How much does it cost to convert a half bath to a full bathroom in a Vancouver townhouse?

Converting a half bath (toilet and sink) to a full bathroom with a shower in a Vancouver townhouse typically costs $15,000 to $35,000, with most projects landing in the $18,000 to $28,000 range. The cost depends primarily on whether you are adding a shower or a full tub-shower combo, the plumbing complexity, and the level of finishes you choose. This is one of the most impactful renovations you can make in a Metro Vancouver townhouse — adding a full bath significantly increases both livability and resale value.

The biggest cost driver is plumbing rough-in for the new shower or tub. Your existing half bath already has a toilet drain, sink drain, and supply lines, but adding a shower requires a new drain with proper slope to the main stack, hot and cold supply lines to the shower valve, and potentially a new vent connection. If the existing half bath is located above or near the main plumbing stack (common in many Metro Vancouver townhouse layouts), the plumbing rough-in for the shower addition runs $3,000 to $6,000. If the half bath is far from the main stack or the drain routing is complicated, costs can reach $5,000 to $8,000. All plumbing rough-in work requires a licensed plumber and a plumbing permit from your municipality — permit fees in Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and other Lower Mainland municipalities typically run $150 to $400.

Space is the critical constraint in most townhouse half-bath conversions. A standard half bath is typically 15 to 25 square feet — too small for a standard tub-shower combo but potentially large enough for a compact shower stall. A 32x32-inch or 36x36-inch shower base is the minimum practical shower size and fits in many half-bath layouts with careful planning. A 36x48-inch or larger shower is more comfortable but may require borrowing space from an adjacent closet, hallway, or room — which adds structural and finishing costs of $2,000 to $5,000 depending on what walls are moved. If the half bath is under a staircase (common in Vancouver townhomes), ceiling height may limit shower placement.

The breakdown for a mid-range half-to-full conversion looks approximately like this: plumbing rough-in at $3,000 to $6,000, electrical work (GFCI outlets, exhaust fan circuit, lighting) at $1,000 to $2,500, shower base or custom tile pan at $1,500 to $4,000, waterproofing at $1,200 to $2,500, cement backer board and tile installation at $2,500 to $6,000, shower glass or door at $800 to $3,000, exhaust fan installation at $300 to $800, vanity upgrade (if desired) at $1,000 to $3,000, and finishing (paint, trim, accessories) at $500 to $1,200. Add $500 to $1,500 for demolition and disposal of the existing half bath finishes.

Strata considerations are particularly important for townhouse conversions. Most townhouse complexes in Metro Vancouver are strata-titled, and adding a shower where one did not exist before involves plumbing modifications that require written strata council approval before any work begins. Your strata corporation will typically require a detailed renovation plan showing the plumbing changes, proof of contractor insurance (minimum $2 million liability), WorkSafeBC clearance, and often a waterproofing specification that meets or exceeds the building's original standards. This is critical because a shower leak in a townhouse can damage the unit below — and without proper strata approval and documentation, you could be personally liable for all repair costs to neighbouring units.

Waterproofing is absolutely non-negotiable for any shower installation in Metro Vancouver, but it is especially critical in a townhouse conversion where the shower is being added above another living space. A continuous waterproof membrane (Schluter Kerdi system or equivalent liquid-applied membrane) must cover the entire shower floor and all walls within the shower enclosure. The shower floor must have proper slope (minimum 1/4 inch per foot) directing water to the drain. Given Vancouver's 75 to 85 percent ambient humidity, any failure in the waterproofing system leads to mould growth and water damage far faster than in drier climates.

Ventilation is the other non-negotiable addition. Your existing half bath may not have had an exhaust fan (half baths generate less moisture than full baths), but once you add a shower, an exhaust fan rated at minimum 50 CFM — ideally 80 CFM — ducted to the exterior is essential. In Metro Vancouver's humid climate, mechanical ventilation is critical for removing shower moisture. A humidity-sensing switch ensures the fan operates automatically. Budget $300 to $800 for fan installation including ducting.

A building permit is required for this conversion because you are adding plumbing fixtures and modifying the bathroom's scope. Always confirm permit requirements with your local building department before starting work.