Bathroom renovation and decor: what to fix first

A bathroom renovation is compact but complex, since plumbing, waterproofing, ventilation and electrical work all come together in a small space. Planning ahead avoids costly surprises.

The short version: decide on scope and budget first, protect against water damage with proper waterproofing and ventilation, use licensed trades for plumbing and electrical work and add a contingency.

Decide the scope

A refresh (paint, fixtures, vanity, lighting) is far cheaper than a full renovation that moves plumbing or changes the layout. Moving a toilet or shower drain is expensive. Keeping the layout is the easiest way to control cost.

Plan the budget

Costs vary widely with size, materials and region. Get several written quotes and add a contingency, often 10% to 20%, since walls and floors can hide rot, mould or old plumbing.

Waterproofing and ventilation

• Shower and tub areas need a proper waterproof membrane, and tile alone is not waterproof.
• Slope the floor toward the drain.
• Install an exhaust fan sized for the room, and vent it outside, not into the attic.
• Run the fan during and after showers to control humidity and mould.

Plumbing and electrical

Use licensed plumbers and electricians where required, and check whether your municipality requires permits. Bathrooms need GFCI-protected outlets, and lights suited to damp areas. Hiring unlicensed trades can cause problems with insurance and resale.

Materials

• Floors: non-slip tile, vinyl or similar water-resistant materials.
• Walls: moisture-resistant board in wet areas.
• Vanity and counter: choose durable, water-resistant materials.
• Fixtures: consider water-efficient toilets and showerheads.
• Paint: use moisture-resistant, mould-resistant paint.

Design and decor

Light colours make small bathrooms feel larger. Good lighting, with layers at the mirror and overhead, matters. Storage, such as a recessed niche or wall cabinet, keeps counters clear. Timeless tile and neutral colours age better than trends.

Accessibility

If you plan to stay for years, consider a curbless shower, grab bar blocking in the walls and wider doors. The federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit may apply to some qualifying accessibility renovations, so check the criteria with the CRA.

Hiring

Ask for references, proof of insurance, a written contract with payment schedule and a timeline. Do not pay most of the cost upfront. See our guide on what to ask a contractor before hiring.

Example

Keeping the toilet and shower in the same place and updating the vanity, tile and fixtures keeps the project simpler and cheaper than a full layout change.