Budgeting for bathroom renovations can be a real challenge. It might be the smallest room in your house, but renovating your bathroom can still cost a pretty penny. There are lots of different factors at play, like the choice of materials and how much of the plumbing you need to change. Here’s an overview of the costs to help you plan your bathroom reno.
Bathroom renovation costs
A turnkey renovation has several elements that can affect the total project cost. Labour makes up most of the budget, and the rest basically goes towards materials. According to our internal data, you’ll need between $19,000 and $55,000 for a full bathroom renovation.
Renovating your bathroom can be a great investment, whether it’s to refresh the look, bring it up to code, make it more suitable for your family’s needs or increase your home’s resale value.
According to the Association des professionnels de la construction et de l'habitation du Québec, homeowners are able to recoup 75% to 100% of the money they spent on renovations when they resell their property. Kitchen upgrades are also among the most profitable renovations and offer a similar return on investment.
That said, it’s better to have an idea of how much you’re going to spend before getting started on major renovations. Here’s a detailed table showing how much a bathroom renovation can cost.
| Budget | Low-range | Mid-range | High-end | Luxury |
Demolition | $2,200 | $3,000 | $3,600 | $3,600 | $3,600 |
Toilet + installation | $700 | $1,200 | $1,200 | $2,000 | $3,600 |
Bathtub + installation | N/A | $2,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $5,800 |
Flooring | $2,200 | $3,000 | $4,200 | $4,200 | $5,800 |
Electrical | $2,200 | $2,400 | $2,400 | $2,400 | $5,000 |
Plumbing | $2,900 | $4,800 | $5,400 | $6,500 | $8,700 |
Shower + installation | $5,800 | $6,000 | $6,000 | $8,200 | $12,400 |
Vanity and sink + installation | $1,500 | $1,550 | $1,800 | $3,000 | $5,050 |
Unforeseen issues | $1,500 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $3,600 | $5,050 |
Total | $19,000+ | $26,500+ | $31,000+ | $36,000+ | $55,000+ |
* The prices shown in this table are calculated with internal data on the cost of renovations completed by contractors selected through RenoAssistance, using an all-inclusive formula. The prices are provided for information purposes only and are based on a bathroom measuring approximately 2.4 m x 3 m (8 ft x 10 ft), or 7.4 m2 (80 ft2). The total amount may vary based on the type of work required, labour, materials, safety measures, demolition costs, structural adjustments and unforeseen issues.
Thinking of renovating?
Planning to renovate your bathroom? Make sure you’ve thought of everything! There are plenty of tasks to check off, in addition to budgeting, making sure your renovations are up to code and choosing specialists. Being well prepared could help you deal with unforeseen issues and keep your renovations on schedule. It’s also a good idea to shop around for materials like flooring, countertops, bathtubs, showers and accessories so you can create a space that’s durable, practical and adapted to your needs.
Showers
The price of a new shower depends on the model (standard, walk-in or custom), the materials (acrylic or tempered glass) and how difficult it is to install, including the plumbing. A standard shower including installation costs about $6,000. A high-end shower can set you back as much as $12,400. It’s also a good idea to invest in an effective waterproofing system to prevent seepage, which can cause big damage over the long term.
Toilets
The cost of a toilet depends mainly on the model you choose (standard, low flow or wall-mounted) and how difficult it is to install. For a standard model including installation, the average price is $700. On the other hand, a high-end or wall-mounted toilet can cost up to $3,600.
Tip: Make sure to choose a toilet that’s compatible with your existing plumbing to cut down on additional work. Also consider the height and comfort of the seat, especially if your bathroom is intended for people with reduced mobility.
Plumbing
Plumbing is an important part of any bathroom renovation. The plumbing needs to work properly and be up to code. Before you start renovating, check whether your pipes need to be replaced. You’ll probably want to replace them if they’re galvanized or copper, for example.
You may want to select a modern material like PEX, which is known for its durability and corrosion resistance. Whatever you choose, it has to comply with the Quebec Construction Code. Remember, if you add things like a walk-in shower or a freestanding bathtub, you may need to make other changes to the plumbing.
How much will it cost? For a standard bathroom measuring 2.4 m x 3 m (8 ft x 10 ft), plumbing ranges from $2,900 to $8,700, but it can be even higher depending on the complexity of the renovations and the condition of the existing fixtures.
Vanities and sinks
The price of a sink and a vanity depends on size, style and quality of materials. If you’re renovating a standard bathroom, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $5,050.
Want to go for something that will last longer? Pick humidity-resistant materials, like treated wood or high-quality laminate. You should also make sure to pick a faucet and a vanity that are compatible.
Electrical
The electrical system in your bathroom is another important item to factor into your budget. For a standard room measuring 2.4 m x 3 m (8 ft x 10 ft), you should budget between $2,200 and $5,000 for the electrical work. Remember that you’ll need an electrician to install your light fixtures, electrical outlets and safety features.
Safety is especially important in bathrooms. Electrical outlets must be up to code (link in French only) and protected with a ground fault circuit interrupter, which is required for wet areas.
You could also add things like smart thermostats and heated floors to make your bathroom more comfortable and energy efficient. Hydro-Québec offers advice and financial assistance for energy-efficient renovations, including through the LogisVert Program.
Flooring
You’ve probably guessed it: the cost of bathroom flooring also depends on the type of material you choose. Redoing the bathroom floor typically costs between $2,200 and $5,800.
The most popular choices are:
Ceramic: Prized for its durability and style.
Vinyl: Cost-effective option that protects against humidity.
Natural stone: Ideal for a high-end look.
Make sure to use non-slip flooring if you want to reduce the risk of falling.
Why bathroom renovation costs vary
One of the biggest factors in how much your bathroom renovations are going to cost is the size of the bathroom. That’s because a larger bathroom requires a larger quantity of certain materials. The quality and durability of the materials you choose also have an impact on the final cost. For example, Italian thermostatic faucets are likely to cost more than cheap imported plumbing fixtures.
Another key factor is whether you decide to go the prefabricated or the custom route.
Prefabricated: Standard showers, cabinets and vanities are usually more affordable because they’re mass-produced.
Custom: A shower that’s designed to fit your space perfectly or a custom-made vanity typically requires more labour and more high-end materials, which can drive up the price.
How can the RenoAssistance team help you?
It may be tempting to do some of the work yourself to cut down on costs. However, hiring a specialized bathroom contractor can make your life easier and save you money in the long run. Plus, the contractor generally coordinates all the different subcontractors to make sure your renovation stays on schedule. And that increases the chances that your bathroom will be finished on time.
Renovations can be complex and stressful. Finding a reliable contractor, comparing prices and coordinating the steps—that’s a lot to manage! Our team of renovation advisors is here to support you throughout the process. It’s free and there’s no obligation on your part. You just need to pay the contractor you hire.
Our goal is to make your life easier and give you peace of mind. Here’s how it works:
Analysis: We discuss your needs and budget to get a clear picture of your priorities.
360° Verified Contractors: We connect you with specialized contractors who meet our strict criteria and can meet your needs. You get up to three quotes and choose the one that’s right for you.
Personalized follow-up: Our team of advisors is available to answer your questions and provide support from start to finish.
Our goal is to offer you turnkey service that helps you save time, makes your renovation less stressful and delivers results that meet your expectations.
Inspiration and prices of actual renovations
Looking for ideas? Here are some useful resources:
Check out these bathroom renovations that were completed with support from the RenoAssistance team. You’ll see lots of photos of renovated bathrooms and how much they actually cost at the time.
If you don’t use your bathtub, maybe you could replace it with a shower. Read our tips to decide if it’s right for you.
If you’re looking for a bathroom vanity, our guide will point you in the right direction.
Learn about the most common hidden bathroom problems that need to be fixed right away.
