We gutted our bathroom down to the studs. How long until we can use it again with permits and inspections in Calgary?

With proper permits and inspections, expect your gutted bathroom to be out of commission for 3-4 weeks minimum, though 4-6 weeks is more realistic for most Calgary homeowners.

The timeline depends heavily on how quickly you can coordinate trades and pass inspections. Here's what you're looking at in Calgary:

Week 1: Rough-in Phase
Your plumber and electrician will rough in new lines, followed by HVAC if you're adding ventilation. Each trade needs their own permit from an accredited Safety Codes Officer under Alberta's safety codes system. The rough-in inspection typically happens 2-3 days after booking, assuming your trades pull permits properly. If you're moving plumbing locations or adding circuits, this phase can stretch longer.

Week 2-3: Insulation and Drywall
Once rough-ins pass inspection, insulation goes in (if exterior walls are involved), followed by drywall installation, taping, and priming. This is usually the longest phase since drywall compound needs proper drying time between coats. Calgary's dry climate actually helps here compared to more humid cities.

Week 3-4: Finishing Phase
Flooring, tile work, fixture installation, and painting happen in sequence. Your plumber returns for final connections, electrician installs fixtures and switches, then you need final inspections before the bathroom is legally ready to use.

Calgary-Specific Timing Factors
Building permit processing in Calgary typically takes 2-4 weeks for bathroom renovations, so hopefully you started this process before gutting. If not, add that time to your timeline. The City of Calgary's inspection booking system usually allows scheduling 2-3 days out, but during busy construction seasons (spring/summer), inspections can be delayed up to a week.

Professional Guidance
This timeline assumes you have experienced trades who understand Calgary's permit process. DIY portions like painting and some finishing work can happen simultaneously, but all electrical, plumbing, and gas work must be done by licensed professionals with proper permits. Trying to rush or skip inspections will only create delays and potential safety issues.

Next Steps
If you haven't already, contact the City of Calgary at 311 to confirm your permit requirements. Book your trades early and ensure they're pulling their own permits - this isn't optional in Calgary. Consider having a backup bathroom plan for 4-6 weeks, and build in buffer time for any inspection failures or material delays.