This cost breakdown covers a primary ensuite renovation in a 2005-built Barrhaven home. The existing bathroom had a builder-grade vanity, tub/shower combo with acrylic surround, basic tile floor, and dated lighting. The homeowners wanted a spa-like retreat with a walk-in shower, floating vanity, heated floors, and modern finishes.
This cost breakdown covers a primary ensuite renovation in a 2005-built Barrhaven home. The existing bathroom had a builder-grade vanity, tub/shower combo with acrylic surround, basic tile floor, and dated lighting. The homeowners wanted a spa-like retreat with a walk-in shower, floating vanity, heated floors, and modern finishes. Project scope: Remove tub/shower combo and replace with curbless walk-in shower, install new floating vanity with quartz top, porcelain tile throughout, in-floor radiant heating, new fixtures, and improved lighting. Total cost: $28,450. Timeline: 4.5 weeks. The homeowners used the main floor powder room and hall bathroom during renovation.
Demolition and disposal: $1,600 — Removal of tub, vanity, tile, drywall in shower area, and hauling. Plumbing: $3,800 — Rerouting drain for curbless shower with linear drain ($1,800), new shower valve and trim ($600), relocating vanity plumbing for floating mount ($800), and new toilet installation ($600). Waterproofing: $1,200 — Schluter Kerdi waterproofing membrane for shower walls and floor, including corners and curb-free transition. Tile — shower: $3,400 — Large-format porcelain tile (12x24) for shower walls and floor, including niche. Materials ($1,200), labour ($1,800), and grout/supplies ($400). Tile — floor: $2,200 — Matching porcelain tile for the entire bathroom floor. Materials ($700), labour ($1,200), and supplies ($300). In-floor radiant heating: $1,800 — Nuheat electric heating mat under floor tile, thermostat, and installation. Vanity and countertop: $3,200 — 48-inch floating vanity in white oak finish ($1,800) with integrated quartz countertop and undermount sink ($1,400). Shower glass: $2,400 — Frameless glass panel (fixed, not a door) for walk-in shower, including hardware and installation. Fixtures: $1,600 — Matte black rain showerhead and handheld combo ($500), vanity faucet ($250), toilet — comfort height elongated ($450), towel bars and accessories ($400). Electrical: $1,400 — 4 pot lights on dimmer ($800), vanity sconces ($300 installation, fixtures $200 purchased separately), GFCI outlet upgrade ($100). Exhaust fan: $450 — Panasonic WhisperCeiling with humidity sensor, including installation. Drywall and painting: $1,200 — Moisture-resistant drywall in shower area, patching, and painting entire bathroom with moisture-resistant paint. Trim and accessories: $800 — New baseboards, door casing, mirror ($400), and toilet paper holder/hooks. Permit: $400 — Plumbing permit for fixture relocation.
Strategic choices saved approximately $6,000 on this project: Chose a fixed glass panel ($2,400) instead of a frameless hinged door ($4,000–$5,000), saving $1,600–$2,600. The fixed panel provides the same open look with simpler installation. Selected porcelain tile that mimics natural stone ($8–$12/sq ft) instead of actual marble ($20–$40/sq ft), saving $1,500–$3,000 while getting a more durable, maintenance-free surface. Kept the toilet in its existing location, avoiding drain relocation ($1,000–$2,000). Moving a toilet drain requires cutting concrete in many Barrhaven homes. Purchased the vanity online from a Canadian retailer rather than a bathroom showroom, saving approximately $800 for comparable quality. Installed the Nuheat mat (DIY-friendly) themselves with guidance from the contractor, saving approximately $400 in labour.
The curbless shower with linear drain was the signature feature. The Schluter Kerdi-Line linear drain ($350) paired with a gentle floor slope creates a barrier-free shower that's both beautiful and accessible. The large-format tile with minimal grout lines gives the shower a clean, spa-like appearance. The floating vanity creates visual space by exposing the floor underneath, making the bathroom feel larger. The white oak finish adds warmth against the cool grey tile. Matte black fixtures throughout (shower, faucet, accessories) create a cohesive designer look. The matte finish hides water spots better than polished chrome — important in Ottawa's hard water areas. The Panasonic WhisperCeiling exhaust fan with humidity sensor is nearly silent and automatically activates when humidity rises, preventing mould growth without manual operation.
Waterproofing is worth every penny. The $1,200 for Schluter Kerdi waterproofing provides peace of mind that the curbless shower won't leak. Cheaper waterproofing methods save a few hundred dollars but create significant risk. Order tile with 15% overage. The homeowners ordered exactly what was estimated and ran short during cutting. An emergency tile order added a week to the project. Always order extra. The heated floor was the best $1,800 spent. In Ottawa's cold winters, stepping onto a warm bathroom floor transforms the daily experience. The operating cost is minimal ($15–$25/month during winter). Test fixture finishes in person before ordering. The matte black finish the homeowners chose online looked slightly different in person — fortunately, they liked it even better. But colour matching across brands can be inconsistent. A 4.5-week bathroom renovation is manageable with a second bathroom available. If this were the only bathroom, temporary accommodations would be necessary.
Yes, $28,000 is a solid mid-range primary ensuite renovation. Budget renovations start at $12,000–$15,000, while luxury ensuites can reach $40,000–$50,000. The heated floors and curbless shower add to this project's cost.
4.5 weeks from demolition to final cleanup. The tile work (shower and floor) was the longest phase at about 2 weeks. Plumbing rough-in took 3 days, and fixture installation was completed in 2 days.
The homeowners say it was the single best investment in the entire renovation. At $1,800 installed, the heated floor transforms the bathroom experience during Ottawa's 5+ months of cold weather.
A curbless shower looks more modern, makes the bathroom feel larger, is accessible for aging-in-place, and is easier to clean. The linear drain handles water effectively with proper floor slope, and the waterproofing system prevents leaks.
A plumbing permit ($300–$400) is required if you're relocating plumbing fixtures. If fixtures stay in the same location, a permit typically isn't needed. Electrical permits may be needed for new circuits.