Planning a bathroom renovation in Toronto? Before any new tile, vanity, or lighting goes in, the old stuff has to come out. And that starts with demolition. Whether you’re gutting a dated bathroom in a downtown condo or replacing fixtures in a family home in Scarborough, understanding the bathroom and washroom demolition process, from permits to pricing, can make or break your renovation timeline. We’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and at ALMAR Demolition, we know the ins and outs of bathroom demolition across Toronto and the GTA.
What Bathroom Demolition Actually Involves
Every homeowner approaches a bathroom remodel differently. Some want to rip everything out and start fresh. Others are simply upgrading a shower or vanity. We offer both full and partial bath demolition services. A full gut means stripping the bathroom back to the studs, removing the tub, shower walls, tile, flooring, vanity, toilet, and drywall if needed. A partial bathroom demo in Toronto could mean just pulling out the bathtub and tile, but leaving the vanity and flooring intact. We build custom demo plans based on exactly what you need removed and what you want to keep safe.
And no matter where you live, whether it’s a condo in Liberty Village, a detached in Etobicoke, or a townhome in Markham, we’re equipped to work with your layout, building rules, and materials. We’ve worked in all kinds of spaces, from narrow powder rooms to large ensuite bathrooms.
Common Bathroom Demo Items We Remove
- Bathtubs and shower enclosures
- Vanities, sinks, and countertops
- Toilets and plumbing fixtures
- Wall tiles, floor tiles, and backer boards
- Drywall, cement board, lath and plaster
- Cabinetry and built-in storage
- Heated flooring systems (as needed)
Do You Need a Permit for Bathroom Demo in Toronto?
It depends on what you’re removing. For surface-level work, like taking out tiles, vanities, or a toilet, you usually don’t need a permit. But if you’re touching anything behind the walls (like electrical or plumbing), or altering the structure (removing a wall, cutting into framing), you’ll likely need one.
Here’s what the City of Toronto typically requires:
| Work Type | Permit Needed? | Details |
| Tile or fixture removal (vanity, toilet, tub) | No | Cosmetic work usually doesn’t need a permit |
| Moving or changing plumbing | Yes | Plumbing permit required; must be done by a licensed plumber |
| Electrical changes or removal | Yes | ESA inspection required; must use a licensed electrician |
| Wall removal or structural change | Yes | Building permit and sometimes an engineer’s report are needed |
In condos, even minor work often needs building management approval. We’ve done hundreds of condo demos across the GTA and can guide you through those rules, too. If permits are required, we work with licensed professionals who can help coordinate the paperwork and inspections.
How Long Does It Take to Demo a Bathroom In Toronto?
Most bathroom demolition jobs in Toronto take one to two days. That’s for a full gut of a standard-sized bathroom. If it’s just a partial removal, like taking out the tub and a few tiles, it can be done in under a day. Things like stair access, condo restrictions, or hidden damage can sometimes add time, but our team always does an in-person walkthrough to set the right expectations.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Partial demolition: 3–6 hours
- Full gut (fixtures, tile, drywall, etc.): 1–2 days
- Abatement (for asbestos or mould): adds 1–3 days
Permit approvals can delay things if they haven’t been submitted ahead of time, in Toronto, you’re generally looking at 1 to 3 weeks for permit processing, depending on the type.
How to Prepare for Bathroom Demolition
Before we arrive, there are a few things homeowners can do to get ready and protect the rest of their home. First, shut off the water and electricity to the bathroom. Clear out anything personal, toiletries, towels, shelving, and mirrors. We’ll bring protective materials, but if you want to lay down temporary floor coverings in hallways, that helps too.
If you live in a shared building, let your neighbours know. There will be noise, and we follow all local noise bylaws (typically 7 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday in Toronto), but a heads-up goes a long way.
Pre-Demo Checklist for Toronto Homeowners
- Shut off water lines and bathroom breakers
- Clear out cabinets, shelving, and personal items
- Move furniture near the demo area
- Lay floor protection outside the bathroom if desired
- Notify neighbours (especially in condos or semis)
Unexpected Issues That Can Come Up
Sometimes, a demo reveals things you didn’t expect. In older homes around Toronto, especially pre-1980 builds, we sometimes find asbestos in tile glue or drywall, or mould behind old walls from past leaks. This requires professional abatement, which we coordinate safely and legally with certified partners.
Other times, the plumbing or electrical setup behind the wall isn’t what the reno team expected. Pipes might be improperly supported, or there’s old knob-and-tube wiring in homes across neighbourhoods like The Junction or Leslieville. This doesn’t mean disaster, it just means a bit more work, and it’s better to find out now than mid-reno.
Can I Demo My Bathroom Myself?
You can, but it’s not always worth the risk. Homeowners with some experience might be able to handle removing a vanity or pulling up flooring. But once you get into removing tile, drywall, or plumbing fixtures, things get messy fast. Water damage, nail punctures to pipes, or even electrical shock are real risks. Our demo contractors have been called into more than one DIY demo where things went sideways. And if you’re in a condo, DIY is rarely even allowed.
If you’re thinking about doing it yourself, give us a call first. We’re happy to talk it through and let you know what parts might be safe for DIY, and what’s best left to professionals.
What Does Bathroom Demolition Cost in Toronto?
Costs vary based on the size of the bathroom, whether it’s a partial or full demo, how accessible the space is, and if hazardous materials are involved. Here’s what you can expect for pricing:
| Service Type | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
| Partial bathroom demo (vanity, tile, tub only) | $500 – $1,000 | Less labour, limited disposal needed |
| Full bathroom demolition (complete gut) | $1,200 – $2,500 | Includes full tear-out, disposal, and site cleanup |
| Hazardous material removal (asbestos, mould) | +$500 – $1,500 | Certified abatement contractors are required by law |
At ALMAR, we provide free estimates and transparent pricing upfront. No surprises, and no pressure. We price honestly and competitively for homeowners across Toronto, North York, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, and beyond.
How We Handle Debris and Waste
Bathroom demo creates a lot of heavy waste: broken tile, drywall, plaster, fixtures, and more. We handle everything from hauling debris down the stairs of a third-floor walkup in Roncesvalles to coordinating disposal bins for driveways in Vaughan or Pickering. Our team is trained to separate out hazardous materials, and we follow all Toronto and Ontario environmental regulations for safe disposal.
Quick Recap: Bathroom Demolition Essentials
| What You Need to Know | Details |
| Timeline | 1–2 days for full demo; partial demos take a few hours |
| Permit Rules | Needed for plumbing, electrical, and structural changes |
| Cost | $500–$2,500+, depending on scope and materials |
| Waste Handling | All debris has been safely removed and disposed of by our team |
| DIY Risks | Water damage, safety hazards, and insurance issues |
| Why ALMAR | Trusted, local, transparent, and experienced across GTA |
Questions to Ask Any Washroom Demo Contractor
- Are you fully licensed and insured in Ontario?
- Do you have experience working in my type of home?
- Do you handle permits or coordinate with trades?
- What’s your cleanup process like after a demo?
- Can I see photos or reviews from past clients?
Why Homeowners Across the GTA Choose ALMAR Demolition
We’re fully licensed, insured, and WSIB registered. But more than that, we’re a team of professionals who treat your home with respect. Whether it’s a bungalow in East York or a modern loft near the Distillery District, we bring the same care and attention to every job. Our reviews speak for themselves; customers love our communication, speed, and clean work. And with 20+ years in the industry, we know how to work with plumbers, electricians, designers, and condo boards to keep your project moving forward.
After Demolishing a Bathroom: What Comes Next
Once the demo is done, we clean up thoroughly and hand the space back to you or your renovation team. Before the next phase starts, you’ll want to double-check that everything’s removed, the site is safe, and plumbing/electrical is prepped for new installs. We recommend taking photos and documenting the space, as it helps if any surprises come up later in the project.
FAQs: Bathroom Demo in Toronto
Can I demo my bathroom myself in a Toronto condo?
Probably not. Most buildings require licensed professionals, especially for plumbing and electrical. Always check your condo board rules before starting.
What if you find asbestos or mould?
We stop work and bring in certified abatement pros. It’s the law, and we make sure it’s done safely and properly.
Do you provide a cleanup after bathroom demo in Toronto?
Always. We leave the space clean, cleared of debris, and ready for your renovation team to begin.
Do you service older homes?
Yes, and we’re experienced with older Toronto builds that often come with quirks like plaster walls, subfloor issues, or outdated wiring. We’ve seen it all.