If you live in a North Vancouver condo and your bathroom is due for an upgrade, you are probably asking the same question as everyone else: what is the real condo bathroom renovation cost for my unit, and what should I plan for so there are no surprises? This guide pulls together current market ranges from reputable Vancouver-area contractors, plus practical tips, realistic timelines, and North Vancouver-specific considerations like strata approvals and access rules. The goal is simple. Help you build a budget you can trust, choose finishes that fit your lifestyle, and move through your renovation with confidence.
The ranges above square with published figures from Vancouver renovation firms that quote bathroom remodels from the low 20,000s for modest updates through 55,000+ for premium or complex scopes. Larger master suites with custom stone, steam showers, and extensive glass can go well beyond that.
When you see a quote for condo bathroom renovation cost, it usually bundles:
Some proposals list every line item. Others present fixed-scope packages with allowances for tile, fixtures, and cabinets. If you are comparing quotes, ask for the same level of detail from each contractor so you can evaluate apples to apples.
The exact number hinges on your unit size, building age, finish level, and how much you change the layout. Use the bands below as a starting point.
This is the lowest rung for a condo bathroom. You keep the layout. You might keep the tub and swap fixtures, install a stock vanity, lay new ceramic tile or quality vinyl, repaint, and replace lighting. You still need proper waterproofing for any new wet areas, which is why even “simple” condo bathrooms rarely price like DIY townhome projects.
Good fit when you want a cleaner, brighter look without moving plumbing or paying for custom glass and stone.
This bracket is the most common in North Vancouver. It usually includes a new tiled shower with niche, quartz vanity top, semi-custom vanity, new floor tile, upgraded lighting, a quiet exhaust fan, quality valve and fixtures, and a frameless glass door. The layout normally stays the same. Electrical and plumbing get modest updates.
Good fit when you want durable, modern finishes that hold value, without premium stone or extensive relocation work.
You are into higher-end tile or porcelain slabs, custom vanity millwork, underfloor heat, curbless entry, large glass spans, wall-hung toilets, or fixture relocations. Older buildings may need electrical upgrades, GFCI and ventilation improvements, or new shutoffs. Accessibility features like a barrier-free shower add cost but pay off in safety and longevity.
Good fit when you want a feature bathroom with long-life materials, a spa-like shower, and minimal maintenance.
Think steam, stone slab walls, bespoke millwork, integrated lighting, built-in mirrors, and fully re-tiled wet rooms. These are less common in compact condo footprints, yet many North Vancouver penthouse and larger two-bedroom layouts support this level.
Condo projects are different from single-family homes. Here are the factors that move numbers up or down.
Most North Vancouver strata corporations have rules for work hours, elevator bookings, protection for common areas, and waste staging. Getting tools and debris in and out safely takes time. Site protection, scheduling, and paperwork are real line items in your condo bathroom renovation cost.
Tip: Ask your property manager for your building’s Renovation Bylaws and any approved contractor lists before you seek quotes. Share these early to avoid scope changes later.
Tighter footprints and shared services mean more careful sequencing. A small condo bath might seem cheaper, yet custom cuts, compact fixtures, and careful staging often balance out any material savings. On upper floors, elevator time and noise windows matter.
Moving a toilet or shower drain inside a concrete slab can require coring, coordination with the building, and approvals that add time and money. Swapping a tub for a tiled shower at the same end of the room is usually easier. Electrical upgrades are common in older buildings where bathrooms need modern circuits, GFCI, and proper fan ventilation.
Ceramic floor tile and a stock vanity keep costs lower. Porcelain slabs, marble, or custom millwork raise both material and labor costs. Frameless glass size and thickness change pricing more than most people expect.
Plan for the bulk of your spend to go to specialists. Typical Metro Vancouver figures:
These are illustrative. Your building, scope, and finish choices will shift the mix.
In North Vancouver and the City of North Vancouver, bathroom remodels that touch plumbing or electrical work usually require permits. Your contractor should handle drawings, permit applications, and inspections, then coordinate with the strata. Budget hundreds to a few thousand for permits and engineering as required.
Use the outline below to structure your own budget. Ranges reflect North Vancouver condo work and typical brands.
Not every job will include every line item. Curbless showers, large format tiles, and slab walls can add premium labour and materials. If your building requires after-hours protection or special waste handling, plan for that too.
Who this suits: Owners preparing to sell or lease, or those who want a fast, durable update without higher-end tile or glass.
Who this suits: Long-term owners who want a modern, low-maintenance shower that looks like a boutique hotel.
Who this suits: Those investing for comfort and longevity, or future-proofing for accessibility.
Planning early helps you avoid rush fees, elevator booking conflicts, and back-ordered materials that can stall a schedule.
Keep the layout
Relocating drains in a concrete slab or moving the toilet stacks the hours quickly. You can create a completely new look with tile, glass, and a better vanity while leaving plumbing right where it is.
Select mid-range materials wisely
Porcelain that mimics stone is a sweet spot for durability and looks. Quartz counters are tough and consistent. Premium fixtures last, but you do not need the most expensive brand to get solid brass internals and ceramic cartridges.
Standardize sizes
Choose a vanity and glass in standard widths where possible. Custom sizes add cost and lead time.
Focus on waterproofing and ventilation first
You can always upgrade mirrors or hardware later. A dry, well-ventilated bathroom protects the whole stack and preserves value.
Bundle work
If your condo needs lighting upgrades elsewhere, coordinate with the same electrician to reduce call-outs.
Shop sales, not seconds
Tile and fixtures regularly go on promotion in Vancouver. Just be sure you are not buying discontinued items you cannot match if you need extras.
Set a real contingency
Ten to twenty percent gives you room to say yes to necessary fixes like replacing a soft subfloor or upgrading fan ducting. That is far less expensive than repairing moisture damage later.
Older concrete towers vs newer wood-frame condos
Older towers often have original plumbing and less powerful fans. Budget for shutoff replacement, proper fan ducting to the exterior, and GFCI updates. Newer wood-frame buildings may have easier access for minor plumbing changes but can have strict noise windows that affect sequencing.
Seismic and strata standards
Some strata councils ask for engineer sign-off for heavier stone slabs or niche placement in certain walls. Clarify this in advance so your contractor can include any required drawings.
Access and parking
Elevator bookings, loading bay rules, and parking for trades affect time. Ask your strata about morning deliveries and whether weekend work is allowed. These details often impact your condo bathroom renovation cost more than you expect.
Is a tub-to-shower conversion worth it in a condo?
Yes, if you plan to live in the unit or if your building skews to professional couples and downsizers who prefer walk-in showers. If the condo has only one bathroom and you plan to sell to a young family, keeping a tub can be smart. Either way, a new tiled surround, quality valve, and proper waterproofing add value.
How do I know if my building allows curbless showers?
Ask your strata manager. Curbless entries require the right floor structure and slopes. Many are possible with careful planning, but some require added engineering or creative transitions.
Can I save by doing demolition myself?
Sometimes, but in a condo the rules for noise, dust control, and disposal are strict. A contractor team that handles protection and hauling is usually safer for neighbors and the building.
What is the return on investment for a condo bathroom in North Vancouver?
Bathrooms and kitchens typically deliver the highest ROI in the condo market. A fresh, well-ventilated, leak-free bathroom helps listings stand out and reduces buyer hesitation about future repairs. The exact return depends on your building, finish level, and timing.
How far in advance should I book?
Start design and selections at least a month before your target construction start. Factor in strata approval windows and lead times for glass and custom vanities.
A realistic condo bathroom renovation cost in North Vancouver starts with scope. Keep the layout and aim for mid-range tile, quartz, and a semi-custom vanity, and you can expect 25,000 to 40,000 CAD in many buildings. Step up to curbless entries, premium glass, and custom millwork, and the range climbs to 40,000 to 55,000+ CAD. Master ensuites or luxury projects move higher still.
Your smartest investments are not flashy. They are the parts you never see.
These choices keep moisture where it belongs, make your bathroom a pleasure to use, and protect your condo and neighbors. Pair them with finishes that suit your style and maintenance preferences, then give yourself a healthy contingency. That is the formula that delivers a renovation you enjoy every day and a unit that holds value in a competitive North Shore market.
With a clear plan and the right team, your North Vancouver condo bathroom can go from dated to dialed-in without financial surprises.