Bathroom renovation in Montreal: the steps you need to know

Renovating a bathroom requires more than just choosing new tiles or attractive faucets. It involves defining the occupants' needs, studying the room's layout, establishing a budget, selecting materials, and coordinating several professionals.

Rigorous planning allows for sound decisions to be made before construction begins. It also helps to limit late changes, unnecessary delays, and unforeseen expenses.

In Montreal, the project must also take into account the type of property, condominium rules, and any necessary administrative procedures. Here are the main steps to prepare a bathroom renovation that is functional, sustainable, and adapted to your daily life.

Salle de bain "Bain paisible" à Montréal

1. Define the objectives of the renovation

The first step is to determine what the new bathroom really needs to improve.

A project can serve different purposes:

• modernize an aging room;

• replace a bathtub with a shower;

• facilitate maintenance;

• increase storage space;

• improve traffic flow;

• adapting the bathroom for reduced mobility;

• correct moisture problems;

• modernize the plumbing or ventilation;

• create a more calming atmosphere;

• increase the property value.

It is helpful to distinguish between essential needs and aesthetic preferences. A more accessible shower or additional storage can have a greater impact on daily comfort than a particularly expensive material.

Questions to ask yourself

Before designing the layout, ask yourself:

• How many people use the bathroom?

• Is the room used by children?

• Should we keep a bathtub?

• Are the current storage spaces sufficient?

• Is the shower easily accessible?

• Is the light evenly distributed?

• Is the ventilation effective?

• Which parts are difficult to clean?

• Does the current configuration create a loss of space?

• Are the occupants' needs likely to change?

These answers make it possible to define a coherent project rather than accumulating decorative choices without an overall vision.

2. Assess the condition of the existing bathroom

Before choosing a new layout, the contractor must examine the existing room.

The evaluation focuses in particular on:

• the dimensions;

• the location of the equipment;

• water inlets and outlets;

• electrical installations;

• ventilation;

• the condition of the floor;

• the possible presence of moisture;

• the walls and partitions;

• the flow of traffic in the room;

• the possibilities for modification.

This analysis helps to determine what can be kept and what needs to be replaced.

Keeping the toilet, sink, and shower in the same location can reduce the scope of the work. However, a new layout may be justified if it significantly improves the room's usability.

In older buildings in Montreal, opening up walls can reveal aging installations or damage that was previously hidden. It is wise to consider this possibility when preparing the budget.

3. Establish a realistic budget

The cost of a bathroom renovation depends on many factors:

• the surface area of the room;

• the scale of the demolition;

• the relocation of the plumbing;

• electrical work;

• ventilation;

• the type of shower or bathtub;

• the quantity of ceramic;

• the furniture;

• the taps;

• custom-made materials;

• the level of finish.

The budget should not be allocated solely to visible elements. Plumbing, waterproofing, ventilation, and surface preparation play a crucial role in the bathroom's durability.

Defining your priorities

It may be helpful to divide the choices into three categories:

1. Essential work

   
   

   Floor repair, plumbing, electricity, ventilation, waterproofing and upgrading of facilities.

2. Functional equipment

   
   

   Shower, bathtub, toilet, vanity unit, lighting and storage.

3. Aesthetic choices

   
   

   Decorative tiles, tap fittings, mirrors, accessories and ambient elements.

If the budget needs to be adjusted, it is generally better to simplify some decorative choices rather than reduce the quality of the technical work.

A margin should also be allowed for problems that might be discovered after demolition.

4. Design the new layout

The design transforms the owner's needs into a feasible plan.

It allows us to determine:

• the position of the shower or bathtub;

• the location of the toilet;

• the dimensions of the washbasin unit;

• storage spaces;

• traffic zones;

• the opening of doors and drawers;

• the location of the lighting;

• the need for electrical outlets;

• accessories;

• the necessary clearances.

Good design must reconcile aesthetics, comfort and technical constraints.

Optimizing a small bathroom

In a condo or a Montreal house, available space can be limited.

Several solutions can help to visually lighten the room:

• a transparent shower screen;

• a wall-mounted washbasin unit;

• vertical storage;

• an integrated niche;

• a large mirror;

• light surfaces;

• well-distributed lighting;

• properly proportioned equipment.

The goal is not to fill every wall, but to preserve a natural flow.

BonBain offers a bespoke bathroom design service to adapt each project to the existing space and the habits of the occupants.

5. Choosing the materials and equipment

Materials should be selected based on their appearance, but also on their resistance to moisture and ease of maintenance.

The project may include:

• the ceramic floor and wall tiles;

• the counter;

• the washbasin unit;

• the taps;

• the toilet;

• the shower;

• the bathtub;

• the glass wall;

• the mirror;

• light fixtures;

• the fan;

• accessories.

Take maintenance into account

Before choosing a product, ask yourself:

• Is it suitable for a humid room?

• Is it easy to clean?

• Are replacement parts available?

• Will its finish withstand daily use?

• Are its dimensions suitable for the space?

• Does its installation require any special preparation?

A highly textured material or an accumulation of small joints may require more maintenance. A very dark finish may more easily show watermarks depending on the water quality and the frequency of cleaning.

Check delivery times

Some products can be obtained quickly, while others require several weeks:

• custom-made washbasin unit;

• cut-out countertop;

• custom shower enclosure;

• special taps;

• imported tiles;

• bathtub or special order equipment.

The main materials should ideally be ordered and checked before demolition. Starting the project without having the essential elements can cause work to stop.

6. Choosing the contractor

A complete renovation involves several areas: demolition, plumbing, electricity, ventilation, waterproofing, tiling and equipment installation.

The choice of contractor must therefore be based on several criteria:

• validity of the RBQ license;

• experience in bathroom renovation;

• recent achievements;

• references and customer reviews;

• accuracy of the submission;

• site organization;

• quality of communication;

• insurance;

• guarantees;

• ability to coordinate different professions.

Price should not be the only criterion. A very low offer may exclude certain work, include different materials, or fail to adequately describe surface preparation.

Consult our guide to learn how to choose a bathroom renovation contractor in Montreal.

7. Compare the submissions

To compare several bids, it is necessary to verify that the contractors have evaluated the same project.

Each proposal should specify:

• the scope of the work;

• materials included;

• the equipment provided;

• demolition;

• waste disposal;

• plumbing;

• electricity;

• ventilation;

• waterproofing;

• the installation of the coverings;

• the finishing touches;

• exclusions;

• taxes;

• the payment terms;

• the approximate timeline.

A general quote stating only "complete renovation" does not allow one to know exactly what is included.

Additional work discovered or requested during construction must be described and approved in writing.

Our article on points to check in a bathroom renovation quote helps you analyze the proposals received.

8. Check the permits and condominium rules

The procedures depend on the nature of the work, the address and the applicable regulations.

In Montreal, some minor cosmetic work can be done without a permit. However, a permit may be required when the project modifies, in particular, the structure, divisions, or layout of the rooms.

Since requirements can vary depending on the borough and the building, it is best to check with the City about the project before work begins. The official page "Renovating the Interior of a Building" outlines the procedures and documents that may be required.

In a condominium, you should also consult:

• the declaration of co-ownership;

• the union's regulations;

• the permitted hours for work;

• insurance requirements;

• the rules for using the elevator;

• the procedures for removing debris;

• the required permits.

The union may request a description of the work, the contractor's contact details, or proof of insurance before authorizing the construction site.

These steps must be taken early enough so as not to delay the start date.

9. Prepare the schedule

The total duration of the project does not correspond solely to the time spent on the construction site.

You should plan for:

1. the evaluation of the piece;

2. the design;

3. the preparation and acceptance of the submission;

4. the choice of materials;

5. the orders;

6. any necessary administrative procedures;

7. professional planning;

8. the works;

9. the final checks.

A partial renovation can be relatively quick. A complete renovation generally requires several weeks of work, depending on the modifications, materials, and work discovered after demolition.

Our article How long does it take to renovate a bathroom? details the different phases and factors that can change the timeline.

To limit delays

To facilitate the progress of the construction project:

• finalize the main choices before demolition;

• check product availability;

• order the custom-made elements;

• communicate the building regulations to the contractor;

• answer the questions quickly;

• avoid late changes;

• Allow a margin for unforeseen circumstances.

Good preparation does not eliminate all risks, but it limits avoidable waiting periods.

10. Prepare the accommodation before the work

Renovation typically renders the bathroom unusable for a significant portion of the construction work.

Before work begins:

• Empty the cupboards and storage areas;

• Remove fragile items;

• protect the adjacent rooms;

• clear the passageways;

• plan a space for certain deliveries;

• inform the other occupants;

• arrange a temporary solution for the shower;

• check the water shut-off periods.

If the property has a second bathroom, the occupants can often stay on site. Otherwise, arrangements must be made in advance with the contractor.

It is also useful to specify how the team will access the accommodation and where the tools and materials will be stored.

11. Understanding the progress of the construction project

A complete renovation usually follows a specific order.

Protection and demolition

The team protects access areas, removes equipment, and opens up the necessary surfaces. Materials that cannot be retained are removed.

Technical work

Plumbing, electrical, and ventilation systems are modified or upgraded when walls and floors are accessible.

Preparing the supports

The walls and floor are repaired, reinforced or leveled. The shower receives the appropriate waterproofing system.

Laying the floor coverings

The ceramics and other surfaces are installed respecting the necessary drying times.

The installation of the equipment

The washbasin unit, toilet, bathtub, faucets, lighting and accessories are installed and connected.

The finishing touches

The final joints, adjustments, touch-ups and painting work are carried out before the final cleaning and check.

The article dedicated to the invisible work of a bathroom renovation explains more precisely the role of waterproofing, plumbing, ventilation and surface preparation.

12. Check the bathroom before delivery

Before considering the construction site as finished, a final inspection must be carried out with the contractor.

In particular, check:

• the operation of the taps;

• the flow of water;

• the stability of the devices;

• the operation of the sockets and light fixtures;

• the efficiency of the fan;

• the opening of doors and drawers;

• the alignment of the elements;

• the quality of the seals;

• the paint finishes;

• the cleanliness of the room.

Indicate the necessary adjustments and agree on a deadline for their implementation.

Then keep:

• the contract;

• the submissions and amendments;

• the invoices;

• proof of payment;

• the guarantees;

• product references;

• Maintenance recommendations.

These documents will be useful in case of a problem or for ordering a replacement part later.

Should you opt for a turnkey renovation?

Coordinating professionals and deliveries yourself requires time and a good understanding of the order of interventions.

With a turnkey renovation, a general contractor organizes:

• the design;

• planning;

• the orders;

• the different trades;

• monitoring of the construction site;

• the control of the finishes.

The owner thus benefits from a main point of contact throughout the entire duration of the project.

Discover what a turnkey bathroom renovation includes.

Plan your bathroom renovation with BonBain

BonBain Construction assists homeowners with their bathroom renovation projects in Montreal , Lachine, Laval, Longueuil, Brossard and on the South Shore.

Our team handles the design, planning, coordination of professionals, and execution of the work. Each bathroom is designed according to the existing space, the occupants' needs, and the available budget.

Browse our bathroom projects to discover different layouts and styles completed in the Montreal area.

Do you have a project? Contact BonBain Construction to request an estimate and start planning your new bathroom.

Your bathroom renovation in Montreal