Recently Asked Questions
Browse the latest questions from Ottawa homeowners.
What permits do I need for a basement bathroom in Ottawa?
For a new basement bathroom in Ottawa, you'll typically need both a plumbing permit and a building permit from the City...
Should I get a walk-in shower or bathtub?
The choice between a walk-in shower and bathtub depends on your household needs, bathroom size, and long-term plans. Wal...
How do I choose between a shower door and curtain?
Shower doors are generally the better long-term choice for most bathrooms, offering superior water containment, easier c...
What is the average cost of installing a bathroom exhaust fan in Ottawa?
Installing a bathroom exhaust fan in Ottawa typically costs between $200-$600 for a basic replacement, or $400-$1,200 fo...
Is it better to put the basement bathroom in the corner or the middle?
Corner placement is typically better for basement bathrooms due to easier plumbing access and more efficient use of spac...
How important is the bathroom exhaust fan really?
A bathroom exhaust fan is absolutely critical - it's one of the most important components for preventing moisture damage...
What countertop material is best for bathroom vanities?
Quartz is generally the best countertop material for bathroom vanities due to its non-porous surface, durability, and lo...
What is a floating vanity, and is it better than a regular one?
A floating vanity is a wall-mounted bathroom vanity that appears to "float" above the floor, creating open space underne...
How do I know if there's water damage behind my shower tiles?
Water damage behind shower tiles often shows warning signs before becoming a major problem. Look for loose or cracked ti...
How long does bathroom tile last before it needs to be replaced?
Quality bathroom tile can last 15-20 years or more with proper installation and maintenance, though the actual lifespan...
Can I use peel-and-stick tiles in my bathroom?
Peel-and-stick tiles can work in bathrooms, but only in low-moisture areas and with proper preparation. They're not suit...
Are vessel sinks practical or just for looks?
Vessel sinks can be both practical and stylish, but their functionality depends heavily on proper installation and your...
Do I need a permit just to replace a bathtub?
In most cases, simply replacing a bathtub with the same type of tub in the same location does not require a permit in Ot...
Do I need a special pump for a basement toilet?
Most basement toilets don't need a special pump if they're above the main sewer line, but toilets installed below the se...
Is large format tile good for small bathrooms or does it look weird?
Large format tile can actually make small bathrooms look bigger, not weird. The fewer grout lines create a cleaner, more...
What inspections are required for a bathroom renovation?
Bathroom renovation inspections in Ottawa depend on the scope of work, but most renovations involving plumbing, electric...
Where should I splurge and where can I save on a bathroom renovation?
Splurge on waterproofing, plumbing rough-in, and quality tile work - these are the foundation elements that prevent cost...
What's the deal with heated floors? Are they worth the cost?
Heated floors are absolutely worth the investment in Ottawa bathrooms - they transform cold tile into a warm, luxurious...
How messy is a bathroom renovation going to be, and how long until I can use it again?
Bathroom renovations are inherently messy and disruptive - expect dust, debris, and no access to your bathroom for the d...
Can I add a bench to my shower?
Yes, you can definitely add a bench to your shower - it's one of the most popular upgrades homeowners request for both c...
Can I add a bathroom to my unfinished basement?
Yes, you can add a bathroom to your unfinished basement in Ottawa, but it requires proper planning, permits, and profess...
We never use our tub. Should we just take it out and put in a shower?
Removing an unused tub and installing a shower is one of the most popular bathroom renovations - it typically increases...
My vanity is peeling, can I just repaint it?
Yes, you can repaint a peeling vanity, but success depends on proper preparation and using the right materials for the b...
Is a rain shower head worth it or just a gimmick?
Rain shower heads are definitely worth it for many homeowners - they provide a genuinely different and more luxurious sh...
Should bathroom floor and wall tiles match, or can they be different?
Bathroom floor and wall tiles don't need to match - in fact, using different tiles often creates a more sophisticated an...
Is it possible to convert my tub to a shower if the tub is against an outside wall?
Yes, you can absolutely convert a tub to a shower when it's against an outside wall. This is actually a very common reno...
Can I change my old tub to a walk-in shower?
Yes, converting your old tub to a walk-in shower is one of the most popular bathroom renovations. This conversion can im...
What color grout should I use with white tiles?
White tiles offer excellent flexibility for grout color choices, and your selection can dramatically change the overall...
Can I have a shower without a door, just open?
Yes, you can absolutely have a doorless shower, often called a "walk-in" or "open" shower. This design creates a seamles...
When should I recaulk my shower?
Recaulk your shower when you notice cracking, peeling, discoloration, or gaps in the existing caulk - typically every 1-...
What is a rough-in, and do I have one in my basement?
A rough-in refers to the basic plumbing infrastructure installed during construction - the water supply lines, drain pip...
What causes grout to crack and turn black?
Grout cracks and turns black due to moisture infiltration, improper installation, and mold growth - all common issues in...
What happens if I renovate without a permit?
Renovating without required permits can lead to serious legal, financial, and safety consequences that far outweigh any...
What is the best shower floor, tiles or one of those pan things?
Tile floors offer more design flexibility and durability, while shower pans provide better waterproofing and easier main...
What is the cheapest tile option that still looks good?
Ceramic tile is your most budget-friendly option that still delivers excellent appearance and durability. Basic ceramic...
What kind of shower can replace a corner bathtub?
A corner shower enclosure is the most natural replacement for a corner bathtub, taking advantage of the existing plumbin...
What plants can actually survive in a bathroom?
Many plants thrive in bathroom environments thanks to the naturally higher humidity levels, though light conditions and...
Is natural stone a good idea for showers, or is it too much maintenance?
Natural stone can be stunning in showers, but it requires significantly more maintenance than porcelain or ceramic alter...
Is mixing metals in a bathroom okay now?
Yes, mixing metals in bathrooms is absolutely on-trend and widely accepted in modern design. The days of matching every...
What is the typical order of work when renovating a bathroom?
Bathroom renovations follow a specific sequence to ensure proper installation and avoid costly mistakes. The order matte...
Can I DIY a basement bathroom, or is that asking for trouble?
Installing a new basement bathroom is definitely asking for trouble as a DIY project. This involves complex plumbing rou...
Which of our two bathrooms should we renovate first?
Start with your most-used bathroom first - typically the main family bathroom if you have young children, or the master...
Is it hard to convert a bathtub to a shower?
Converting a bathtub to a shower is a moderate complexity renovation that most homeowners find challenging to DIY, but i...
How long does it take to get a bathroom renovation permit?
Permit processing in Ottawa typically takes 2-4 weeks for standard bathroom renovations, though complex projects or busy...
Are all-white bathrooms going out of style?
All-white bathrooms aren't going out of style completely, but they're evolving beyond the stark, clinical look that domi...
Why does my toilet keep running?
A running toilet is typically caused by a faulty flapper, chain adjustment issue, or water level problem in the tank. Mo...
What bathroom work requires a permit in Ottawa?
Most bathroom renovations in Ottawa require permits when they involve plumbing, electrical, or structural changes. Simpl...
My bathroom has mold. Can I just paint over it?
No, you should never paint over mold. Painting over mold doesn't eliminate it - the mold will continue growing underneat...
Can you put a shower where a tub used to be without major plumbing work?
Yes, you can usually install a shower where a tub used to be without major plumbing changes. Most tub-to-shower conversi...
How much tile do I need for a typical bathroom?
For a typical 5x8 foot bathroom, you'll need approximately 40-50 square feet of floor tile and 80-120 square feet of wal...
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