Ask five contractors about bathroom renovation cost in Ontario and you’ll probably get five different numbers, none of which explain what’s actually driving the price. So instead of another rough guess, here’s a real breakdown of what bathroom renovations cost across Toronto, Scarborough, and the wider GTA in 2026 — and why the number changes so much from house to house.
At SM Builders, bathrooms are one of the most requested renovations we handle, from small powder room updates to full walk-in shower conversions. Here’s what those projects actually cost right now.
Average Bathroom Renovation Cost in Ontario (2026)
| Project Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small bathroom refresh (vanity, toilet, flooring, paint) | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Mid-range bathroom renovation (new tile, tub/shower, fixtures) | $12,000 – $22,000 |
| Full bathroom remodel (layout changes, walk-in shower, premium finishes) | $25,000 – $40,000+ |
| Powder room addition or plumbing relocation | Add $5,000 – $12,000 on top of renovation cost |
These figures reflect what we typically quote across Toronto, Scarborough, Mississauga, and Vaughan homes. If a quote comes in far outside this range, ask what’s included — tile, fixtures, plumbing work, and waterproofing should all be itemized separately.
What Actually Drives Bathroom Renovation Costs
1. Plumbing changes. Keeping your toilet, tub, and sink in their existing locations keeps costs down. Moving any of them means rerouting pipes, which adds labour fast.
2. Tile and finishes. Ceramic tile is the budget-friendly option; porcelain, natural stone, and large-format tile all push costs higher, both in materials and installation time.
3. Walk-in shower conversions. Converting a tub to a walk-in shower is one of the most requested upgrades we see, especially for aging-in-place renovations — but it usually involves reworking the drain, waterproofing membrane, and glass enclosure, which adds to a straightforward retile job.
4. Ventilation and waterproofing. Proper exhaust fans and waterproofing membranes aren’t optional in a bathroom, and skipping them to save money is one of the fastest ways to end up with mold issues later.
5. Fixtures. Standard fixtures keep a renovation affordable; higher-end faucets, rainfall showerheads, and heated flooring can add several thousand dollars depending on the brand and finish.
Small Bathroom Remodel vs. Full Renovation
If your bathroom’s layout already works and the plumbing is in good shape, a small bathroom remodel — new vanity, updated flooring, fresh paint, and modern fixtures — can make a real visual difference without the cost of a full gut renovation.
A full bathroom renovation is worth the investment if you’re dealing with outdated plumbing, water damage, poor layout, or you’re specifically planning a walk-in shower conversion. If you’re renovating more than one room, it’s often worth pairing a bathroom project with a kitchen renovation for better overall scheduling and pricing.
Tips to Keep Your Bathroom Renovation Budget Under Control
- Get an itemized quote before demolition starts — tile, fixtures, and labour should each be broken out separately.
- Keep your existing plumbing layout where possible; it’s the single biggest cost-saver in most bathroom renovations.
- Choose porcelain over natural stone if budget matters more than a specific look — it’s more durable and far more affordable.
- Don’t skip proper ventilation and waterproofing to save a few hundred dollars; it’s one of the most expensive things to fix after the fact.
- Set aside a contingency of 10–15% for older homes in Toronto and Scarborough, where plumbing or subfloor issues are often only discovered once work begins.
Why Toronto & Scarborough Homeowners Choose SM Builders
We manage bathroom renovations from design through final finishes — plumbing, tile, waterproofing, fixtures, and walk-in shower conversions — with transparent, itemized pricing and a dedicated project manager on every job.
For more on our process and past bathroom projects, visit our bathroom renovation page, or reach out directly for a real number.
Ready to find out what your bathroom renovation would actually cost? Call SM Builders at 647 331 7366 or email smbuildersto@gmail.com for a free, no-obligation estimate. We’ll assess your space and send a detailed proposal — usually within 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a bathroom renovation in Ontario? Most mid-range bathroom renovations across Toronto, Scarborough, and the GTA fall between $12,000 and $22,000, with small refreshes starting around $6,000 and full remodels reaching $25,000–$40,000+.
How much does it cost to convert a tub to a walk-in shower? A tub-to-shower conversion typically costs $8,000 to $15,000, depending on the size of the shower, tile choice, and whether the drain or plumbing needs to be relocated.
How long does a bathroom renovation take? A small refresh usually takes about a week. A full bathroom remodel, including tile work and plumbing changes, typically takes 3–5 weeks depending on scope.