Bathroom Renovations in North York | Century Home Specialists | Bathroom Renos

Bathroom Renovations in North York

Specializing in century homes and older properties. We know what's behind your walls: galvanized pipes, lath and plaster, asbestos-era materials, rotted subfloors. After 20 years, nothing surprises us.

20+ Years

Bathroom specialists since 2004

500+

Older homes renovated

5.0★

Google Rating

Licensed & WSIB

All trades insured

What Lies Behind Your Walls

The Hidden Challenges of Older Bathrooms

North York homes built before 1950 present renovation challenges that newer homes don't. We find them regularly.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Original plumbing in homes from the 1920s–1960s used galvanized steel. These pipes corrode from the inside, restricting water flow and eventually failing. We replace them with modern copper or PEX, but it means opening walls and rerouting lines, something we budget for properly.

Asbestos in Old Tiles & Adhesives

Bathroom tiles and adhesives installed before the 1980s commonly contained asbestos. You can't just demo these tiles. We identify asbestos-suspect materials early, bring in certified abatement contractors when needed, and document everything. It adds time and cost, but skipping it puts your health at risk.

Lath & Plaster Walls

Instead of drywall, older bathrooms have walls of plaster over wooden lath. These are messy to demolish, brittle around pipe penetrations, and prone to moisture damage. We account for the extra demo time and know how to support structures as we open them.

Rotted Subfloors & Damaged Joists

Years of bathroom moisture without proper ventilation rots the subfloor and weakens joists. A bathroom that feels "soft" underfoot is a red flag. We inspect substructure carefully, replace damaged sections, and install proper ventilation so it doesn't happen again.

Knob-and-Tube Wiring Remnants

Some older North York homes still have remnants of knob-and-tube wiring. While not always in use, it indicates the age of the electrical system. We work with licensed electricians to upgrade bathroom circuits safely. New outlets, proper GFCI protection, and grounding.

Inadequate Ventilation

Many older bathrooms have exhaust fans that vent directly into the attic instead of outside. This traps moisture upstairs, rots roof trusses, and encourages mold. We reroute ventilation properly through the soffit or roof, protecting your home's structure.

Real Projects, Real Surprises

From the Field

[PROJECT STORY - REAL DETAILS TO BE ADDED]

A 1925 bungalow in Lawrence Park needed a complete bathroom overhaul. Demo revealed galvanized pipes corroded internally, lath and plaster walls, and asbestos in the original floor tiles and mastic. Certified abatement was required before any renovation work could begin.

Timeline: [XX weeks] | Challenge: Asbestos remediation + full replumbing + joist repair

[PROJECT STORY - REAL DETAILS TO BE ADDED]

A 32nd-floor condo renovation near Yonge & Sheppard with strict building management rules: limited elevator access, noise restrictions, and coordination with neighbouring units sharing walls.

Timeline: [XX days] | Challenge: High-rise logistics + tight scheduling + zero noise complaints

What We Do

Our Renovation Services

Century Home Bathroom Overhauls

Full gut renovations in 1920s–1950s homes. We manage structural surprises, asbestos abatement, replumbing, rewiring, and complete waterproofing. No shortcuts.

High-Rise Condo Renovations

Bathroom remodels in condos with building coordination. We work within access restrictions, schedule efficiently, and ensure waterproofing protects shared walls.

Walk-In Shower Conversions

Convert old tubs to accessible, spacious walk-ins. We handle plumbing reroutes, sloped floors for drainage, and complete Schluter Kerdi waterproofing.

Custom Tile & Waterproofing

No plastic membrane shortcuts. Every project gets Schluter Kerdi waterproofing, premium tile selections, and attention to grout lines and caulk details that last.

The Foundation of Longevity

Why Waterproofing Matters More in Older Homes

We Use Schluter Kerdi on Every Project

Schluter Kerdi is a sheet-based waterproofing membrane. It bonds to your substrate and creates a continuous, flexible barrier. Water doesn't sit. It can't penetrate. In a 1940s home with a questionable subfloor, this makes all the difference.

Older Homes Need Redundancy

Plastic sheeting alone isn't enough. We layer: proper substrate, Kerdi waterproofing, sealed penetrations, grout, sealant. If one layer fails, others catch the water. In a century home where moisture has already done damage, that redundancy is insurance.

Corners and Transitions Are Critical

Bathroom failures happen at transitions, where walls meet floors, where pipes penetrate, where the shower pan slopes to the drain. We detail these carefully. Kerdi reinforcement tape, sealed corners, and proper slope angles prevent water from finding its way into your joists.

Transparent Pricing

What to Budget for a North York Bathroom Renovation

Standard 5x8 ft Bathroom

$12,000–$18,000. New fixtures, tile, waterproofing, basic plumbing. No structural surprises. Most 1960s–1980s homes fall here.

Century Home with Structural Issues

$18,000–$28,000+. Budget for subfloor replacement, asbestos abatement, full replumbing, rewiring, ventilation upgrades. A 1920s bungalow typically requires more work.

Walk-In Shower or Layout Changes

Add $4,000–$8,000. Rerouting plumbing, structural changes, premium waterproofing. The older the home, the more unpredictable the costs.

Why We Quote, Not Estimate

We inspect thoroughly before quoting. We don't low-ball then surprise you with change orders. Our quote includes materials, labour, Schluter Kerdi, and contingencies for what older homes teach us to expect.

Where We Work

Neighbourhoods We Serve Across North York

WillowdaleBayview VillageDon MillsLawrence ParkNewtonbrookLansingYork MillsBathurst ManorFlemingdon Park
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my bathroom has asbestos?

If your home was built before 1980 and the bathroom tiles, adhesive, or insulation look original, asbestos is possible. You can't see it. We visually identify suspect materials and recommend certified testing before we demo. Never assume it's safe.

Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation in North York?

Yes. The City of Toronto (which includes North York) requires permits for plumbing, electrical, or structural changes. We handle permit applications, inspections, and documentation. Skipping permits puts your insurance at risk.

Why does my bathroom exhaust fan vent into the attic?

Older homes often had fans vented into attics. easier to install, but terrible for your home. Moisture rots trusses and encourages mold. We reroute the duct outside through the soffit or roof.

What happens if you find rotted joists during demo?

We stop, document it, and discuss options. Typically we sister new joists alongside damaged ones or replace sections entirely. This adds cost and time, but a soft floor isn't safe. We budget for this possibility in century homes.

Why Schluter Kerdi instead of plastic membrane?

Plastic sheets can shift, tear, or fail at seams. Kerdi bonds to your substrate, stays put, and handles movement in older homes. It's more expensive, but it's the difference between a 10-year bathroom and a 20-year bathroom.

Ready to Renovate?

Get a detailed, transparent quote. We'll inspect your bathroom, understand your home's age and condition, and tell you exactly what we'll do and what it costs.

Call us: 416-220-6423