If you own a classic Toronto semi, townhouse, or condo, chances are your main or guest bathroom is approximately 5 feet by 8 feet. The good news: with the right plan, a compact bath can feel bigger, function better, and boost resale value. Here’s a contractor‑backed guide to planning a Toronto bathroom renovation that turns a small footprint into a spa‑smart space without blowing the budget.

Step 1: Define Your Must‑Haves (Before Demo)

• User profile: Kids, guests, multigenerational family, or rental?
• Tub vs. shower: Keep a tub for families or go with a curbless shower for accessibility and drama.
• Storage style: Minimalist with a mirror cabinet, or serious storage with a vanity tower?
• Maintenance level: Porcelain tile and quartz counters resist stains, scrubbing, and hard water.

Pro tip: In Toronto’s tight homes, good ventilation + heated floors make small baths feel premium and stay dry.

Layouts That Work in 5×8

Classic Tub Along the 5′ Wall

• Why it works: A standard alcove tub (≈60″) keeps plumbing on one wall, saving budget.
• Upgrades: Deep soaker tubs, wall niches, and a sliding glass panel instead of a shower curtain to open sightlines.

Shower‑Only with Linear Drain

• Why it works: Removes the visual bulk of a tub, enabling a wider, low‑profile shower with a single glass panel.
• Details that matter: Proper slope, waterproofing system, and a bench or footrest for comfort.

Pocket Door + Floating Vanity

• Why it works: Frees swing space and makes the room feel wider; floating vanities add legroom and a sleek look.

Smart Fixture Choices (Scaled for Small Spaces)

• Vanity width: 24–36″ works best; reclaim drawers instead of doors for real storage.
• Toilet type: Skirted or wall‑hung styles simplify cleaning and save visual space.
• Faucets: Single‑hole mixers declutter the counter; consider matte or brushed finishes that hide water spots.
• Mirrors: Medicine cabinets with integrated lighting double as storage and task light.

Waterproofing & Ventilation (Non‑Negotiable)

• Use a full waterproofing system (membrane, pan, corners) in showers and around tubs.
• Flood‑test the pan where permitted.
• Install a quiet, ducted exhaust fan sized to the room and set it on a timer or humidity sensor.
• Seal around penetrations and use backer boxes for pot lights in wet zones.

Bonus: A properly ducted fan and warm, quick‑drying surfaces help prevent mildew and protect grout lines.

Storage That Doesn’t Eat Space

• Recessed niches for shampoos and a second niche near the bench.
• Mirror cabinets 4″ deep with side gaskets to contain humidity.
• Tall but narrow towers (12–15″) on the vanity or a shallow linen niche behind the door.
• Toe‑kick drawers for spare paper and cleaners.

Lighting Layers for a Luxe Feel

• Ambient: Low‑glare ceiling fixture or sealed downlight.
• Task: Vertical lights at face height on both sides of the mirror for even illumination.
• Accent: LED strip under the vanity or shelf for a night‑light glow.
• Controls: Separate switches/dimmers; consider a smart timer for the fan.

Surfaces & Finishes That Last in Toronto Homes

• Tile: Porcelain is tough and low‑porosity. Large‑format wall tile (e.g., 12×24) with tight grout lines makes the room look bigger.
• Floors: Porcelain or LVP rated for wet areas; pair with radiant floor heating for comfort.
• Countertops: Quartz is the set‑and‑forget choice for small tops; porcelain slab is another high‑end option.
• Glass: A single fixed panel keeps sightlines open and simplifies cleaning vs. fully framed doors.

Budget & Timeline (Order‑of‑Magnitude)

Every home is unique, but these ranges help with planning:

• Refresh (same layout): New tile, vanity, toilet, lighting, and fan; minor plumbing/electrical updates. From low‑$ tens of thousands.
• Full Remodel (same footprint, better finishes): Waterproofing system, custom niches, quartz top, upgraded fixtures, heated floor. From mid‑$ tens of thousands.
• Reconfigure (tub→shower, pocket door, premium tile): More plumbing/electrical work, custom glass, extra lighting. High‑$ tens into low‑$ hundreds of thousands.

Typical On‑Site Time: 8–15 working days, depending on complexity and lead times.

Permits & Condo Considerations

• Freehold homes: Like‑for‑like interior finishes typically don’t need a City permit. Moving plumbing vents/drains, altering the structure, or running new circuits may trigger permits.
• Condos: Expect board approval and often ESA inspections for electrical, flooring, and noise (IIC/STC) rules may apply. Book elevator windows for deliveries.

We’ll confirm what’s required for your specific property and handle submissions.

Common Mistakes (and How We Avoid Them)

• Skipping waterproofing behind tile leads to leaks and callbacks.
• Too many cutouts in the shower wall (lights, speakers) compromise sound and moisture control.
• Tiny vanities with no drawers: Pretty but impractical; we design for real storage.
• Ordering glass before tile: We measure after tiling for a perfect fit.
• Ignoring ventilation: We size and duct fans correctly to the exterior.

Ready to Transform Your 5×8?

Let’s design a compact bathroom that feels bigger, cleans easier, and adds value. Book a consultation today with JG Contracting, your local partner for Toronto home renovations.

📞 Call us at: 437-259-9632

✉️ Email us at: jgcontractingyyz@gmail.com

🌐 Website: https://jgcontractingyyz.com