Bathroom Renovation Cost in Canada [Guide 2020-2021]

Bathroom renovations are a two-in-one choice that will benefit your lifestyle and boost your home’s overall value. The great thing with bathrooms is that there is little limit to how you choose to renovate or how much to do. You can design a new luxury spa bathroom or just update the space with new fixtures and paint. Before you start renovating it’s important to have a solid game plan in mind. While there are a lot of potentials, it is just as easy to get carried away and spend far more than necessary.

With this guide, you’ll learn all you need about bathroom renovations, how much does a bathroom renovation cost, and some tips and ideas for your own.

Reasons to renovate 

Before anything, start with the reason you want to renovate your bathroom. Not only will this give you a clearer idea, but it’ll also help with budgets and design plans. Are you tired of the look and feel of the bathroom? Do you want more luxury in your master bathroom? Or are they just too few bathrooms in your home and you need more? There’s no right or wrong answer, so take a look at your home and your personal needs.

Aging-in-place 

If you love your home and know you want to stay, then start planning now for future needs and changes. Bathrooms can quickly become difficult to navigate as you get older and can even become a safety hazard. If a renovation to change the bathroom is your focus, then incorporate some aging-in-place changes. It’s also a great way to support visiting grandparents or older relatives with an easy-to-access bathroom.

Types of bathrooms 

“Bathroom” is a general term, but when it comes down to renovations, there are specific types of to consider. Keep in mind that renovations can be as detailed or minimal as you want them to be. Even among different types of renovations, the work involved will vary depending on different goals and ideas. Still, knowing some popular renovations is a great way to get a head start on the planning and design stages.

Powder room or guest bathroom 

This type of renovation is also called a “½ bath,” as the bathroom itself only has two fixtures: a toilet and sink. The idea behind this is to create a space where guests can easily access and use the bathroom as needed. Typically, a guest bathroom or powder room is located on the main floor, near the living room or dining room. Because it’s a simple addition, the work itself isn’t as involved as a full bathroom, making it a cost-effective addition.

Three-fixture 

Similar in concept to a powder room, yet with more fixtures, a three-fixture bathroom is designed for one person. It includes a toilet, sink, and shower, and a small floor plan. Usually, the three fixtures are lined against the same wall, directly across from the door. That said, the layout can just as easily be customized, but the idea is always to have open floor space. Like a powder room, three-fixture bathrooms add convenience for guests or as a main floor bathroom. If you have a guest room, then attaching a three-fixture bathroom will make it feel like a private guest suite.

Full bathroom

A full bathroom is your typical bathroom that is completed with a shower and bathtub, vanity sink, and toilet. Homes will have at least one full bathroom, usually near the bedrooms for convenience. Having more than one full bathroom in your home will improve value, but they don’t always have to have a full tub and shower combination. Having a full bathroom with a shower will still do the trick, as long as at least one other bathroom in the house has a tub.

Utility bathroom 

This is a two-in-one-layout that blends a bathroom design with other uses such as a laundry or dressing room. It has the space for typical bathroom fixtures—shower, sink, toilet—and additional space for any other appliances. A laundry room combination would include a washing and dryer machine, typically stacked to free up floor space. Those that include a changing room are generally part of a master suite. These spaces are much larger and have a walk-in change area similar to a walk-in closet. Basement bathrooms benefit the most from a utility bathroom, where maximizing space and purpose are key.

Master suite bathroom 

Master bathrooms focus on space, luxury, and privacy in their designs. These are always attached to a master bedroom and are popularly designed with a spa-like feel and appearance. The cost of renovating bathrooms for a master suite is typically higher than standard bathroom renovations. Unlike other bathrooms, a master bathroom may include both a walk-in shower and a separate soaker tub. Because the space is customized to the homeowner, no two master bathrooms are ever the same. However, they are guaranteed to add great value and appeal to any home and are a must-have.

Renovation vs remodel 

With bathroom renovations, it’s also important to know if you plan to renovate the space or remodel it. While these two words are used interchangeably, there are some key differences between the two.

Renovation 

When renovating a bathroom, the goal is not to change the physical layout of the room. Instead, it’s more about improving or updating what is already there. This can be as minimal as new fixtures and lighting or as involved as installing a new walk-in shower. It can focus on installing new tile flooring to replace an old, outdated floor. Bathroom renovation costs can also be less and don’t always need a permit for the work. Depending on the type of work as well, the renovations can be completely DIYed or left to a professional.

Remodel 

Bathroom remodels typically involve changing the room’s layout and design, making it more costly and involved. This can range from expanding the bathroom or altering the layout of the plumbing or cabinets. Remodels generally will need the help of a professional contractor to handle more complicated work. Plumbing or electrical changes in a remodel will always need a permit before any work can begin. Remodeling can do much more to improve the overall design and appeal of a home, especially in a poorly designed bathroom. While it may cost more, the long-term benefits and payback will be much higher.

Bathroom renovation cost Canada

Renovations for bathrooms will vary depending on the work involved, professional design services and labour, and the quality of materials. For some estimates of what you can typically expect, the following costs are all taken from HomeAdvisor reports for bathroom renovations:

Average cost: $10,577

Low-end cost: $2,500

High-end cost: $25,500

Things such as the bathroom size, quality of materials, and the type of fixtures and finishes chosen will vary among renovations. Changing the floor plan as well, such as expanding the bathroom, will add much more to the final cost. New drywall, framing, plumbing, and electrical wiring will all need to be factored into expansion plans and budgets. For the best estimate of your renovation, hire a contractor, and have them help.

Expanding cost: $1,000 – $15,000

Fixture cost 

Fixtures can range drastically in price depending on their quality. While this can be an area to cut costs, some fixtures are worth investing a little more. Anything that is used daily, like a toilet or shower, should be a higher quality to avoid premature breaks and costly repairs. Some standard prices to expect for fixtures include:

Toilets and sinks: $200 – $1,800

Showers: $300 -$3,000

Vanity: $300 – $4,800

Countertops: $200 – $400

Per square foot 

Another way to get a better estimate to answer, “how much does a bathroom renovation cost?” is to start with the square footage. From there, you can decide what type of bathroom renovation to do or how much work is necessary depending on the cost.

15 square feet: $1,500 – $2,250

24 square feet: $2,400 – $3,600

40 square feet: $4,000 – $6,000

80 square feet: $8,000 – $12,000

Shower remodel 

Showers can be seen as a remodel of their own and are popularly done. The traditional shower and bathtub combination is removed in place of a single, large walk-in shower. Glass enclosure showers are a current popular trend that adds a sense of spaciousness and luxury in any bathroom. A separate soaker tub may be included for the master bathroom, but it’s a personal choice for most homeowners.

Cost: $1,000 – $15,000

Walk-in shower remodel: $5,000 – $15,000

Master bathroom and ageing-in-place 

Master bathroom remodels focus more on the addition of luxury features, high-end materials, and large spaces. Many designs include a soaker tub, walk-in shower, double or single vanity, and custom cabinets and fixtures.

Master bathroom cost: $10,000 – $25,000

Aging-in-place renovations will vary depending on the specific needs of the homeowners. Still, some universal changes include expanding the shower and adding handrails or a bench inside. Cabinets with slide drawers are easier to open and close, and raising toilet seats makes them safer and easy to use. Nonslip floors as well are another addition for added safety. If wheelchair access is a factor, then widen the doorway and create more open floor space.

Ageing-in-place cost: $1,500 – $9,000

Permits 

Bathroom permits are largely dependent on the type and scale of work involved, so not all renovations need one. Simple cosmetic updates, including new fixtures and paint colours, won’t need a permit. Building a brand-new bathroom may need a building permit, while plumbing and electrical work will definitely need one. The bathroom renovation cost Canada and requirements for a permit will also vary by city. Before you start, check your local city requirements. If you have a general contractor, they’ll be able to handle the work and permit research for you.

Permit cost:  $350 – $1,800

Money-saving fixtures 

While bathroom renovations can become an expensive project, there are some ways to cut costs without cutting quality. For example, water-saving fixtures can cut down on energy and water use and so save more long-term.

Low-flow showerheads: These cut water consumption to less than 2 gallons per minute (GPM), compared to standard showerheads that use 2.5 GPM and more.

Low-flow toilets/dual flush: Like showerheads, low-flow toilets cut back how water is used per flush. Standard toilets use 1.6 gallons of water, while a low flow design cuts it to 1.28 gallons per flush. Dual toilets further customize how much water is used by flushing less for liquid waste or more for solid waste.

Aerators: These can be easily installed onto sink faucets to cut the amount of water flow without cutting the pressure.

Refinishing cabinets: Unless your kitchen cabinets are beyond repair, consider refinishing them instead of replacing them. Refinishing is also an easy DIY project that saves costs and still gives the cabinets a whole new look. New cabinets cost between $2,000 – $15,000, while refinishing ranges between $1,500 – $4,000.

Bathroom ROI 

Second to kitchens, bathrooms are one of the best rooms to renovate for a high ROI. If you plan to sell, then an updated bathroom will attract and appeal to potential buyers. Even minor cosmetic upgrades will see a great return, making every type of renovation worthwhile.

These figures are according to Remodeling Magazine’s cost vs value 2020 report:

Midrange bath remodel: 64% recoup

Upscale bath remodel: 56% recoup

Universal design bath remodel: 62% recoup

Bathroom addition (midrange): 54% recoup

DIY vs hiring a professional 

There are just as many areas in a bathroom that can be DIYed as there are areas best left to a professional. DIYing comes down to a matter of time, skill, and quality. While a full bathroom DIY renovation may save money to start, there isn’t a long-term guarantee. Not all buyers will appreciate a DIY job, and any issues or added fees are the homeowner’s responsibility.

With a professional, even if you spend more initially, the long-term savings will be better. They’ll guarantee that the quality of work is at its best and that the project doesn’t drag on. You may even get better prices on materials through a contractor who has the right connections. The value added to your home will also be higher, and there won’t be any risk of costly repairs or mistakes. That said, some parts of a bathroom renovation can still be DIYed. Combining the help of a professional with your own skill will save money without losing quality.

DIY work 

Tackle easier jobs yourself, like painting or buying fixtures beforehand, to cut costs. High-end fixtures are a quick way to increase costs, but even a low-cost fixture will still look just as attractive. Another trick, if you have the time, it to tackle any demolition yourself. Things, like ripping out old tile or, if you’re careful not to damage the pipes, removing old tubs can be DIYed. That alone can save $1,000 in professional labour. Resurfacing where you can as well, such as countertops and cabinets, will save much more than buying brand new. In the end, the bathroom renovation cost won’t be as high, but the result will be just as appealing.

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Whether you want to keep your garage warm to work in or just avoid the winter chill, owning a garage heater has many benefits. Not only will they produce enough heat to leave your garage toasty, but it can still be highly cost-effective to do. Still, before you buy just any heater, there are a few factors to consider. From the size of your garage, the type of heater, and the fuel source, the right choice will make your investment a longer-lasting choice.

With this handy guide, you’ll learn all you need about the best garage heaters to ensure you get the right pick for your garage.

Main types of garage heaters 

Before looking at models or anything else, start with the type of garage heater. In general, there are three main categories of heaters that each provide heat in their own way: forced-air, radiant, and natural gas heaters.

Forced-air garage heaters 

One of the easiest to install and also the most popular heater is the forced-air. Like a forced-air furnace, this heater blows out warm air via a fan that draws in cold air from outside the garage. It typically runs on electricity to convert the cold air into warm and quickly and evenly heats the space. Other forced-air heaters will use natural gas or propane, so there is no restriction on choosing this style. They are also much more flexible to install and can be placed either on the garage wall or installed on the ceiling. Among forced-air units, the size, fuel, and price will all vary depending on the type, brand, and installation method.

Radiant garage heaters 

Radiant heaters work by heating the area near the heater, without forcing air. It’s a much gentler heating method, but the heater will have to be nearby to work efficiently. However, they are also much better suited for garage workshops or people who suffer from allergens. Unlike forced-air heaters, radiant doesn’t stir up dust or debris. It can also easily be installed as a mounted unit or bought as a portable heater. As a result, many DIY homeowners with workshop garages may prefer a radiant heater. Excess heat or stirred up dust can dry out a woodworking project or ruin a new paint coat. Similar to forced-air heaters, a radiant heater can be fueled with electricity, natural gas, or propane.

Natural gas and propane garage heaters 

Instead of using electricity to provide heat, these heaters rely on different fuel types to power them. The benefit of this is they can both quickly heat a garage and are typically a more cost-effective fuel source. Wall-mounted units can be tied into your home’s current gas line, making them less expensive to run. Portable units will have a small, detachable tank that can be refilled or replaced as needed. However, extra care should be taken with these, especially when used in an enclosed space. Proper ventilation is necessary to avoid any carbon dioxide build-up risks. As with anything that involves gas-powered units, you might be required to hire a licensed professional to handle the installation.

Other factors to consider 

In addition to fuel types, there are few other factors to consider for what type of heater is best for a garage.

Power

In general, garage heaters are rated in BTUs or watts. BTU is used for propane and natural gas heaters and calculates the thermal output of a heater. Watts is used for electrical heaters and calculates the amount of power needed to run. With that, the higher the watts, the more power the heater provides, and the more space it can effectively heat. If you own a smaller garage, then a large, more powerful heater isn’t necessary. The size of the garage should also play a role in the type of fuel you choose. For example, smaller garages may benefit from radiant heaters since everything is closer to the heater. Larger garages, alternatively, have more space and so need more size and power, such as electrical or gas.

Portable or not

It is also worth considering whether you want a fixed or portable garage heater. There is no right or wrong choice, but it is a matter of personal preference. If you want to move the heater around the garage or even to new locations, then a portable and natural gas fueled one may be the best choice. Otherwise, a fixed heater with the right power and location will be the right choice. If you have an electric heater, make sure the power cord length is long enough to suit your needs and garage size. More powerful electrical heaters will require need 240-watts to run instead of the usual 110-watt power input. For that reason, hiring an electrician to do the wiring is important for safety and proper installation.

Safety features  

Safety is an important factor that should always be considered, but especially with the best garage heaters. Most heaters come with a safety feature of some kind, but knowing what to look for specifically will always help. With natural gas or propane heaters, a tip-over safety feature will turn off the unit if it gets knocked over. Overheat protection, on any unit, will automatically shut off the power before the unit overheats. That is especially important in an enclosed garage, where hot surfaces may risk fires or can cause bodily harm if touched. As for electrical heaters, an auto-shutoff feature will protect the unit against any dangerous power surges.

Now that you know what to look for and consider concerning what type of heater is best for a garage, it’s time to look at some options. These heaters range in safety features, fuel type, portability, and cost so that you can find the perfect heater for your needs.   

1. Fahrenheat FUH54 240-volt Garage Heater 

Electric heaters are ideal because you always benefit from all the heat provided, without any heat loss from open windows. The Fahrenheat FUH54 is also easy to install as a wall-mounted unit and rotates on its mount for heating in any direction. The wall mount itself is also adjustable so that it can be mounted anywhere in your garage. It comes with a customizable output range to further control how much, or little heat is produced. The metal frame and alternating heating and fan mode used to cycle the hot air ensure that the heater has a long lifespan.

The downside is that the heater must be hardwired and so needs a professional to handle the installation. Once mounted, it also can’t be moved, so take care to choose the right location the first time.

Cost: $$$

Fuel type: electricity / forced air

Portable: no – wall mounted

Garage size: upwards of 500 square feet

Safety features: Has an auto-shutoff in case of tripping or electrical power surges.

2. Mr. Heater F232000 Portable Radiant Garage Heater  

As far as portable heaters go, this model is one of the most popular best garage heater Canada choices. It has a folding handle that makes it convenient to pick up and move as needed and store otherwise. The heater itself also weighs only 9 pounds, so it isn’t too heavy to lift. The adjustable settings give more range of control for the output, whether you need more heat for a large space or less for a smaller. While a downside may be that the unit runs on propane, it offers two safety features that help protect against carbon monoxide risks.

Cost: $

Fuel type: propane

Portable: yes

Garage size: upwards of 225 square feet

Safety features: Low-oxygen feature will shut-off the unit if the heater detects too little oxygen in the room to prevent any build-up carbon monoxide build-up. A second safety feature is the tip-over auto-shut-off, which turns the unit off if the heater is knocked over.

3. Modine HD45ASO111 Natural Gas Hot Dawg Garage Heater 

Natural gas has long since been a top choice as a fuel source and a great money-saving option. As a garage heater, it is just as effective and cost-saving to run. The Modine garage heater, in particular, can run on either natural gas or propane. It is also incredibly powerful, making it ideal for both residential and even commercial use. It runs at 80% efficiency and offers 45,000 BTUs per hour yet is completely quiet when turned on. The heater comes with built-in ventilation, making it a safe and ideal choice for wall or roof mounting.

A downside is that it does not come with an adjustable thermostat, so heating is limited to on or off. It is also more expensive upfront and needs a professional to properly and safely install.

Cost: $$$$$

Fuel type: natural gas or propane

Portable: no – wall or roof-mounted

Garage size: upwards of 1000 square feet

Safety features: Automatically shuts off it a set heat threshold is passed or if the unit produces a flame. It will also turn off if any issues with the ventilation come up that may lead to carbon monoxide build-up.

4. King KBP2406 Electric Garage Heater 

This heater is a perfect choice for both midsized garages and ones where you need to customize the electrical output. It runs upwards of 13,000 BTUs and comes in either 950 or 5700 watts so you can safely pair it with your circuit panel. Similar to the Fahrenheat FUH54, the King model comes with various heat settings to completely control its heat output. While the unit can be wall-mounted, it has a tip-over safety feature if installed on the ground. The heater does not, however, have a remote control, so avoid installing it too high and out of reach to adjust the temperature.

Cost: $$$$

Fuel type: electricity

Portable: no – wall-mounted or lower

Garage size: upwards of 240 to 600 square feet

Safety features: Tip-over feature will turn off the unit in case it is knocked over. The heater also automatically turns off in case of power failure, system malfunctions, or overheating.

 5. Lasko 675919 Stanley Pro-Ceramic Utility Heater 

This heater combines potent heating with convenient portability for a well-rounded best garage heater. It provides upwards of 1500 watts of energy and can pivot to provide heat in any direction necessary. The Lasko heater also comes with a ranged thermostat to further tailor how much heat it provides. With a strong steel base, the heater is guaranteed to have a long lifespan without worrying about wear and premature repair. There is also no installation or assembly required, meaning that you can use it right away.

Cost: $$

Fuel type: electricity

Portable: yes

Garage size: upwards of 200 square feet

Safety features: The thermal cut off setting will turn the heater off before it overheats.  

6. Newair G56 5600 Watt Garage Heater 

As far as a full range of features and convenience goes, the Newair G56 is another perfect heater choice. It’s portable, has a handle to carry easily, and a long 6-foot power cord so you can plug it in anywhere. The 5600 watts of power means that any garage will be heated quickly and efficiently in little time. It also has built-in manual controls to adjust the temperature as needed. The fan itself is set behind a steel safety grille, making the heater both longer lasting and safer to run.

Cost: $$

Fuel type: electricity

Portable: yes

Garage size: upwards of 560 square feet

Safety features: Overheat protection will shut off the heater before it overheats and becomes a fire risk. It also has tip-over protection for floor unit installation to automatically turn it off if the heater is knocked over.

7. Patton PUH680-N-U Milk-House Utility Heater

One of the best garage heaters as far as cost goes, the Patton heater uses a forced-air system to blow heat into smaller spaces. The hot air is passed through the heater wire grid, which provides a nice even spread of heat. The heater does come with additional controls of its own, so you can further customize how much heat and airflow is produced. The Patton is better suited to heating smaller spaces, so it may not be ideal for larger garages.

Cost: $

Fuel type: electricity / forced air

Portable: yes

Garage size: upwards of 250 square feet

Safety features: Tip-over will turn the unit off if it is knocked over for any reason. At the same time, the overheat protection automatically shuts it off to prevent fire risks.

Why invest in a garage heater? 

Garage heaters aren’t just limited to people who use their garages as a workshop or living space. A heater can benefit any homeowner and garage, especially during those colder winter months. If your garage gets really cold, then a heater can protect things like your car battery, stored appliances, or tools. It can also help keep your home warmer overall, by preventing cold air from seeping into the main house. The heaters are also compact, convenient, and have safety features that make them a well worthwhile investment. When it comes to finding what is the best heater for a garage and buying one, it is never an added cost to your home. Instead, it is added value with long-term benefits and returns.

If you’re installing a gas heating the garage, find RenovationFind certified plumbers below!