How to Hire a Bathroom Remodeler in Ontario
To hire a bathroom renovator in Ontario, check WSIB, insurance and finished bathrooms yourself, because the province does not license renovators, and confirm that a certified plumber does the plumbing. Put the estimate in a written contract: the final price cannot exceed it by more than 10% unless you sign a change. Keep the deposit to no more than 10%, and agree in writing who pulls the permit.
How Ontario bathroom remodelers compare on ProScore
ProScore lists 588 bathroom remodelers in Ontario, and has published a ProScore for 531 of them. 276 of those reach Trusted (70+) or higher. ProScore matched 102 of them (17%) to the WSIB register by business name. A business that is not matched may still be covered, so ask any bathroom remodeler you are considering for a current WSIB clearance certificate.
Counted from ProScore's current listings, refreshed daily. How ProScore scores
Hiring Checklist
What Ontario's rules say
- If an estimate is part of your contract, Ontario's Consumer Protection Act bars the contractor from charging more than 10% above it unless you agree to new work or a new price and sign a change to the contract. Government of Ontario
- Under Ontario law, any home renovation contract worth more than $50 must be in writing, and you may not get anything that is not written into it. Government of Ontario
- If you sign a renovation or repair contract worth $50 or more in your own home, you can cancel it for any reason within 10 calendar days without a cancellation fee, though if work started in that period you owe reasonable compensation for the work and materials provided. Government of Ontario
- Ontario's consumer guidance recommends keeping a down payment to no more than 10% and never paying the full contract amount before the work is done. Government of Ontario
- Getting building permits is the homeowner's responsibility; if the contractor will pull them, put that in the contract and do not let work start until you have seen them. Government of Ontario
- Renovators are not licensed or regulated by the Home Construction Regulatory Authority the way new home builders and sellers are. Home Construction Regulatory Authority
- Before you hire, search Ontario's Consumer Beware List: the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery lists businesses that did not answer it after 2 notifications about a consumer complaint, or that have been charged or convicted in relation to the Consumer Protection Act or other acts of the ministry. A business stays on the list for 21 to 27 months. Government of Ontario
Red Flags to Watch For
No waterproofing plan
If they cannot explain their shower waterproofing method, they should not be doing bathroom work. This is the most critical element.
Skips the exhaust fan
Ontario Building Code requires bathroom ventilation. Skipping it leads to mould and moisture damage.
No tile layout plan
Professional tilers plan layouts to avoid thin slivers and ensure symmetry. Winging it results in an amateurish finish.
Quotes without seeing the space
Bathroom plumbing and structural conditions vary greatly. Accurate quotes require a site visit.
Cannot name their plumber or electrician
A bathroom reno requires licensed sub-trades. The contractor should have established relationships with qualified tradespeople.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
“What waterproofing system do you use?”
“Will you pull plumbing and electrical permits?”
“How do you handle ventilation?”
“What is your tile installation process?”
“What warranty do you provide?”
Licensing: No provincial licence for bathroom renovators
Ontario has no provincial licence for renovation contractors. The Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) licenses builders of new homes, so a bathroom renovation typically does not call for an HCRA licence. Some cities license renovation businesses: the City of Toronto requires a Building Renovator licence. The plumbing and electrical work must be done by licensed trades. Always check WSIB, liability insurance, a written contract, and who pulls the permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bathroom remodelers need a licence in Ontario?
No provincial licence covers bathroom renovators, and the HCRA licenses new-home builders, not renovators. The plumber and electrician involved must be licensed, and some cities, including Toronto, license renovation businesses.
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Ontario?
A standard bathroom renovation costs $12,000–$25,000. A high-end ensuite renovation can run $25,000–$50,000.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
A full bathroom gut renovation takes 3–6 weeks. Cosmetic updates (vanity, fixtures, paint) can be done in 1–2 weeks.
What is the most important thing in a bathroom reno?
Waterproofing. A beautiful bathroom with poor waterproofing will develop mould and structural damage within a few years.
Compare bathroom remodelers in your city
Sources
- Government of Ontario, Your rights when starting home renovations or repairs (Updated August 6, 2026). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Your rights when starting home renovations or repairs (Updated August 6, 2026). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Your rights when starting home renovations or repairs (Updated August 6, 2026). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Your rights when starting home renovations or repairs (Updated August 6, 2026). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Your rights when starting home renovations or repairs (Updated August 6, 2026). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Home Construction Regulatory Authority, Finding a renovator. Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Search the Consumer Beware List (Updated September 25, 2024). Accessed October 25, 2026.
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