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If you’re thinking about renovating your bathroom in Ontario, one of the first questions you probably have is: “How much is this going to cost me?” Whether you’re updating a tired-looking bathroom, upgrading fixtures, or adding a brand-new one, the answer depends on a few important factors like the size of the space, the finishes you choose, and how much of the work you plan to do yourself.

Bathroom renovations can be a great investment—but they can also get expensive quickly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect when budgeting, the difference between basic and luxury renovations, how much it costs to add or convert a bathroom, and why a good reno can even boost your home's value.

What to Include in a Bathroom Renovation Budget

Before diving into prices, it’s important to know what goes into a bathroom renovation. Your total cost depends on how many of these parts you’re updating.

Here’s a breakdown of common items included in a full bathroom reno:

Demolition: Tearing out old tiles, flooring, or fixtures

Plumbing: Moving or replacing water lines and drains

Electrical: Upgrading wiring, adding lighting, or new outlets

Flooring: Tile, vinyl, or waterproof laminate

Walls: Drywall repair, waterproofing, or new paint

Shower or Bathtub: Replacing or converting the wet area

Vanity and Sink: New cabinetry, counter, faucet

Toilet: New model or reinstallation

Lighting and Ventilation: Updated lighting, fan, and GFCI outlets

Labour: Professional contractor, plumber, electrician

Permit Fees (if required by your city)

Keep in mind: some contractors will give you a package price, while others break out each line item. Always ask for a detailed quote so you can compare properly.

Basic vs. Luxury Bathroom Remodels Costs

Bathroom renovations in Ontario can range widely in price, depending on whether you’re going with budget-friendly materials or high-end luxury features.

Here’s a general idea of the range:

Basic Bathroom: $8,000 – $15,000

Mid-Range Bathroom: $15,000 – $25,000

High-End/Luxury Bathroom: $25,000 – $40,000+

Basic renovations usually keep the layout the same and use more affordable materials—like acrylic tub surrounds, ready-made vanities, and ceramic tile. These are great if you just want a cleaner, fresher look without going overboard.

Mid-range renovations might include tiled showers, new lighting, quartz counters, and a more customized layout. They offer more style and comfort without full luxury pricing.

Luxury renovations often include things like heated floors, walk-in glass showers, freestanding tubs, custom vanities, high-end fixtures, and designer tilework. These are great for master ensuites or if you’re planning to stay in your home long-term and want a spa-like feel.

Are Bathroom Renovations Worth It Before Selling

Absolutely—if done right.

A well-designed bathroom renovation can significantly boost your home’s resale value. Buyers today are looking for clean, updated, and functional bathrooms. Even a modest refresh can make your home more attractive and help it sell faster.

Here’s why a bathroom reno is often worth it before selling:

Buyers love move-in ready homes – outdated bathrooms are a turnoff

You can recoup a good portion of the cost – studies show you may get back 60–70% of what you spend

Improved first impressions – bathrooms are one of the most closely inspected parts of a home

That said, don’t overdo it if you’re planning to sell soon. Focus on clean finishes, neutral colours, and reliable upgrades rather than expensive, personal features like smart toilets or oversized bathtubs.

How Much Does It Cost to Add a New Bathroom?

If your home only has one bathroom and you’re adding a second—or converting a basement or unused space—it can be a major upgrade to your home’s functionality and value. But it’s not cheap.

Adding a new bathroom in Ontario usually costs between $25,000 and $50,000, depending on these factors:

Where the new bathroom is located (above or below ground)

How close plumbing and electrical lines are

Whether you’re building a full bath (with tub/shower) or a powder room

The quality of finishes and fixtures you choose

Basement bathrooms tend to cost more, especially if you need to install a sump pump or deal with concrete cutting. But if your home lacks a bathroom on a certain floor, adding one could dramatically improve your lifestyle—and your home's resale value.

Costs to Convert a Half-Bath to a Full Bathroom

If you already have a powder room (just a toilet and sink), adding a shower can make it more practical—especially for guests, older family members, or basement tenants.

The average cost to convert a half-bath into a full bath in Ontario is typically $8,000 to $15,000, depending on:

Whether there’s enough space to add a shower

How much plumbing work is required

The type of shower you choose (prefab insert vs. custom tile)

This is often a great investment in homes with only one full bath. It adds flexibility and could even support rental income if paired with a basement suite.

How Much to Redo Just the Shower or Bathtub?

If the rest of your bathroom is fine, but the tub or shower is outdated, cracked, or leaking, you don’t need to rip everything out. Just redoing the wet area is one of the most popular types of bathroom mini-renos.

Prefab bathtub or shower insert: $2,000 – $5,000 (supply + install)

Custom tiled shower: $5,000 – $10,000+

Tub-to-shower conversion: $3,500 – $7,000

Walk-in tub installation: $6,000 – $12,000

Factors that affect pricing:

Whether you’re moving plumbing

The quality of materials

Tile vs. acrylic or fiberglass

Accessibility features like grab bars or low-threshold entry

If you're thinking about aging in place, this can be a smart move now—especially if you install a walk-in shower, which we’ll get into next.

Costs to Install a Walk-In Shower in Ontario

Walk-in showers are one of the most popular bathroom upgrades in Ontario—especially for homeowners who want a modern, accessible, and low-maintenance solution. They’re a great option for aging homeowners, small bathrooms, or anyone replacing an old tub they don’t use.

The cost of installing a walk-in shower in Ontario can vary quite a bit based on design and materials. Here’s a general breakdown:

Basic acrylic unit: $3,500 – $6,000

Mid-range custom tile: $6,000 – $10,000

High-end spa-style: $10,000 – $15,000+

Acrylic or fiberglass options are the most affordable. They come in pre-molded shapes and are easy to install, which keeps labour costs down. Tile showers cost more because they require waterproofing, tiling, grout, and sometimes custom glass enclosures.

Other features that affect cost:

Frameless glass doors

Built-in benches or niches

Rain showerheads or dual fixtures

Grab bars or zero-threshold entries for accessibility

If your bathroom is on the smaller side or you're prioritizing ease of cleaning and a sleek look, a walk-in shower can be a very smart investment.

Are Bathroom Renovation Costs Tax-Deductible?

In most cases, bathroom renovations are not tax-deductible in Ontario if you’re doing them for aesthetic or personal reasons. That means if you’re simply updating an old bathroom to make it look nicer, the cost won’t qualify for a tax break.

However, there are a few exceptions to be aware of:

1. Medical or Accessibility Renovations

If you’re renovating a bathroom to accommodate a disability—for example, adding grab bars, lowering a sink, or installing a walk-in tub—you may be able to claim some of the costs under the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) on your federal tax return.

To qualify:

The work must be directly related to a medical condition

You’ll need a prescription or a letter from a medical professional

The receipts must be properly documented

2. Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC)

Seniors aged 65 or older and people with disabilities may be able to claim up to $10,000 in eligible renovation expenses under the federal HATC. Bathroom renovations like non-slip flooring, accessible showers, or widened doorways could qualify.

This credit is non-refundable, meaning it reduces the tax you owe, but won’t result in a refund if you don’t owe taxes.

3. Rental Properties

If you’re renovating the bathroom of a rental property, some or all of the cost may be claimed as a capital expense or maintenance expense, depending on the nature of the work. Always consult a tax advisor to confirm.

How to Stretch Your Bathroom Renovation Budget

Even a modest bathroom reno is a big expense for most homeowners. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your money:

1. Keep the Layout the Same

Moving the toilet, sink, or tub can dramatically increase your costs due to plumbing changes. If your current layout works, leave it as is and focus on cosmetic upgrades.

2. Focus on the “Wow” Factor

You don’t need to upgrade everything. Sometimes, just retiling the shower or swapping out an old vanity for a modern one can make the whole space feel brand new.

3. Shop Around for Materials

Home improvement stores often have big sales on vanities, toilets, and flooring. You can also look at overstock suppliers, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, or even Facebook Marketplace for brand-new surplus items.

4. Do Some Work Yourself

If you’re handy, you could do the demolition, painting, or cleanup yourself to save on labour. Just be careful—plumbing and electrical should always be left to licensed professionals.

5. Get Multiple Quotes

Always get at least 2–3 quotes from contractors before hiring anyone. Look at more than just the price—check reviews, references, and what’s included. The cheapest quote isn't always the best value.

Average Bathroom Renovation Cost in Ontario

Bathroom renovations in Ontario can range from a few thousand dollars for a quick refresh to well over $30,000 for a luxurious transformation. What you spend should depend on:

Your current bathroom condition

How long you plan to stay in the home

Your budget and financing options

What adds the most value and comfort to your daily life

Here’s a quick recap of cost ranges to keep in mind:

Basic bathroom renovation: $8,000 – $15,000

Mid-range full renovation: $15,000 – $25,000

Luxury or ensuite renovation: $25,000 – $40,000+

Add a new bathroom: $25,000 – $50,000+

Convert half-bath to full bath: $8,000 – $15,000

Redo shower or bathtub only: $3,000 – $10,000+

Walk-in shower installation: $3,500 – $15,000+

If you're doing the renovation to sell, keep it simple and timeless. If it's for your forever home, feel free to splurge where it matters to you most—like a luxurious shower or heated floors.

And don’t forget: a well-planned bathroom renovation can add real value, both in your daily routine and your home’s future resale price.