How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in Vancouver in 2026?

A bathroom is the smallest room that gets a full renovation, and the price still surprises people. Here is what published numbers say about a bathroom renovation in Vancouver in 2026, what moves the price, how long it takes and when you need a permit. Every figure below comes from a source we list at the end, and we checked each one on October 29, 2026.

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Vancouver?

A standard 5x8 bathroom renovation costs $18,000 to $28,000 or more with Westrade Projects, and other published Vancouver ranges run from $12,000 for a basic refresh to $45,000 for a mid-range full renovation. Our pricing page gives that 5x8 range as typical, and "or more" is there for a reason: tile, fixtures and layout can each push it up.

Here is how that sits beside the other published ranges:

Green Building Canada adds that luxury bathrooms with steam showers, freestanding tubs, heated floors or high-end fixtures can easily pass $40,000. These are ranges from a contractor and two guides, not a government survey, and they define a bathroom differently. Use them to see where you might land, then ask for a written quote on your own bathroom.

What is included in a standard 5x8 bathroom renovation?

Our standard 5x8 price covers the whole room, from demolition to cleanup. It includes demolition of the existing tile, fixtures, vanity and flooring, new tile on the floor and tub or shower surround, a new bathtub or walk-in shower, vanity, sink, faucet and countertop, a new toilet and mirror, lighting and an exhaust fan, painting, trim and finishing carpentry, and waterproofing and moisture protection.

Several things are add-ons, and they are where a quote usually grows. Our pricing page lists a tub-to-shower conversion, in-floor heating, interior design guidance, premium fixtures and finishes such as black hardware, rain showers and custom tilework, permit handling and code review for older homes or strata units, and accessibility upgrades such as barrier-free entries and grab bars.

What makes one bathroom cost more than another?

Moving plumbing and choosing tile move the price most. Green Building Canada says tile choices and moving plumbing rough-ins significantly affect the budget. HomeStars puts a number on the plumbing: moving a toilet or shower drain adds $3,000 to $6,000 or more to a standard renovation, and the cost is higher in a condo with a concrete slab. Its advice is the same as ours: keeping fixtures where they are is the single best way to control cost.

Labour is part of it. HomeStars says Vancouver labour costs run 20 to 40 percent higher than the national average, with plumbers at $100 to $200 per hour and tile installers at $12 to $25 per square foot for labour alone. Those are HomeStars figures, not our rates, so ask for ours in a written quote.

How long does a bathroom renovation take?

A standard whole bathroom takes two to four weeks, and a larger ensuite or a job with custom tile can take five or six, according to HomeStars. That is time on site. Permits, if your job needs one, and the wait for tile, a vanity or a glass shower door come before the first day of demolition.

The best way to keep the schedule short is to choose fixtures and tile before work starts and to keep the layout. A job that keeps the toilet, tub and vanity where they are moves faster than one that opens the floor to move a drain.

Do I need a permit to renovate a bathroom in Vancouver?

You need a permit if the work installs or moves plumbing, electrical or gas lines, or moves an interior wall. The City of Vancouver's Renovate a home page says replacing fixtures does not need one, and neither does painting the inside of your home. HomeStars notes that permits are required for structural or plumbing changes, and says the City charges approximately $900 to $1,300 in permit fees for a typical mid-range bathroom renovation.

For a simple job the City has a faster route. Its Residential Renovation Fast Track issues permits within one week for simple residential renovations under $250,000, and updating bathrooms and kitchens is on the eligible list, including changes that make a washroom more accessible. Condos, townhouses and basement suites can use it. If the work needs structural alterations, it is not eligible.

If the bathroom is in a condo or townhouse, your strata council also has to approve the work before it starts. Our pricing page lists permit handling and code review as an add-on for older homes and strata units.

How much should I set aside for surprises?

Set aside 15 to 20 percent if your home was built before 1980. HomeStars recommends that range because mould, asbestos or outdated plumbing can show up when the old tile comes off. On a $20,000 bathroom, 15 to 20 percent is $3,000 to $4,000.

If you suspect a leak, a moisture inspection comes first. Our pricing page lists leak and moisture inspections at $250 to $650, which includes moisture meter testing and an inspection report. It is cheaper to know before the walls open.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Vancouver?

Westrade Projects publishes a typical range of $18,000 to $28,000+ for a standard 5x8 bathroom. Other published Vancouver ranges run from $12,000 to $22,000 for a basic refresh and $22,000 to $45,000 for a mid-range full renovation, with luxury ensuites at $65,000 or more.

How long does a bathroom renovation take?

HomeStars says a standard whole bathroom takes two to four weeks, and up to five or six weeks for a larger ensuite or custom tile work. That is construction time. Permits and ordering fixtures come before it.

What makes a bathroom renovation more expensive?

Moving plumbing and choosing tile. HomeStars says moving a toilet or shower drain adds $3,000 to $6,000 or more, and more again in a condo with a concrete slab. Green Building Canada names tile choices and moving plumbing rough-ins as the big drivers.

Do I need a permit to renovate a bathroom in Vancouver?

Yes if you move or add plumbing or electrical lines or move a wall. The City says swapping fixtures does not need one. Bathroom updates are eligible for the City's Residential Renovation Fast Track, which issues permits within a week for simple work under $250,000.

How much extra should I budget for surprises?

HomeStars suggests 15 to 20 percent for homes built before 1980, because mould, asbestos or old plumbing can turn up when the walls open. On a $20,000 bathroom that is $3,000 to $4,000.

If a bathroom is on your list, the easiest next step is to let us see it. Book an on-site quote with Westrade Projects and we will measure the room, talk through the layout and finishes, and give you a written number you can compare.

Questions people ask