Bathroom Renovation Guide: Budget, Timeline, and Holiday Guests Prep Tips

Hosting this season in London, Ontario and realizing your bathroom needs a refresh before guests arrive? A well-planned bathroom renovation can boost comfort, function, and style—without derailing your holiday timeline. Here’s how to budget smartly, plan realistic schedules, and prioritize upgrades that make the biggest impact in November and December across London, Middlesex County, Guelph, Cambridge, Windsor, and surrounding Ontario communities.

How long does a bathroom renovation take?

Your timeline depends on scope, material lead times, and permit needs:

• Cosmetic refresh (paint, lighting, hardware, faucet, minor caulking): 5–10 days
• Pull-and-replace (new vanity, toilet, tile flooring/backsplash, fixtures): 2–4 weeks
• Full remodel (new layout, plumbing moves, curbless shower, heated floors): 4–8+ weeks

Starting in November, a complete gut is tight by Christmas. Many homeowners choose a targeted refresh now, then complete the full renovation in January when trades availability and material lead times improve.

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Ontario?

Costs vary by size, finishes, and complexity. Typical ranges (CAD):

• Powder room refresh: $5,000–$12,000
• Standard 3-piece main bath: $15,000–$30,000
• Ensuite with custom shower: $25,000–$45,000+
• Luxury spa bath (steam, marble, custom cabinetry): $50,000+

Tile flooring and shower systems, stone or quartz counters, and premium plumbing fixtures drive higher investment—while also adding resale value. Apeiro Construction provides value engineering to balance aesthetics, durability, and budget.

Permits, inspections, and winter scheduling

In Ontario, like-for-like replacements typically don’t require a building permit. Layout changes, structural alterations, or significant plumbing/electrical work may trigger municipal permits and Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) inspections. In London and nearby municipalities, allow 2–4+ weeks for approvals. Apeiro’s permit and inspection coordination keeps paperwork on track while our scheduling and subcontractor management plan around holiday closures to maintain momentum.

Materials that look great and install fast

For pre-holiday projects, choose in-stock or quick-ship products:

• Tile flooring: Large-format porcelain speeds installation and reduces grout lines. Consider textured, slip-resistant tiles for safety with winter moisture.
• Vanities: Semi-custom or ready-to-install vanities offer style without the long lead times of fully custom cabinetry.
• Showers: Prefab acrylic bases paired with tiled walls can save days over fully site-built pans; curbless showers and linear drains are best reserved for the full remodel phase.
• Counters: Quartz tops with integrated backsplashes streamline templating and install; book early to secure fabrication slots.
• Lighting and ventilation: LED task lighting and quiet, code-compliant fans improve comfort and energy efficiency immediately.

Holiday guest prep: small upgrades with big impact

• Storage: Add medicine cabinet inserts, floating shelves, or a narrow linen tower for guest towels and toiletries.
• Fixtures: Install a high-efficiency, comfort-height toilet and touch-clean shower fixtures for easy maintenance.
• Warmth: Consider radiant mats under tile flooring in the main traffic area; programmable thermostats enhance comfort during cold snaps.
• Safety: Replace worn caulk, add grab bars with modern finishes, and use anti-slip matte tile.
• Air quality: Upgrade the bath fan and add a humidity sensor to combat steamy showers from back-to-back guests.

A phased approach for seasonal success

If your dream involves reconfiguring layouts, relocating plumbing, or custom cabinetry, split the work. Phase 1 delivers a fast visual and functional lift—new vanity, lighting, tile flooring in key zones, fresh paint. Phase 2 (January–February) tackles the full shower build, heated floors throughout, and any layout or electrical changes once permits, inspections, and custom items are ready. This approach minimizes disruption during the holidays and can unlock better winter pricing and availability.

Why Apeiro Construction is the right partner

Apeiro Construction brings a builder’s mindset to bathroom renovation: precise planning, clear communication, and on-site supervision for quality and safety. Our team handles design consultation, material procurement, scheduling, and ESA/permit coordination—backed by trusted local trades across London, Middlesex County, and nearby Ontario regions. From durable tile flooring and water-saving fixtures to smart ventilation and lighting, we deliver upgrades that look exceptional and perform for years.

Ready to make your bathroom guest-ready?

Let’s build a space that welcomes holiday visitors and elevates everyday living. Book a consultation with Apeiro Construction to finalize your budget, timeline, and material selections—then secure your pre-holiday or early January installation window. Visit apeiroconstruction.com to get started.