A bathroom is the smallest room you'll renovate and one of the most expensive per square foot — because behind the tile sits plumbing, waterproofing, and electrical that all have to be done right the first time. Here's what bathroom renovations actually cost in Toronto in 2026, by room type.
Bathroom renovation cost in Toronto (2026)
| Bathroom type | 2026 cost (Toronto) |
|---|---|
| Powder room (2-piece) | from ~$5,000 |
| Standard 3-piece bathroom | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Full renovation (average) | ~$17,000 |
| Primary ensuite (spa-style) | $22,000 – $35,000+ |
| Custom / luxury ensuite | $45,000 – $70,000+ |
On a per-square-foot basis, most Toronto bathrooms run $150–$300 per square foot, rising to $350–$500+ for larger luxury renovations. But bathrooms are the clearest example of a project where scope matters far more than size — moving the plumbing or gutting to the studs changes the number more than the room's footprint does.
Where the money goes
Waterproofing and tile labour. This is the invisible half of the budget and the half that determines whether the room lasts 20 years or leaks in three. Proper membranes, a pre-slope, and skilled tile-setting are where good bathrooms are made — and it's the last place to cut.
Plumbing. Keeping fixtures where they are is cheap; moving the toilet, tub, or vanity means opening walls and floors and re-running lines. Relocating plumbing is one of the most underestimated line items.
Fixtures and finishes. Tile, vanity, faucets, glass, and lighting span an enormous range. A frameless glass enclosure, a freestanding tub, heated floors, and porcelain slab walls are what turn a $17,000 bathroom into a $45,000 one.
Heated floors. In-floor electric heating is one of the most popular Toronto upgrades and is best installed during a full renovation, while the floor is already open.
How long it takes
A standard bathroom renovation takes 3–5 weeks on site. A full primary ensuite build — with custom tile, glass, and heated floors — runs 6–10 weeks. Tile and waterproofing can't be rushed; the curing and inspection steps set the pace.
Do you need a permit?
A like-for-like cosmetic refresh usually doesn't. Relocating plumbing, adding a new bathroom, or altering structure does require a permit from the City of Toronto. We pull permits wherever the scope calls for them.
FAQ
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Toronto in 2026? About $12,000–$18,000 for a standard bathroom (average ~$17,000), and $22,000–$35,000+ for a primary ensuite. Custom luxury ensuites reach $45,000–$70,000+.
Why are small bathrooms so expensive per square foot? Because a bathroom packs plumbing, waterproofing, tile, and electrical into a tiny space — all trades that demand precision. The cost is in the labour and the systems, not the floor area.
Can I save money by keeping the layout? Yes. Not moving the toilet, tub, or vanity avoids opening walls and re-running plumbing — the single biggest saving in a bathroom budget.
How long will my bathroom be out of use? 3–5 weeks for a standard bathroom, 6–10 weeks for a full ensuite.
Ready to start? See our bathroom renovation service, compare it in the Toronto renovation cost guide, or get a free estimate.