Bathroom Renovation in Gatineau

Keep the existing layout, choose mid-range fittings from stocked lines rather than special orders, use large-format tiles only on feature areas, and paint rather than tile ceilings and upper walls. Do not economize on waterproofing, drainage falls, or the tiler's labour — those are the items whose failure costs multiples later.

Strip-out, then first-fix plumbing and electrics (pipes and cables in walls), then substrate preparation and waterproofing, then tiling, then second-fix (toilet, vanity, taps, shower screen, lights), then silicone and snagging. If a quote or schedule doesn't follow this order, question it — out-of-sequence work is how leaks and redone tiles happen.

It can work on sound, well-bonded wall tiles and saves strip-out cost, but it fails on floors with movement, adds thickness that fouls doors and fittings, and hides the condition of the substrate and membrane. Most renovators strip back in wet areas — if a contractor proposes tile-over-tile in the shower zone specifically, treat it as a cost-cutting red flag.

In rough order: whether you move plumbing (relocating the toilet or shower is the single biggest multiplier), the quality tier of tiles and fittings, bathroom size, waterproofing scope, and access (upper floors and apartment buildings cost more). Labour typically makes up 40-60% of the total, so a bigger bathroom does not scale cost linearly — fixture count matters more than floor area.

Relocating a toilet means rerouting the soil pipe and adjusting floor levels; moving a shower means new drainage falls and full re-waterproofing. Either typically adds a meaningful share of the total budget and extra days of work. If your budget is tight, keeping the existing layout is the single most effective cost-saver.

Typical full renovations run CAD 12,000-28,000 with mid-range projects around CAD 18,000; budget refreshes start near CAD 5,000-8,000 and high-end or primary-bath projects reach CAD 40,000-70,000 in major metros. These track US Angi/HomeAdvisor figures adjusted to Canadian labour rates and CAD.

Yes — interior work is season-proof and many renovators discount January-March when exterior work stops. The main winter caveat is ventilation during tiling and curing; make sure the contractor plans for it rather than opening windows at -20°C.