Last updated: September 2026. All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD).
Bathroom renovation cost in Ontario ranges from $3,000 for a cosmetic refresh to $50,000 or more for a full gut renovation. The average mid-range renovation costs $10,000 to $22,000. At Smart Renovations, a standard full bathroom in the GTA costs $14,000 to $30,000, including waterproofing, permits, and licensed trades.
Three things drive the final number more than anything else: how much plumbing you move, what tile you choose, and what’s hiding behind your walls. Still figuring out your scope? Start with the Ultimate Bathroom Renovation Guide.
Key Takeaways
- A full bathroom renovation in the GTA typically costs $200 to $600 per square foot.
- Moving plumbing is the biggest cost driver. Keeping fixtures where they are is the easiest way to save.
- Waterproofing a standard shower costs $1,500 to $3,500 installed. Never skip it.
- Set aside 10 to 15% for surprises, or 15 to 20% for a full gut in a home built before 1980.
Bathroom Renovation Cost by Scope: Three Tiers Explained
Scope shapes your budget first. These ranges reflect typical 2026 Ontario market pricing, with a focus on the GTA.
Bathroom Renovation Cost by Bathroom Type
Here’s what Smart Renovations projects cost across the GTA, by type of bathroom (or washroom).
| Bathroom Type | Typical Setup | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powder room or half bath | 2-piece: toilet and sink. No wet-area waterproofing needed. | $6,000 to $12,000 | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Small to mid-size full bathroom | Usually 3-piece: toilet, vanity, and tub or shower | $14,000 to $30,000 | 3 to 5 weeks |
| Condo bathroom | Includes condo board approvals, elevator booking, and slab scans where needed | $14,000 to $30,000 | 3 to 5 weeks |
| Primary ensuite (master bathroom) or large bathroom | Often 4-piece: walk-in shower with glass, soaking tub, heated floors, custom vanity | $35,000 to $85,000+ | 5 to 9 weeks |
See what’s included in our GTA bathroom renovation service, or jump to costs by city.
Bathroom Renovation Cost Per Square Foot
A full bathroom renovation in the GTA typically costs $200 to $600 per square foot. The low end covers standard tile with no plumbing moves. The high end covers premium tile, custom glass, and layout changes.
| Bathroom Size | Square Feet | Estimate at $200 to $600 per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 5 x 5 (small) | 25 sq ft | $5,000 to $15,000 |
| 5 x 8 (standard) | 40 sq ft | $8,000 to $24,000 |
| 8 x 10 (large) | 80 sq ft | $16,000 to $48,000 |
Why bathrooms cost more per square foot than kitchens: they need a waterproofing membrane, they pack several plumbing fixtures into a tight space, and they have more tile labour per square foot. Compare the numbers in our Kitchen Renovation Cost Guide 2026.
Why small bathrooms cost more per square foot: the toilet, vanity, shower valve, and permits cost about the same in any size room, so a small room spreads those costs over fewer square feet.
Use this as a quick budget check, not a quote. Our projects often land above a straight per-square-foot estimate because they include full waterproofing, permits, and licensed trades.
Plumbing Costs: The Biggest Variable in Any Bathroom Renovation
A bathroom usually has three or four wet fixtures in a small footprint. Each one needs its own drain, vent, and water supply. Plumbing is done in two phases, and they cost differently:
Rough-In Plumbing
Supply lines, drains, and venting inside the walls and floor. This is where moving fixtures gets expensive.
Cost: $800 to $2,000 per fixture in GTA homes. Condos run $1,400 to $2,000 per fixture due to access restrictions.
Condo slabs often lock drains in place. See how this works in Richmond Hill condos along Yonge and Langstaff.
Finish Plumbing
Connecting the toilet, faucets, shower system, and tub after tile and waterproofing are done. Still requires a licensed plumber.
Cost: $500 to $1,200 depending on number of fixtures and complexity.
Pro Tip
Moving the toilet, sink, and shower drain can add $2,400 to $6,000 or more in rough-in plumbing. Ask your contractor for the price difference before you commit to a new layout.
Deciding what to move? See the Ultimate Bathroom Design and Layout Guide.
Waterproofing Cost: A Bathroom-Only Expense
A waterproofing membrane goes over shower walls, shower floors, and tub surrounds before any tile. Without it, water gets through the grout, reaches the framing, and causes rot and mould.
Three systems are common in Ontario:
- Sheet membranes (Schluter KERDI, Wedi): Fabric or foam membranes set with thinset. KERDI is the system we use in every tiled wet area.
- Uncoupling membranes (Schluter DITRA): Goes under floor tile to prevent cracking. Also works as a waterproof layer on shower floors.
- Liquid-applied membranes: Rolled or brushed on. Often used at corners and seams with sheet systems.
Waterproofing cost for Ontario bathrooms:
- Standard shower (sheet membrane, materials only): $800 to $1,800
- Full installation including labour (3×3 to 4×4 shower): $1,500 to $3,500
- Larger walk-in shower or complete wet area: $3,000 to $5,000+
Fixing waterproofing after problems appear costs far more than doing it right the first time.
Bathroom Renovation Labour and Tile Costs
Labour is a large part of any bathroom budget. A plumber, an electrician, and a tile setter all work in the same small room, one after another. Tile installation is often the biggest labour line, so budget for both the tile and the labour to install it. Scheduling in winter or bundling the bathroom with another project can help lower labour costs.
Tile Material Cost
- Budget ceramic: $2 to $6 per sq ft
- Mid-range porcelain: $5 to $15 per sq ft
- Large-format porcelain slab: $15 to $40 per sq ft
- Natural stone: $15 to $50+ per sq ft
Tile Installation Labour
- Standard tile (under 12×24): $8 to $15 per sq ft
- Large-format (24×24 and up): $15 to $30 per sq ft
- Mosaic or pattern tile: $20 to $40+ per sq ft
- Custom niche or bench: add $800 to $1,500
Pro Tip: Large-Format Tile Costs More to Install
Tiles 24×24 inches and larger need a flatter floor, more levelling compound, and more careful cutting. A tile that costs $18 per square foot might cost another $25 per square foot to install.
To compare tile grades, grout types, and waterproofing products, see our Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Materials Guide.
Vanity and Cabinetry: Stock vs. Custom Cost Ranges
| Vanity Type | Material Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stock / off-the-shelf | $300 to $1,500 | Fixed sizes, limited finishes. Good for cosmetic refreshes. |
| Semi-custom | $1,200 to $4,000 | More finish options, some sizing flexibility. Common in mid-range renovations. |
| Custom cabinetry | $3,500 to $10,000+ | Built to exact dimensions. Needed for non-standard spaces or high-end ensuites. |
| Installation labour | $300 to $800 | Separate from the vanity cost. |
Fixture Costs: Toilets, Faucets, Shower Systems, and Tubs
A toilet that flushes can cost $200 or $4,000. Here are realistic ranges for Ontario homeowners.
Toilets
- Standard: $200 to $600
- Comfort height / elongated: $400 to $900
- Wall-hung: $800 to $2,500
- Smart toilet: $1,500 to $4,000+
Faucets and Taps
- Builder grade: $80 to $250
- Mid-range: $250 to $700
- Premium (Grohe, Hansgrohe, Riobel): $600 to $2,000+
Shower Systems
- Basic pressure-balance valve: $150 to $400
- Thermostatic system: $600 to $2,000
- Multi-outlet (body jets, rain head): $1,500 to $5,000+
Bathtubs
- Alcove acrylic: $400 to $1,200
- Freestanding soaker: $1,200 to $5,000
- Air jet / whirlpool: $2,500 to $8,000+
Shower Renovation Cost in Ontario
Most shower renovations in Ontario cost $3,500 to $18,000+ installed. A walk-in shower usually costs more than a tub/shower combo because of the tile labour on the walls, the custom glass, and the shower system you pick.
| Shower Project | Installed Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Tub/shower combo (alcove tub, tiled surround, shower above) | $3,500 to $9,000 | Family bathrooms. The most budget-friendly option. |
| Tiled walk-in shower (glass enclosure, fixtures) | $6,000 to $18,000+ | Ensuites and main bathrooms. |
| Separate tub and walk-in shower | $12,000 to $30,000+ | Larger ensuites with room for both. |
Worth knowing: If it’s the only tub in your home, talk to your real estate agent before removing it. Some buyers, especially families with young children, look for one.
Working with a tight space? The Small Bathroom Design Guide covers the shower vs. tub choice in small rooms.
Electrical Costs in a Bathroom Renovation
Bathroom electrical work in Ontario needs a licensed electrician and an ESA permit.
GFCI Outlets
Required by Ontario code near all water sources. Adding or upgrading GFCI circuits: $200 to $500.
Exhaust Fan
Basic replacement: $200 to $500 installed. Light/fan/heater unit with humidity sensor: $400 to $900 installed. New ductwork to the exterior adds more.
Heated Floor
Electric heating mat plus thermostat: $500 to $1,500 in materials. Installation adds $400 to $800. Goes in before tile.
Vanity Lighting
New vanity fixture and backlit mirror: $300 to $800. Dedicated dimmer circuit: $150 to $350.
Permit Costs for Bathroom Renovations in Ontario
Each municipality sets its own permit fees. They’re rarely a big expense, but skipping a required permit can cause problems at resale and can void your home insurance for related damage.
Requires a Permit
- Moving any plumbing fixture
- Adding a new bathroom
- New electrical circuits
- Structural wall changes
- Adding plumbing fixtures
Permit Not Required
- Retiling without moving plumbing
- New vanity in same location
- Replacing faucets or showerhead
- Painting
- New mirror, accessories, hardware
Typical permit fees in Ontario (2026):
- Building permit (plumbing or structural scope): $150 to $500
- Plumbing permit: $100 to $300 depending on municipality
- ESA electrical permit: typically included in the licensed electrician’s quote
- Processing time: allow 2 to 4 weeks before work begins in most GTA municipalities
Contingency: Why It Matters More in Bathrooms
Bathrooms in older Ontario homes often hide moisture damage, subfloor rot, and old plumbing behind the tile. You won’t know until demolition starts.
- On a $15,000 renovation: budget an extra $1,500 to $2,250
- On a $25,000 renovation: budget an extra $2,500 to $3,750
- On a $40,000 renovation: budget an extra $4,000 to $6,000
For cosmetic refreshes, 10% is usually enough. For a full gut in a home built before 1980, go to 15 to 20%. If you don’t use it, you keep it.
Hidden Costs That Surprise Ontario Homeowners
These come up often in bathrooms that haven’t been touched in 20 years or more.
Moisture Damage Behind Walls
The wall behind old tile and tub surrounds can be water damaged, mouldy, or soft. Replacing it adds $500 to $2,000. Common in bathrooms built before the 1990s.
Subfloor Rot
A leaking toilet seal, failed tub caulking, or a poorly sealed shower pan can rot the plywood below over the years. Replacing it costs $600 to $2,500.
Outdated Plumbing That Needs Upgrading
Many Ontario homes built before 1980 still have galvanized steel pipes that corrode from the inside. Replacing sections costs $1,500 to $5,000. We see this often in Kleinburg heritage homes and older Woodbridge houses. See local examples from our Vaughan projects.
Exhaust Fan Vented Into the Attic
Common in older GTA homes. Warm, moist air ends up in the attic and causes mould and insulation damage. Re-routing it outside costs $400 to $1,200.
Mould Remediation
If demolition turns up mould inside the walls, it must be removed before new material goes in. Cost: $500 to $3,500.
Uneven Floors Needing Levelling
Large-format tile needs a level floor, and older bathroom floors often aren’t. Levelling costs $300 to $800.
Worth Remembering
If your contractor finds a problem during demolition, they should show you the damage and give you a written change order with the new cost before doing any extra work.
Bathroom Renovation Costs Across the GTA
These ranges come from Smart Renovations’ completed projects in each city, so they differ a little from the GTA-wide ranges above. Condo slabs, older plumbing, and heritage rules change the price more than your postal code does.
| City | Powder Room | Standard Full Bathroom | Primary Ensuite | What Drives Cost Locally |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond Hill | $6K to $12K | $18K to $30K | $30K to $70K+ | Fixed drains in Yonge and Langstaff condos, aging plumbing in Mill Pond |
| Vaughan | $6K to $14K | $18K to $32K | $35K to $65K+ | Kleinburg heritage plumbing, VMC condo slabs, undersized fans in newer builds |
| Markham | $6K to $14K | $18K to $32K | $30K to $60K+ | Unionville heritage rules, GPR slab scans for Highway 7 condos |
| Aurora | $6K to $12K | $16K to $30K | $30K to $55K+ | Corroded supply lines in Old Aurora, hard water |
| Newmarket | $6K to $12.5K | $18K to $30K | $35K to $60K+ | Shifted subfloors in the Historic Core, Davis Drive condo approvals |
| Toronto | $6K to $12K | $13K to $30K | $35K to $70K+ | Concrete condo slabs, fixed plumbing stacks in older homes |
| Etobicoke | $6K to $14K | $18K to $32K | $35K to $65K+ | Cast iron stacks in The Kingsway, Humber Bay condo boards |
| Mississauga | $6K to $14K | $18K to $32K | $35K to $65K+ | Older pipes in Port Credit, City Centre condo approvals |
| Brampton | $6K to $14K | $18K to $32K | $35K to $65K+ | 100-amp panels and galvanized plumbing in older Bramalea homes |
| Oakville | $6K to $14K | $18K to $32K | $35K to $65K+ | Joist reinforcement for stone in Olde Oakville and Morrison estates |
Your price depends on layout changes, finishes, and what we find during the on-site assessment.
Bathroom Renovation Cost FAQ
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Toronto?
Based on our completed projects, a bathroom renovation in Toronto costs:
- Powder room or half bath: $6,000 to $12,000
- Budget full bathroom: $13,000 to $19,500 (standard tile, stock vanity, no layout changes)
- Mid-range full bathroom: $18,000 to $30,000 (quality porcelain, semi-custom vanity, plumbing and electrical updates)
- Luxury bathroom or ensuite: $35,000 to $70,000+ (premium stone, custom vanity, heated floors, layout changes)
Concrete condo slabs, which can lock drains in place, are the biggest local cost factor. See our Toronto bathroom renovation page for details.
How much does a small bathroom renovation cost?
At typical market rates, a full renovation of a small bathroom (25 to 40 square feet) costs $5,000 to $24,000. Our small full bathrooms start at $14,000 because they include full waterproofing, permits, and licensed trades. With under $3,000, you’re mostly limited to paint, a mirror, lighting, and hardware.
How do I get an accurate bathroom renovation estimate?
Book an on-site assessment. Online ranges can’t see your plumbing, your subfloor, or what’s behind your tile. Smart Renovations quotes every bathroom after a site visit, with an itemised quote and a free 3D design presentation normally worth $1,500 to $5,000.
Does a bathroom renovation increase home value in Ontario?
It can. Returns are strongest when the work is permitted and matches the home’s price range. Over-improving for the neighbourhood recovers less.
Get a Real Number for Your Bathroom Renovation
Visit our Richmond Hill or Woodbridge office, read our reviews on HomeStars, or see our project portfolio on Houzz.
Disclaimer: Market cost ranges in this guide are general estimates for Ontario. Smart Renovations ranges come from our own completed GTA projects. Actual costs vary with your scope, materials, location, and contractor. This guide is a planning reference, not a formal quote. For your specific project, contact us directly.
