If you're planning a bathroom renovation in Ottawa, the first question is almost always the same: what is this going to cost? Here's a straight answer, plus what pushes the number up or down, so you can walk into any contractor conversation with a realistic budget.
The short answer
A full bathroom renovation with Clairmont typically runs $15,000 to $25,000. That's a complete renovation: demolition, waterproofing, tile, a new vanity and fixtures, and the tub or shower.
Smaller jobs, like a powder room or a cosmetic refresh, usually come in lower. Larger ensuites, custom showers and premium materials usually come in higher. Where your bathroom falls in that range comes down to a handful of decisions, covered below.
What moves the price
1. Size and layout
A bigger room means more tile, more waterproofing and more labour. Keeping the toilet, sink and shower where they are is the single biggest way to control cost. Moving them means opening floors and walls to reroute drains and supply lines.
2. Tub or shower
Replacing a tub with a tub is usually the simplest option. A walk-in shower or tub-to-shower conversion adds waterproofing, a new drain setup and often glass, so it usually costs more.
3. Tile
Tile is where budgets drift. Large-format tile, natural stone, tile up to the ceiling and detailed patterns all add material and labour. Choosing where to spend (a feature wall, the shower) and where to keep it simple (the floor, the dry walls) keeps the total in check.
4. Vanity, fixtures and finishes
A stock vanity and a custom one can be far apart in price. The same goes for faucets, shower systems and lighting. We help clients choose finishes that fit the budget and the rest of the house before anything is ordered.
5. Electrical and ventilation
New lighting, an upgraded exhaust fan, extra outlets or in-floor heating all add cost, and in Ontario electrical work falls under the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).
6. Permits
Some bathroom work needs a City of Ottawa building permit, typically when plumbing fixtures are added or moved or when walls or the room's footprint change. Like-for-like replacements and cosmetic work usually don't. We confirm what's needed during the quote and handle the permit when one is required.
7. What's behind the walls
Older Ottawa homes can hide water damage, soft subfloors or outdated plumbing that only show up once demolition starts. A good quote tells you how surprises like these will be handled before work begins.
How to read a bathroom renovation quote
A low number on a one-line quote isn't a bargain if half the job isn't in it. When you compare quotes, check that each one includes:
Demolition and disposal
Waterproofing, and what warranty covers it
Tile supply and installation, floor and walls
Plumbing and electrical, including permits if required
Vanity, fixtures and accessories (supplied by the contractor, or by you?)
Ventilation
Timeline once work begins
Warranty on the workmanship
Liability insurance
At Clairmont, every quote is in writing and you get it within 24 hours of the walkthrough.
How long it takes
Most of our full bathroom renovations are completed in about 7 days once work begins. Material lead times, permits and custom items can stretch that, and we'll give you a realistic timeline with your quote. While the work is underway, you get daily progress updates so you always know what's happening next.
Why waterproofing is worth paying for
Waterproofing is hidden behind the tile, which is exactly why it matters. If it fails, the fix usually means tearing out finished tile to get to the problem. That's why every Clairmont bathroom comes with a lifetime warranty on its waterproofing, along with a 5-year craftsmanship warranty on the rest of our work.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much does a full bathroom renovation cost in Ottawa?
A full bathroom renovation with Clairmont typically runs $15,000 to $25,000. Size, layout changes, tile and fixture choices move the final number.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation in Ottawa?
Often not for like-for-like replacements or cosmetic updates. Adding or moving plumbing fixtures, or changing walls, typically requires a City of Ottawa building permit, and electrical work falls under the ESA. We handle permits when they're required.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
Most full bathroom renovations are completed in about 7 days once work begins. We give you a realistic schedule with your quote.
What warranty comes with a Clairmont bathroom renovation?
A 5-year craftsmanship warranty and a lifetime warranty on bathroom waterproofing.
How fast can I get a quote?
Within 24 hours of the walkthrough, in writing.
Get a real number for your bathroom
Every bathroom is different, and the fastest way to a real number is a walkthrough. Book a free walkthrough and you'll have a written quote within 24 hours.
