Our North York condo bathroom had the original 2008 builder vanity — a 24-inch floor-mount with a cultured marble top, builder-grade faucet, and a mirror that was just a mirror (no cabinet). We replaced it with a floating vanity, new quartz top, and added open shelving.
Condo board approval process:
Our condo corporation requires approval for any renovation that touches plumbing, electrical, or structural elements. Our project touched plumbing (new vanity, new faucet) and potentially structural (floating vanity mounting into the wall). We submitted a renovation request form with: scope of work, photos of existing space, product spec sheets, and contractor license information.
Approval took 18 days. The board’s conditions: no work on Saturday or Sunday, contractor must provide a WSIB clearance certificate and proof of liability insurance ($2M minimum), and we must notify the property manager 48 hours before start date.
The work:
Existing 24-inch floor-mount removed by plumber ($180 disconnect and removal).
Floating vanity: We chose a 36-inch floating vanity in white oak finish (Bathroom Origin brand from a Toronto tile supply store). Mounting required: 3/4-inch plywood blocking screwed to studs behind the tile — the tile installer from 2008 had used 1/2-inch drywall behind the tile (not cement board), which is not great but the vanity mount bracket spread the load across 4 stud locations, making it acceptable per the vanity manufacturer.
Countertop: 36-inch quartz top with undermount sink, supplied and fabricated locally. $780.
Floating shelves: Two walnut shelves, 30-inch, 10-inch deep, custom cut, floating hardware into studs. $340 for both.
Costs:
- Vanity supply: $920
- Quartz top with sink: $780
- Plumber (disconnect old, connect new, faucet install): $420
- Wall prep and vanity installation (handyperson): $280
- Floating shelves: $340
- Total: $2,740
The bathroom feels 50% larger. The floating vanity with floor visible below makes the biggest difference in a condo bathroom where square footage is tight.