| Tier | Typical range | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget update | $12,000 – $18,000 | New tub or shower, vanity, toilet, tile, fixtures, existing layout and plumbing locations |
| Mid-range full renovation | $18,000 – $30,000 | Full gut to studs, waterproofing, new tile throughout, glass shower, quality vanity, updated wiring |
| High-end custom ensuite | $45,000 – $70,000+ | Layout changes, curbless shower, freestanding tub, heated floors, custom millwork, premium stone |
- 01Moving plumbingRelocating the toilet, tub, or drain lines adds $3,000–$8,000
- 02WaterproofingProper shower membrane systems add $1,500–$3,500 but prevent the most expensive failure a bathroom can have
- 03PermitsCity of Toronto plumbing permits apply when drains move. Budget $300–$1,000 including inspections
- 04Older-home surprisesGalvanized or lead supply lines, rotted subfloor, and asbestos-era tile adhesive add $2,000–$10,000 when found
- 05Condo vs houseCondo approvals, restricted hours, and floor protection requirements add 10–20% to labour
- 06HSTOntario's 13% HST applies to labour and materials — a $22,000 quote becomes roughly $24,900
What each tier actually includes
A budget update keeps every fixture where it stands. New tub or shower insert, vanity, toilet, tile and lighting. Typical GTA ranges in 2026 run $12,000–$18,000. It is the right scope when the bones are sound and the finishes are simply tired.
The mid-range full renovation is a gut to the studs. Old tile and board come out, the shower gets a proper waterproofing membrane, and everything goes back new: tile floor and walls, glass shower, quality vanity, exhaust fan, and updated wiring. Most Toronto projects land here, between $18,000 and $30,000.
High-end custom starts around $45,000. That buys layout changes, a curbless shower, freestanding tub, heated floors, wall-hung fixtures, and custom millwork. Large ensuites with premium stone pass $70,000.
What drives cost in Toronto specifically
The room is small; the trades are not. A bathroom touches plumbing, electrical, tiling, carpentry and glass in about 40 square feet, which is why per-square-foot costs are the highest in the house.
City of Toronto plumbing permits apply when drains move, and ESA inspection applies to new circuits like heated floors. Condos add board approvals, insurance paperwork, and restricted working hours.
Older Toronto homes add their own line items. Galvanized supply pipes that should be replaced while walls are open. Subfloor rot around toilets that only shows during demolition. Tile adhesives and plaster from the asbestos era that require controlled removal. These are common, not rare, in pre-1960s houses.
How to budget
Price your tier, then add 10–15% contingency and 13% HST. If the house is older than 1960, lean toward the full 15%. Decide fixture selections before demolition — mid-project changes are where budgets quietly break. If you are financing, a home equity line is typically the cheapest money for this scale of work.
When the cheap quote is the expensive one
The most expensive bathroom failure is water going where it should not. A low quote that skips the waterproofing membrane, reuses corroded shutoffs, or tiles over questionable board can look fine for a year and then rot the joists under it. Redoing a failed shower costs more than the original renovation. If a quote is thousands below the rest, ask specifically what waterproofing system is included and whether plumbing inspections are being pulled.
Getting a fixed YAREX estimate
YAREX Renovation & Restoration is licensed and insured, serving Etobicoke and the GTA. We inspect the existing plumbing, flag age-of-home risks before demolition, and provide a free written estimate with waterproofing and permits itemized — so the number you approve is the number you pay.
Cost questions
01Can I renovate a bathroom in Toronto for under $15,000?
Yes, if the layout stays put and you choose mid-range fixtures. Under $15,000 covers a new tub, tile surround, vanity, toilet and flooring. A full gut with waterproofing and glass usually starts around $18,000.
02How much should I budget for contingency?
Hold back 10–15%. Bathrooms hide problems behind tile: rotted subfloor around the toilet, corroded shutoffs, or old adhesive that needs safe removal. In pre-1960s Toronto homes, assume something will need fixing once the walls open.
03Do renovation costs include HST?
Most quotes are pre-tax. Ontario charges 13% HST on renovation labour and materials, so add 13% to any quote unless it explicitly says tax is included.
04How long does a bathroom renovation take?
A standard full renovation takes 2–4 weeks on site once materials are in hand. Custom ensuites with layout changes run 4–8 weeks. Order tile, vanities and glass before demolition to avoid mid-project stalls.
05Is a second bathroom worth it in Toronto?
Usually. Adding or upgrading a bathroom is one of the more reliable value adds in the GTA market, particularly turning a one-bathroom house into two. Recovery varies, so renovate for how you live first.
A range is a guess. An estimate is a number.
We walk the space, open what needs opening, and price the actual scope. Itemized, in writing, and free.