Can I fit a double vanity in my Ottawa family bathroom?

Whether a double vanity fits in your bathroom depends primarily on the room's width — most double vanities require a minimum of 60 inches (5 feet) of wall space, plus clearance on either side.

A standard double vanity runs between 60" and 72" wide, with 72" being the most common "his and hers" configuration. Beyond the vanity itself, the Ontario Building Code requires a minimum of 21 inches of clear floor space in front of any fixture, though 30" is far more comfortable for a family bathroom. That means your total bathroom width needs to accommodate the vanity plus any adjacent fixtures like a toilet or door swing — so realistically, you're looking at a bathroom that's at least 7–8 feet wide to make a double vanity feel functional rather than cramped.

The plumbing rough-in is the other major factor. A double vanity means two sinks, which requires either moving your existing drain and supply lines or adding a second set. If your current single vanity is centred on a wall, a plumber will need to relocate the drain to one side and add a new rough-in for the second sink. In Ottawa homes — especially those built before the 1990s — this can sometimes reveal older galvanized supply lines or cast iron drain stacks that are worth upgrading while the walls are open. It's one of those situations where the vanity swap becomes a smarter, more comprehensive renovation.

Ottawa-specific consideration: Older Ottawa neighbourhoods like Westboro, Hintonburg, Glebe, and Centretown often have tighter bathroom footprints in semi-detached and row homes. If your bathroom is under 50 square feet, a double vanity may technically fit but will feel tight. In those cases, a 48" wide single vanity with a wider sink bowl, or a floating vanity design that creates visual space, often works better for a family than forcing a double into a small room.

When it comes to the renovation itself, replacing a single vanity with a double is not a straightforward DIY project if it involves moving plumbing. Drain relocation requires a licensed plumber and, depending on scope, a plumbing permit from the City of Ottawa. The vanity installation itself — setting the cabinet, cutting countertop, mounting sinks — is manageable for a skilled DIYer, but the plumbing connections should be handled by a professional to avoid future leaks inside your wall cavity.

Your best next step is to measure your bathroom carefully: wall-to-wall width, the distance from the vanity wall to the opposite wall or shower, and the location of your existing drain rough-in relative to centre. Bring those measurements to a showroom like Reno Depot or a local Ottawa kitchen and bath supplier to see what vanity sizes realistically fit your space. If you'd like a professional eye on the layout and a quote for the full renovation, Justyn Rook Contracting offers free in-home consultations — we can assess your plumbing, layout, and storage needs and help you decide whether a double vanity is the right move or whether there's a smarter solution for your family's bathroom.