Bathroom Renovation Cost in Ottawa
Bathroom renovation costs in Ottawa start at $7,000 for a powder room refresh and reach $40,000+ for a luxury basement ensuite.
The most common 3-4 piece bathroom remodel falls between $14,000 and $24,000. Below — real starting prices for every renovation type we do, with transparent all-inclusive quotes, a 3-year warranty, and realistic timelines from our Ottawa projects.
Our Prices
Bathroom Renovation Cost by Type in Ottawa
Every bathroom is different—and so is every quote. Below are real starting prices for each type of renovation we do in Ottawa. All packages include labor, project management, and a 3-year warranty. Materials and fixtures depend on the tier you choose.
BASIC
Refresh
Choose this if:
You are a DIY shopper.
You are on a strict budget.
The goal is "Only Refresh."
What’s Included
Our labor + Our rough materials
*Finish materials (vanity, toilet, tile, etc.) ARE NOT INCLUDED
1. Our labor
Demolition and disposal. Plumbing and electrical adjustments. Schluter waterproofing, tile, and fixture installation. Wall painting. Final Assembly. Site Cleaning
2. Our rough materials
STANDARD
STATEMENT
Choose this if:
You want a "turnkey" experience.
You need professional guidance.
You want a balanced ROI.
What’s Included
ALL our Finished materials INCLUDED
Our labor and our rough materials + Design advising
all from BASIC +
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Our design advising.
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Custom tile work or walk-in shower
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Fully customized, high-end finishes.
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Complete project management:
payment, delivery, logistics.
VIP
Premium
FEATURES
Choose this if:
It’s your "Forever Home."
You have a specific aesthetic.
You want to "See it before."
What’s Included
ALL INCLUDED
Premium finished materials + 3D design
all from STANDARD +
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Full tile shower with niches and LED lighting
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Premium materials.
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Heated floor.
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Curbless entry / barrier-free layout.
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Custom cabinetry & designer finishes, built-in shelving, and a bench.
Bathroom Type | BASIC | STANDARD | PREMIUM |
|---|---|---|---|
Bathroom Addition | from $12K | from $25K | from $40K |
Basement Bathroom | from $19K | from $24K | from $28K |
Ensuite Bathroom | from $14K | from $18K | from $24K |
3-4 Piece Bathroom | from $14K | from $18K | from $24K |
Walk-In Shower | from $8K | from $10K | from $12K |
Custom Shower | from $9K | from $12K | from $14K |
Tub to Shower Conversion | from $7K | from $9K | from $12K |
Powder Room | from $7K | from $9K | from $12K |
All packages include labor, project management, waste removal, and our 3-year warranty. Materials and fixtures depend on the tier you choose.
Powder Room
Renovation Cost Ottawa
The timeframe in as little as 1-2 weeks
A powder room renovation in Ottawa starts at $7,000 for a Basic refresh and goes up to $12,000+ for a Premium redesign. As the smallest bathroom type — typically just a toilet and vanity — powder rooms are the fastest and most affordable update, perfect if you want a visual upgrade for guests without touching plumbing rough-ins.
All three tiers include labor, project management, waste removal, and our 3-year warranty. What changes between tiers is the level of finishes: Basic uses quality off-the-shelf fixtures and ceramic tile; Standard moves up to porcelain tile, a stone-look vanity, and upgraded lighting; Premium adds custom millwork, feature walls, and designer-grade fixtures.
Price varies depending on whether plumbing needs to move, what floor the powder room is on (second-floor and basement locations cost more due to access and venting), and the condition of the existing subfloor and waterproofing. Most Ottawa powder rooms we complete in 1–2 weeks.
TUB To Shower
CONVERSION Cost Ottawa
The timeframe in as little as 1-1,5 weeks
A tub-to-shower conversion in Ottawa starts at $7,000 for a Basic conversion and reaches $12,000+ for a Luxury shower redesign. This is one of the most popular updates we do — the existing tub is pulled and the alcove converted into a walk-in shower with fresh waterproofing, tile, and fixtures. Great for aging-in-place, for families who never use the tub, or anyone looking to gain daily usability.
Every tier covers demolition, plumbing rework for the shower drain, new waterproofing membrane, tile, glass, and fixtures. Basic uses a standard shower pan or entry-level tile; Standard adds niches, linear drains, and upgraded tile; Luxury delivers full-height tile, frameless glass, rainfall systems, and feature walls.
Cost depends on whether the drain location shifts, if subfloor damage is revealed during demo (common under older tubs in Ottawa homes), and the type of enclosure you pick. Most conversions finish in 1 to 1.5 weeks.
WALK-IN Shower
Renovation Cost Ottawa
The timeframe in as little as 1-2 weeks
A walk-in shower renovation in Ottawa starts at $8,000 for Basic and goes up to $12,000+ for Premium. Walk-in showers — curbless or low-curb, with a glass panel instead of a full enclosure — are the current go-to for modern Ottawa bathrooms. They look larger, are easier to clean, and work well for aging-in-place.
Each tier includes demolition, plumbing, new waterproofing, tile, glass, and fixtures. Basic delivers a solid walk-in with single-piece glass and standard tile; Standard upgrades tile, adds a niche, and uses better fixtures; Premium includes curbless entry (where the subfloor allows), linear drains, full-height tile, and frameless glass.
Pricing shifts based on how much the subfloor needs to be lowered for a curbless build, drain relocation, and tile choice. Most walk-in shower projects in Ottawa finish in 1–2 weeks.
CUSTOM Shower
INSTALLATION Cost Ottawa
The timeframe in as little as 2 weeks
Custom shower installation in Ottawa starts at $9,000 for Basic and reaches $14,000+ for Premium. This package is for homeowners who want a statement shower — custom size, custom tile pattern, niches, benches, linear drains — not an off-the-shelf kit. We handle layout design, waterproofing to Schluter or Wedi standards, and a clean frameless-glass install.
All tiers include demolition (if replacing an existing shower), waterproofing, tiling, plumbing fixtures, glass, and finishing. Basic covers straightforward tile and a standard glass panel; Standard adds niches, benches, upgraded tile (porcelain or stone-look), and frameless enclosures; Premium delivers full design freedom — mosaics, book-matched stone, steam-ready rough-ins, and smart fixtures.
Final cost depends on shower footprint, tile complexity, whether you add a steam unit or body sprays, and access to plumbing. A custom shower install in Ottawa typically takes about 2 weeks once materials are on site.
3-4 Piece Bathroom
Renovation Cost Ottawa
The timeframe in as little as 2-4 weeks
A 3-4 piece bathroom renovation in Ottawa starts at $14,000 for a Basic refresh and reaches $24,000+ for a Premium remodel. This is the most common full bathroom we renovate — a main or family bath with tub or shower, toilet, vanity, and (in 4-piece configurations) both a tub and a separate shower. Real starting prices, not estimates that balloon on invoice day.
Every tier includes demolition, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, tile, vanity, fixtures, paint, and project management. Basic uses quality standard materials; Standard introduces porcelain tile, an upgraded vanity and faucets, and better lighting; Premium adds designer fixtures, custom tile work, smart toilets or heated floors, and full-height tile surrounds.
Cost depends on whether the layout changes, how much plumbing shifts, hidden subfloor or waterproofing issues, and fixture selection. A typical Ottawa 3-4 piece bathroom is complete in 2 to 4 weeks from demolition to final walkthrough.
EnSUITE BATHROOM
RENOVATION Cost Ottawa
The timeframe in as little as 3-4 weeks
Ensuite renovation in Ottawa starts at $14,000 for Basic and reaches $24,000+ for Premium. Ensuites — primary/master bathrooms connected to the bedroom — usually include a separate shower and tub, a double vanity, and often a water closet. More fixtures, more tile, more plumbing than a standard 3-piece, which is why timelines run a bit longer.
All tiers include demolition, rough plumbing and electrical, waterproofing, tile, vanity, fixtures, and finishing. Basic delivers a quality refresh with solid materials; Standard upgrades the shower (often adding a walk-in glass enclosure), introduces porcelain or stone-look tile, and better lighting; Premium adds heated floors, smart fixtures, custom millwork, spa-style showers, and feature walls.
Pricing depends on square footage (Ottawa ensuites vary widely), whether the layout opens up, plumbing relocation, and finish level. Most ensuite renovations take 3–4 weeks — a bit longer than a standard bathroom due to the double fixture count.
BaSEMENT Bathroom
Renovation Cost Ottawa
The timeframe in as little as 2-4 weeks
Basement bathroom renovation in Ottawa starts at $19,000 for Basic and reaches $28,000+ for Premium. Basement baths cost more than similar-size bathrooms on upper floors for one reason: the plumbing. If there's no existing rough-in, we need to cut the slab to connect to the main drain or install a macerator — work that adds materials and time.
Each tier includes demolition or slab cutting (where needed), rough plumbing to Ontario code, waterproofing, tile, vanity, fixtures, and ventilation to the exterior. Basic is a functional, code-compliant build; Standard upgrades finishes, lighting, and adds a full walk-in shower; Premium delivers a spa-quality basement bathroom with heated floors, custom tile, and designer fixtures.
The biggest cost variables are whether there's a rough-in already in place, drainage routing, and whether you're also adding exterior ventilation. A basement bathroom in Ottawa typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on slab work.
BATHROOM ADDITION
Cost Ottawa
The timeframe in as little as 3-5 weeks
Bathroom additions in Ottawa start at $12,000 for a powder room half-bath addition and reach $40,000+ for a luxury basement ensuite build. A "bathroom addition" means building a bathroom where none existed — carving space out of a closet, repurposing a utility room, or finishing a portion of a basement. More trades are involved (framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC), which is why timelines run 3–5 weeks.
Every tier covers framing, drywall, plumbing rough-in, electrical, ventilation, waterproofing, tile, fixtures, and permits. A Powder Room addition is the most accessible starting point; a Full Bathroom Addition adds a shower or tub and doubles the fixture count; a Luxury Basement Ensuite includes full spa-style finishes, heated floors, and custom shower systems.
Cost varies based on location (ground floor vs. basement), distance to existing plumbing, whether load-bearing walls are involved, and permit requirements with the City of Ottawa. Timeline usually runs 3 to 5 weeks.
Average Bathroom Renovation
Cost in Ottawa
Bathroom Renovation Cost Breakdown
In a typical Ottawa bathroom renovation, about 55% of the total budget goes to labor — planning, demolition, rough plumbing and electrical, waterproofing, tiling, finishing, and project management. Materials account for roughly 45%: tile, vanity, toilet, shower hardware, lighting, and delivery.
The remaining 0–8% is a contingency for unforeseen conditions — old waterproofing failures, hidden plumbing damage, rotted subfloor, or mid-project homeowner changes. This split shifts by tier: Basic packages lean more on labor (up to 60% of the budget), while Premium projects can see materials reach 50%+ due to designer fixtures and custom tile.
Labor
Materials
Unforeseen expenses
Labor
What’s Included in LABOR
18% of Labor Budget
This is where projects are controlled before mistakes happen.
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Design & Pre-Construction Planning
- Layout planning
- Material coordination (tile, fixtures, finishes compatibility)
- Pre-construction scheduling strategy (sequencing trades before start)
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Project Management & Coordination
- Trade scheduling (active coordination)
- Inspections & permit coordination
- Client communication during construction
- Warranty responsibility & post-completion follow-up-
10% of Labor Budget
This is controlled demolition and protection.
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Demolition & Site Protection
- Dust barriers
- Floor protection
- Fixture removal
- Disposal
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38% of Labor Budget
This is heavy professional labor.
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Plumbing
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Electrical
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Framing & Structural Adjustments
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Waterproofing
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34% of Labor Budget
This is what homeowners see.
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Tile Installation
- Surface preparation
- Floor leveling (minor adjustments)
- Cement board installation
- Tile layout planning
- Floor, wall, and shower tile installation
- Grouting
- Silicone sealing
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Drywall & Finishing
- Moisture-resistant drywall installation
- Cement board installation (non-wet areas)
- Taping & mudding
- Corner bead installation
- Sanding & smoothing
- Surface preparation for paint
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Painting
- Surface priming
- Moisture-resistant paint application
- Ceiling painting
- Trim painting
- Touch-ups after fixture installation
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Fixture Installation & Final Assembly
- Vanity, sink, toilet, shower system, bathtub, mirror installation
- Towel bars & accessories
- Caulking & sealing
- Final alignment & adjustments
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Materials
What’s Included in MATERIALS
5% of Material Budget
Necessary cost allowances that must be accounted for to ensure realistic material projections.
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Included:
-Delivery fees
-Disposal materials
-Breakage buffer (5–10% extra tile)
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20% of Material Budget
Behind the Walls: You don’t see this—but it’s critical materials.
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Plumbing and Electrical Systems:
- Water supply lines & drain pipes
- Plumbing fittings and connections
- Electrical wiring and outlet boxes
- Proper mounting and safety components
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Our Structural Preparation and Waterproofing:
- Membranes for waterproofing
- Shower pan systems
- Cement board & drywall
- Insulation
- Sealants, fasteners and adhesives
- Floor leveling materials
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65% of Materials Budget
Behind the Walls: You don’t see this—but it’s critical materials.
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Your Feature Selections:
- Vanity
- Countertop
- Sink
- Faucet
- Toilet
- Shower system
- Bathtub (if applicable)
- Grout
- Mirrors
- Accessories
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Tile and Stone:
- Floor tile
- Shower wall tile
- Mosaic
- Schluter trim
- Setting materials
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Glass & Custom Fabrication:
- Custom glass enclosure
- Frameless shower doors
- Custom shelving
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10% of Material Budget
This can improve your comfort and the long-term value of your renovation.
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Luxury Additions:
- Heated floor system
- Smart mirrors
- LED strip lighting
- Niches with lighting
- Premium fixtures
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Disability-Accessible Fixtures:
- Grab bars for support
- Comfort-height toilet
- Walk-in or roll-in shower – no step entry
- Shower bench or fold-down seat
- Handheld showerhead – adjustable for seated use
- Non-slip flooring
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Unforeseen expenses
What’s UNFORESEEN EXPENSES
These occur when the homeowner decides to change selections or add features after work has begun.
Examples:
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Upgrading vanity:
from $1,200 model to custom $3,800 unit
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Switching:
from acrylic shower base to tiled shower pan
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Changing tile :
from $4/sq.ft to $12/sq.ft on 120 sq.ft
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These cannot be detected until walls or floors are opened.
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Rotted subfloor replacement
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Mold remediation behind shower
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Plumbing not up to Ontario code
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Improper electrical wiring upgrade
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Structural repair (damaged joist)
We recommend allowing 2–8% buffer overall for safety — especially in older Ottawa homes.
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These happen when something should have been identified during planning but wasn’t properly specified or priced.
At Be Leaf Renovation, we work hard to prevent these through detailed planning and site inspections.
Sometimes additional work is required after permit inspection.
Examples:
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Adding GFCI protection:
$300–$600
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Installing proper ventilation ducting
$500–$1,500
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Fire separation upgrades in basement
$800–$2,000
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Additional framing for compliance
$600–$1,500
Be Leaf Renovation tries to minimize and eliminate these costs when planning a project.
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What Affects the Cost of a Bathroom Renovation in Ottawa?
Location:
Basement, second floor, or new extension?
Size & Layout:
Powder room vs. full bath with multiple fixtures.
Materials & Finishes:
From basic to bespoke.
Permits & Structural Changes: More complex projects require additional preparation and approvals.
Bathroom Renovation Cost per Square Foot in Ottawa
Bathroom renovation in Ottawa costs between $250 and $550 per square foot, depending on tier and layout complexity.
A Basic 40 sq ft powder room at around $250/sq ft lands near $10K;
A Premium 80 sq ft ensuite at $500/sq ft runs $40K.
Per-square-foot cost isn't linear — smaller bathrooms often cost more per square foot because fixtures, waterproofing, and finish work don't scale down proportionally with area.
Tier breakdown (Ottawa averages):
Basic:
$250–$325 per sq ft
Standard:
$325–$425 per sq ft
Premium:
$425–$550+ per sq ft
These numbers are ballpark — the real cost of your bathroom depends on layout, plumbing relocation, material selection, and site conditions. We provide an exact quote after an in-person site visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bathroom Renovation in Ottawa
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
Bathroom renovation in Ottawa costs from $7,000 for a powder room refresh to $40,000+ for a luxury basement ensuite addition. The most common 3-4 piece bathroom remodel falls between $14,000 and $24,000, depending on materials, layout changes, and the condition of existing plumbing and subfloor.
The cheapest full bathroom renovation in Ottawa starts around $7,000 for a powder room refresh and $14,000 for a Basic 3-4 piece. To keep costs down: don't move plumbing, choose porcelain tile over natural stone, keep the existing layout, and pick our Basic tier — you get labor, rough materials, and our 3-year warranty while you supply your own finishes and fixtures.
A bathroom renovation in Ottawa takes 1–2 weeks for a powder room, 2–4 weeks for a standard 3-4 piece bathroom, 3–4 weeks for an ensuite, and 3–5 weeks for a bathroom addition. Timelines assume materials are on site and no unforeseen structural or plumbing issues surface during demolition.
You need a City of Ottawa building permit for any bathroom work that involves new plumbing, electrical changes beyond same-location fixture swaps, structural alterations, or adding a bathroom where none existed. Straight cosmetic refreshes (new tile, vanity, paint, fixture-for-fixture swaps) usually don't require a permit. We handle all permit applications as part of your quote.
A 3-piece bathroom in Ottawa includes three fixtures — typically a toilet, sink, and either a tub or a shower. A 4-piece bathroom has all four: toilet, sink, tub, and separate shower. The extra fixture in a 4-piece adds roughly $3,000–$5,000 to the project because it means more plumbing, more tile, and more waterproofing.
Renovating an existing bathroom is almost always cheaper than adding a new one. An existing bathroom already has plumbing rough-ins, drainage, and ventilation — renovation starts at $7K. A bathroom addition requires new rough-ins, framing, and permits, so it starts at $12K for a powder room and climbs past $40K for a full build-out.
Every Be Leaf quote includes labor, project management, demolition, waste removal, rough plumbing and electrical, waterproofing, tile, fixtures, paint, final cleanup, and our 3-year warranty. The specific fixture and finish package depends on the tier you choose — Basic, Standard, or Premium. Our quotes are all-inclusive, no fees added later.
In a typical Ottawa bathroom renovation, roughly 55% of the total cost is labor and 45% is materials, with 0–8% held back for unforeseen conditions. Labor covers planning, demolition, plumbing, electrical, tiling, and finishing. Materials include tile, vanity, fixtures, and hardware. The split can shift — Premium projects often push materials closer to 50%.
In a typical Ottawa bathroom renovation, roughly 55% of the total cost is labor and 45% is materials, with 0–8% held back for unforeseen conditions. Labor covers planning, demolition, plumbing, electrical, tiling, and finishing. Materials include tile, vanity, fixtures, and hardware. The split can shift — Premium projects often push materials closer to 50%.
The most common hidden costs in Ottawa bathroom renovations are subfloor damage from old leaks, outdated plumbing that needs replacement (especially in homes built before 1980), waterproofing failures behind tubs and showers, and electrical that doesn't meet current code. We hold back 0–8% of the project budget for these unforeseen conditions and show every change order in writing before work continues.
Bathroom Renovation Cost in Ottawa –
What You Should Know Before You Budget
Bathroom renovation costs in Ottawa can be all over the place, and there’s a simple reason for that—no two bathrooms are the same once you open things up. A powder room in a newer house is usually straightforward. A basement bathroom in an older home can turn into a completely different job, even if the size looks similar. The real costs are often hidden behind the walls. Old plumbing, damaged subfloor, poor waterproofing from previous work—these are things you don’t see until demolition starts. That’s why we don’t provide random estimates over the phone. We prefer to see the space in person and give you a price that actually reflects the work involved. What you should know from the start is that our quotes are all-inclusive. Labor, project management, and cleanup are part of the price, not extras added later. Once we agree on the scope, you know what you’re paying and can plan your budget without worrying about surprise charges halfway through the project.
How Our Pricing Works:
Basic
Our labor cost + rough materials.
You supply your own fixtures, tiles, and finishes. Best for clients who already know what they want and have sourced their materials.
Standard
Our labor + all rough and finish materials, fixtures, and accessories, plus design advising.
The most popular option — one contract, one team, one clear timeline.
Why Timelines Matter for Cost
How long a renovation takes directly affects what you pay.
A project that gets delayed — because of missing materials, unclear decisions, or a contractor who disappears on Tuesdays — costs more in the end.
We build realistic timelines and stick to them. New bathroom in as little as 2 weeks for smaller projects.
