Bathroom Renovation Budget Guide

Plan and budget for your bathroom renovation with realistic Ontario cost estimates and hiring tips.

Moderate 3-6 weeks typical project Standard bath $12,000–$25,000

Watch on YouTube

Bathroom Renovation — Complete Planning Guide

Home RenoVision DIY · 2.5M+ views

What This Video Covers

Realistic bathroom renovation costs broken down by category
Materials comparison at different budget levels
Waterproofing essentials — what not to skip
Timeline expectations and how to plan around one-bathroom living

Safety Warnings

All plumbing and electrical work must be done by licensed tradespeople. Bathroom electrical must be GFCI protected.
Ensure proper ventilation. A bathroom fan (minimum 50 CFM) vented to the exterior is code-required in Ontario. Poor ventilation causes mould.
If your home is pre-1990, test for asbestos in floor tiles, plaster walls, and pipe insulation before demolition.

Step-by-Step Guide

Determine your renovation scope

A cosmetic refresh (paint, fixtures, accessories) is the cheapest route. A standard bathroom renovation (new vanity, tub, tile) runs $12,000–$25,000. A high-end ensuite with layout changes runs $25,000–$50,000.

Decide what stays and what goes

Keeping existing plumbing in place saves thousands. Moving a toilet, shower, or sink requires new plumbing rough-ins which dramatically increases cost. Work with your existing layout when possible.

Choose materials at different price points

Tiles: porcelain costs a fraction of natural stone, and installed tile work for floor and walls runs $2,500–$8,000. Vanities: a prefab unit costs far less than custom; an installed vanity and countertop runs $1,500–$5,000. Fixtures: standard versus premium is the widest spread on the list. Mix high and low strategically.

Hire a bathroom renovation contractor

Search ProScore for bathroom remodeling contractors with strong scores. For full renovations, look for HCRA-verified contractors. A dedicated bathroom contractor will cost more than a handyman but delivers significantly better results.

Understand hidden costs

Budget for: permits, plumbing relocation ($2,000–$6,000), electrical updates, waterproofing ($1,000–$2,500 per wet area), and unexpected issues behind walls (10% contingency).

Plan the timeline

A typical bathroom renovation takes 3-6 weeks. Demolition: 1-2 days. Plumbing/electrical rough-in: 2-3 days. Waterproofing: 1-2 days. Tile: 3-5 days. Fixtures and finishing: 2-3 days. Allow buffer for material delays.

Waterproofing is non-negotiable

Proper waterproofing in the shower and tub area prevents mould and structural damage. Ensure your contractor uses a membrane system (Schluter Kerdi or RedGard). This is not where you cut corners.