Bathroom Renovation Timeline and Cost in Toronto

# Bathroom Renovation Timeline and Cost in Toronto

A bathroom renovation is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to a Toronto home, but it is also one of the most complex. Behind the finished tile and gleaming fixtures lies a carefully sequenced process involving demolition, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, and finishing trades. Understanding the timeline and costs before you begin helps you plan realistically, avoid delays, and manage the disruption to your household.

This guide breaks down what to expect for three common bathroom renovation types in the Toronto market, provides a detailed week-by-week construction schedule, and addresses the specific challenges of working in older GTA homes.

## Three Bathroom Types: Scope, Cost, and Timeline

Not all bathroom renovations are equal. The scope, cost, and duration vary significantly based on the size and complexity of the space.

### Powder Room Refresh: $8,000 to $15,000 | 1 to 2 Weeks

A powder room (half bath) is the smallest bathroom renovation. With no shower or tub to contend with, the scope is limited and the timeline is short.

Typical scope:

- New vanity and faucet

- New toilet

- Updated mirror and lighting

- Fresh paint

- New flooring (small area, typically under 25 square feet)

- Updated accessories (towel bar, toilet paper holder)

A powder room refresh is an excellent entry point for homeowners who want a visible improvement without major disruption. In Toronto, where first impressions matter for resale value, an updated powder room near the main living areas makes a strong impact.

### Main Bathroom Renovation: $20,000 to $40,000 | 3 to 5 Weeks

The main bathroom serves the household daily and typically includes a tub/shower combination. This is the most common bathroom renovation in Toronto homes.

Typical scope:

- Full demolition to studs

- New tub or tub/shower combination

- New tile (floor and walls)

- New vanity with countertop and faucet

- New toilet

- Updated lighting and exhaust fan

- Waterproofing membrane

- New plumbing fixtures and rough-in updates as needed

- Fresh paint and accessories

### Primary Ensuite Renovation: $40,000 to $70,000+ | 5 to 8 Weeks

A primary ensuite is typically larger and more feature-rich than a main bathroom. Homeowners in neighbourhoods like Leaside, The Kingsway, Lawrence Park, and Midtown Toronto often invest in spa-like ensuites with walk-in showers, freestanding tubs, double vanities, and heated floors.

Typical scope:

- Full demolition

- Walk-in shower with frameless glass enclosure

- Freestanding soaker tub (optional)

- Double vanity with stone countertop

- Large-format porcelain or natural stone tile

- Heated floors (electric radiant)

- Upgraded ventilation

- Custom lighting design with dimming

- Niche shelving in shower

- Potential layout changes (moving fixtures, expanding footprint)

## Week-by-Week Breakdown: Main Bathroom Renovation

The following schedule represents a typical main bathroom renovation in a Toronto home. Actual timelines vary based on the age of the home, scope of work, material availability, and trade scheduling.

### Week 1: Demolition and Rough-Ins

**Days 1 to 2: Demolition**

- Protect hallways and adjacent rooms with plastic sheeting and floor protection

- Remove existing vanity, toilet, tub or shower, and accessories

- Strip tile from walls and floor

- Remove drywall or plaster down to studs

- Inspect framing for rot, mould, or structural issues

- Dispose of debris (dumpster or contractor hauling)

**Days 3 to 5: Rough Plumbing and Electrical**

- Plumber installs or modifies supply lines and drain positions

- Replace any galvanized or corroded piping discovered during demo

- Electrician runs new circuits for lighting, exhaust fan, and GFCI outlets

- Install new electrical boxes in wall framing

- Rough-in inspection by the City of Toronto (if permit required)

This first week is where most surprises occur. In older Toronto homes, opening walls frequently reveals conditions that require attention before the renovation can proceed.

### Week 2: Waterproofing and Substrate Preparation

**Days 6 to 8: Cement Board and Waterproofing**

- Install cement backer board (Durock, Kerdi-Board, or similar) on all walls in wet areas

- Apply waterproofing membrane to shower walls, shower floor, and tub surround areas

- Common systems include Schluter Kerdi membrane, RedGard liquid-applied membrane, or Laticrete Hydro Ban

- Waterproofing is applied to the shower pan, curb, and all seams

- Allow proper curing time (typically 24 to 48 hours depending on product)

**Days 9 to 10: Tile Layout and Preparation**

- Dry-lay tile to confirm layout, cuts, and pattern

- Mix and test thinset adhesive

- Establish level lines and reference points for tile installation

- Prepare niches and shelving recesses

Waterproofing is arguably the most critical step in any bathroom renovation. A failure at this stage leads to water infiltration, mould growth, and structural damage that may not become apparent for months or years. Insist on a proper membrane system and verify that your contractor follows the manufacturer's installation specifications exactly.

### Week 3: Tile Installation

**Days 11 to 15: Floor and Wall Tile**

- Install shower floor tile (typically smaller mosaic for drainage slope)

- Install shower wall tile

- Install bathroom floor tile

- Install tub surround tile (if applicable)

- Cut and fit tiles around plumbing penetrations, niches, and corners

- Grout all tiled surfaces

- Apply grout sealer after curing

Tile installation is the most time-consuming phase of a bathroom renovation. Large-format tiles (12x24 inches or larger) require perfectly flat substrates and careful handling. Natural stone requires sealing before and after grouting. Intricate patterns like herringbone or chevron add labour time.

### Week 4: Fixtures and Connections

**Days 16 to 20: Installation of All Fixtures**

- Set and connect toilet

- Install vanity, countertop, sink, and faucet

- Install shower valve trim, showerhead, and hand shower

- Connect tub drain and overflow

- Install towel bars, robe hooks, toilet paper holder, and accessories

- Install mirror

- Connect exhaust fan

- Test all plumbing connections for leaks

- Test all electrical circuits and GFCI protection

### Week 5: Finishing and Cleanup

**Days 21 to 25: Final Details**

- Paint walls and ceiling (areas not covered by tile)

- Install glass shower enclosure (frameless glass typically requires a template visit followed by fabrication and a separate installation visit)

- Apply silicone caulking at all transitions (tub to tile, shower floor to wall, vanity to wall)

- Final cleaning of all surfaces

- Touch-up paint and grout as needed

- Final walkthrough with homeowner

- Address punch list items

## Cost Breakdown by Component

| Component | Budget Range | Notes |

|-----------|-------------|-------|

| Tile (floor and walls) | $2,000 - $8,000 | Material cost varies widely; porcelain ($3-$10/sq ft) to natural stone ($15-$40/sq ft) |

| Vanity with countertop | $1,000 - $5,000 | Stock vanities start at $500; custom can exceed $5,000 |

| Shower or tub | $1,500 - $6,000 | Acrylic tub ($400-$800), freestanding soaker ($1,500-$4,000), custom shower base ($800-$2,000) |

| Toilet | $300 - $1,500 | Standard two-piece ($300-$500), one-piece ($500-$900), wall-hung ($1,000-$1,500+) |

| Plumbing labour | $3,000 - $8,000 | Depends on scope of changes; simple fixture swap vs. full re-plumb |

| Electrical | $1,000 - $3,000 | New circuits, GFCI outlets, lighting, exhaust fan |

| Waterproofing | $500 - $1,500 | Membrane system materials and labour |

| Glass shower enclosure | $1,200 - $3,500 | Frameless glass is premium; semi-frameless and framed options cost less |

| Accessories and hardware | $300 - $1,000 | Towel bars, hooks, toilet paper holder, mirror |

| Labour (general) | $5,000 - $15,000 | Demolition, tile installation, painting, project management |

| Permits | $200 - $800 | Required when plumbing or electrical is modified |

## Toronto-Specific Considerations

### Cast Iron Drain Pipes

Homes built from the 1920s through the 1970s across Toronto — particularly in Parkdale, the Danforth, East York, and the older parts of Etobicoke — commonly have cast iron drain pipes. While durable, cast iron corrodes over time and can develop cracks, blockages, or joint failures. If your bathroom renovation involves removing the tub or opening the floor, inspect the drain stack condition. Replacing a section of cast iron with ABS plastic costs $1,500 to $4,000 but prevents a far more expensive emergency repair later.

### Galvanized Supply Lines

Galvanized steel water supply pipes are another hallmark of older Toronto homes. These pipes develop internal corrosion that restricts water flow and can introduce rust particles into your water. If you discover galvanized supply lines during demolition, replacing them with copper or PEX is strongly recommended. The incremental cost during an open-wall renovation is far less than doing it as a standalone project later.

### Asbestos Floor Tiles

Vinyl floor tiles manufactured before 1990 frequently contain asbestos. Nine-inch by nine-inch tiles are the most commonly identified asbestos-containing flooring material. Ontario regulations require testing before removal and professional abatement if asbestos is confirmed. Budget $500 to $2,000 for testing and abatement of bathroom floor tiles. Never attempt to remove suspected asbestos tiles yourself.

### Permits for Plumbing Changes

The City of Toronto requires a plumbing permit for any work that modifies, extends, or adds to the plumbing system. This includes moving a toilet, adding a new shower drain, or relocating supply lines. Simple fixture replacements (swapping a faucet or toilet in the same location) typically do not require a permit, but any change to the rough plumbing does. Your licensed plumber should obtain the permit and arrange for inspections.

## Waterproofing: The Most Important Step You Cannot See

Waterproofing failures are the leading cause of bathroom renovation problems. Water that penetrates behind tile damages framing, subfloor, and adjacent rooms. In multi-storey Toronto homes, a second-floor bathroom leak can cause thousands of dollars in damage to the ceiling and walls below.

### Recommended Waterproofing Systems

- **Schluter Kerdi** — A polyethylene sheet membrane applied over cement board with unmodified thinset. Widely regarded as the gold standard for shower waterproofing. The complete Schluter system includes Kerdi-Band for seams, Kerdi-Seal for pipe penetrations, and Kerdi-Drain for the shower base.

- **RedGard (Custom Building Products)** — A liquid-applied waterproofing and crack prevention membrane. Painted on in two coats over cement board. Easier for contractors to apply in complex geometries.

- **Laticrete Hydro Ban** — Another liquid-applied membrane with excellent crack-bridging properties. Suitable for both commercial and residential applications.

Regardless of which system your contractor uses, ensure that:

- The entire shower enclosure is waterproofed, not just the floor

- All seams, corners, and penetrations receive additional membrane treatment

- The shower curb is fully wrapped in membrane

- Proper curing time is observed before tiling begins

## Common Delays and How to Prevent Them

### 1. Material Lead Times

Specialty tiles, custom vanities, and frameless glass enclosures often have lead times of three to six weeks. Order all materials before demolition begins. Have everything on site or confirmed for delivery before your contractor starts work.

### 2. Hidden Damage

Mould behind shower walls, rotted subfloor around the toilet flange, or deteriorated framing adds unplanned work. A contingency budget of 15 to 20 percent covers most discoveries.

### 3. Trade Scheduling

Plumbers, electricians, and tile installers are in high demand across the GTA. Your general contractor should have confirmed trade schedules before the project starts. Delays of even two to three days between trades can extend a five-week project to seven weeks.

### 4. Inspection Delays

City of Toronto building inspections must be scheduled in advance. During busy periods, inspectors may not be available for several days. Your contractor should schedule inspections as early as possible to avoid holding up subsequent work.

### 5. Glass Shower Enclosure Fabrication

Frameless glass shower doors require a template measurement after tile is complete, followed by fabrication (typically one to three weeks), and then a separate installation visit. This is one of the last items to be completed and is a common source of project-end delays. Order your glass enclosure early and confirm the fabrication timeline.

## Tips for Living With One Bathroom During Renovation

Many Toronto homes have only one full bathroom, which means a renovation requires creative planning.

### Before Construction Starts

- **Talk to neighbours** — A friendly neighbour may allow occasional shower access during the first week of demolition

- **Gym membership** — A short-term gym membership provides reliable access to showers and washrooms

- **Portable toilet** — For longer projects, a portable toilet rental ($150 to $250 per month) in the backyard may be worthwhile, particularly if you have children

- **Stock up on supplies** — Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and paper towels help during the most disruptive days

### During Construction

- Ask your contractor to prioritize reconnecting the toilet as early as possible, even temporarily

- If the tub or shower is being replaced, the old one is typically removed on day one — plan your last shower accordingly

- Keep a bucket and basic cleaning supplies accessible for quick cleanups

- Communicate daily with your contractor about what facilities are available

### Managing Expectations

The most disruptive period is the first week (demolition and rough-ins). By week two, you may have a functioning toilet even if the rest of the bathroom is under construction. By week four, fixtures are being installed and the end is in sight. Setting realistic expectations with everyone in your household helps reduce stress.

## Choosing the Right Contractor

A successful bathroom renovation depends heavily on the quality of your contractor. When evaluating contractors in the Toronto area, consider the following:

- **Experience with bathrooms specifically** — Bathroom renovations require waterproofing expertise that not all general contractors possess

- **Detailed written quote** — A line-by-line quote that specifies materials, labour, and allowances protects both parties

- **Proof of insurance** — Minimum $2 million liability insurance and WSIB coverage for all workers on site

- **References from recent bathroom projects** — Ask to see completed work and speak with past clients

- **Clear communication style** — You will be in close contact with your contractor for several weeks. Choose someone who communicates proactively and responds promptly

- **Warranty** — A minimum one-year warranty on workmanship is standard; two years is better

A bathroom renovation is a significant investment that you will use and enjoy every day. With proper planning, realistic budgeting, and a skilled contractor, your new bathroom will serve your household well for fifteen to twenty years or more. Take the time to plan thoroughly, select quality materials, and hire qualified professionals. The result is worth the effort.