Bathroom Renovation Services in Calgary
What Each Project Involves and When It Makes Sense
Not every bathroom project involves the same scope or planning. Calgary homes vary by age, layout, and building rules. Condos, basements, and small bathrooms each come with different limits.
This page explains the main bathroom renovation services offered across Calgary. You'll find what each service involves, when it's the right choice, and what usually affects cost and timing. The goal here is clarity, not sales language.
Small Bathroom Renovation
Small bathrooms are common across Calgary, especially in older homes, condos, and inner-city properties. Limited space often creates daily usability problems, even when finishes look fine.
When It Makes Sense
- Cracked or failing tile
- Moisture around tubs
- Poor storage
- Tight clearances
Layout Constraints & Solutions
Many small bathrooms were designed for older fixtures. Good planning focuses on flow.
Smart Fixtures
Wall-mounted vanities, compact toilets, glass shower panels.
Storage Ideas
Vertical cabinets, recessed shelving, floating shelves.
Cost & Timeline
Small bathrooms often cost more per square foot due to tight layouts. Projects move faster than full remodels, but planning is key.
Condo Bathroom Renovation
Condo renovations follow different rules. Board approvals, shared systems, and access limits shape every decision.
Condo Rules & Approvals
Most projects require written approval. Boards review scope, materials, and timelines. Approval delays are common without early planning.
Strict Requirements:
- Noise restrictions
- Water protection
- Elevator bookings
- Insurance docs
Plumbing Limits
Condos share stacks. Layout changes usually increase cost/complexity. Flexibility is limited compared to houses.
Timeline Note
Expect longer timelines due to approvals, elevator booking windows, and restricted work hours.
Basement Bathroom Renovation
Whether finishing a basement, creating a suite, or upgrading a rental, below-grade work adds value but introduces technical challenges.
Critical: Plumbing & Drainage
Basement plumbing sits below the main sewer line. Drainage planning is critical. Mistakes here become expensive quickly.
Moisture Control
Basements face high moisture risk. We focus on:
Cost Factors
Costs depend heavily on plumbing access (breaking concrete) and moisture control needs.
Shower Renovation (Shower-Only)
Focusing on function rather than full-room changes. Perfect for fixing leaks, updating worn enclosures, or removing unused tubs.
When It Makes Sense
Leaking showers, worn enclosures, or simply wanting faster results with less disruption.
Walk-In Options
Improve access and cleaning. Custom layouts address space and mobility needs.
Critical: Waterproof Systems
Most failures happen behind tile. Reliable systems include:
- Waterproof membranes
- Proper slope
- Linear drains
Glass & Safety
Tempered glass and slip-resistant flooring are standard.
Timeline
Usually faster than full renovations. Cost depends on waterproofing/drainage changes.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Improve safety and daily use. A common choice for aging-in-place planning when stepping over tubs becomes unsafe.
Planning for Accessibility
Planning focuses on long-term use. Clearances and entry height matter more than style.
Structural Factors
Drain locations often limit design. Waterproofing requirements increase when tubs are removed.
Cost & Disruption
Most conversions complete faster than full remodels. Complexity depends on plumbing location and wall condition.
Full Bathroom Remodel
A full bathroom remodel involves rebuilding the space rather than updating surfaces. This type of project addresses layout limits, aging systems, and hidden damage at the same time.
When It Makes Sense
- Recurring leaks or moisture damage
- Mold behind walls
- Failing waterproofing systems
- Unsafe or inefficient layouts
Typically Includes
- • Demolition & Rebuild
- • Rough-in plumbing changes
- • Electrical upgrades (GFCI)
- • New waterproofing systems
- • Tile & Fixture replacement
System Upgrades
Layout changes affect plumbing, drainage, and venting. These upgrades increase complexity but resolve long-standing issues.
Cost & Timeline Expectations
Costs vary widely. Layout changes and system upgrades drive pricing more than finishes.
Waterproofing & Ventilation
These problems drive many bathroom failures in Calgary. Cold winters increase condensation risk significantly.
Why They Fail
Aging materials, past shortcut renovations, or inadequate membranes.
Surface repairs rarely fix underlying issues.
Reliable Systems
To protect structure long-term, we use:
- Waterproof membranes
- Cement board
- Vapor barriers
Cold-Climate Ventilation
Cold air limits moisture escape. Ventilation must handle winter conditions. Condensation control matters year-round.
Fans & Ducting
Sizing matters. Undersized fans cause mold.
Standalone Fixes?
Targeted fixes can prevent repeat damage.
How to Choose the Right Bathroom Renovation Service
Matching the service to the problem saves cost.
Planning Matters More Than the Service Type
Small spaces magnify mistakes. Older Calgary homes hide problems. Clear planning reduces cost surprises and delays. Understanding scope matters more than choosing finishes.