor in as well. If plumbing needs to be rerouted under a slab, the soil may be harder to dig through in winter. Walkways to haul in heavy supplies may be soggy or uneven after a January rain. Planning walkthroughs around weather warnings and making sure the work zone has stable access can prevent slowdowns on otherwise standard tasks.

Staying on Track From Start to Finish

Starting a remodel in winter takes a little more prep up front, but it makes a real difference in keeping the flow of the project steady. The biggest stalls often come from items that could’ve been handled ahead of time.

• Early design lock-ins help prevent rework during construction

• Back-up material picks ensure the schedule doesn’t stop for one missing tile style

• Comfortable work conditions let the crew install at a steady pace without rushing sensitive parts

Gilbert winters bring more working daylight than summer, but mornings can be colder and some trades may shift hours slightly. That’s another reason it helps to think ahead about timing, access, and how all parts of the project connect. With smart planning, it’s possible to finish a bathroom remodel during the winter and have it fully ready before warmer weather arrives. Keeping the process clear from design to final walkthrough doesn’t just save time, it makes the project easier to live through.

Blox Builders is known for proactive communication with homeowners throughout the remodel so you know exactly what to expect at every stage, from start to finish.

Keep Your Winter Remodel Moving Forward

No one wants to deal with bathroom renovation headaches, especially when delays could have been avoided with a little foresight. Careful planning, timely material ordering, and awareness of seasonal details help make the process smooth.

Planning ahead can help you avoid delays and keep your bathroom remodel in Gilbert on schedule. We work with homeowners to ensure materials, permits, and inspections are lined up from the start so your project stays on track, even during winter. Let Blox Builders take care of the details while you focus on the style and comfort of your new space. Contact us today to discuss your goals for your bathroom remodel in Gilbert.