Powder room, main bath or ensuite: what changes in the renovation?
A powder room has no shower or tub, so it is the smallest job; a standard bathroom adds the wet area and its waterproofing; an ensuite usually adds a larger walk-in or curbless shower, double vanity and premium finishes, which makes it the biggest scope of the three.
People ask what a bathroom costs as if there is one kind. There are really three, and they are different jobs.
Powder room (two-piece)
No shower, no tub, so no wet area to waterproof. That makes it the smallest project and the fastest way to change how a main floor feels.
- Vanity or pedestal sink
- Faucet and toilet
- Flooring
- Paint, mirror and lighting
What moves the scope: a custom vanity, feature walls, wallpaper or panelling, and premium fixtures. A powder room is a good place to be bold.
Standard bathroom (three or four-piece)
This is the bathroom most families use every day, and the most common job I do. It adds the wet area, which brings waterproofing and tile into the picture.
- Full demolition
- Sloped floor and waterproofing in the wet area
- Tiled shower or tub surround
- Vanity, toilet, flooring
- Lighting and exhaust fan
- Trim, paint and accessories
What moves the scope: switching a tub for a walk-in shower, floor-to-ceiling tile, niches and benches, moving plumbing, and designer tile or fixtures.
Ensuite or large bathroom
The most customized room in the house, and usually the one people invest in when it is their forever home.
- Walk-in or curbless shower
- Double vanity
- Glass enclosure
- Floor-to-ceiling tile
- Heated floors
- Upgraded lighting and ventilation
- Freestanding tub
What moves the scope: natural stone, custom cabinetry, relocating fixtures, and a bigger wet area. The larger the shower, the more the slope and waterproofing matter.
Whichever it is, the layers behind the tile deserve the same care. Book a free consultation and I will walk you through the options for your room.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a powder room cheaper to renovate than a full bathroom?
A powder room has no shower or tub, so there is no wet area to slope, waterproof and tile, which is usually the most labour-intensive part of a bathroom.
What usually makes an ensuite renovation bigger?
A larger walk-in or curbless shower, double vanity, glass, floor-to-ceiling tile, heated floors and premium finishes.
Let me look at your room.
Book a free consultation. I will walk you through what it takes and give you a detailed quote.