Small bathroom renovations in Toronto come up most often in pre-war semis, downtown condos, and 1950s bungalows. The fundamentals are the same as a full-size bathroom (waterproofing, plumbing, tile, vanity), but the layout choices matter more because every inch counts. We have renovated 4x6 powder rooms in the Junction, 5x7 main bathrooms in North York semis, and tight ensuites in downtown condos.
Layout Strategies for Small Toronto Bathrooms
- Replace tub with walk-in shower: Frees about 6 sq ft. Lets us add a 24 to 30-inch vanity instead of an 18-inch.
- Single-piece toilets: Eliminate the gap between tank and bowl, save 2 to 3 inches of length.
- Wall-hung vanities: Open up the floor visually and make cleaning easier. The plumbing must hide in the wall.
- Pocket doors: Save the swing radius of a hinged door, often 9 to 12 sq ft.
- Corner sinks and toilets: Useful in tight powder rooms.
- Frameless glass shower doors: Visually open up the space compared to a shower curtain or framed enclosure.
Pricing
- Powder room (3x5 to 4x6): $8,000 to $14,000 for a full gut.
- Small main bathroom (4x6 to 5x7): $15,000 to $22,000 for a full gut.
- Cosmetic refresh of either: $4,000 to $9,000 with new vanity, toilet, faucet, paint and tile floor.
Common Small Bathroom Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the ventilation fan upgrade (small spaces need more airflow per square foot)
- Choosing tile too small for the floor, which makes the room feel busier
- Picking a vanity that blocks the door swing
- Tucking the toilet into a corner without enough clearance to use it
- Using cheap fixtures that fail in 3 to 5 years