Bathroom Renovation in Greater Toronto Area
Bathroom renovation covers everything from a straight fixture swap to a full gut job down to the studs. That usually means removing old tile, tub, vanity and toilet, addressing whatever the demolition uncovers (rotten subfloor, old galvanized pipe, outdated wiring), then rebuilding with new plumbing rough-in, waterproofing, tile, a vanity, lighting and ventilation. In older GTA housing stock, especially detached homes in East York, Etobicoke and parts of Scarborough built before the 1970s, contractors often run into cast iron drain lines, knob-and-tube wiring near light fixtures, or subfloor damage from long-term leaks. Condo bathrooms in downtown Toronto and Mississauga come with their own restrictions: building rules on work hours, elevator bookings, and shared plumbing stacks that can limit what you're allowed to move.
We track 31 bathroom renovation contractors serving the GTA. When comparing them, look past the marketing photos and check whether they pull permits for plumbing and electrical work, carry proper insurance, and give you a written scope that specifies materials, not just a lump sum. Ask how they handle waterproofing behind tile (a proper membrane system matters more than the tile brand) and whether the same crew stays on the job start to finish or if trades rotate through.
Our scoring weighs licensing, insurance, review consistency over time, and how clearly a contractor communicates scope and pricing before work starts. Full detail on how we calculate it is on the methodology page. For a ranked shortlist across all renovation trades, see our best renovation contractors guide.
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All bathroom renovation, ranked by score and relevance
We found 83 businesses offering bathroom renovation; 55 met the criteria for the scored directory. The order weighs each business's overall score by how much of its reviewed work is bathroom renovation, so a lower-scored specialist can rank above a higher-scored generalist. Filter and sort below, or open the full map view.
Enquiries from our contact forms may go to partner providers who can do the work, and we may receive a referral fee. Our rankings are based on our published scoring method only and are never affected by referral fees.
Common questions about bathroom renovation
- How much does a bathroom renovation cost in the GTA?
- A basic refresh (new vanity, toilet, tub surround, flooring, no layout changes) typically runs $10,000 to $18,000. A full gut renovation with plumbing moves, custom tile work and a new shower enclosure often lands between $20,000 and $40,000, more if you're changing the layout or dealing with older plumbing that needs full replacement. Condo bathrooms can cost more per square foot because of building access rules and disposal restrictions.
- How often does a bathroom actually need to be renovated?
- Most bathrooms last 15 to 25 years before a full renovation makes sense, though grout, caulking and fixtures often need attention every 5 to 10 years. Signs you're due include soft or bouncy subfloor near the tub or toilet, tile grout that keeps failing despite recaulking, and fixtures or ventilation fans that no longer work efficiently.
- What should I expect during the actual renovation timeline?
- A cosmetic update (no plumbing or layout changes) can take 1 to 2 weeks. A full gut renovation usually takes 3 to 6 weeks once demolition starts, factoring in plumbing and electrical rough-in, inspection sign-offs, tile setting and grout curing time, and cabinet installation. Delays most often come from permit inspections and custom material lead times, not labor.
- How can I judge the quality of a contractor's bathroom work before hiring?
- Ask to see photos of a job at the framing or waterproofing stage, not just the finished tile, since that's where corners get cut. Confirm they pull permits for any plumbing or electrical changes and ask which waterproofing system they use behind tile. A contractor who can explain their process step by step, rather than just quoting a price, is usually the safer bet.
Guides to choosing bathroom renovation
- What bathroom renovation costs in the Greater Toronto Area
Real price ranges for a bathroom renovation in the GTA, what pushes the number up or down, and how to avoid paying for scope you didn't ask for.
- Renovating a bathroom for aging in place
Practical accessibility upgrades to plan for when renovating a bathroom for an aging parent or your own long-term comfort at home.