Hannah Logan
Beth Buczynski
Ready to remodel your bathroom but wondering how much it will cost? Even for small projects, bathroom remodeling costs can really add up.
Done properly, a bathroom remodel can be worth the expense. Renovations can add value to your home, both in terms of what you get out of it as the homeowner and the price it commands when it comes time to sell.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost?
The chart below gives you a rough estimate of some of the costs you can expect when remodeling a bathroom.
You can see how a quick update of a toilet and vanity in a small guest bathroom might be completed for under $5,000, while demolishing and remodelling a primary bathroom could easily add up to $15,000 or more.
Keep in mind that these estimates depend heavily on the labour costs involved.
| Bathroom fixture | Typical cost to buy and install |
|---|---|
| Toilets and sinks | $200-$1,800 |
| Vanities | $300-$3,800 |
| Countertops | $200-$2,000 |
| Bathtubs | $1,500-$4,000 |
| Flooring | $600-$4,000 |
Price ranges reflect averages sourced from sites like RenovationFind[1], HomeStars[2], Canadian Home Trends[3], Home Depot[4] and KitchenandBath.ca[5]. Your bathroom remodeling costs may vary.
Factors that affect the cost of renovating a bathroom
Size and type of bathroom
Size is an obvious factor when determining bathroom remodeling costs — the bigger the room, the more materials and labour you’ll likely need to remodel it. But the type of bathroom also plays a role in the price of a remodel.
Is it a compact powder room with just a toilet and pedestal sink? Or, is it a primary ensuite bathroom with a shower, jetted tub and two-sink vanity?
The bathroom’s primary user matters, too. If you are remodeling a guest or child’s bathroom, you can probably stick with basic fixtures and finishes.
However, if it’s the main bathroom where you’re looking to instill a high level of luxury, prepare for much higher costs.Not only is the primary bathroom where most homeowners spend a little more on renos, it can also be a focal point for future buyers.
Remodel vs. renovation
The kind of makeover you give your bathroom will greatly affect the cost.
A renovation, which entails fixing up a space via smaller, strategic changes — a fresh paint job or new light fixtures, for instance — may suit your needs and budget better than a remodel.
A remodel alters the room in a more significant and typically more expensive way. You might do a full remodel (think major demolition and redesign) or a partial remodel, such as adding a skylight.
Level of finish
There are typically four levels of finish when it comes to remodeling projects, which include:
- Builder-grade. This is typically the most basic and affordable option. Builder grade finishes will make your space functional, but it won’t be the best in terms of quality.
- Quality-grade. more expensive option that’s generally more durable and more visually appealing.
- Custom-grade. If your budget allows, you can consider custom finishes, which will cost more because they’re made specifically for your space and tastes.
- Ultra custom-grade. This is where custom finishes are taken to the extreme. For instance, you might choose imported Italian marble for your vanity countertop.
Labour and location
Bathroom remodeling costs vary across Canada because the price of goods and services vary by location.
The cost of labour in metropolitan areas, for example, may be higher than in more remote locations because the cost for workers to live there is higher.Materials, on the other hand, may be more readily available in large cities, so those costs may be lower.
Keep in mind that the number of contractors who specialize in bathroom remodels plays into the costs too. If demand exceeds the number of professionals, they’ll likely be able to command a higher price no matter the location.
Other bathroom remodeling costs to consider
Plumbing and electrical system repairs and upgrades
Changing the layout of your bathroom, expanding it or adding new items that didn’t previously exist (like a tub where there was only a shower), may require pricey plumbing and electrical work, assuming you can’t do it yourself.
If you need to keep costs down, stick to the original design and floor plan of the room. Scaling back your remodel to a more modest renovation project might be a more budget-friendly option.
Permits
Your province or city may require a permit if you’re doing a significant bathroom remodel. Whether one is needed will depend on your location, your plans and the size of your bathroom. Before you get started on your project, consult your contractor about permit requirements and costs. For good measure, verify the information is accurate by doing some independent research.
How to save on a bathroom remodel
If you’re doing a total remodel, there are a few ways to save:
- Have a plan. Before starting your project, set a budget and understand all of your costs. This will keep you from incurring too many unnecessary expenses along the way.
- Get estimates. Multiple bids from contractors can help you find the best price. Bear in mind, however, the professional with the cheapest quote might not be the right choice.
- Source your own items. Shop around for materials if your contractor can’t provide you with a discount.
If your bathroom doesn’t need a full remodel, consider these cost effective alternatives:
- A partial remodel. Honing in on one area to improve is going to be cheaper than the entire room.
- Renovation. This may include changes like swapping out hardware (e.g., drawer pulls and towel racks), reglazing a bathtub or painting the walls and door.
- Redecoration. Artwork, plants and other personal touches can have an outsized impact on the appearance of your bathroom without breaking the bank.
Benefits of renovating your bathroom
A bathroom may be a small room, but it’s an important part of your home that should suit your needs and make you feel comfortable.
A bigger space can save your growing family from bumping into each other in the mornings.
A safer, more accessible shower can meet the needs of an aging parent.
A luxurious, spa-like environment might be just what you need for an end-of-day escape. In any case, a remodel can turn your bathroom into a much more enjoyable space.
Potential increase in home value
Bathrooms, especially the primary bathroom, play a surprisingly large role when selling your home.
Prospective home buyers tend to look at:
- Vanities. They should have good height, ample counter space and storage, and stone countertops, such as granite.
- Flooring. Heated flooring can be a very popular draw in colder climates.
- Showers. Large walk-in showers are big draws in the main bathroom of a home.
- Bathtubs. Having a soaking tub somewhere in the home is always a good idea, especially if you might be selling the home to a family with younger kids.
Nerdy Tip: If you’re remodeling your bathroom primarily for resale value, it’s important to keep in mind the level of finish that’s expected in your market. If you over- or under-improve the bathroom, it may impact your potential return on investment.
Frequently asked questions about remodeling a bathroom
If you’re taking the DIY approach for a bathroom remodel, your main expense will be materials, drastically reducing the overall cost of the project. Depending on the size, type and level of finish, you may be able to remodel your bathroom for around $5,000.
The most expensive part of a bathroom remodel is significantly altering the layout of the room, as it will likely involve removal, demolition and disposal of current fixtures, as well as major plumbing and electrical changes.
Article Sources
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Renovation Find, “Bathroom Renovation Cost Canada,” accessed July 10, 2024.
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HomeStars, “Bathroom Remodel Cost Guide,” accessed July 10, 2024.
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Canadian Home Trends, “Bathroom Renovation Budget Breakdown,” accessed July 10, 2024.
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Home Depot, “Bathtubs and Showers,” accessed July 10, 2024.
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Kitchen and Bath, “Bathroom Renovation Cost Toronto,” accessed July 10, 2024.
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