Bathrooms are one of the most used spaces in the home. They are also one of peoples favourite places to update since it is used so frequently. Who doesn't love a good bathroom transformation, am I right? Although they are typically small in comparison to other spaces in the home, they are one of the most involved and important areas of the home to be renovated.
Bathroom renovations involve work for just about every trade, and can be re-designed, re-configured and put together in so many ways. This makes it hard to answer the question of "how much will a bathroom cost to renovate?". In this article we will break down the 3 most common ways we see bathrooms renovated and their typical associated costs. We will talk about a typical 3 piece bathroom.
JLC (Journal of Light Construction) is a great source for information about residential construction. They track the average costs for popular residential remodeling projects every year. This is for the USA but Canadian pricing follows very closely to this as well.
How Much is a Bathroom Renovation in Ontario?
The quick answer is that, on average, a bathroom renovation in Ontario can range from $25,000 up to $50,000 or more depending on the finishes selected, size of the bathroom and customized features being installed in the new bathroom. For a deeper dive into the cost of a bathroom renovation, keep reading!
Here are three examples of ways you can complete your bathroom renovation. Note that these prices would reflect hiring a professional company to complete the renovation from start to finish.
Budget Friendly
When it comes to a budget friendly bathroom renovation, we typically see a bathroom that includes a new tub/shower with an acrylic surround or a panel surround like WetWall, vinyl tile flooring, a new vanity and toilet and fresh trim and paint. Most homeowners that are looking to keep the costs low will be able to spruce up their bathroom but might have to sacrifice some of the nicer finishes that come with higher price tag. A common way to reduce the cost would be to reuse your existing tub/shower base. If your existing tub is in good condition, you can keep it in place and save the expense of having a plumber install a new one.
When it comes to renovating your bathroom on a budget you can expect to spend anywhere from $29,000-$24,000 on an option like this, depending on material selection and room size.
Mid-Range Bathroom
If you want to step things up a little and like some of the nicer finishes that bathrooms can have then this is the option for you. Most people opt for this style of bathroom when they renovate their home.
These bathrooms will typically include a tiled tub/shower, sometimes with a niche, a tiled floor, new plumbing fixtures, a new vanity, new paint and trim, updated lighting and usually a glass shower door to accent the tiles.
This style of bathroom has plenty of options to choose from and can really be designed
to your liking. The fixtures and finishes are going to be of higher quality and will have a better feel under hand.
Most people tend to go for the glass doors which look great and also clean easier than shower curtains. The vanity options for this bathroom will include nicer hardware and are likely going to be solid wood.
This option best suits the homeowner that wants to enjoy their new bathroom for years to come and don't plan on selling their home in the near future. These bathrooms typically range from $38,000 -$30,000 depending on material selection and room size.
High End Getaway
A bathroom like this is going to be for the homeowner who wants to pull out all of the stops and turn their bathroom into a personal resort getaway. These bathrooms have no limits and can be a great way to invest in your forever home.
Typical options in this bathroom will include a heated floor, electric towel warmers, double vanities, bidets, stand-alone soaker tubs, customized lighting, curbless showers with rainfall and body sprayers, custom glass surrounds and much more. These bathrooms take a lot of planning and a skilled team to deliver.
Most homeowners that want to complete a bathroom renovation like this should expect to invest $40,000 - $60,000 or more. There is no limit to how many features you can put in a bathroom like this.
Factors that Affect the Cost of a Bathroom Renovation
Size of Bathroom
This may seem obvious, but the bigger your space is, the more it will cost to renovate it. There will be more material required and more labour involved to complete the renovation. We've seen many ensuites that are quite roomy but will have multiple vanities, customized storage and a separate soaker tub. This will all affect the total cost of the bathroom renovation.
Level of Finish
This is also an intuitive statement, but the fancier the bathroom, the more it will cost. As an example, on a budget bathroom you might select a $350 shower valve and trim kit from Home Depot but on a luxury bathroom we typically see homeowners opt for a Riobel shower head and trim kit which can run upwards of $1500. Things like heated floors, custom lighting, towel warmers and tile finishes will drive the price up as well. This is typically the best place to save money if you're wanting to keep the costs down. Cheaping out on the labour or installation costs will usually cost you more in the long run.
Renovation or Remodel
Many people use these terms interchangeably but they do have different meanings to professionals. A renovation would imply that no major changes are taking place. Things like the walls, mechanicals and fixture locations would all be staying in the same place as they are currently. A remodel would imply making changes to the layout and structure of the space as well which would mean a bigger budget would be necessary! A renovation will cost you less than a remodel for many reasons I think most people can assume.
Permits
Permits are another factor that should be considered when making any changes to your home. The permit itself isn't very costly but what can happen is that the city may request certain features to be altered to stay in compliance with the building code. This may not always be the case, but it is something to be aware of. We always recommend getting the proper permits to keep you and any future owner of the home covered. Learn more about if you need a permit here.
Benefits of Renovating Your Bathroom
Enhancing Comfort and Practicality
Although bathrooms occupy relatively small spaces within our homes, their significance in meeting personal needs and providing comfort cannot be overstated. Whether accommodating a growing family's need for additional space in the morning rush, ensuring safety and accessibility for aging parents, or fulfilling the desire for a luxurious, spa-like retreat, a bathroom remodel can transform this area into a haven of comfort.
Potential Home Value Enhancement
Bathrooms, particularly the primary one, exert a significant influence on the perceived value of a home.
Prospective buyers often prioritize:
Vanities: Optimal height, generous counter space, ample storage, and stone countertops like granite are desirable features.
Flooring: In colder climates, heated flooring is a sought-after amenity.
Showers: Spacious walk-in showers, particularly in the primary bathroom, are highly attractive.
Bathtubs: Incorporating a soaking tub, especially appealing to families with young children, can positively impact a home's appeal to potential buyers.