Bathroom Renovations
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Bathroom Renovation Process
How to plan a bathroom renovation
Whether you want to turn your small bathroom into a personal oasis or perform a bathroom restoration on an investment property, you should develop a watertight plan before you start your project. Keep these three simple steps in mind as you consider bathroom designs for your upcoming remodel:
Plan ahead
Use a bathroom renovation planning tool to describe your vision in detail. Make sure you have a good idea of the bathroom floor plans you will be working with, the materials you would like to include, and the sinks, toilets, showers, and tubs you would consider installing.
Define a realistic budget
Bathroom restoration and renovation can increase the resale value of your home and improve your quality of life, but it shouldn’t break the bank. Use the Smart Reno Cost Estimator to help plan your budget.
Compare several contractors
When you’re ready to start, you can use Smart Reno to get up to three free quotes for bathroom contractors. Look at customer reviews, compare services offered, and make sure you choose a contractor who will best serve your interests.
How much does it cost to renovate a bathroom?
Bathrooms may be one of the smallest rooms in your house, but they are also one of the most expensive to renovate. The average bathroom renovation cost is about $16,000. A small powder room remodel can cost as little as $10,000, while a modern upgrade of an older ensuite or primary bathroom can run upwards of $40,000. Prices vary depending on the materials used, location of your home, and the size of the bathroom. Use our Cost Estimator to get a sense of bathroom renovation costs in your area.
| Type of renovation | Predictable budget |
|---|---|
| Economic | $31,000 to $41,000 |
| Standard | $33,000 to $45,000 |
| High end | $38,000 to $51,000 |
Complete bathroom renovation of 150 ft2
What’s usually included in a bathroom remodel?
A bathroom remodel will typically involve replacing the sink and vanity, toilet, tub, and shower. Many homeowners also choose to update their faucets, light fixtures, and flooring while they’re at it. In smaller bathrooms like powder rooms, the toilet and sink are the primary targets for remodelling.
In a luxury bathroom, tub showers are often replaced with a separate tile shower and deep bathtub. You may choose to add a half-wall to separate the toilet from the shower area or opt for new light fixtures. Expand the vanity area with stone countertops and cushioned bench to elevate your morning routine.
If you would like to upgrade to a more modern bathroom, the remodel could include replacing your existing toilet with an eco-friendly model. Switching out an acrylic tub/shower combination for a tiled shower with sliding glass door is also a popular choice for modern bathroom projects.
In the end, your bathroom remodel includes your ideas and vision for bathroom design.
Tips and tricks
How to choose the best materials for your bathroom renovation
A major part of any bathroom renovation is choosing the materials you’ll use to cover walls, floors, countertops, and even ceilings. Your bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms in your house, but it can have the greatest variety of materials and surface coverings. Make sure you choose materials to suit your needs and budget.
Water and Vapour Resistant Materials
Your bathroom is the most humid room in the house. The materials you choose to cover your floors, wall, and ceiling should be selected as much for their ability to protect from water damage as their aesthetic appeal.
Ceramic Tiling
For a classic look, bathroom remodelers often go for full or partial ceramic tiling on the walls and floor. Professional installation is key for ensuring a smooth presentation and watertight caulking no matter what temperature fluctuations your bathroom experiences over the course of the year.
Laminate
Often cheaper and easier to install than other surface cover options, this versatile material comes in a variety of colours and patterns. Look for a laminate that resists warping for adding pops of colour to your small bathroom.
Stoneware
Stoneware sink basins and shower accents can upgrade a standard bathroom into a luxury bathroom. However, this material can be porous, picking up unwanted odours and absorbing moisture. Consult with your contractor to determine the stoneware that best suits your remodelling needs.
Tools & Calculators
Find out how much home equity you have to finance your renovation using the RBC Home Value Estimator.
Not sure what your renovation should cost you? Use the Renovation Cost Estimator to find out.
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I have already recommended this to other people
Smart Reno was a great assistance to finding a trusted contractor. I have already recommended this to other people.
Manish Jain
Toronto
I have already recommended this to other people
Smart Reno was a great assistance to finding a trusted contractor. I have already recommended this to other people.
Manish Jain
Toronto
I have already recommended this to other people
Smart Reno was a great assistance to finding a trusted contractor. I have already recommended this to other people.
Manish Jain
Toronto
