A modernized bathroom is a fast, cost-effective refresh — roughly 60–70% of cost recouped at resale.
Start with vanity, fixtures, and lighting
Replacing the vanity, faucet, and light fixture is a fast, relatively low-cost way to modernize a bathroom's whole feel without touching plumbing rough-in.
Re-grout or replace tile before repainting walls
Discoloured grout and cracked tile are among the first things a buyer notices — address these before cosmetic touches like paint.
Get a permit for any plumbing relocation
Moving a toilet, sink, or shower drain typically requires a City of Ottawa permit — see our Permits & Inspections guide before starting.
Reserve a full gut renovation for genuine functional problems
If the layout works and fixtures are simply dated, a cosmetic refresh usually returns more per dollar than a full renovation.
A new vanity, faucet, and mirror modernize a bathroom's look quickly without touching the plumbing rough-in.
Re-grouting or replacing dated or discoloured tile is one of the most noticeable, cost-effective updates available.
Updated vanity lighting is a small cost with an outsized visual impact.
Older bathrooms sometimes hide water damage behind tile or under flooring — factor a contingency into your budget in case this surfaces.
Book a free consultation with Narges for a read on what's worth doing before you sell, or ask HAI a question.
