Condo Bathroom Renovation in Toronto: Rules, Timeline and Cost (2026)
Renovating a bathroom in a Toronto condo is different from renovating one in a house. The work itself is similar, but building rules, approvals and the unit below you shape everything from the schedule to the shower. Here’s what to expect, based on the condo bathrooms we’ve renovated across the city.
Short answer: plan for your condo’s approval process before anything else, expect about 3 to 4 weeks of construction for a full bathroom once work starts, and budget within the same full-service ranges as a house bathroom, starting around $19,000 before HST for a full bathroom.
Start With Your Condo’s Rules
Most Toronto condo corporations require written approval before renovation work begins. The exact rules are in your building’s declaration, bylaws and rules, so ask your property manager for the renovation package first. It usually asks for:
A description of the work, and sometimes drawings or product specs
The contractor’s certificate of insurance and WSIB clearance
Booked elevator time, with protective pads, for deliveries and debris
Approved working hours, which are often stricter than the city’s noise bylaw
Plans to shut off water to your unit or riser, coordinated with management
Sometimes a damage deposit
Changes that touch the building’s common elements, like plumbing risers or exterior walls, usually need a formal agreement with the condo corporation. Starting this conversation early is the single best way to keep your renovation on schedule.
What You Can and Can’t Change
Condo bathrooms sit on a concrete slab, with drains connected to shared stacks. That affects what’s practical:
Keeping the layout is the simplest and most affordable path. Moving a toilet or shower drain through the slab may need coring, an engineer and the board’s approval, and isn’t always allowed.
Tub-to-shower conversions are very popular in condos and usually possible, since the drain stays in roughly the same place.
Curbless showers are harder on a concrete slab, because the floor needs to slope to the drain. A low-profile curb is often the better choice. See our curbless shower guide.
Exhaust fans must connect to the existing duct, so choosing a quiet, properly sized fan matters.
Waterproofing Matters More in a Condo
In a condo, a leak doesn’t just damage your bathroom, it can damage the unit below and lead to an insurance claim. That’s why a full waterproofing system behind the tile and under the shower floor is non-negotiable on our condo jobs, along with proper slopes to the drain and sealed penetrations.
How Long a Condo Bathroom Renovation Takes
Approval: anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on your building and how complete the request is.
Ordering: vanities, custom glass and some tiles have lead times, so we order early.
Construction: most full bathrooms take about 3 to 4 weeks on site, working within your building’s hours.
What a Condo Bathroom Renovation Costs
Condo bathrooms usually fall within the same full-service ranges as house bathrooms. A full bathroom starts around $19,000 before HST, and most land between $19,000 and $37,000, with luxury finishes higher. Building logistics like elevator bookings and limited hours can add time, which is why a clear plan matters. See our bathroom cost guide or try the cost estimator.
Ideas That Work Well in Condo Bathrooms
A floating vanity, which shows more floor and makes a small room feel bigger
Frameless glass instead of a shower curtain, to keep sightlines open
Large-format tile with fewer grout lines
LED sconces or under-vanity lighting for a softer evening glow
A recessed shower niche to keep bottles off the floor
Condo Bathrooms We’ve Renovated
Distillery District condo bathroom: the tub became a walk-in shower with black tile, a walnut floating vanity and LED sconces.
Toy Factory Lofts bathroom: a frameless glass walk-in shower and a walnut vanity with LED underlighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my condo board’s approval to renovate a bathroom?
Almost always, yes. Even when the layout stays the same, most buildings want to know who is working in the building, when, and with what insurance.
Can I turn my condo bathtub into a walk-in shower?
Usually, yes. It’s one of the most common condo bathroom upgrades, and both of the condo bathrooms above started with a tub.
Do I need a city permit for a condo bathroom renovation?
If you’re only replacing fixtures and finishes, usually not. If plumbing or walls change, you may. See our renovation permit guide.
Can I stay in my condo during the renovation?
Most owners do, especially if they have a second bathroom. We keep the work area sealed and clean up at the end of each day.
Planning a Condo Bathroom?
We’ll help you put together the approval package and a clear quote, with a dedicated project manager from start to finish. Request a consultation or call (416) 824-8825.
