Completed Capable Group project · Scarborough
Scarborough Basement Bathroom Renovation
This Scarborough basement bathroom fits a double vanity, a walk-in shower and built-in storage into a lower level. The finished room is easy to see; feasibility depends on drain elevation, slab work, finished headroom, ventilation and waterproofing.
The completed project
The finished bathroom depends on what is below the floor
The finished project photographs show a lower-level bathroom organized around a wide double vanity, a tiled walk-in shower and practical storage. In a basement, the appearance is only the last layer. Drain elevations, slab work, ceiling height, ventilation routes, waterproofing and access to existing services determine whether the plan is practical.
Before fixing the vanity and shower locations, map the main drain, confirm the floor build-up, verify ceiling and duct conflicts, and decide how the bathroom connects to the rest of the basement.
Two sinks, mirror and lighting positions, drawer access and daily storage.
Waterproofed enclosure, tile, drain slope, glass and ventilation.
Slab and drain conditions, ceiling routes, room access and connection to existing services.
Before construction
What to verify below grade
Locate the sanitary line, measure finished headroom, check moisture history and find a practical exhaust route before the vanity and shower positions are fixed.
- Locate drains before choosing the layout.Confirm the existing sanitary line, required slope and whether slab cutting or pumping is involved.
- Measure finished headroom.Include floor build-up, ceiling systems, ducts, pipes, lighting and the shower assembly—not only the open framing height.
- Plan ventilation to the exterior.Verify a practical route, termination and electrical supply for the bathroom exhaust.
- Design storage around the users.Check drawer openings, sink spacing, countertop landing areas and access to shutoffs.
- Coordinate the bathroom with the basement.Door position, hallway width, mechanical-room access and future use of nearby rooms should be resolved together.
01 · Vanity and storage
Make the daily-use zone easy to share
A double vanity works when the sinks, mirrors, lights, drawers and walking clearance are coordinated as one elevation and one floor plan.
Work involved
- Confirm vanity width, sink centres and plumbing rough-ins from the selected product.
- Align mirrors, lights, outlets and switches with the finished cabinetry.
- Allow drawers and doors to open without colliding with entries or shower glass.
- Keep shutoffs and traps accessible after organizers and storage are installed.
What changes the cost
The biggest budget variables here are custom cabinetry and countertop, relocating supplies or drains, electrical and lighting changes, and wall correction and finish detailing.
02 · Walk-in shower
Treat waterproofing as a complete system
The shower finish depends on work that disappears: a stable substrate, continuous waterproofing, correct slope, compatible drain and secure glass support.
Work involved
- Define the shower footprint and opening before rough plumbing.
- Specify waterproofing transitions at the floor, walls, niche and curb or entry.
- Provide wall backing for fixed glass and accessories.
- Test drainage and waterproofing before tile and final fixtures.
What changes the cost
Costs in this part of the project are most sensitive to slab and drain work, custom glass and detailed tile, substrate levelling or moisture correction, and ventilation and ceiling-route changes.
More project photos
The wider views show vanity, shower and circulation
These photographs show how two sinks, storage, shower entry and the main walking route share a compact lower-level plan.
Work sequence
Typical work sequence
The work normally starts with drainage, moisture and headroom checks, then moves through layout, approvals where required, rough-ins, waterproofing, finishes and testing.
- 1. Existing-condition surveyMeasure the room and record visible moisture, structure, plumbing, electrical, ventilation and access.
- 2. Layout and selectionsApprove fixture dimensions, clearances, elevations, tile limits, storage and permit triggers.
- 3. Protection and demolitionProtect the route to the room, isolate dust and open the approved scope to verify concealed conditions.
- 4. Rough-ins and wet-room assemblyComplete plumbing, electrical, ventilation, backing, subfloor, waterproofing and required inspections.
- 5. Finishes and testingInstall tile, cabinetry, glass, fixtures, lighting and accessories, then test drainage, ventilation and final operation.
2026 Toronto and GTA market range
What could a basement bathroom like this cost?
This Canadian-dollar market range is an early planning reference. It is not the historical price of this Scarborough project and not a Capable Group quote.
The lower end assumes a contained full-room scope. Plumbing relocation, custom glass, premium fixtures, detailed tile and repairs behind finishes can move the total higher.
A useful estimate should state design, demolition, labour, materials, fixtures or appliances, permits, tax, allowances, exclusions, protection, disposal and the method for handling concealed conditions.
Timing
How long could the work take?
A full bathroom commonly needs about two to four weeks of active construction after design, ordering and any permits. Custom glass, detailed tile, inspections and concealed repairs can extend the calendar.
Permit check
Could this work require a permit?
Possibly. Fixture replacement can follow a different path from structural changes, plumbing relocation or a newly created bathroom. Confirm the exact scope with Toronto Building before work starts.
Before requesting an estimate
Questions to settle before adding a basement bathroom
Can a bathroom be added anywhere in the basement?
Drain location, required slope, slab construction, headroom and ventilation limit the practical positions. Pumping or extensive floor work may be needed when gravity drainage is not available.
Will the concrete floor need to be cut?
It may. The answer depends on the existing sanitary line, fixture locations and drain elevations. Those conditions should be located before the layout and price are finalized.
How do we protect finished headroom?
Map beams, ducts, drains, lighting and ceiling assemblies before choosing the shower and vanity locations. Measure the final ceiling and floor build-up, not only the open basement height.
What should we send for an initial review?
Send wide basement photographs, the proposed bathroom area, the mechanical room and any visible drains, plus approximate ceiling height, city and rough timing.
Your project
Planning a basement bathroom in Scarborough?
Send photos of the proposed room, nearby mechanical area and visible drains, and include the ceiling height and rough timing. We will review what should be checked before pricing.
Photograph the floor, ceiling services, access route and the closest existing bathroom or plumbing area.
View Capable Group’s bathroom renovation service →
