Tips & Advice
Last Updated: Jan 25, 2021
A bathroom renovation can be one of the most useful projects you can complete to upgrade your home. The average cost of a bathroom renovation in Canada is between $8,00 and $20,000. The features that you decide to include, alongside the size of the bathroom, will drive the cost of the project.
Renovating your bathroom can provide some of the highest returns when it comes to increasing the value of your home. If you decide to sell your home, buyers will appreciate that your bathroom has updated features - and they will be willing to pay more for it.
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Renovating Your Guest Bathroom, Powder Room and Master Bathroom
You can have three different styles of bathrooms in your home: a guest bathroom, a powder room, and a master bath.
Guest bathrooms are usually a three quarter or full bath designed to accommodate overnight guests. Guest bathrooms generally fall in the middle of the cost range, and you can expect to spend about $196.00 per square foot to renovate it.
Powder rooms are a bit smaller and are usually just a half bathroom. Since they are more compact, they normally include a toilet and sink but do not contain a shower or tub. The total average cost to renovate a powder room is just under $2,000.
The master bathroom is usually the largest in your home, and this will make it the most expensive to renovate. However, the master bath is often a focal point when you sell your home, and many buyers prefer to purchase a house that has a freshly renovated master bathroom. You can easily expect to spend about $330 per square foot on this renovation, but the size of the master bath will ultimately determine the final cost.
Let's review some specific bathroom renovation upgrades since that will give you a better idea of what you can expect to spend on your bathroom remodel:
Bath Tub or Shower Upgrade
When you decide to upgrade your bathroom, the first thing you need to decide is whether you want a shower or a bathtub - or both! If you have children in the home, a tub may be more functional. The costs will vary depending on the showerhead you choose. On average, expect to pay between $1,000 and $1800 to have a professional install a bathtub.
A high-end shower can be very appealing to potential buyers, but this can be a bit more expensive to renovate. The average cost of a new shower will range from $1,500 to $2,600. It is important to note that these cost estimates apply only to tubs and showers that replace existing ones. When you alter the plumbing or existing supporting structure, expect the cost to rise significantly.
Bathroom Sinks and Toilets
Upgrading your sinks and toilets may be an easier task and can still give your bathroom a brand-new look. Generally, you are required to supply the toilet or sink that the professional will be installing. The fixtures can cost up to $300, while installation will add another $200 or $300. That means that upgrading your toilet and sink will likely cost $500 to $600.
Updating the Bathroom Tile
One of the most impactful renovations you can do in your bathroom is updating the tile. The shape and color that you choose will significantly alter the appearance, so be careful to choose something that is not too specific and will appeal to a broad range of buyers.
The tiling material you choose will determine the total cost. Slate and other natural stones have become very popular, but if you are looking for a more expensive upgrade you may want to consider porcelain, marble, or granite.
Marble can cost anywhere from $20 to $23 per square foot, while ceramic is significantly cheaper and ranges from $1.50 to $2.10 per square foot. Porcelain is right in the middle, with an installation cost between $7.00 to $11 per square foot.
Depending on the size of your bathroom, and whether you intend to use the same tile for the flooring in the shower, the cost of this renovation can increase rather rapidly.
Bathroom Plumbing and Electrical
Altering the plumbing and electrical systems in your bathroom during your innovation can be one of the most expensive things to do. Avoid modifying any of these structures if you do not have to since this will help you keep your costs down.
Likewise, anytime you change plumbing systems or internal electrical equipment, you will need to get a permit and ensure that contractors install everything properly.
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