What bathroom fixtures are worth splurging on versus saving on?

When renovating your bathroom, splurge on fixtures that get daily use and affect functionality, while saving on items that are purely decorative or easily replaceable. The key is investing where quality impacts durability, performance, and your daily experience.

Worth Splurging On:

Shower valve and rough-in plumbing should be your top priority. A quality thermostatic or pressure-balancing valve (like Kohler or Moen) costs $300-800 but prevents dangerous temperature fluctuations and lasts 20+ years. In Ottawa's older homes, upgrading the rough plumbing behind the walls during renovation prevents future access issues. Cheap valves fail within 5-10 years and require tearing into finished walls to replace.

Toilet quality makes a significant difference in daily use and water efficiency. A good dual-flush toilet ($400-800) like Toto or American Standard provides better flushing performance, uses less water (important for Ottawa's water rates), and has readily available parts. The flush valve, fill valve, and overall build quality in premium toilets far exceeds builder-grade models that may need repairs within a few years.

Shower doors and enclosures are worth the investment because they're structural elements that affect both function and safety. Quality tempered glass with proper sealing ($800-2000) prevents leaks that can damage your subfloor and framing. In Ottawa's climate with heating season humidity changes, good seals are crucial.

Save Money On:

Light fixtures and mirrors offer the best opportunity to save without sacrificing quality. You can find attractive vanity lights for $100-300 instead of $500+ designer options, and mirrors can be sourced affordably from local suppliers. These items don't affect plumbing or electrical rough-in costs and can be easily upgraded later.

Vanity hardware and accessories like towel bars, toilet paper holders, and cabinet pulls can be purchased at significant savings from retailers like Home Depot or online suppliers. The installation labor is the same whether you choose $20 or $80 towel bars.

Tile choices can vary dramatically in price. Porcelain tile that looks like natural stone costs $3-8 per square foot versus $15-25 for actual stone, but provides similar aesthetics with better durability and easier maintenance in Ottawa's climate.

Ottawa-Specific Considerations:

Building permits in Ottawa typically run $500-1500 for bathroom renovations, and all electrical work requires ESA permits. Factor these costs into your budget rather than cutting fixture quality. Ottawa's hard water also makes quality faucet cartridges more important - they'll handle mineral buildup better than cheap alternatives.

Professional Guidance:

For plumbing fixture installation, always use licensed plumbers to maintain warranty coverage and ensure code compliance. The Ontario Building Code has specific requirements for fixture spacing and ventilation that affect your choices.

For a detailed assessment of your specific bathroom renovation and fixture recommendations based on your home's age and plumbing, contact Justyn Rook Contracting for a free consultation. We can help you make smart investment decisions that maximize both your budget and long-term satisfaction.