Bathroom renovation mistakes cost Toronto homeowners thousands. Waterproofing, electrical, subfloor prep, venting, and budget errors are the five I see most often - and here is how to avoid each before you spend:
1. Skipping Proper Waterproofing
This is the big one. Cutting corners on membrane and sealing behind the shower might save $500 upfront, but water damage behind walls can easily cost $10,000+ to fix down the road. Always use a proper waterproofing system — not just paint-on stuff from the hardware store.
2. Not Planning for Enough Electrical Outlets
People forget about heated mirrors, electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, and towel warmers. Plan your outlet placement before the drywall goes up. Adding outlets after the fact means opening walls again.
3. Choosing Tile Before Fixing the Subfloor
Beautiful large-format tiles will crack if your subfloor has flex in it. Make sure your subfloor is solid and level before spending money on premium tile. A good tile installer will tell you this upfront — a bad one won’t.
4. Undersizing the Exhaust Fan
A weak bathroom fan leads to moisture buildup, mold, and peeling paint. Match your fan’s CFM rating to your bathroom’s square footage. For most bathrooms, you want at least 80 CFM, and for anything over 100 sq ft, go higher.
5. Going With the Cheapest Fixtures
Budget faucets and shower valves look fine on day one but tend to drip, corrode, or break within a couple of years. Mid-range brands like Moen or Delta offer solid warranties and hold up far better over time.
What mistakes have you seen or made during bathroom renovations? Share your stories below — the more we talk about these, the fewer people repeat them.