If you’re planning a bathroom renovation in Vancouver, the first question is always the same: how much will it cost? The honest answer is — it depends on the size of the bathroom, the materials you choose, and how much of the layout changes. Here’s a practical breakdown based on real projects we’ve completed across Vancouver, Surrey, and Burnaby.
Want a quick number for your own bathroom? Try our free bathroom renovation cost calculator — pick your materials and get an instant ±20% estimate.
Average Bathroom Renovation Costs in Vancouver
For a standard full bathroom renovation in the Lower Mainland, most homeowners spend in these ranges:
- Cosmetic refresh (new fixtures, paint, vanity, mirror): $3,000 – $6,000
- Standard full renovation (new tile, tub or shower, vanity, plumbing fixtures): $6,000 – $12,000
- High-end renovation (custom tile work, walk-in shower, premium fixtures): $12,000 – $25,000+
For example, we recently completed a tub-to-shower conversion on Napier Street in Vancouver — full demolition, new waterproofing, large-format wall tile, new fixtures and a sliding glass door — in 6 working days for $6,700 including materials. In Surrey, a complete shower rebuild took 5 days and cost $4,500 all-in.
What Our Own Bathroom Projects Actually Cost
These are real Craft Master Luxe projects completed across Metro Vancouver — the same jobs shown, with photos, on our project pages. Most are tile- and shower-focused renovations where the bathroom layout stayed the same, which is why they cost less than a full gut renovation with moved plumbing.
| Project | Scope | Time | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surrey | Complete shower rebuild, matte black fixtures, sliding glass door | 5 days | $4,500 |
| Vancouver (Napier St) | Tub-to-shower conversion, full waterproofing, large-format wall tile, sliding glass door | 6 days | $6,700 incl. materials |
| Coquitlam | Full bathroom renovation, tub replacement, custom niche, waterproof walls, large-format tile | 5 days | $6,700 |
| Richmond | Tub-to-shower-base conversion, lighted niche, handheld shower, fixed glass panel, new vanity | 8 days | $7,000 incl. materials |
| Langley | Full renovation converted for senior accessibility: walk-in shower with built-in seat and handheld shower, custom vanity | 8 days | $8,800 |
| Burnaby | Tub-to-shower conversion, thermostatic shower system with 6 body jets, smart toilet | 10 days | $12,000 incl. materials |
Across these six projects, homeowners paid between $4,500 and $12,000, and the work took 5–10 working days. The biggest differences came from the shower system chosen, whether the tub was replaced or converted, and how much tile area was involved — not from the size of the bathroom alone.
Want a number for your own bathroom? Our free bathroom renovation cost calculator uses real Home Depot Canada material prices and gives you a written estimate in about 60 seconds.
What Drives the Cost Up (or Down)
Layout changes. Keeping the toilet, sink, and shower in the same spots saves significant plumbing costs. Moving a drain or water line means opening walls and floors.
Tile choice and tile work. Tile is usually the biggest visible cost. Large-format porcelain tile costs more per square foot than basic ceramic, but professional installation matters more than the tile price — poor waterproofing behind the tile is the #1 cause of expensive bathroom failures.
Waterproofing. A proper waterproofing system (membranes on walls and floors, sealed corners and niches) is non-negotiable in a shower area. This is not the place to cut corners — a leak inside the wall costs far more to fix later.
Fixtures and finishes. A basic chrome faucet set versus matte black designer fixtures can differ by hundreds of dollars. Decide your finish level early so the quote stays accurate.
Tub-to-Shower Conversions: A Popular Option
Many Vancouver homeowners are removing old tubs they never use and replacing them with a modern walk-in shower. A typical tub-to-shower conversion takes 5–7 working days and usually costs less than a full bathroom gut, because the plumbing rough-in often stays in place. See our recent tub-to-shower conversion in Richmond and bathroom renovation in Burnaby for real examples with photos and prices.
How to Keep Costs Under Control
- Get an itemized quote — materials and labour listed separately, so you can see exactly where the money goes. — our free cost calculator gives you a starting range in about a minute.
- Choose materials before work starts — mid-project changes are the most common budget killer.
- Don’t skip waterproofing — it’s a small fraction of the total cost and protects everything else.
- Hire a specialist — a contractor who does bathrooms every week works faster and makes fewer costly mistakes than a generalist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a bathroom renovation take in Vancouver?
A standard bathroom takes 5–10 working days depending on scope. A simple shower rebuild can be done in under a week.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation in Vancouver?
Cosmetic updates (tile, fixtures, vanity) typically don’t need a permit. Moving plumbing or structural changes usually do — your contractor should advise you.
What’s the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation?
Labour for tile installation and plumbing, followed by the shower system (waterproofing, tile, glass door).
Why do other Vancouver guides quote $20,000–$35,000 for a bathroom renovation?
Those guides usually price a full-scope renovation: layout changes, moved plumbing, new electrical, and full project management. A tile- and shower-focused renovation that keeps the existing layout — the work we specialize in — typically costs much less, as the project table above shows. When you compare quotes, check that both cover the same scope.
How much does a senior-friendly tub-to-shower conversion cost?
Our Langley conversion — tub removed, custom walk-in shower base with a built-in seat and handheld shower — cost $8,800 and took 8 days. See our accessible & senior-friendly bathroom conversions service page and the Langley project for photos and details.
Get an Accurate Quote for Your Bathroom
Every bathroom is different, which is why we offer free on-site consultations across Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, and surrounding cities. Contact CMLCO or call (778) 855-6606 for a free estimate — we’ll measure, discuss options, and give you a clear itemized price with no obligation.
Related: see our recent bathroom renovation in Vancouver, bathroom renovation in Surrey, bathroom renovation in Langley, and bathroom renovation in Coquitlam.
2 Responses