Where does bathroom renovations fit your project?
Pick the closest match. Each one shows how we handle that kind of job, then you can go deeper or book a visit.
For homeowners: Bathroom Renovations
Scoped room by room, with the rest of the home kept usable during the work.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For condo owners: Bathroom Renovations
Planned around the building rules, the board approval and the access schedule.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For commercial spaces: Bathroom Renovations
Scheduled around the business, with the trades working in order and the site kept safe.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For rental properties: Bathroom Renovations
Planned for durability and a fast turnaround between tenants.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For custom homes: Bathroom Renovations
Built into the full new-build plan, with one lead from the first drawing to handover.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
The Plug · Renovate
Bathroom Renovations
Layout, waterproofing and ventilation handled first, so the finish is built to last.
0 or 1 ticked: a refresh, 2 to 4 weeks on site. 2 or 3 ticked: a mid-scope project, 4 to 6 weeks on site plus design and ordering. 4 or 5 ticked: a full bathroom, plan for 6 to 10 weeks including design, permits and ordering.
The stages of a bathroom renovation, with typical timing
| Stage | What happens | Typical time | What moves it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measure and layout | Fixture locations, clearances, door swing, ventilation path | 1 to 2 weeks | Moved drains and vents |
| Design and selections | Tile, glass, vanity, fixtures, lighting, niche and shower layout | 2 to 4 weeks | Custom glass and tile lead times |
| Permits (where needed) | Plumbing or electrical permits when lines or circuits change | 2 to 6 weeks | Drain relocation, new circuits |
| Ordering | Fixtures, vanity, glass, tile, specialty items | 2 to 8 weeks | Custom glass and imported tile |
| Demolition and rough-in | Remove old finishes, rough plumbing, exhaust fan and electrical, inspections | 1 to 2 weeks | Condition of old lines and subfloor |
| Waterproofing and tile | Membrane, backer board, tile, grout, sealant | 1 to 2 weeks | Cure times and sequencing |
| Fixtures and final | Vanity, toilet, glass, lighting, accessories, final inspection | 3 to 7 days | Glass templating and install |
What a bathroom needs behind the finish
Waterproofing behind tile
Tile and grout are not waterproof. The membrane behind them is. A shower without a proper membrane will leak into the framing over time, which is how mould and rot start inside walls.
Exhaust ventilation
A bathroom needs a fan that vents outside, sized for the room. Fans that dump into the attic cause condensation and mould on the roof structure.
Subfloor and framing
A heavier tub, a floor-mounted toilet or a larger vanity can need the floor checked. Finding this after tile is down means demolition.
Layout and fixtures: what changes the plan
Moving a toilet, sink or tub changes the drain path, the vent and sometimes the floor structure. A shower niche, a larger walk-in shower or a heated floor each adds rough-in work. We lay out the bathroom with clearances in mind, so the door swing, the vanity drawer and the shower door all work at the same time.
How we run bathroom projects, the Real Method way
Questions homeowners ask about bathrooms
Do I need a permit to change my bathroom?
Not for a refresh with no plumbing or electrical changes. Moving drains, adding fixtures or new circuits usually needs a permit.
How long is the bathroom out of use?
For a full bathroom, plan for a few weeks without a usable shower or toilet. We plan a temporary arrangement and a clear schedule so you know which days are which.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
A refresh with the same layout usually takes 2 to 4 weeks on site. A full bathroom with moved plumbing or a custom shower usually takes 4 to 8 weeks on site, plus design and ordering, so 6 to 10 weeks end to end.
Does my bathroom need a fan that vents outside?
Yes, in most cases. A fan that vents outside, sized for the room, protects the finish and the framing. A fan that vents into the attic causes condensation and damage over time.
Why is waterproofing so important?
Tile and grout let water through over time. The membrane behind them keeps water out of the framing. Skipping it is one of the most common causes of hidden damage in bathrooms.
Related searches: bathroom renovation toronto, bathroom renovation timeline, bathroom remodel gta, bathroom waterproofing toronto, how long does a bathroom renovation take
Related: kitchen remodels, basement renovations and mould remediation if moisture is already present.
Keep plugging in: what to read next
Quick answer
What does this mean for your house?
Tell us your city and what you need to know. We reply with what applies to your situation, not a generic answer.
Ready to get plugged in?
Pick the way that suits you. We take it from there, and you stay in control.
Let’s Talk!
Let’s Build Something Solid Together
Want a free consult? Tell us if you are renovating, building, adding on or restoring. We will tell you what to do next. Call, email, or book a time online.
How this works, decision by decision
Decision 1: Where bathroom renovations are used
Bathroom renovations range from a refresh to a full gut. The bathroom type and the layout decide the scope.
| Bathroom | Typical scope | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Powder room | Vanity, toilet, finish | Small footprint, ventilation |
| Main bathroom | Tub or shower, vanity, tile | Daily use, waterproofing |
| Ensuite | Layout, shower, storage | Space and privacy |
| Basement bathroom | Ejector pump, shower, finish | Drain and moisture |
Our pick: Choose the scope by the bathroom type. A powder room and an ensuite are different jobs.
Decision 2: Layout and fixtures
The layout sets the fixtures. Moving a toilet or a shower changes the drain, the vent and the cost.
| Change | Effect |
|---|---|
| Same layout | Lowest cost, same drain |
| Move toilet or shower | Drain and vent changes |
| Add a tub or shower | Supply and drain added |
Our pick: Keep the drains where they are if you can. Moving a drain is the big cost.
Decision 3: Waterproofing and backer board
The shower needs waterproofing behind the tile. Backer board or a membrane keeps the water out of the wall.
| System | Good for |
|---|---|
| Cement backer board with membrane | Standard showers |
| Liquid membrane | Complex shapes and corners |
| Pre-formed shower base | Quick install, fewer seams |
Our pick: Waterproof every wet area. A tiled shower without a membrane leaks in time.
Decision 4: Ventilation and the fan
The bathroom fan clears moisture. A fan that is too small or vents into the attic causes mould and staining.
| Check | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Fan size | Sized to the room |
| Vent route | Outside, not into the attic |
| Controls | Timer or humidity sensor |
Our pick: Vent the fan outside and size it to the room. It is the quietest way to prevent mould.
Decision 5: Tile, grout and finish
Tile and grout are chosen for wet use. The layout, the size and the grout decide how the room cleans and wears.
| Choice | Effect |
|---|---|
| Large format tile | Fewer grout lines, flat base needed |
| Small tile or mosaic | More grout, more detail |
| Epoxy grout | Stain-resistant in wet areas |
Our pick: Choose epoxy grout for wet areas. It stays clean longer.
Decision 6: Plumbing and drains
The supply and drain for each fixture are planned before the walls close. Venting is set for each drain.
| Element | Check |
|---|---|
| Supply lines | Replaced if galvanised |
| Drains | Correct slope and venting |
| Shut-off valves | Accessible for repair |
Our pick: Replace galvanised supply lines during the renovation. Opening walls later costs more.
Decision 7: Vanity and storage
The vanity and storage are sized to how the bathroom is used. Counter height and drawer depth decide the daily comfort.
| Item | Decided by |
|---|---|
| Vanity size | Room and daily use |
| Storage | Drawers, cabinets, niches |
| Mirror and lighting | Task light at face height |
Our pick: Plan the storage for the daily routine, not the showroom.
Decision 8: Permits and inspection
Bathroom renovations are permitted when they move plumbing or electrical. Replacing fixtures in place usually needs no permit.
| Scope | Check |
|---|---|
| Fixtures in place | Usually no permit |
| Moved drain or supply | Permit and inspection |
| New electrical or fan | Electrical permit and inspection |
Our pick: Confirm the permit before the walls are opened. Plumbing is inspected before it is covered.
Decision 9: Warranty and maintenance
Fixtures, tile and waterproofing have their own care needs. Routine checks protect the warranty and the wall behind the tile.
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Caulking | Renewed when it cracks |
| Grout | Sealed on schedule |
| Fan | Cleaned and checked yearly |
Our pick: Renew the caulking when it cracks. It is the first place water gets in.