From our 2026 quotes: a budget bathroom in Metro Vancouver runs about $12,000 to $19,000, a mid-range bathroom $19,000 to $39,000, and a high-end bathroom $39,000 to $77,000 and up. Canadian dollars, including the vanity, tile, fixtures, plumbing, electrical and installation.
Bathrooms are small, but almost every surface gets replaced and every trade shows up, which is why a bathroom can cost as much per square foot as a kitchen. Here’s what decides which band yours falls in.
2026 bathroom renovation costs in Vancouver
| Tier | Typical range (CAD, 2026) | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $12,000 – $19,000 | Same layout. New vanity and top, new toilet, tub or shower refresh, standard tile, new fixtures, paint. |
| Mid-range | $19,000 – $39,000 | Tub-to-shower conversion or new tiled shower with glass, custom vanity, quartz top, porcelain tile, heated floor, new lighting and fan, some plumbing moves. |
| High-end | $39,000 – $77,000+ | Layout changes, curbless shower, freestanding tub, custom double vanity with built-in storage, large-format or stone tile, in-floor heat, wall-hung toilet, niche lighting. |
What moves the price
The shower. A tub-to-shower conversion with a tiled, waterproofed shower and glass door is the single most common upgrade and the biggest cost driver in a mid-range bathroom. On its own it typically runs $15,000 to $20,000 and up. Curbless showers cost more again because the floor has to be dropped or built up.
Moving fixtures. Keeping the toilet, sink and shower drain where they are keeps you in the budget band. Moving them means new rough-in plumbing, a permit, and opening the floor.
The vanity. Stock vanities are cheap and don’t fit the space. We build custom vanities in our Burnaby workshop, in any width, with drawers instead of doors so the storage actually works. A custom vanity with a quartz top is a mid-range item that people rarely regret.
Tile. Standard porcelain is affordable. Large-format tile, natural stone and mosaic all cost more to buy and take longer to install. Waterproofing behind the tile is not optional and we don’t skip it.
Heated floors, wall-hung toilets, niches, steam and lighting all add up, but each one is a choice you can make or skip.
Old houses. Bathrooms in pre-1980 Vancouver and Burnaby houses often have galvanized or cast iron plumbing, undersized vents, and no proper waterproofing. Fixing that once the wall is open is part of why mid-range costs what it does.
Permits
A like-for-like swap of vanity, toilet and fixtures doesn’t need a permit. Moving plumbing, adding a fan or circuit, or changing walls does. Vancouver permits go through 515 West 10th Avenue; Burnaby through City Hall at 4949 Canada Way. We handle the application and inspections.
Where to save and where not to
Save on tile by using standard porcelain on the floor and spending on one feature wall. Save by keeping fixtures where they are. Don’t save on waterproofing, the fan, or the plumbing behind the wall. Those are the things that cost more later.
Related guides
Get a real number for your bathroom
We’ll come to your home anywhere in Metro Vancouver, measure, and give you a fixed quote at no charge. Call 604-559-8080 or send us your details.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Vancouver in 2026?
Budget $12,000 to $19,000, mid-range $19,000 to $39,000, high-end $39,000 to $77,000 and up, in Canadian dollars, from Aero’s 2026 quotes.
How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost?
Typically $15,000 to $20,000 and up in 2026, for a tiled, waterproofed shower with a glass door.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation?
Not for swapping the vanity, toilet and fixtures in place. You do for moving plumbing, adding electrical, or changing walls.
Is a custom vanity worth it?
Usually yes. It fits the space exactly and gives you drawers instead of a cupboard around the plumbing.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
Three to six weeks, depending on scope.