Choosing among bathroom contractors in Scarborough is hard because quotes look similar on paper and behave very differently once tile starts going up. The cheapest estimate often leaves out the work that matters most: waterproofing, plumbing corrections, permits and cleanup. The twelve questions below help you compare contractors on substance. Ask them in writing if you can, and keep the answers with your contract.
Bathroom contractors in Scarborough: scope and what is included
- What exactly is in the price, and what is not? A good quote lists demolition, framing, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, tile, vanity, fixtures, glass, painting and disposal. If the fixtures are your responsibility, the quote should say so, along with allowances for anything you have not chosen yet.
- Who selects and orders materials, and when? Vanities, glass and specialty tile can have long lead times. Ask when selections are due so the schedule does not stall halfway through.
- What happens if you open the walls and find a problem? Older Scarborough houses, including many bungalows and split-levels, can hide outdated plumbing, rotted subfloor or poor venting. A contractor should explain how those discoveries are priced before they happen.
The parts you will never see again
- How will you waterproof the shower and the floor? You want a specific answer: a membrane system or a waterproof board system, how the corners and niche are sealed, and how the shower pan is tested. Vague answers are a warning sign. Our own work on Scarborough bathroom renovations treats waterproofing as the core of the job rather than an extra.
- How will you handle ventilation? A bathroom fan that vents outdoors and is sized properly protects the new finishes. Ask where the duct will run and where it will exit.
- Will you check and correct the subfloor and framing? Tile on a flexing floor cracks. Ask how the floor will be stiffened and levelled.
Permits, trades and who shows up
- Is a permit needed, and who handles it? Many cosmetic bathroom updates do not need a building permit, but moving plumbing, changing structure or altering walls may. Confirm with the City of Toronto, and ask the contractor to explain what they will do and what they expect from you.
- Which trades are your own, and which are subcontracted? You want to know who is working in your home. We run an in-house trades team, so the people who plan the job are the people who build it, but whichever contractor you choose, ask for plain answers about who does what.
- Who is my day-to-day contact, and how do you communicate? A weekly update, a shared schedule and a named person who answers the phone are worth more than a glossy brochure.
Schedule, payment and protecting yourself
- What is the schedule, and what could change it? A realistic schedule includes demolition, rough-in, inspections where required, waterproofing cure time, tile, finishing and a final walkthrough. Ask what delays are common, such as backordered glass.
- How are payments structured? Payments should follow progress, not arrive mostly up front. Be wary of any request for a large deposit before materials are ordered or a schedule is set. A written contract should state amounts and milestones.
- What warranty do you provide, and how is a callback handled? A written workmanship warranty tells you the contractor stands behind the job. Ask what is covered, for how long, and who you call.
Budget realities to keep in mind
Costs depend on size, condition and finishes, and every home is different, so these are typical ranges only. A powder room usually falls around $8,000-$15,000, a main bathroom $18,000-$35,000 and an ensuite $28,000-$55,000. Converting a tub to a shower adds roughly $3,500-$7,000. Our page on bathroom renovation explains what drives these numbers, and a site visit is the best way to get one that applies to your home.
When quotes differ widely, do not just pick the middle. Line them up and look at what is missing from the cheapest one. Usually the gap is waterproofing detail, plumbing corrections, a vague fixture allowance or no mention of permits and cleanup.
Red flags worth walking away from
- No written contract, or a contract with a one-line scope.
- Pressure to sign today for a discount that expires.
- No explanation of waterproofing beyond saying it is included.
- A large cash deposit or a refusal to provide a written payment schedule.
- Reluctance to talk about permits or inspections.
- No clear answer on who will be on site each day.
Our overview of renovation services in Scarborough covers the range of work we handle across the area, and you can use these same questions to compare us against any other contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quotes should you get?
Two or three comparable quotes are enough. Make sure each is based on the same scope so you are comparing like with like.
Should you choose fixtures before getting a quote?
It helps. Fixture choices change the plumbing and the price. If you are not ready, ask for clear allowances.
Is a deposit normal?
A reasonable deposit to start the job is common, but payments should follow progress and be written into the contract.
How do you know the waterproofing is done right?
Ask to see it before tile goes on, ask what system is used, and ask how it was tested. Photos at each stage are a good habit.
If you would like to put these twelve questions to us before choosing among bathroom contractors in Scarborough, call 647-914-2150 or book a free site visit. GoGajic Construction, 131 Minerva Ave, Toronto, will walk you through scope, waterproofing and schedule for your Scarborough bathroom.
