A bathroom renovation in Markham, Unionville, or Thornhill often looks simple from the doorway and turns out to be anything but once the tile comes off. Many homes in these areas date from the 1970s through the 1990s, and their bathrooms have been through decades of steam, daily use, and small repairs. Planning with that history in mind is the difference between a bathroom that looks good for a year and one that works for twenty.

Nehan Construction is a licensed contractor with about 20 years of hands-on construction experience and a construction engineering education at George Brown College (Building Renovations). This guide covers what matters most in older York Region bathrooms: ventilation, waterproofing, tub-to-shower conversions, accessible layouts, and the hidden conditions we plan for. For a broader look at our approach, see our bathroom renovation in Toronto page.

Ventilation is the quiet problem

Moisture is what ruins bathrooms, and moisture leaves through the fan. In many older homes the fan is undersized, noisy enough that nobody runs it, or vented only into the attic. Signs of trouble include peeling paint on the ceiling, a musty smell, dark spots in the corners, and mirrors that stay fogged long after a shower.

  • Size the fan to the room. A small fan in a larger bathroom does not clear steam.
  • Vent it outside. A duct that ends in the attic only moves the moisture to a worse place.
  • Keep the duct short and straight. Long runs with sharp bends cut airflow sharply.
  • Use a quiet fan and a timer or humidity control. People run what they do not notice.

Waterproofing: what is behind the tile matters

A shower looks waterproof because tile and grout look solid. They are not. Water gets through grout and behind it, so what protects the wall is the system underneath: a proper membrane, a sloped base, sealed corners and niches, and a drain that is connected correctly. In older bathrooms we often find drywall or old plaster behind the tile, which holds water and softens over time.

That is why we plan to open the shower area down to the studs and rebuild it properly, rather than putting new tile over old surfaces. If moisture has been an issue elsewhere in the home, such as a damp basement, our waterproofing in the GTA page explains how we think about water control more generally.

Tub-to-shower conversions

Replacing a tub with a walk-in shower is one of the most common requests we hear. It makes the room feel larger, simplifies cleaning, and is easier to use as we get older. A good conversion needs more than a new base:

  • Check the floor framing and the drain location before choosing the shower size.
  • Decide on a curbless or low-curb entry early, because it affects the subfloor.
  • Plan the glass or curtain, the niche, and the bench before tile is ordered.
  • Replace old valves and supply lines while the wall is open.

If you need the tub for bathing children, or for resale to families, keep one in the house. A conversion in the only full bathroom is worth a conversation first.

Accessibility-friendly layouts

You do not need to wait for a mobility problem to plan a bathroom that will stay comfortable for years. Small choices make a large difference: wider doorways where framing allows it, a shower with a low or no threshold, slip-resistant tile, a comfort-height toilet, and backing installed inside the walls so grab bars can be added later without opening them up again. Lighting also matters, with even light over the vanity and a night light near the floor.

Hidden conditions we plan for

Older bathrooms keep their secrets until demolition. We tell clients what we may find and how we would handle it, so there are no surprises about the process.

  • Soft or stained subfloor around the toilet or tub from slow leaks
  • Old galvanized or mixed-metal supply lines that restrict flow
  • Cast iron or older plastic drains that need new connections
  • Outdated wiring, ungrounded outlets, or fixtures not suited to damp rooms
  • Poorly insulated exterior walls that cause condensation

Our extensive home inspection experience, about 15 years, with a reputation as one of the top inspectors in Ontario, Canada, helps us recognize these conditions quickly. We read a bathroom the way an inspector does, and then plan the repair the way a builder would. If you are also thinking about the kitchen, our kitchen renovation in Markham page shows how we approach it, and our bathroom remodel in Scarborough page covers similar older-home issues just to the east.

Planning the project

A typical bathroom project moves from site visit to scope, then fixture and tile selection, demolition, rough-in work, waterproofing, tile, and finishing. Fixtures and tile with long lead times should be chosen early so work is not stalled. You will also need a plan for using the household’s other bathroom while this one is closed. We would rather talk through those practical points up front than have them become a problem during the work.

We work across Markham, Unionville, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Toronto, Scarborough, Pickering, and the wider GTA. Call 647-704-7100 or email nehanconstruction@gmail.com with a few photos and what you would like to change. After a site visit, we will give you an honest scope and recommendations that suit your home. You can also learn more about us.

FAQ

Can I convert my tub to a shower without changing the layout?

Often yes, if the drain location and floor framing allow it. We check both on the site visit before recommending a base size or an entry type.

How do I know if my bathroom fan is good enough?

If mirrors stay fogged, paint peels, or the room smells damp, the fan is likely undersized, blocked, or venting into the wrong place. Ducting and fan size are worth checking before new finishes go in.

What hidden problems are common in older bathrooms?

Soft subfloors, worn supply lines, tired drains, and moisture behind old tile are the usual ones. They are far easier to fix while the room is open than after new finishes are installed.

How do I get started?

Call 647-704-7100 or email nehanconstruction@gmail.com with photos and a short wish list. We will set up a site visit and follow with a written scope.