A bathroom renovation packs a lot of trades into a small room: demolition, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, tile, glass, cabinetry and trim. The finished room is only as good as the parts you can't see, especially the waterproofing behind the tile. Cowgirl Construction renovates bathrooms in Calgary homes with one owner-operator running the job from first visit to final caulk line.
Types of bathroom projects
- Powder rooms: a new vanity, toilet, lighting, wainscoting or wallpaper and better trim. Small room, big impact.
- Main bathrooms: a full renovation in the existing footprint, often converting a tub to a walk-in shower or updating a tub surround.
- Ensuites: larger rooms with separate showers, double vanities, heated floors and more storage.
- Basement bathrooms: often part of a basement development, where drain locations matter.
Showers, tile and waterproofing
Most bathroom failures come from water getting where it should not. A tiled shower needs a continuous waterproof layer behind the tile, proper slope to the drain and carefully sealed seams, niches and valve penetrations. Curbless (zero-entry) showers need the floor recessed or built up so water runs to the drain instead of across the room. These details are planned before demolition, not improvised once the walls are open.
Plumbing, electrical and permits
In Calgary, a plumbing permit is required when a plumbing system is constructed, extended or altered, for example moving a drain or adding a fixture. Replacing existing faucets and fixtures does not need one. Electrical changes such as new circuits, heated floors and fans may need an electrical permit. Permits are pulled by whoever does the work; homeowner permits are only for owners doing the work themselves. Read more in our bathroom permit guide.
Older Calgary homes
Homes in older communities can hide surprises behind bathroom walls: old supply piping, cast-iron drains or past water damage. We open walls carefully, flag anything unexpected right away and talk through options before carrying on, so you are never surprised at the end.
What a bathroom renovation costs
Size, how much plumbing moves, tile choices, glass and fixture level drive the price. Our Calgary bathroom renovation cost guide summarizes published Calgary ranges with sources, and the quote form lets you set a budget range so we can plan around it.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
A powder room refresh may take days; a full bathroom or ensuite with new tile and plumbing typically takes several weeks, depending on scope, inspections and material lead times. You will get a schedule with your quote.
Can you convert my tub into a walk-in shower?
Yes. Tub-to-shower conversions are one of the most requested bathroom projects. The drain usually needs to be moved or modified, which requires a plumbing permit in Calgary.
Can I use the bathroom during the renovation?
Usually not while it is being renovated. If it is your only bathroom, tell us early so we can plan the schedule to keep downtime as short as possible.
Do you install heated floors?
Electric in-floor heat under tile is a popular upgrade in Calgary bathrooms. It needs a dedicated circuit and thermostat, installed by an electrician under permit.
