Bathroom FAQ
Surrey bathroom remodeling questions
Timelines, tub-to-shower conversions, permits, curbless showers, leaks and accessibility.
How long does a bathroom remodel take in Surrey? j
A makeover can take a few days to about a week. A walk-in shower conversion is typically one to two weeks of on-site work, and a full remodel several weeks, depending on layout changes, permits and tile work. Ordering the vanity, glass and tile before demolition keeps the bathroom out of use for as short a time as possible.
Can you turn my bathtub into a walk-in shower? i
Yes, in most bathrooms. The tub is removed, the drain is moved or upgraded, and a waterproofed shower is built in its place, usually with a low curb or no curb, glass and a niche or bench. If it is the only tub in the house, it is worth considering whether a tub matters for young children or future buyers before removing it.
Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom in Surrey? i
Swapping a toilet, vanity or tub in the same spot generally needs no permit. Once a drain or supply line moves, or a fixture is added, the City of Surrey requires a plumbing permit, and any new or moved circuit is wired by a licensed electrician under an electrical permit. Condo and townhouse bathrooms usually need strata approval as well. We confirm what your project needs before starting.
Can I have a curbless shower in my bathroom? i
Often, yes. A curbless shower needs the floor to slope down to the drain without a lip, so the shower area is usually recessed into the floor framing or, in a basement, the concrete is cut and re-poured. A linear drain along one side can make the slope easier. We check the floor structure before recommending it.
How do you prevent leaks and mould in a new bathroom? i
Three things matter most: a continuous waterproof membrane behind and under the shower, floors sloped properly to the drain, and an exhaust fan sized for the room and ducted outside. Grout and caulking alone are not waterproof, which is why older showers so often leak into the wall behind them.
Can you add an ensuite or a second bathroom? i
Usually, if the plumbing can reach. The deciding factor is where drains and vent stacks can run, so we map the existing plumbing before choosing a location. Common options include an ensuite built from part of a closet or bedroom, a main-floor powder room, or a
basement bathroom, which may need a pump system.
Can we still use our bathroom during the remodel? i
Not while the work is underway, so if it is your only bathroom we plan around that. Options include keeping the toilet working as long as possible, scheduling the work so the room is back in use quickly, or doing a second bathroom first. We agree the plan with you before demolition starts.
Are there rebates or tax credits for accessible bathroom upgrades? i
There may be. Federal and BC programs have offered tax credits or rebates for accessibility renovations for seniors and people with disabilities, but eligibility and amounts change. Check current details with the Canada Revenue Agency and BC Housing before you start, and we can provide the itemized invoices those programs usually require.
How do I get a bathroom estimate? i
Use the
bathroom estimate form or call
(604) 649-5404. Tell us which bathroom and what you would like to change, and photos help. After a rough price, we visit to check the plumbing, subfloor and ventilation and confirm the design and scope in writing.
