Project type: Bathroom renovation in a classic Toronto home on Sunnyside Avenue.
This bathroom renovation balances clean design, durable materials, and long‑term water protection. Below is a clear, photo‑matched walkthrough that explains each stage of the process in the same order as your gallery. The original text can remain where it fits. We’ve simply added practical detail so readers understand what’s happening in each picture and why it matters.
Tip for readers: A well‑planned bathroom renovation improves daily comfort and boosts property value. If you’re thinking about updates, our team handles everything from demolition and waterproofing to tile, fixtures, flooring, and interior painting services.
Before & Scope Review
We start with a walkthrough of the existing bathroom to confirm the scope, measurements, and any pain points. We check ventilation, water pressure, fixture placements, and wall/floor conditions. This visit also locks in the layout and finishes so that material orders, timelines, and trades are coordinated.
Why it matters: Clear planning reduces surprises later and helps us price accurately. It also ensures the finished space fits your routine, whether that’s adding storage, modernizing the shower, or improving lighting.
Site Protection & Demolition
We protect floors and hallways outside the bathroom, build dust barriers, and cap plumbing/electrical. Then we remove the old vanity, tub or shower, tile, and damaged drywall.
Why it matters: A Clean demo prevents damage to the rest of your home. It also exposes the framing and subfloor so we can fix anything hidden behind the walls.
Plumbing Rough‑In
With the walls open, we adjust supply and drain lines for the new layout. Typical upgrades include proper P‑traps, new shut‑off valves, and height adjustments for wall‑mounted faucets or a rain shower.
Why it matters: Correct rough‑in ensures fixtures sit perfectly and perform well for years. It also prevents future leaks inside the walls.
Electrical Rough‑In & Ventilation
We add GFCI protection at the vanity outlet, wire the mirror light or sconces, and set a modern exhaust fan to meet current code and keep humidity under control.
Why it matters: Good lighting changes everything in a small bathroom. Proper ventilation protects paint, grout, and cabinetry from moisture damage.
Framing Repairs & Layout Checks
We correct out‑of‑square studs, reinforce niche framing, and set the shower valve depth. We also check door swings and clearances for the toilet and vanity drawers.
Why it matters: Straight, plumb framing is the secret behind crisp tile lines, tight miters, and doors that open smoothly.
Subfloor Repair & Leveling
If the original subfloor is soft or uneven, we replace sections and add leveling compound. For tiled floors, a flat substrate is critical.
Why it matters: Even a few millimeters of dip can cause cracked grout lines or a wavy floor. Leveling is the foundation of a quality tile job.
Shower Base & Slope (Pre‑slope or Tray)
We install a pre‑sloped mortar bed or a factory‑made shower base and confirm the correct fall to the drain. We set the curb or go curbless if the design calls for it.
Why it matters: Water must flow toward the drain consistently. A proper slope prevents pooling and long‑term moisture issues.
Waterproofing the Wet Zone
We apply a full waterproofing system across the shower walls, niche, and bench. Depending on the spec, this may be a surface‑applied membrane, foam board system, or liquid membrane with seam tape. Corners, screw penetrations, and transitions get special attention.
Why it matters: Tile is not waterproof on its own. A continuous membrane is your real water barrier and the best defense against mold and hidden leaks.
Tile Layout & Dry‑Fit
Before setting tile, we snap layout lines and dry‑fit patterns to center grout lines and minimize small slivers at corners. We align horizontal grout joints around the room and pre‑cut for the niche and valve trims.
Why it matters: Thoughtful layout is what makes a bathroom look “custom.” Lines feel balanced and intentional in every photo.
Wall Tiling Begins
We set wall tile from a level ledger, working upward to keep courses perfectly straight. We verify the niche reveals and keep edges crisp with appropriate trims.
Why it matters: Straight, consistent grout joints are a visible sign of craftsmanship. Ledger boards prevent a “sagging” first course.
Floor Tile Installation
Once the walls are set, we install floor tile over the prepared substrate. We maintain expansion gaps at the perimeter and keep the pattern aligned to the main sightlines from the door.
Why it matters: Floors take the most wear. Correct thin‑set coverage and clean lines deliver both durability and design impact.
Grouting & Detailing
We grout walls and floors, tool the joints, and clean the surface. In wet areas, we use flexible, color‑matched silicone at all changes of plane (wall‑to‑wall and wall‑to‑floor) instead of grout.
Why it matters: Silicone at corners allows movement without cracks, which protects your waterproofing layer.
Vanity, Countertop & Plumbing Fixtures
We set the vanity level, install the countertop and sink, then connect the faucet, drain, and supply lines. We add isolation valves and test for leaks.
Why it matters: A level vanity and a properly sealed top prevent pooling water and protect the cabinet over time.
Accessories & Glass
We mount the mirror, towel bars, robe hook, and toilet paper holder at ergonomic heights. If the project includes a glass panel or door, we measure after the tile and install once the glass is fabricated.
Why it matters: Final hardware elevates everyday usability. Precise mounting avoids cracked tile and ensures a solid feel.
Interior Painting & Caulking
We prep and paint ceilings and walls with a high‑quality, washable bathroom paint. We neatly caulk crown, baseboards, and trim for a seamless look.
Why it matters: The right paint resists humidity and keeps the room looking fresh. Meticulous caulking makes transitions clean.
Final Clean & Reveal
We polish fixtures, clean the glass, remove protection, and complete a full quality check with the homeowner. We review care tips for tile, grout, glass, and caulking so the bathroom stays beautiful.
Why it matters: You see your new bathroom at its best on day one, and you know exactly how to maintain it.
Materials & Finishes (What Homeowners Often Choose)
- Tile: Porcelain for durability and low maintenance, with mosaic options for shower floors.
- Fixtures: Efficient faucets and shower systems that balance pressure and water savings.
- Vanity: Moisture‑resistant cabinets with soft‑close hardware and quartz or solid‑surface counters.
- Flooring: Porcelain tile is common in baths. In other rooms, we install vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, hardwood flooring, and engineered hardwood flooring.
- Paint: Premium, washable finishes suitable for high‑humidity bathrooms.
Why Homeowners Choose Us
- Licensed, insured tradespeople who specialize in bathroom renovation.
- Waterproofing is the first mindset to protect your home.
- Clean, respectful job sites with daily tidy‑ups.
- Clear communication from estimate to final walkthrough.
Care & Maintenance Tips
- Use a neutral‑pH cleaner on tile and grout. Avoid harsh acids.
- Squeegee glass after each shower to reduce spotting.
- Run the exhaust fan during and for 20 minutes after showers.
- Reseal stone tops as needed according to the manufacturer.
Related Reading
- Toronto Bathroom Waterproofing & Tile 2025: Build Showers That Last
- Toronto Bathroom Ventilation 2025: Stop Steam, Mold, and Odours
- Scadding Avenue – A Bright & Modern Bathroom Makeover
- Bathroom Remodels Page
Ready to plan your bathroom renovation? Contact us today and we’ll provide a detailed quote and schedule. We handle everything from demolition and waterproofing to tile, flooring, and painting, so your bathroom looks great and performs even better.
📞 Call us at: 437-259-9632
✉️ Email us at: jgcontractingyyz@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://jgcontractingyyz.com
