Planning a bathroom renovation Scarborough homeowners will enjoy usually means working in a home that has been lived in for decades, and that history is what separates a tidy budget from an unpleasant surprise. A bathroom is a small room carrying a lot of hidden work: plumbing, waterproofing, ventilation, electrical and finishes, all packed into a few square metres. This article lays out typical budget ranges for three common bathroom types, then explains what pushes a price up or down in older houses.
The figures below are typical ranges only. Every home differs, and the most reliable number comes from a site visit where someone can see your walls, your drain locations and your floor. If you want to compare with broader pricing, our bathroom renovation cost in Toronto page has additional context.
Bathroom renovation Scarborough budgets: three bathrooms, three ranges
- Powder room: typically $8,000-$15,000. A toilet and sink in a small footprint, often on the main floor, with new flooring, vanity, lighting and paint or wall finish.
- Main bathroom: typically $18,000-$35,000. A full bath with tub or shower, vanity, toilet, tile, fan, lighting and waterproofing.
- Ensuite or master bathroom: typically $28,000-$55,000. Larger footprint, often a separate shower and tub or a more elaborate shower, double vanity and upgraded finishes.
If you are converting an existing tub to a walk-in shower, that conversion typically adds roughly $3,500-$7,000 depending on the layout, glass and tile.
The ranges are wide for a reason. Fixture choices, tile size and pattern, how much of the room is being moved, and what we find behind the walls all matter more than the size of the room.
What older Scarborough homes tend to hide
Many Scarborough houses were built in the postwar decades, and bathrooms in them often have original or semi-original plumbing. When we open a wall, these are the findings that most often change the plan:
- Corroded or undersized supply piping that is worth replacing while the wall is open.
- Cast-iron or older drain lines that need repair or adapter work.
- Subfloor rot around the tub or toilet from slow leaks.
- Old wiring or ungrounded outlets, which should be corrected as required by the Ontario Building Code.
- No exhaust fan, or one that vents into the attic instead of outside.
We recommend carrying a contingency for these findings rather than hoping they do not appear. A realistic allowance protects both the schedule and the relationship with your contractor.
What moves the price most
Moving plumbing
Keeping the toilet, tub and vanity where they are is the single biggest saving. Relocating a toilet drain, particularly on a slab or in a bathroom over a finished room, means more labour, more structural work and more repair.
Tile and installation complexity
Large-format tile, patterned layouts, mosaic floors and wall niches all increase the time needed to install. The material price is only half of the story; labour for precise cuts and waterproofing details is the other half.
Glass and fixtures
Frameless shower glass, a freestanding tub or a wall-mounted fixture requires careful blocking and measurement. Order fixtures early, since a late shipment can hold up a project.
Heated floors and extras
Electric floor heat, custom cabinetry, a heated towel rail or a fan with a humidity sensor all add cost but also add comfort. Decide early so rough-in is right the first time.
Where not to cut
If you must trim the budget, trim visible finishes, not what is behind the tile. Waterproofing membranes, proper slope, backing for grab bars and fixtures, a correctly sized fan and clean plumbing connections cannot be fixed cheaply later. A beautiful tile job on a poorly waterproofed shower is a failure waiting to happen. When quotes differ widely, ask each contractor to describe the waterproofing system in writing.
Do you need a permit?
Cosmetic replacement of fixtures may not require one, but moving plumbing, altering walls or adding a bathroom where none existed generally does. Rules are administered by the City of Toronto, so confirm what applies to your scope with its building department before starting. We can help you work through the paperwork when it is required.
A realistic order of operations
- Site visit and measurements.
- Design decisions and fixture selection.
- Written quote with itemized allowances.
- Demolition and inspection of what is behind the walls.
- Plumbing and electrical rough-in.
- Framing adjustments, waterproofing and testing.
- Tile, vanity, fixtures, glass and paint.
- Final walkthrough and a short list of touch-ups.
You can see how we approach this on our bathroom renovation in Scarborough page, and our broader bathroom renovation service page covers options across the GTA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
Many projects run a few weeks on site, though fixture lead times, permits and hidden conditions can extend the schedule. Ask for a written timeline.
Will we be without a bathroom?
If it is your only bathroom, yes, for part of the project. Plan for a temporary arrangement, or ask us to phase the work around your needs.
Is it cheaper to renovate two bathrooms at once?
Often there are efficiency savings, such as shared mobilization and trade scheduling, but the rooms still carry their own materials and labour. A single combined quote is the best way to find out.
Should we choose a tub or a walk-in shower?
If you have only one bathroom, a tub keeps resale and family flexibility. If there is another tub elsewhere, a larger shower can be the better use of space.
If you are weighing a bathroom renovation Scarborough homes deserve, bring photos, a wish list and your budget to a conversation with us. Call 647-914-2150 or book a free site visit at GoGajic Construction, 131 Minerva Ave, Toronto, and we will give you a clear scope. All of our bathroom work is backed by a 5-year workmanship warranty.
