Many Toronto homes still run on a single shared bathroom for the whole family. Morning routines collide, guests share the same space as kids, and the parents’ bedroom never quite feels like a retreat.
An ensuite bathroom addition can change that. Whether you are working with an older semi, a narrow detached house, or a condo townhouse, a well-planned ensuite gives you privacy, adds daily comfort, and can be a strong selling point in the Toronto market.
This guide walks through how ensuite bathroom additions actually work in real Toronto homes in 2025, from where to find the space to plumbing, permits, and layout ideas that fit inside an existing floor plan.
Is An Ensuite Addition Right For Your Toronto Home?
Before you start sketching double vanities, it helps to be clear on what you want an ensuite to fix in daily life.
Common goals we hear from Toronto homeowners include:
- Having a private bathroom for the adults, separate from the kids’ bath
- Cutting down on morning and bedtime lineups
- Creating a primary suite that feels more like a retreat than a commuter crash pad
- Planning ahead for aging in place so you are not climbing stairs to a single hall bath forever
If you already have a full second bathroom that works well, a full ensuite addition might not be necessary. In other cases, especially in older two-storey homes with only one tub and a tiny powder room, adding a proper second full bath or a generous shower ensuite makes the house feel like it finally fits modern life.
Budget-wise, an ensuite addition sits between a simple bathroom refresh and a large structural addition. Costs depend heavily on whether we can tie into existing plumbing and keep structural changes modest or whether we are moving walls, adding dormers, or extending the house.
Where Do Ensuite Bathrooms Usually Fit In Toronto Houses?
Every floor plan is different, but we see a few common patterns across older Toronto homes.
1. Carving An Ensuite Out Of An Oversized Bedroom
Some older homes have a very large primary bedroom and minimal closet space. In these cases, we can often carve a 5 by 8 foot or 6 by 9 foot ensuite out of one corner of the room, then rebuild smarter closets along one wall.
Key considerations:
- Keep the ensuite on the same side of the house as the existing plumbing if possible.
- Use pocket doors or carefully placed swing doors so you do not lose more floor space than necessary.
- Plan for at least one decent closet run, even if it means a slightly smaller vanity.
2. Borrowing Space From A Neighbouring Room Or Hallway
Another option is to borrow space from a neighbouring bedroom, office, or underused hallway. This can work well when:
- Bedrooms are long and narrow, and you can trim them down slightly without hurting resale.
- A wide hallway or sitting area exists outside the primary bedroom.
- You want to keep the main bedroom size intact, and you are willing to adjust other rooms.
We always model these changes on a scaled plan first, so you can see exactly how furniture will fit in the new bedroom sizes.
3. Using Dormers Or Additions For A New Primary Suite
In some houses, the second floor is already tight. In these cases, the ensuite becomes part of a larger second-storey addition or an attic dormer project where you are creating a brand new primary suite.
A rear or side dormer can create enough headroom for a comfortable shower and vanity. A second-storey addition may allow you to design an entirely new bedroom, walk-in closet, and ensuite cluster with plumbing stacked efficiently above the kitchen or main floor bath.
Ensuite Layouts That Work In Real Floor Plans
Even a modest ensuite can feel generous if the layout is smart. Some common layouts we use in Toronto homes include:
Classic 5×8 Shower Ensuite
A 5 by 8 foot footprint is common in older homes and works well for:
- A 30 to 36-inch wide vanity
- A toilet with proper clearances
- A 36-by-48-inch shower or similar
With careful planning, this layout can include a niche for toiletries, a slim linen cabinet, and a pocket door to save swing space.
Long And Narrow Ensuite With A Walk-In Shower
If you have a long, narrow space along an exterior wall, we often place:
- The vanity and toilet are along one side
- A walk-in shower at the far end with glass panels to keep light flowing
This keeps plumbing on one wall, which can help with costs, and gives you a nice sightline into the shower tile rather than the toilet when the door is open.
Ensuite With A Soaking Tub For A True Retreat
If square footage allows, a freestanding tub can be a nice addition, especially under a window. We usually:
- Keep the shower compact but comfortable
- Use a double vanity only if it does not make the circulation too tight
- Reserve enough space for towel storage and a small bench or seat
Plumbing, Structure, And Sound Control
Ensuite bathrooms add comfort, but they also add plumbing, moisture, and noise. Planning for these early steps keeps the project smoother.
Plumbing
- We look for ways to stack the new ensuite above or near existing bathrooms or the kitchen so drain runs are shorter.
- In older Toronto homes, we often upgrade sections of existing plumbing while the walls are open.
- Slopes for drains and venting must follow code, which can affect floor heights and shower locations.
Structure
- Cutting or notching floor joists for plumbing is tightly controlled. Often, we run drains parallel to joists and use engineered solutions where required.
- Tile, mortar, and a properly built shower base add weight. We confirm that framing can carry the load comfortably.
Sound control
- We often add insulation and sometimes resilient channels in walls and ceilings around the ensuite so flushing and shower noise do not dominate the bedroom.
- Proper fans and ducting keep humidity under control and help protect finishes.
Permits And Approvals For Ensuite Bathroom Additions In Toronto
Anytime you add a new bathroom or move walls, you are stepping into permit territory.
You will typically need a building permit if:
- You are adding a new bathroom that was not there before.
- You are moving or adding plumbing fixtures and drains.
- You are changing structural elements or moving load-bearing walls.
If the ensuite is part of a larger second-storey addition or dormer, we also have to respect zoning rules around height, setbacks, and overall building depth. Condo townhouses add another approval layer because the condo board must sign off on many plumbing and layout changes.
Good drawings and a clear scope make the permitting process much smoother. At JG Contracting, we coordinate with designers, engineers, and City of Toronto staff so your ensuite addition is approved properly before work starts.
Finishes And Features That Make A Small Ensuite Feel High End
Because ensuites are usually compact, the details matter.
Smart upgrades to consider:
- Waterproofing and tile systems that protect framing and subfloors long-term
- Heated floors for comfort, especially on cold Toronto mornings
- Curbless or low curb showers for easier access and a more open feel
- Layered lighting including vanity, ceiling, and shower lighting on separate controls
- Built in niches and shelves so bottles and toiletries have a home without cluttering the floor
Even in a 5 by 8 footprint, these choices can make the ensuite feel more like a boutique hotel than a squeezed-in afterthought.
How JG Contracting Plans Ensuite Additions In Toronto
We treat ensuite additions as part of the larger story of how your home works, not as an isolated upgrade.
A typical process with JG Contracting includes:
- Walking through your existing second-floor or condo layout and identifying options for a primary suite.
- Measuring and drawing the current plan so we can test multiple ensuite and closet layouts to scale.
- Reviewing plumbing routes, structure, and potential zoning or condo constraints early.
- Helping you select finishes that balance budget, performance, and the look you want.
- Managing permits, construction, inspections, and final clean so your new ensuite is ready to use.
The goal is a primary suite that works every day and a project that feels planned instead of improvised.
Helpful companion reads on our site:
- Toronto 5×8 Bathroom Remodel Playbook (2025)
- Toronto Bathroom Waterproofing & Tile Guide 2025
- Wildwood Drive, Toronto – Bathroom Renovation
- Bathroom Transformation on Coxwell Avenue, Toronto
Ready to plan an ensuite bathroom addition for your Toronto home?
If you are tired of sharing one crowded bathroom or your primary bedroom does not feel finished, an ensuite addition can make a big difference in daily life and resale value. We can help you find the space, design a layout that fits your house, and handle permits and construction from first sketch to final caulking.
Contact us today to book a consultation.
📞 Call us at: 437-259-9632
✉️ Email us at: jgcontractingyyz@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://jgcontractingyyz.com
