What Does It Cost to Renovate My Bathroom in 2025?
Let’s start with the obvious: bathrooms such small spaces, so why do they cost so much? Between waterproofing, plumbing, and pretty finishes, even a “simple” bathroom can snowball. If you’ve been putting the project off because you’re scared of the bill, you’re not alone. This is one of the most intimidating areas to renovate in your home. Most homeowners only call us after they collect 3+ quotes leaving them more confused than confident.
After building and remodeling 560+ bathrooms across Hamilton, Burlington, Toronto and the GTA, here’s the truth: your price hinges on what you see (tile, fixtures, layout) but also what you never see (waterproofing, permits, hidden surprises).
What Kills Your Budget: Waterproofing & Layout Changes
Everyone shows you magazine photos loaded with marble, rain showers, and floating vanities. Nobody tells you:
- ✓ A proper waterproofing membrane, walls and floor, can run $1,500 to $3,000 on its own. Skip it and you’ll pay triple in mold repairs later.
- ✓ Moving a toilet or tub means new drains, vents, and sometimes joist reinforcement. Budget $2,000 to $4,000 extra for every relocation.
- ✓ Frameless glass is gorgeous, but glass thicker than 10 mm needs custom hardware and extra labour.
- ✓ Your tile choice drives labour: large-format, 12×24 and 24×24, porcelain gets installed faster than 2″ mosaics and costs less in labour.
- ✓ Heated floors might sound expensive; they will cost an extra $30 to $50 per square foot and this is much cheaper while the subfloor is open. Deciding to add it later means demolishing tile, re-waterproofing, and rebuilding usually at 4x the expense.
Real-World Bathroom Budgets for 2025 (Hamilton / GTA)
| Tier | Typical Spend | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Investor Refresh (Rental / Flip) | $15,000 – $20,000 |
Fiberglass tub/shower insert
|
| Entry-Level Reno (Small 3-pc, no layout changes) | $20,000 – $30,000 | Mid-grade vanity ✓ Subway or 12×24 tile ✓ Standard tub or acrylic shower base ✓ Fixtures stay in same spots |
| Mid-Range (Most Popular) | $30,000 – $40,000 | Semi-custom vanity ✓ Quartz top ✓ Frameless glass shower ✓ Niche & feature wall ✓ Layout tweaks ✓ Matte black or brass fixtures |
| High-End / Designer Suite | $45,000 – $80,000+ |
Custom vanity & linen tower |
These prices include design, permits, demo, disposal, materials, labour, and project management, because pretending those are “extras” is how cheap quotes trap you.
Five Factors That Swing Your Quote by Five Figures
- Square footage. More tile + larger vanity = higher bill, every time.
- Age of the home. Pre-1990 framing often needs reinforcement and levelling for today’s fixtures.
- Structural tweaks. Removing a load-bearing element for a bigger shower? Engineer + permit fees incoming.
- Fixture grade. Swapping basic chrome fixtures and standard off-the-shelf vanities for custom vanity with custom countertops will add $2,000 to $8,000 to your project.
- Tile complexity. Herringbone, chevron, or micro-mosaics can double setting time. Larger format tile like 48” and larger will add labour costs.
5 Red Flags When Reviewing a Bathroom Quote
🚩 “We can do it for $10k and start Monday.” Translation: no permits, no waterproofing, no warranty.
🚩 No line item for waterproofing. If it isn’t written, it isn’t happening.
🚩 Fixtures “TBD.” You’ll pay retail rush pricing mid-project.
🚩 Cash-only discount. That’s a discount on your protection, not theirs.
🚩 Instant yes to every idea. Pros push back when ideas wreck your budget or resale.
✓ They have specific finishes selected in your budget allowance.
✓ They show you shower-pan flood tests, not Instagram reels.
✓ Their trades show up (and clean up).
✓ They finish on schedule because they built slack days into the schedule.
The One Question to Ask Before You Sign
“Walk me through your waterproofing system and warranty.”
If they can’t explain their membrane, flood test, and show you their written guarantee in under a minute, run. Verbal warranties are not it.
Renovating in Hamilton? Here’s What You Get with Newfore
We’ve delivered 560+ bathrooms from Hamilton century-old brick homes to downtown Toronto condos. Homeowners keep referring us because we:- · Tell you the truth before we ask for a deposit.
- · Guard your budget like it’s ours. Our reputation is everything.
- · Finish strong. Punch-list complete, site spotless, warranty in hand
A bathroom renovation isn’t just tile and faucets. It’s where you start and end every day. The function matters just as much as the aesthetic. Choose a team that respects your routine and your investment.
Ready to stop guessing and start planning? Let’s talk.
We can help you with your home improvement project, just ask us for a quote!
