Project at a glance

• Location: Ridout Street, Toronto
• Scope: Full bathroom gut and rebuild with waterproofed shower, large-format wall tile, heated floor, new vanity, and fixtures
• Highlights: Flood-tested shower, Schluter-style waterproofing, electric radiant heat with programmable thermostat, clean grout lines, premium silicone sealing
• Ideal for: Homeowners who want a durable, low-maintenance, hotel-style space that feels calm and bright

Before we started

Older Toronto bathrooms often hide moisture issues behind tile. On this project, we found aging backer boards and sealants that had reached the end of their life. The client also wanted warmer floors and better storage without making the room feel busy.

Step-by-step build, matched to your photo sequence

1) Protection and demolition

We protect adjacent spaces first, then perform a careful gutting to the studs and subfloor. Any suspect framing or subfloor sections get replaced so the new finishes have a perfect base.

2) Plumbing and electrical rough-ins

We re-route supply lines, set the shower valve height, verify drain slope, and position lighting and GFCI outlets. This is where future comfort is decided.

3) Shower pan build and flood test

What you’re seeing in the photo: Shower base formed with a clamping drain or integrated drain, test plug installed, water filled to the curb line.
We build the pan with a proper slope, then perform a 24-hour flood test to confirm a watertight base before any tile goes down. Passing the flood test lets us proceed with confidence.

4) Full waterproofing on walls and niche

What you’re seeing in the photo: Bright waterproofing membrane on walls, seams banded, niche wrapped with preformed corners.
All seams and fasteners are sealed. Corners and the niche are reinforced, so daily splashes never get behind the tile. This is the most important step for long-term durability.

5) Radiant heated floor layout

What you’re seeing in the photo: Heating cable or mat laid out on the bathroom floor with a thermostat box on the wall and a floor sensor wire.
Cables are spaced per the manufacturer’s chart. We install a sensor so the thermostat reads floor temperature accurately. Heated floors make winter mornings comfortable and help the room dry faster. For more on how heated floors work and typical Toronto costs, see our Toronto Heated Bathroom Floor Guide (2025).

6) Self-leveling underlayment and flatness check

What you’re seeing in the photo: Smooth, even floor surface after a self-level pour.
Flat floors matter for large-format tile. We pour and then check with a straightedge so grout lines sit tight and tiles stay perfectly aligned.

7) Tile layout and setting

What you’re seeing in the photo: Dry-laid tiles with spacers and a leveling system, reference lines snapped on walls.
We map the room to lay full tiles on the most visible edges, hide cuts, and align grout lines across walls and floors. A leveling system keeps faces flush for a premium look.

8) Grouting and detailing

We use high-quality grout for stain resistance and colour consistency. Movement joints at corners are finished later with colour-matched silicone to prevent cracking.

9) Vanity, counter, and storage install

What you’re seeing in the photo: New vanity leveled and secured, countertop set, plumbing connected, mirror and lighting centered.
We balance storage and airiness. Soft-close doors, a properly vented trap, and a comfort-height faucet improve everyday use.

10) Fixtures, glass, and sealing

What you’re seeing in the photo: Shower glass measured to fit, hardware set, bead of silicone at the base, accessories aligned.
We measure glass after tile, so the fit is exact. Final silicone seals the system and keeps water exactly where it should be.

11) Interior painting and finishing touches

What you’re seeing in the photo: Freshly painted walls and ceiling, crisp caulk lines at trim.
We select durable bathroom-grade paint for humidity resistance and an easy-clean finish. If you are comparing paint options, ask us about premium lines from Benjamin Moore for consistent colour and washability in wet rooms.

12) Final clean and walkthrough

What you’re seeing in the photo: Dust-free room, protective stickers removed from fixtures, floor thermostat programmed.
We polish the glass, seal any last pinholes, set the thermostat schedule, and walk you through care and maintenance.

Materials and specs used on this build

• Waterproofing: Sheet or liquid membrane system with banded seams and preformed corners
• Shower base: Custom-built, flood-tested, with integrated or clamping drain
• Floor heat: Electric radiant system with programmable thermostat and floor sensor
• Tile: Large-format porcelain on walls, slip-resistant porcelain on floors
• Trim: Anodized or painted tile edge profiles for clean terminations
• Ventilation: Upgraded exhaust fan sized to the room for moisture control
• Paint: Bathroom-rated, washable finish for walls and ceiling

Want to dive deeper into radiant heat options for bathrooms and other rooms, like basements and kitchens? See our Toronto Radiant Floor Heating 2025 guide that compares electric and hydronic systems and where each makes sense.

Timeline and budget notes

• Typical timeline: 2 to 3 weeks for a similar scope, depending on glass lead time and any structural or plumbing surprises
• Cost drivers: Tile size and pattern complexity, glass style, fixture grade, and whether we add built-ins or move plumbing

Care and maintenance tips

• Use a pH-neutral cleaner on tile.
• Run the exhaust fan during showers and for 20 minutes after.
• Keep the floor heat at a steady setpoint during winter for comfort and quicker dry times.
• Reseal silicone and inspect grout annually in high-spray areas.

Related reading

• Toronto Heated Bathroom Floor Guide (2025) – How it works, costs, and thermostat tips.
• Toronto Radiant Floor Heating Guide 2025 – Electric vs hydronic and best rooms to upgrade.

Ready to plan your bathroom renovation?

Whether you want a simple refresh or a full gut with heated floors and custom glass, we can help you design the right scope for your home. Get a free consultation, and we’ll map out options, timelines, and a clear budget.