What is the average cost of a bathroom renovation? It’s a question many homeowners ask when they’re looking to improve the design of their home.

Fortunately, ROCHON, your trusted partner for bathroom renovations throughout the greater Quebec City region, is here to share the facts and information you need to know before getting started.

In brief

In 2026, a complete bathroom renovation in Quebec costs between $16,000 and $55,000, depending on the scope of the project.
Most Quebec homeowners spend between $20,000 and $25,000.
For a standard 80 sq. ft. bathroom, budget $26,000 to $31,000 (mid-range).
A partial renovation (paint, vanity, accessories) can cost as little as $5,000 to $12,000.
A bathroom recoups 60 to 80% of its investment at resale.
The Renoclimat and LogisVert grants can reduce your costs if you improve energy efficiency.

Summary

Defining your budget

The costs of a bathroom renovation can vary greatly depending on your plans and the changes you want to make. It is therefore very important to establish a clear and precise budget before renovating your bathroom.

It can be difficult to calculate an exact budget without having any idea of the costs for each aspect of the renovation. That’s why our experts have developed an online 3D bathroom design tool to help you plan the changes you want to make and give you an idea of the budget to expect.

You can then determine a budget that suits your current plan, or make the necessary adjustments to better align with your financial situation.

See our complete guide: Renovating your bathroom: tips for a successful project

Discuss your project with a designer

Partial vs. complete renovation: where does your project stand?

Before diving into detailed pricing, it’s helpful to understand the different levels of renovation and what they involve:

Cosmetic refresh ($5,000 to $12,000): wall paint, hardware replacement, new accessories (mirror, lighting, towel bars), new shower curtain or panel. No plumbing or electrical modifications.
Partial renovation ($12,000 to $19,000): vanity and sink replacement, new floor tile, new backsplash, lighting update. Minor plumbing and electrical work possible.
Standard complete renovation ($25,000 to $35,000): everything is redone: vanity, shower or tub, toilet, flooring, walls, electrical, plumbing. The layout remains similar.
High-end complete renovation ($38,000 to $55,000+): premium materials, walk-in shower, heated flooring, smart lighting, custom design, possible layout changes.

This classification will help you communicate your expectations to your designer and get more accurate quotes.

For small spaces, read our tips on designing a small bathroom

Not sure which type of renovation suits your project? Talk to a ROCHON designer to get a clear picture.

Average bathroom renovation cost in 2026

In order to properly define your budget, it is important to understand the average cost of a bathroom renovation.

To help you visualize average expenses, here is an updated table for 2026:

	Budget	Entry-Level	Mid-Range	High-End
Demolition	$1,900	$3,200	$3,900	$3,900
Toilet + installation	$600	$1,300	$1,300	$2,600
Bathtub + installation	N/A	$2,200	$3,200	$3,200
Floor renovation	$1,900	$3,200	$4,500	$4,500
Electrical	$1,900	$2,600	$2,600	$2,600
Plumber	$2,600	$5,200	$5,800	$6,500
Shower + installation	$5,200 (pre-moulded)	$6,500	$6,500	$7,800
Vanity & sink + installation	$1,300	$1,700	$1,900	$3,200
Contingency	$1,300	$2,200	$3,200	$3,900
Total	$16,700+	$28,600+	$33,500+	$38,900+

*This table is a representation of average prices and is for informational purposes only. Several factors can drive up the total cost of your bathroom renovation, both before and during construction.

Please note that Gereco Construction, our preferred partner, can handle all related renovation work: plumbing, electrical, painting, demolition, and much more.

Explore the latest bathroom trends for inspiration on your choices:

Get an accurate estimate for your bathroom. Contact a ROCHON designer for a personalized quote.

Realistic timelines: how long does a bathroom renovation take?

The duration of your project depends on its scope and the complexity of the work:

Cosmetic refresh: 3 to 5 days. Paint, accessories, no plumbing involved.
Budget renovation: 2 to 3 weeks. Vanity, flooring, and accessories replacement.
Standard renovation: 3 to 6 weeks. Complete demolition, new plumbing and electrical, installation of all elements.
High-end renovation: 6 to 10 weeks. Custom design, ordered materials, walk-in shower, heated flooring.

Factors that can extend timelines:

The discovery of mould or water damage behind walls (common in older bathrooms), delays in delivery of imported materials, scheduling conflicts between trades, and plan changes mid-project.

ROCHON Tip:

During the renovation, you will be without a functional bathroom (unless you have a second one). Plan accordingly and discuss the schedule with your designer from the start.

Resale value: a strategic investment

The bathroom is the second most important room for buyers (after the kitchen). A well-executed renovation can significantly increase the value of your property.

Key data in Quebec:

A bathroom renovation recoups an average of 60 to 80% of its investment at resale.
Adding a second bathroom increases the property’s value significantly, often beyond the cost of the work.
The elements most valued by buyers: a walk-in shower, heated flooring, modern lighting, and built-in storage.

Watch out for over-improvement: just like the kitchen, do not invest more than 3 to 5% of your property’s value in the bathroom if your goal is resale. Focus on elements that appeal to the widest range of buyers: neutral materials, good lighting, and sufficient storage.

Learn more: Which renovations increase the value of your home?

Maximize the return on your investment. Call on our designers for a project that adds value to your property.

Accessibility and aging-in-place costs

More and more homeowners are incorporating universal accessibility features into their bathroom renovation, whether for an immediate need or in anticipation of aging. Here are the approximate costs:

Grab bars (installation included): $200 to $500 per unit. Decorative models (brass or matte black finish) cost more but blend seamlessly into the design.
Barrier-free shower (walk-in style): add $2,000 to $5,000 compared to a standard shower, primarily for the waterproofing membrane and floor slope work.
Built-in shower bench: $500 to $1,500 depending on the material (integrated ceramic, teak, stone).
Accessible vanity (adjustable height or wall-mounted): add $500 to $1,500 compared to a standard vanity.
Non-slip flooring: not necessarily more expensive than standard flooring if you choose textured tiles from the start.
Comfort-height toilet: little to no extra cost compared to a standard toilet.

Investing in accessibility during the renovation costs far less than making modifications after the fact. It is also an important selling point for older buyers.

Check the dimensions and standards to respect for bathrooms in Quebec before you begin

Eco-friendly features and water savings

Take advantage of your renovation to reduce your water and energy consumption. Here are features that may also make you eligible for certain grants:

Low-flow toilet (4.8 litres): saves approximately 30% water compared to older models (13 litres). Cost is similar to a standard toilet.
Low-flow showerhead (7.6 L/min or less): reduces water consumption without sacrificing comfort, thanks to aeration technologies. Starting at $30.
WaterSense-certified faucets: use 30% less water than conventional models.
Heated flooring: more energy-efficient than a wall-mounted radiator, especially with a programmable thermostat that reduces the temperature when the room is not in use.
LED lighting: consumes 75% less energy than halogen lighting and lasts 25 times longer.

Talk with a designer

How to finance your bathroom renovation in Quebec?

In Quebec, several options are available to help you finance the difference between your budget and the cost of your bathroom renovation.

First, it may be worth checking with your municipality. Several municipalities such as Montreal and Quebec City offer incentives for projects that improve your home’s energy efficiency. You may therefore be eligible for certain grants.

Similar programs also exist at the provincial government level. These programs will not cover every aspect of your bathroom renovation, but certain parts of the project may be eligible.

In short, if you plan to rework the heating system in your bathroom, you should be able to get assistance at the municipal and/or provincial level.

Financial institutions can also be a key ally during the financing period. You could use your personal or home equity line of credit to cover part of the costs. It is also possible to take out a renovation loan at most financial institutions.

Finally, renovations are often an excellent reason to dip into personal savings, since maintaining and improving your home is also an investment that adds value at resale.

Grants and financial assistance programs in 2026

Here are the active programs in Quebec in 2026 that could apply to certain aspects of your bathroom renovation:

Renoclimat (Government of Quebec): still active, this program offers grants for insulation improvements and the replacement of energy-efficient doors and windows. If you take advantage of the renovation to improve the room’s insulation, you may be eligible.
LogisVert (Hydro-Quebec): offers up to $6,700 for the installation of heat pumps. If you integrate an energy-efficient heating system into your project, this grant can significantly reduce your costs.
Renoclimat Adaptation: a new stream with $425 million over five years, aimed at protecting homes against the effects of climate change (water management, insulation).
Municipal assistance: each city, borough, or regional county municipality (RCM) may offer its own grants. Check with your municipality before starting work.

Tip: grant applications must often be submitted BEFORE work begins. Check the eligibility requirements and submit your applications as early as possible.

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Discover our custom bathroom cabinets for a personalized project

Call on our bathroom designer in Quebec City

Ready to get started on your renovation? Call us or book an appointment with a designer to plan your project.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How can you renovate a bathroom on a budget?

Renovations can be done affordably by choosing budget-friendly materials and working with companies that offer quality services at competitive prices.

You can also keep elements that are still in good condition, for example by repainting your own cabinets, walls, and tiles to successfully complete your bathroom renovation on a small budget.

How do you estimate the cost of renovation work?

The table above, in the section ‘Average Bathroom Renovation Cost in 2026,’ should help you find a reasonable price for your project.

However, requesting quotes from several companies is one of the only ways to get a reliable estimate of your renovation costs.

Our online bathroom design tool can also help you establish a plan and estimate the costs of your bathroom renovation.

Which professional should you contact to redo a bathroom?

It is important to work with trusted professionals to redo your bathroom. For any bathroom or kitchen renovation project, trust ROCHON.

You can hire a general contractor to carry out all the work. They will be responsible for coordinating the work with your ROCHON designer and the necessary specialists (plumber, electrician, plasterer, etc.).

If you are handy, you can also take on part of the work yourself to save on costs. For example, you could demolish your current bathroom and repaint the walls of your new bathroom yourself.

However, we strongly recommend leaving more complex work to experts. You don’t want to deal with an electrical problem or water damage and have to start all over again.

What government assistance is available for bathroom renovations?

The Quebec government offers several financial assistance programs for renovations that may apply to your bathroom project. Government aid is primarily focused on the energy efficiency of your home. Similar measures also exist at the municipal level.

Always take the time to verify whether you are eligible for government and municipal incentives before undertaking your renovations.

In 2026, the main active programs are Renoclimat, LogisVert, and Renoclimat Adaptation. See the section ‘Grants and Financial Assistance Programs in 2026’ above for details.

How do you modernize an old bathroom?

Depending on your tastes, there are several ways to modernize an old bathroom. New cabinets, a new toilet, a new bathtub, or new tile are all excellent ways to update your bathroom and bring it up to date. For DIYers, a fresh coat of paint on the walls and a tile update can also make a big difference.

How long does it take to renovate a bathroom?

The duration of a bathroom renovation varies depending on the scope of the project: a cosmetic refresh takes 3 to 5 days, a budget renovation 2 to 3 weeks, a standard renovation 3 to 6 weeks, and a high-end renovation 6 to 10 weeks. Budget extra time for unexpected issues, as older bathrooms often hide surprises (mould, outdated plumbing).

Do you need a permit to renovate a bathroom in Quebec?

For cosmetic work (paint, vanity, accessories) in the bathroom, no permit is required. However, as soon as you modify the plumbing, electrical, or structure, a municipal permit is necessary. Plumbing and electrical work must be carried out by professionals licensed by the RBQ. In a condominium, also check the co-ownership regulations.

Is it better to renovate or add a second bathroom?

If your home only has one bathroom, adding a second one (even a small one: toilet, sink, and shower) can significantly increase your property’s value, often beyond the cost of the work. If you already have two bathrooms, renovating the existing one is generally more cost-effective. A ROCHON designer can help you evaluate the best option for your situation.