Bathroom Renovation Cost in St. Thomas, Ontario — 2026 Guide

July 2026 · 8 min read · Elm Kitchen, St. Thomas, Ontario

If you're planning a bathroom renovation in St. Thomas, London, or anywhere in Elgin County, the first question is almost always the same: what is this actually going to cost me?

The honest answer is that it depends on scope — but "it depends" isn't helpful when you're trying to set a budget. So here are the real numbers we quote homeowners across South-Western Ontario in 2026, what you get at each price level, and the factors that push a project up or down.

Bathroom Renovation Costs in St. Thomas & London: 2026 Price Ranges

Think of a bathroom renovation like buying a car: you can get from A to B at every price point, but the build quality, materials, and lifespan are very different.

Budget Refresh ($12,000 – $20,000): This tier keeps your existing layout — toilet, tub, and vanity stay where they are. That matters because moving plumbing is one of the biggest cost drivers in any bathroom. A typical refresh includes a new tub or acrylic shower surround, a new vanity and countertop, updated toilet and fixtures, new flooring (usually luxury vinyl plank or ceramic tile), fresh paint, and a new mirror and lighting. It's the right choice for rental properties, secondary bathrooms, or homes you plan to sell within a few years.

Full Remodel ($20,000 – $40,000): This is the most common tier for St. Thomas and London homeowners renovating their main bathroom. Everything comes out — down to the studs — and goes back in new. It typically includes a custom tiled walk-in shower with proper Schluter waterproofing behind the tile, a quality vanity with quartz countertop, new tile flooring with the option of in-floor heating, updated plumbing and electrical brought to current code, a new exhaust fan properly vented outside, and modern lighting.

Premium / Master Ensuite ($40,000+): At this level you're changing the layout, not just the finishes. Walls move, plumbing relocates, and the space is redesigned around how you actually live. Premium projects often include a curbless (barrier-free) walk-in shower with custom glass, a freestanding soaker tub, double vanity with custom millwork, heated floors throughout, smart lighting and mirrors, and high-end natural stone or large-format porcelain tile.

What Actually Drives the Cost Up or Down

• Moving plumbing: Relocating a toilet, shower drain, or supply lines means opening floors and walls. Keeping fixtures in place can save $3,000–$8,000.
• Waterproofing quality: This is the part you can't see but matters most. A shower that looks perfect on day one can leak into your subfloor by year three if the waterproofing behind the tile was done cheap. We use Schluter-certified waterproofing systems on every tiled shower — it's the difference between a shower that lasts 5 years and one that lasts 25.
• Tile selection and complexity: Standard ceramic in a simple layout is economical. Large-format porcelain, mosaic niches, and herringbone patterns take more labour hours.
• The age of your home: Many St. Thomas homes are older, and opening walls sometimes reveals galvanized plumbing, outdated wiring, or past water damage.
• Fixture quality: A vanity faucet can cost $89 or $600. Neither is wrong — but the decision should be yours, made upfront, not discovered on an invoice.

Timeline, Permits, and Resale Return Metrics

How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take? A budget refresh usually takes 1–2 weeks. A full gut remodel runs 2–4 weeks. Premium ensuite projects with layout changes typically take 4–6 weeks.

Do You Need a Permit in St. Thomas or Elgin County? If you're replacing fixtures in the same location, generally no. If you're moving plumbing, altering structure, or adding electrical circuits, yes — and this is not a step to skip. We handle permit applications with the City of St. Thomas and Elgin County municipalities as part of every project that requires one.

Is a Bathroom Renovation Worth It? Bathrooms consistently rank among the highest-return renovations in Canada, typically recovering 60–70% of their cost at resale — and a dated bathroom is one of the first things buyers negotiate down on.

How to Budget Smart: 3 Rules

1. Set your total number first, then work backwards. Decide what you're comfortable spending before you fall in love with a $4,000 freestanding tub.
2. Hold back a 10–15% contingency. Older homes especially can hide surprises behind the walls. If nothing comes up, you keep the money.
3. Get an itemized fixed quote — not an estimate. Every ELM quote is itemized line by line so you know exactly where every dollar goes, with no surprise charges midway through demolition.

Get a Real Number for Your Bathroom

Every bathroom is different, and the ranges above are exactly that — ranges. The only way to get a real number is to have someone look at your actual space. ELM Kitchen & Bath Renovations provides free in-home consultations across St. Thomas, London, and Elgin County, including Aylmer, Port Stanley, and surrounding communities.

ELM Kitchen & Bath Renovations is a fully licensed and insured renovation contractor based in St. Thomas, Ontario, specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodels with Schluter-certified waterproofing. Book your free consultation layout review directly with our team here.