A full bathroom renovation usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks of work on site, based on our recent projects in Toronto. Plan extra time before that if the job needs a building permit (for example, when plumbing or walls move) or special-order materials. A refresh that keeps everything in the same place is shorter.
What "3 to 4 weeks" covers
That range is for a full bathroom: taking the room down to the studs, new plumbing and electrical where needed, waterproofing, tile, vanity, fixtures and glass. It is the time our crew is working in your home, from demolition to the final walk-through.
“They estimated three to four weeks and finished in just three weeks and two days.”
Nadia, bathroom renovation client
Before the first day on site there is a short planning stage: the visit and quote, choosing tile and fixtures, and the permit if your project needs one. How long that takes depends mostly on how quickly the selections are made.
A bathroom renovation, step by step
- 01
Visit and quote
We come to see the bathroom, listen to what you want and what you want to spend, and give you a clear quote in person.
- 02
Design and selections
Tile, vanity and fixtures are chosen with you. Having everything chosen before demolition is the single best way to keep the schedule.
- 03
Permit, if needed
Only when the work moves plumbing or walls (see the next section).
- 04
Protect the house and demolition
Floors are covered from the door to the bathroom, dust is contained, and the old bathroom comes out.
- 05
Plumbing and electrical
Pipes, drains and wiring go where the new layout needs them. This is where surprises behind the walls show up, and we discuss any of them with you before deciding anything.
- 06
Waterproofing
Every wet wall gets Schluter-Systems waterproofing before any tile goes on. It is the step that keeps a shower leak-free for years.
- 07
Tile
Floors, walls, niches and benches. Large-format tile, mosaics and patterns take the most care.
- 08
Vanity, fixtures and glass
Vanity, toilet, faucets, shower fixtures, mirrors and the glass enclosure go in.
- 09
Final walk-through
We go over every detail with you and fix anything before we call it done.
Do you need a permit for a bathroom renovation in Toronto?
It depends on what changes. The City of Toronto lists these cases:
| Work | Building permit? |
|---|---|
| Installing or changing plumbing (for example, moving the toilet, shower or drain) | Yes |
| Adding or removing walls, or changing room sizes | Yes |
| Repairing or replacing plumbing fixtures in the same place | No |
| Installing cabinetry and millwork (like a new vanity) | No |
For houses (detached, semi-detached and row houses with up to two units), the City reviews a complete permit application within 10 business days. An incomplete application has no set review time, so the drawings and documents need to be right the first time. Even when no permit is needed, the work still has to follow the zoning bylaw.
What makes a bathroom renovation take longer
| What happens | Why it adds time |
|---|---|
| The layout or plumbing moves | It usually needs a permit and inspections, and more work behind the walls. |
| Special-order tile, vanity or glass | Some items take weeks to arrive. The shower glass is measured after the tile is done. |
| Selections change mid-job | New materials have to be ordered and the crew may need to wait. |
| Surprises behind the walls | Old leaks, mould or wiring have to be fixed properly before closing the walls. |
| A condo building | Buildings set their own rules on work hours, elevator bookings and approvals. Check with your management office early. |
How to keep your bathroom on schedule
- Choose everything before demolition: tile, vanity, faucets, shower fixtures, toilet and mirrors.
- Decide early if the layout moves, so the permit can be applied for while you finish choosing.
- Plan for living without that bathroom for the weeks of work, especially if it is the only one in the house.
- Clear the room and the path to it before day one, so the crew can protect the floors and start right away.
- Keep in touch: we send regular updates by phone or WhatsApp, and you can ask anything at any point.
Bathrooms we have renovated in Toronto
Bedford Park Luxury Bathroom
A primary bathroom with a walk-in double shower and a freestanding tub under a skylight.
See the project →
East York with a Touch of Gold
A black and white East York bathroom with hexagon mosaic and brushed gold fixtures.
See the project →
Alder Rd Bathroom Reno
A family bathroom in East York with navy walls and terrazzo-style floors.
See the project →Planning a bathroom?
We visit, see the space and give you a clear quote in person, at no cost.
More about our bathroom renovations.
