Bathroom Renovation Cost Richmond: 2026 Guide

A large share of Richmond's homes are townhouses and single family houses built between the 1970s and the 1990s, and a growing share are condos in City Centre. Each renovates differently, and each has its own set of costs that do not show up in a generic price list. This guide gives you the honest range for bathroom renovations in Richmond, then walks through the situations we see most: strata townhouses and condos, older detached homes, and moisture on low-lying Lulu Island.

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Richmond?

Bathroom renovations in Richmond generally run from $15,000 to $50,000 and up. A refresh that keeps the layout sits at the low end. A full tear-out with a new membrane, tile, shower or tub and vanity lands in the middle. Moving drains, building a curbless walk-in shower, adding heated floors or building a new ensuite reaches the top of the range and beyond.

Scope	What it usually includes	Where it sits in the range
Refresh	New vanity, toilet, fixtures, lighting and paint in the same layout	Low end
Standard renovation	Down to the studs, new waterproofing, tile, tub or shower, vanity and fan	Middle
Full renovation	Layout changes, relocated drains, curbless shower, heated floor, custom glass	Top of the range and above

Townhouse and condo bathrooms in Richmond

Strata properties are everywhere in Richmond, from townhouse complexes in Steveston, Terra Nova and Broadmoor to towers in Brighouse and around the Canada Line. If you own in a strata, the council has a say before work starts. Most require an alteration approval, and many set rules on working hours, noise, elevator bookings and how materials move through common areas.

Water is the main concern in any strata, because a leak rarely stays in one unit. Expect requirements around waterproofing, plumbing work and contractor insurance, and plan water shutoffs with the neighbours in advance. None of this is difficult when it is managed properly, and our strata approval guide walks through the application.

Older detached homes in Richmond

Detached houses from the 1970s to the 1990s in Seafair, Broadmoor, Ironwood and East Richmond tend to hide the same issues behind the bathroom walls.

Supply lines. Homes built from the mid 1980s to the late 1990s sometimes have poly-B plumbing, and older homes can have galvanized pipe. Replacing supply lines while the walls are open costs far less than a separate job later.

Subfloor and framing damage. Small leaks at the toilet and tub over decades soften the subfloor, which has to be replaced before new tile goes down.

Ventilation. Fans that were never ducted outside are common, and in Richmond's damp climate that leads straight to mould on the ceiling.

Moisture and Richmond's low-lying ground

Most of Richmond sits on Lulu Island in the Fraser River delta, close to sea level and protected by dikes, with a high water table and months of steady rain. That affects bathrooms in two ways. Ground floor and slab-on-grade bathrooms need careful attention to moisture at floor level, and settlement over decades on soft delta soils can leave floors out of level. Both are manageable, but they have to be assessed before tile goes down. A properly installed membrane, a correctly sloped shower pan and an outside-vented fan matter even more here than inland. Our bathroom waterproofing explainer covers what good work looks like.

Do you need a permit for a bathroom renovation in Richmond?

The City of Richmond issues its own permits. Replacing fixtures, tile and a vanity in the same locations generally does not need a building permit. Moving or adding plumbing, changing walls, or adding a new bathroom typically does, and plumbing and electrical work are permitted and inspected separately. Strata approval sits on top of the city's requirements. We confirm what your scope needs and handle the applications and inspections.

How long does a bathroom renovation take in Richmond?

A refresh is usually one to two weeks on site. A standard renovation runs about two to four weeks, and a full renovation with layout changes runs longer. Strata approval, permits and special-order items like custom glass add lead time before we start. Our article on how long a bathroom renovation takes breaks the schedule down.

How to choose a bathroom contractor in Richmond

• Ask for proof of insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage. Your strata will likely ask too.
• Ask for a written, itemized quote with allowances stated.
• Ask what waterproofing system they use and when they flood test the shower pan.
• Ask who applies for the permits and books the inspections.
• Ask how they protect common areas and schedule water shutoffs in a strata building.

Frequently asked questions

Is a condo bathroom renovation cheaper than one in a house?

The room is often smaller, but strata rules, restricted hours, elevator bookings and coordinated shutoffs add time. Condo bathrooms usually land in a similar part of the range as a comparable house bathroom.

Can you convert a tub to a walk-in shower in a Richmond townhouse?

Usually, yes, with strata approval. A tiled walk-in shower needs a sloped pan, a full membrane and glass. Our tub to walk-in shower guide explains the options.

Which parts of Richmond do you work in?

All of them, including Steveston, Terra Nova, Broadmoor, Seafair, Ironwood, Garden City, Brighouse, Thompson, Hamilton, City Centre and East Richmond.

Ali's Old To New General Contracting is a fully insured, BBB accredited general contractor serving Richmond and the Lower Mainland since 2014. For a firm number on your bathroom, request a free quote or call 778-861-6482.