- Powder room (toilet and sink): about $8,500 to $14,500
- Three-piece bathroom refresh: about $15,000 to $30,000
- Full renovation: about $22,000 to $50,000
- High-end primary bathroom: $45,000 to $55,000+
- Construction time: 2 to 4 weeks, not counting lead times
A bathroom is small, but it brings together almost every trade: plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, tile, carpentry and glass. That is why its cost per square foot is one of the highest in the house. Here is what each tier costs and which choices weigh most on the bill.
Price tiers in Toronto
| Tier | What is usually included | Typical budget |
|---|---|---|
| Powder room | Toilet, sink or small vanity, tile, lighting. | $8,500 – $14,500 |
| Refresh | Same layout. New fixtures, tile, vanity, lighting; plumbing stays in place. | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Full renovation | Gutted to the studs, new waterproofing, custom tiled shower, better materials. | $22,000 – $50,000 |
| High-end | Heated floor, frameless glass, thermostatic valves, double vanity, freestanding tub. | $45,000 – $55,000+ |
The items that weigh most
The tiled shower
A fully tiled shower usually costs $8,000 to $15,000 in Toronto. A curbless shower needs more preparation: a sloped floor, a linear drain and a continuous waterproofing membrane. This hidden work is what ensures there will be no leaks ten years from now.
Tile
Installed, porcelain tile runs about $12 to $22 per square foot, and marble $20 to $45. Large formats (24 × 48 in.) give a high-end look with fewer grout lines, but need a perfectly flat surface.
Moving the plumbing
Moving a toilet or a drain often adds $2,000 to $5,000 per fixture. Keeping fixtures where they are remains the main source of savings.
Heated floor
An electric heated floor is a popular option in Toronto winters. For a bathroom of about 50 sq ft, expect roughly $800 to $1,600 for the system and installation, thermostat included. It goes under the tile, so it is installed during the renovation.
Electrical and permit
Budget $1,000 to $2,500 for electrical (lighting, fan, GFCI outlets, heated floor), reported to the ESA. A building permit ($200 to $1,000) is only needed if you change the plumbing or the structure.
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How long does it take?
A simple refresh takes about 2 weeks. A full renovation usually needs 3 to 4 weeks of work because of drying times (membrane, mortar, grout). Lead times for a custom vanity or glass panels come on top, before the work starts.
A real example: our primary bathroom in Rosedale, with a double curbless shower, freestanding tub and heated floor, was completed in four phases over about a month.
Our tips to spend wisely
- Choose a well-known faucet brand: spare parts stay available for years.
- Prefer recessed niches to shelves: cleaner, and they cost almost nothing extra if planned from the start.
- One showpiece is enough: a beautiful feature wall, or a striking vanity, not necessarily both.
- Plan layered lighting: ceiling light, mirror lighting and a night light.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to renovate a bathroom in Toronto?
Replacing fixtures, tile or the vanity without moving the plumbing does not need a permit. Adding or moving fixtures, or changing the structure, does.
Can a bathtub be turned into a curbless shower?
Yes, it is one of the most common projects. We check the drain location and the depth available under the floor to create the slope.
Does a heated floor use a lot of electricity?
No: it heats a small area and runs on a programmable thermostat. It is mostly used in the morning and evening.