A bathroom renovation is one of the most common projects in GTA homes, whether you are updating before a sale or fixing a dated ensuite after you move in. Here is what it costs in Toronto in 2026, what drives the price and which parts you can safely do yourself.
Typical 2026 costs in Toronto
| Scope | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Refresh: new vanity, toilet, fixtures, paint, lighting | a few thousand dollars and up |
| Full mid-range renovation of a standard bathroom | about $15,000 to $30,000, often near $17,000 |
| Large ensuite with premium finishes | up to about $40,000 or more |
| Tile, installed | about $10 to $30 per sq ft |
| Building permit, if required | about $200 to $1,000 |
These ranges come from a 2026 Toronto price guide by HomeStars and are a starting point for budgeting, not a quote.
What drives the price
- Labour is usually 40 to 60 per cent of the total.
- Moving plumbing. Relocating the toilet, shower or vanity can add $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Keeping fixtures where they are is the single best way to control cost.
- What is behind the walls. Water damage, old galvanized pipes or missing ventilation in older homes add cost once walls are open.
- Finishes. Large-format porcelain, stone and custom glass enclosures push the price up quickly.
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What you can do yourself
- Painting, new mirrors, lighting fixtures on existing boxes and accessories.
- Replacing a vanity or toilet in the same location, if you are comfortable with basic plumbing.
- Demolition, if you are careful and dispose of materials properly.
What to leave to licensed pros
- Electrical work in Ontario needs a permit from the Electrical Safety Authority. Homeowners can do some work on their own home with a permit, but anyone you hire must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
- Moving drains and supply lines, which usually needs a building permit.
- Waterproofing a shower. A poor membrane job can cause leaks and mould that cost far more than the savings.
Does it pay back when you sell?
A tired bathroom is a reason buyers offer less, but a high-end renovation rarely returns its full cost. If you are selling within a year or two, a clean, neutral refresh usually beats a full remodel. More in our guide to renovations that pay back.
Hiring a contractor
- Get at least three written, itemized quotes.
- Check references, WSIB clearance and liability insurance.
- Ask who pulls the permits.
- Agree on a payment schedule tied to milestones, not a large deposit up front.
Buying a home that needs work? See our fixer-upper guide. HomeLife Landmark Realty Inc., Brokerage.