Bathroom renovation costs in the GTA fall into three honest tiers. Anyone quoting you outside these ranges is either skipping something or padding for surprises that wouldn't actually happen.
Tier 1 — Refresh: $7K-$14K
This is the "same footprint, fresh finishes" tier. You're keeping: - Same shower / tub location - Same toilet location - Same vanity rough-in
You're changing: - Vanity (new cabinet + countertop + sink) - Toilet - Fixtures (taps, shower head, towel bars) - Mirror + lighting - Paint + new floor (LVP or tile over existing prep)
What it covers: a bathroom that feels brand new for someone with a clean older space that just needs a refresh. Typical timeline: 2-3 weeks. No permits required (no plumbing or electrical relocation).
This tier is what we recommend for Toronto condos and rental units where the underlying plumbing is sound and you just need the visual upgrade.
Tier 2 — Mid-Range Remodel: $18K-$32K
Same footprint, but you're upgrading the system underneath: - New tub or shower (different model, same location) - Tile shower with proper Schluter waterproofing membrane - New vanity + better-quality countertop (quartz typical) - Heated floor - Better ventilation (110+ CFM fan with humidity sensor) - Updated electrical (GFCI everywhere, can lights, undermount vanity lighting)
What's hidden in the cost: - Permit (~$200-$400 depending on city) - Electrical permit (ESA) for new circuits - Removal of old tile (always more work than expected on older homes) - Subfloor repairs (a $400-$1500 cost we ALWAYS find on bathrooms over 30 years old)
Typical timeline: 4-5 weeks. Most renos in Mississauga and Vaughan family homes fall here.
Tier 3 — Full Custom: $32K-$60K+
You're moving things, expanding, or going premium: - Wet room layouts (curbless shower) - Tub-to-walk-in-shower conversion - Footprint changes (eat into closet, expand into hallway) - Custom tile patterns or large-format slabs - Smart toilet (TOTO Washlet) and digital shower controls - Heated towel rails + mirror demisters
Hidden costs at this tier: - Plumbing relocation (~$2K-$4K depending on stack distance) - Structural review if removing walls - Additional ventilation rework - Often new electrical panel circuit (if existing panel is full)
Typical timeline: 6-8 weeks. Common in Oakville, Burlington, and full-house renovations.
What drives cost — the order that actually matters
1. Plumbing relocation — biggest single cost driver. Moving a toilet 4 feet is $1500-$3000 in additional plumbing alone. 2. Tile choice + pattern — large-format slabs cost 2-3x basic porcelain. Herringbone tile takes 1.5x the install labour. 3. Waterproofing system — proper Schluter Kerdi or RedGard adds $1500-$3000 but eliminates the leak-callback that hits cheap renos year 3. 4. Heated floor — $800-$1800 installed including thermostat. Almost everyone who skips this regrets it. 5. Vanity tier — IKEA Godmorgon ($1200) vs custom shaker millwork ($4500) is a $3300 swing on one element.
What you should NEVER skimp on
- Waterproof membrane behind tile (skipped on most cheap renos) - Ventilation fan sized to the room (small fans cause mold) - Subfloor repair if rotted (don't tile over flexing wood)
We include all three in our bathroom renovation scopes by default. They're not "upgrades" — they're the difference between a bathroom that lasts 15 years and one that needs another renovation in 5.
Want a real number for your specific space? The quote calculator below takes 3 questions and emails your range.