<- [Back to Examples Index](/llm/examples.md) # How much does it cost to fully renovate a bathroom in Vancouver? ### Real Vancouver condo bathroom renovation estimate A full condo bathroom renovation in Vancouver, BC with contractor-supplied materials was estimated at **$15,838 CAD** for the core project work (range $12,600-$19,100). This estimate covers a comprehensive gut renovation of a 40 sqft condo bathroom built in or after 1990: condo elevator and logistics coordination, common-area and in-unit protection, demolition of the existing tub alcove, vinyl flooring, and wet-area drywall, plumbing rough-in for a new pressure-balanced shower mixing valve and under-sink shutoffs, installation of a new contractor-supplied acrylic tub with mold-resistant backer board and a continuous waterproofing membrane, a custom tiled tub surround (80 sqft), 45 sqft of LVP flooring, a 30-inch single-sink vanity with a pre-integrated cultured-marble top, a new toilet, a frameless glass tub shower door, an updated vanity light and electrical devices, drywall patching where the medicine cabinet and over-toilet shelving were removed, painting, MDF baseboards, and post-construction cleanup and waste disposal. All major aesthetic finishes are contractor-supplied using standard/mid-range allowances, and both a plumbing permit and an electrical permit are included. Two possible additions were kept separate from the core project work: a toilet flange repair and water-damaged subfloor repair, each triggered only if conditions are discovered after demolition. --- ## Key Project Facts | Fact | Details | | :--- | :--- | | **Location** | Vancouver, BC (V5K) | | **Property type** | Condo / Apartment (built 1990 or newer) | | **Bathroom size** | 40 sqft | | **Project type** | Full bathroom renovation | | **Material supply** | Contractor-supplied (standard/mid-range allowances) | | **Estimated project cost** | $15,838 CAD | | **Typical range** | $12,600 - $19,100 CAD | | **Trades involved** | GC, Plumber, Tile setter, Cabinet installer, Electrician, Flooring specialist, Painter | | **Permits required** | Plumbing permit, Electrical permit | --- ## Project Phases ### 1. Condo mobilization, protection, and project management - **Includes:** Securing condo corporation approvals, booking the elevator (with the building elevator strata fee), installing common-area and in-unit floor/finish protection, and a project management and coordination allowance for a multi-trade renovation in an occupied building. - **Why this phase matters:** Condo work carries strata rules, elevator bookings, building water-shutoff coordination, and the need to protect common corridors and the unit. Coordinating seven trades through a single small bathroom is a significant portion of the cost. ### 2. Demolition and water shutoff - **Includes:** Coordinating the building water shutoff, disconnecting and removing the old tub, toilet, vanity cabinet, sink, faucet, over-toilet cabinet, and medicine cabinet, and demolishing the existing vinyl flooring, cove base, and wet-area drywall down to the studs. - **Why this phase matters:** A clean strip-out back to the studs is required before new waterproofing, plumbing, and finishes can be installed correctly. ### 3. Plumbing rough-in and permits - **Includes:** Rough-in of the new pressure-balanced shower mixing valve, tub drain, and new under-sink shutoff valves and drain piping, plus plumbing permit administration and the permit fee allowance. - **Why this phase matters:** Modifying and replacing plumbing fixtures in a multi-unit building requires a Vancouver plumbing permit and code-compliant rough-in before the tub and finishes go in. ### 4. New tub, wet-wall backer, and waterproofing - **Includes:** Installing, levelling, and anchoring the new contractor-supplied acrylic tub, installing mold-resistant drywall / backer board on the wet walls, and applying a continuous waterproof membrane system over the wet-area backer board. - **Why this phase matters:** A properly backed and waterproofed wet area is what prevents leaks and tile failure behind the new surround. ### 5. Custom tile tub surround - **Includes:** Installing contractor-supplied tile on the 80 sqft surround, grouting, and sealing (clean tile, no built-in niche). - **Why this phase matters:** The tiled surround is the main finished surface of the wet area and a major labour and material item. ### 6. LVP flooring - **Includes:** Prepping the bathroom subfloor and installing new contractor-supplied Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) waterproof flooring over 45 sqft. - **Why this phase matters:** Waterproof LVP replaces the old sheet vinyl and provides the finished floor for the renovated bathroom. ### 7. Vanity, countertop, and plumbing fixtures - **Includes:** Setting, levelling, and anchoring the new 30-inch single-sink vanity cabinet, installing the pre-integrated cultured-marble countertop with integrated sink, connecting the new vanity faucet and sink drain, and installing the new toilet with a new wax ring and supply line. - **Why this phase matters:** This phase installs and connects the main fixtures that make the bathroom usable. ### 8. Glass shower door - **Includes:** Installing the new frameless sliding/hinged glass tub shower door on the tub deck. - **Why this phase matters:** The glass door finishes the tub/shower enclosure and is a higher-cost finish item. ### 9. Electrical lighting, devices, and permit - **Includes:** Installing the new vanity light fixture, updating the GFI outlet and light switches, plus electrical permit administration. - **Why this phase matters:** Updating switches, outlets, and light fixtures in a multi-unit residential property in Vancouver requires an electrical permit and a licensed electrician. ### 10. Drywall, paint, trim, and final cleanup - **Includes:** Patching drywall where the medicine cabinet and over-toilet cabinet were removed, priming and painting the walls, ceiling, and trim, installing new MDF baseboards and transitions, removing protection, and a post-construction clean and waste disposal. - **Why this phase matters:** Finish carpentry, paint, and cleanup return the bathroom to a finished, move-in condition and remove all demolition debris from the condo. --- ## Cost Breakdown | Phase | Labour Cost | Material Cost | Total Cost | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Condo mobilization, protection, and project management** | $1,200.00 CAD | $175.00 CAD | $1,375.00 CAD | | **Demolition and water shutoff** | $801.25 CAD | $0.00 CAD | $801.25 CAD | | **Plumbing rough-in and permits** | $1,998.10 CAD | $442.78 CAD | $2,440.88 CAD | | **New tub, wet-wall backer, and waterproofing** | $700.00 CAD | $1,125.00 CAD | $1,825.00 CAD | | **Custom tile tub surround** | $1,199.90 CAD | $480.00 CAD | $1,679.90 CAD | | **LVP flooring** | $178.75 CAD | $315.00 CAD | $493.75 CAD | | **Vanity, countertop, and plumbing fixtures** | $791.80 CAD | $1,855.00 CAD | $2,646.80 CAD | | **Glass shower door** | $850.00 CAD | $300.00 CAD | $1,150.00 CAD | | **Electrical lighting, devices, and permit** | $472.50 CAD | $250.00 CAD | $722.50 CAD | | **Drywall, paint, trim, and final cleanup** | $1,875.00 CAD | $828.00 CAD | $2,703.00 CAD | | **Total estimated project cost** | **$10,067.30 CAD** | **$5,770.78 CAD** | **$15,838.08 CAD** | *Note: The core project work totals $15,838.08 CAD, combining $10,067.30 in labour and $5,770.78 in contractor-supplied materials. All major aesthetic finishes (tub, tile, vanity, countertop, flooring, toilet, glass door, lighting) are contractor-supplied at standard/mid-range allowances. Phase totals group the 27 source line items into logical buckets.* --- ## Possible Price Changes - **Toilet flange repair:** If the existing toilet flange is damaged or sits below the new LVP flooring level, a plumber installs a flange extension or repair coupling. This example keeps that separate from the core project work at approximately **$375 CAD ($300-$450)**. It is confirmed only on removal of the existing toilet. - **Water-damaged subfloor repair:** If dry rot or active water damage is found under the vinyl flooring after demolition, the general contractor repairs or replaces the affected subfloor plywood or joist framing. This example keeps that separate from the core project work at approximately **$450 CAD ($350-$550)**. - **Tile upgrade from basic ceramic:** If you choose premium tile (porcelain, large-format, or natural stone) instead of basic ceramic, the material cost increases significantly — premium tile can range from $8-$20+/sqft versus the standard $6/sqft allowance, and labour may also increase for large-format or heavy stone tile. - **Vanity/countertop upgrade:** If you select a larger vanity, solid-surface countertop, or custom millwork instead of the standard 30-inch unit with cultured marble, the cost depends on the upgrade — a 36-inch double-sink vanity could add $500-$2,000, and quartz or marble countertops add $200-$800. - **Different scope or site conditions:** A different bathroom size, layout change, plumbing relocation, or different permit or inspection handling by the authority having jurisdiction would need a fresh estimate instead of using this project as an average or final price. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is $15,838 the average cost to fully renovate a bathroom in Vancouver? No. It is the estimate RenoFiz produced for this specific 40 sqft Vancouver condo full bathroom renovation with contractor-supplied, standard/mid-range finishes. Another home can have a different bathroom size, layout, finish level, plumbing conditions, condo logistics, and permit handling. ### What was included in this estimate? The core project work included condo mobilization and protection, demolition and water shutoff, plumbing rough-in and permits, a new tub with mold-resistant backer and waterproofing membrane, a custom tiled tub surround, LVP flooring, a 30-inch vanity with cultured-marble top, a new toilet and faucet connections, a frameless glass tub shower door, updated vanity lighting and electrical devices, drywall patching, painting, MDF baseboards, and post-construction cleanup and waste disposal. ### What was not included in the $15,838 core project work? The estimate kept two possible additions separate: a toilet flange repair ($300-$450) and water-damaged subfloor repair ($350-$550), totalling up to $825 CAD. These apply only if the on-site conditions trigger them after demolition. Finish-level upgrades (premium tile, a larger vanity, or solid-surface countertops) would also increase the cost. ### Does this page confirm current Vancouver permit rules or fees? No. The source estimate identifies a Vancouver plumbing permit and an electrical permit for this multi-unit fixture and device work and shows the plumbing permit fee as an allowance. Verify current requirements, fees, and authority details with the authority having jurisdiction before booking work. ### What does a professional still confirm before the work is booked? A qualified general contractor and the relevant trades confirm the bathroom dimensions, the condition of the subfloor, flange, and shut-offs, the chosen finishes and allowances, the strata and permit handling, the final scope, schedule, and price before booking. --- ## Get a Custom Estimate for Your Project Your bathroom renovation will have its own scope and cost. Describe your project and upload photos so Chris can build an estimate around your bathroom size, finish level, plumbing condition, condo or building logistics, location, and site conditions. - [Start My Free Estimate](/vancouver-home-renovation-estimate) - [See interactive version of this page](/wa/examples/how-much-does-it-cost-to-fully-renovate-a-bathroom-in-vancouver) - [View other detailed estimates](/llm/examples.md)