Most homes in the GTA have at least one small bathroom. Think of the 5 by 8 foot main bath in an Etobicoke bungalow, the upstairs bathroom in a Mississauga semi, or the tight three-piece in an older Toronto home. They are small rooms, but they pack in plumbing, waterproofing, tile, electrical and ventilation, so the price can surprise people.
This guide walks through typical 2026 costs for a small bathroom renovation in Toronto, Etobicoke and Mississauga, what pushes the number up or down, and how to plan a budget that holds. These are typical ranges based on current GTA pricing, not quotes. Your number depends on your room, your house and your choices.
Typical 2026 bathroom renovation costs in the GTA
Here is what homeowners are commonly paying across Toronto and the GTA this year, before 13% HST:
| Project type | Typical range (before HST) |
|---|---|
| Powder room refresh (toilet, vanity, lighting, paint) | $5,000 to $15,000 |
| Cosmetic refresh of a small full bathroom, same layout | $8,000 to $15,000 |
| Full gut of a small bathroom (about 5 by 8 ft), same layout | $15,000 to $30,000 |
| Larger bathroom, primary ensuite or layout changes | $30,000 to $60,000 and up |
Most full bathroom renovations in Toronto land somewhere between $12,000 and $30,000, and the average for a standard project sits in the high teens to mid twenties.
Cost per square foot
You will often see bathroom renovation cost quoted at roughly $100 to $250 per square foot in the GTA. Treat that as a rough check, not a budget. Small bathrooms usually cost more per square foot than big ones, because the expensive parts (plumbing, waterproofing, the toilet, vanity and tub or shower) don't shrink with the room.
Is a bathroom renovation cheaper in Mississauga than in Toronto?
Not by much. Bathroom renovation cost in Mississauga is in the same ballpark as Toronto and Etobicoke, because the same trades and suppliers serve the whole region. The bigger differences come from the house itself: its age, what's hiding behind the walls, and how easy it is to get materials in and debris out. Downtown streets with tight parking, or a condo with elevator bookings and restricted work hours, add time and cost compared with a detached house with a driveway.
What drives the cost of a small bathroom renovation
Keeping the layout, or moving plumbing
This is the biggest single decision. If the toilet, vanity and tub stay where they are, you save on plumbing labour, floor work and often paperwork. Moving a toilet or drain means opening floors, rerouting pipes and, in both Toronto and Mississauga, usually a plumbing permit. It is often worth it for a better layout, but it should be a deliberate choice.
What's behind the walls
Older homes hide surprises. In Etobicoke and older parts of Toronto it's common to find tired galvanized or cast iron pipes, past water damage behind a tub surround, or old knob-and-tube wiring in homes from the first half of the last century. On our own full bathroom renovation in Etobicoke, we documented what the demo turned up: outdated plumbing and water damage behind the old tub surround. That work was flagged and priced before the rebuild started, not after. Homes built before the 1990s can also have materials that should be tested for asbestos before they are disturbed.
Shower, tub and waterproofing
Swapping a tub for a walk-in shower is one of the most popular upgrades in small bathrooms. A proper waterproofing membrane, a sloped floor, a linear drain and custom glass all add cost, but they are also what keeps water out of your subfloor for the long term. A curbless shower costs more than a standard shower base.
Tile and finishes
Tile and the labour to install it often make up a big share of the budget. Large-format porcelain, patterned layouts, recessed niches and floor-to-ceiling tile all take more time. Heated floors, wall-hung toilets and custom vanities push you toward the higher end.
Electrical and ventilation
A good bathroom needs a properly vented exhaust fan, GFCI protection and decent lighting. In Ontario, electrical work you hire out must be done by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, with the work filed with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). In an older home, adding circuits can uncover the need for a panel upgrade.
How long does a small bathroom renovation take?
For a typical full bathroom with the layout kept, plan on about 2 to 4 weeks of on-site work. Layout changes, permits, custom glass and back-ordered fixtures can stretch that. Order your tile, vanity and fixtures early so the crew isn't waiting on a delivery halfway through the job.
How to keep a small bathroom budget in check
- Keep the layout if it works. Put the savings into better tile or a better shower.
- Pick one splurge. A great vanity or a feature tile wall goes further than upgrading everything a little.
- Set aside a contingency. Plan on 10 to 15% for most homes, and closer to 20% in older houses where you don't know what's behind the plaster.
- Get an itemized quote. A single lump-sum number makes it hard to compare contractors or see where to trim.
- Choose finishes before work starts. Decisions made mid-project are where budgets and timelines slip.
Planning a bathroom renovation in Etobicoke, Toronto or Mississauga
Levand Construction is a general contractor based in Etobicoke, serving Toronto, Mississauga and the wider GTA. We walk the site with you, scope the work and help you get an itemized quote before anything starts. The crew that quotes the job is the crew that finishes it, and we handle permitting and code compliance so you don't have to deal with the city yourself. If you want to see what a gut renovation looks like from demolition to finished tile, have a look at our recent bathroom projects.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a small bathroom renovation cost in Toronto?
In 2026, a full gut of a small bathroom (around 5 by 8 feet) with the same layout typically costs about $15,000 to $30,000 before HST in Toronto. A cosmetic refresh can come in around $8,000 to $15,000. Moving plumbing, premium tile and custom glass push the cost higher.
Is a bathroom renovation cheaper in Mississauga?
Costs in Mississauga are generally in the same range as Toronto and Etobicoke. The age and condition of the home, access for deliveries, and whether it's a condo matter more than the city.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation in Toronto?
Replacing fixtures in the same location usually does not need a building permit. Adding, removing or relocating fixtures like a toilet, sink or shower, or making structural changes, generally does. Electrical work also needs to be filed with ESA by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
How long does a small bathroom renovation take?
Most full small bathroom renovations take about 2 to 4 weeks on site when the layout stays the same. Permits, layout changes and special-order items can add time.
What is the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation?
Labour is usually the largest share, and tile work is often the biggest single line item. Plumbing changes and custom glass shower enclosures are the other common budget drivers.
Thinking about a bathroom renovation? Call Levand Construction at (647) 390-7633 or send us a note for a free, itemized quote.
