Order Long-Lead Items for Your Bathroom Remodel
Custom vanities, specialty tiles, frameless shower doors, and imported fixtures can take weeks or months to arrive. Order these items early to keep your project on schedule and avoid costly delays that leave you without a functioning bathroom.
Quick Summary
2-4 hours research + ordering
Moderate
Varies by selections
4-12 weeks typical
Why Ordering Early Matters
The single biggest cause of bathroom remodel delays is waiting for materials. When your contractor is ready to install the vanity and it's still on a ship from overseas, your project grinds to a halt. You're paying for trades who can't work, living without a bathroom longer than planned, and watching your budget inflate.
The Real Cost of Delays
- Extended temporary facilities: Porta-potty rental adds $150-300/month
- Trade callbacks: Plumbers and electricians may charge $100-200 to return
- Schedule cascades: One delay pushes every subsequent trade back
- Stress and inconvenience: Extra weeks without your bathroom takes a toll
By ordering long-lead items as soon as your design is finalized and permits are approved, you give yourself the buffer needed to absorb unexpected delays without derailing your project.
Common Long-Lead Items and Lead Times
These are typical lead times, but always confirm with your specific vendor. Supply chain issues, custom options, and seasonal demand can extend these timelines significantly.
Custom Vanities
6-12 weeksSemi-custom and fully custom vanities from cabinet makers or specialty manufacturers. Includes construction, finishing, and shipping. RTA (ready-to-assemble) vanities from big box stores may be in stock, but quality custom pieces take time.
Order trigger: As soon as floor plan is finalized and plumbing rough-in locations are confirmed.
Special Order Tile
4-8 weeksImported tile from Spain, Italy, or Morocco. Artisan-made cement tiles. Large-format porcelain slabs. Specialty patterns or colors not stocked locally. Shipping from overseas adds weeks, and container delays are common.
Order trigger: Immediately after material selection is finalized. Order 15-20% extra for special order tile.
Custom Shower Doors
4-8 weeksFrameless glass shower enclosures are custom-made to your exact dimensions. The shower company will template after your tile is complete, then fabricate the glass. This means you'll wait 4-8 weeks after tile is done before installation.
Order trigger: Book the shower door company early in your project. They'll schedule templating for after tile completion.
Specialty Fixtures
4-12 weeksEuropean faucets (Hansgrohe, Grohe, Dornbracht), Japanese toilets (TOTO Neorest), specialty showerheads, steam shower systems, or designer hardware. These are often made-to-order or shipped internationally.
Order trigger: When you confirm fixture selections. Check stock status before falling in love with a specific model.
Stone Countertops
3-6 weeksGranite, marble, and quartz countertops require slab selection, templating after vanity installation, fabrication, and installation. The fabricator will template once your vanity is set, then take 2-3 weeks to cut and polish.
Order trigger: Select your slab early. Schedule templating for immediately after vanity installation.
Custom Mirrors
2-6 weeksCustom-framed mirrors, LED backlit mirrors, or medicine cabinets with specific dimensions. Standard sizes may be in stock, but anything custom requires fabrication time.
Order trigger: Once you finalize vanity dimensions and lighting placement.
Step-by-Step Ordering Guide
Finalize All Design Decisions First
Before ordering anything, lock in your design. Changes after ordering custom items can result in 25-50% restocking fees or complete loss of deposits. Confirm exact dimensions, finishes, configurations, and colors with your designer or contractor.
Create a Master Ordering Spreadsheet
Track every item in one place. Include: item name, vendor, order date, lead time quoted, expected delivery date, order confirmation number, deposit paid, balance due, and delivery tracking. This becomes your command center for the entire project.
Calculate Backward from Installation Dates
Work with your contractor to build a timeline. When will tile installation begin? When will the vanity be set? Work backward from these dates, adding buffer time. If tile install is in 8 weeks and your tile has a 6-week lead time, you're already behind.
Get Everything in Writing
Before paying deposits, get written confirmation of: exact specifications, lead time, delivery date, cancellation policy, return policy, and damage claims process. Email confirmations count as written agreements. Save all correspondence.
Follow Up Weekly on Custom Orders
Don't assume your order is on track. Call or email vendors weekly for status updates. Confirm production status, shipping dates, and any issues. Squeaky wheels get attention— vendors prioritize customers who check in regularly.
Inspect Everything Upon Delivery
Open and inspect every delivery immediately—before signing the delivery receipt if possible. Check for damage, verify quantities, and confirm specifications match your order. Photograph any issues before the delivery driver leaves.
Coordinating Delivery with Your Project Timeline
The goal is to have materials arrive 1-2 weeks before installation, not the day of. This gives you time to inspect, address any issues, and avoid holding up your contractor.
| Item | Order By | Deliver By |
|---|---|---|
| Tile | Before demolition starts | Before waterproofing |
| Vanity | Before demolition starts | After tile, before plumbing trim |
| Fixtures | Before rough-in begins | Before trim phase |
| Shower door | Schedule templating early | 4-8 weeks after tile complete |
| Countertop | Select slab before project | 2-3 weeks after vanity set |
Communicate with Your Contractor
Share your ordering spreadsheet with your contractor. They need to know what's arriving when so they can schedule trades accordingly. If something is delayed, tell them immediately—they may be able to resequence work to minimize downtime.
What to Do If Items Are Delayed
Delays happen despite best planning. Here's how to handle them without panicking.
1. Get a Firm New Date
Contact the vendor immediately. Don't accept "it'll ship soon." Get a specific date in writing. Ask what caused the delay and whether further delays are possible.
2. Notify Your Contractor
Share the new timeline immediately. Your contractor may be able to work around the delay by adjusting the sequence of work or focusing on other areas of your home.
3. Consider Alternatives
For non-critical items, an in-stock alternative might be better than waiting. Is there a similar vanity or fixture that's available now? Sometimes "good enough now" beats "perfect in 8 weeks."
4. Document Everything
Keep records of all delay communications. If the delay causes additional costs (contractor rescheduling, extended temporary facilities), you may have grounds for compensation from the vendor, especially if they missed a committed ship date.
5. Escalate If Necessary
For major delays, ask to speak with a supervisor. Express the impact clearly: "This delay is costing me $X per week in contractor fees." Vendors may expedite shipping or offer compensation for legitimate hardship.
Storage Considerations for Early Deliveries
Items may arrive weeks before your bathroom is ready. Proper storage protects your investment and ensures everything is in perfect condition when installation time comes.
Tile Storage
- Store flat on a solid, level surface
- Never store on edge—tiles can warp
- Keep in original boxes until ready to install
- Protect from moisture and extreme temperatures
- Acclimate in the home 48 hours before installation
Vanity Storage
- Keep upright as intended for use
- Protect from dust with drop cloths
- Store away from demolition area
- Remove all packaging to check for damage
- Keep hardware and instructions with unit
Fixtures & Hardware
- Leave in original packaging until install
- Store in climate-controlled space
- Keep finishes protected from scratches
- Organize by room area for easy finding
- Check valve and faucet boxes for all parts
Stone Slabs
- Leave at fabricator until templated
- If delivered, store on edge with support
- Protect face from scratches
- Keep indoors to avoid thermal shock
- Handle with care—stone cracks easily
Avoid Garage Storage in Extreme Climates
Temperature swings in unconditioned garages can damage finishes, warp wood, and stress materials. In hot climates, garage temperatures can exceed 120 degrees F. In cold climates, freezing can crack tile or damage fixture components. Store inside your conditioned home whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are long-lead items in a bathroom remodel?
Long-lead items are products that require extended manufacturing, customization, or shipping times—typically 4-12 weeks or more. Common bathroom long-lead items include custom vanities (6-12 weeks), special order tile from overseas (4-8 weeks), custom frameless shower doors (4-8 weeks), stone countertops (3-6 weeks for fabrication), specialty fixtures from European manufacturers (6-12 weeks), and custom mirrors.
How far in advance should I order bathroom fixtures and materials?
Order long-lead items as soon as your design is finalized and permits are approved—ideally 8-12 weeks before your project start date. For custom vanities, order 10-14 weeks ahead. For specialty tile, order 6-10 weeks ahead. Always add 2-3 weeks of buffer time to manufacturer estimates to account for shipping delays, backorders, or production issues.
What happens if my long-lead items are delayed?
Delays to long-lead items can halt your entire project. If delays occur: contact the vendor immediately for a new estimated delivery date, notify your contractor so they can adjust the schedule, consider in-stock alternatives if appropriate, and document all communications for potential claims. Most contractors build buffer into schedules, but extended delays may result in additional labor costs.
Should I order extra tile to account for breakage and future repairs?
Yes, always order 10-15% extra tile, with 15-20% for complex patterns or diagonal installations. For special order or discontinued tiles, order 20% extra since you may never be able to get matching tile again. Keep leftover tiles stored safely for future repairs—finding an exact match from old production runs is nearly impossible.
Where should I store bathroom materials before installation?
Store materials in a clean, dry, climate-controlled space. Tile should be stored flat on a solid surface—never on its edge. Vanities and cabinets need protection from dust and moisture. Fixtures should remain in original packaging until installation. Avoid garages in extreme climates. Always inspect items immediately upon delivery and photograph any damage before signing for the shipment.
Long-Lead Ordering Checklist
- All design decisions finalized and measurements verified
- Master ordering spreadsheet created with all items
- Lead times confirmed with each vendor in writing
- Tile ordered with 15-20% overage for special orders
- Custom vanity ordered with deposit paid
- Shower door company booked for templating
- Specialty fixtures ordered and tracking confirmed
- Stone countertop slab selected and hold placed
- Weekly follow-up reminders set in calendar
- Storage space prepared for early deliveries
- Contractor notified of expected delivery dates