Bathrooms may be some of the smallest rooms in a home, but they have one of the biggest impacts on comfort, style, and resale value. In Durham Region, many homes built 15–30 years ago are ready for a bathroom update—whether it’s replacing aging fixtures, improving function, or creating a more relaxing space.
At Wilworks Renovations, we help homeowners transform outdated bathrooms into spaces that are modern, durable, and designed to last. Here’s what truly adds value in a bathroom renovation—and what’s just surface deep.
Function First: Layout and Plumbing
Every successful bathroom renovation starts with the right layout. A great design doesn’t just look good; it improves how you use the space every day.
Wilworks begins every bathroom project by checking the existing plumbing, ventilation, and electrical layout. Sometimes a small change—like shifting the vanity or moving the toilet drain—creates room for better flow and more storage.
Pro tip: Layout changes are most cost-effective when they align with existing plumbing lines. Wilworks coordinates directly with our licensed plumbing partners, such as Oakridge Plumbing, to ensure changes are safe, efficient, and code-compliant.
Waterproofing You Can’t See (But Should Always Have)
Moisture is the enemy of every bathroom. Even a small leak behind tile can cause damage over time.
Wilworks uses the same moisture-protection mindset we apply to full waterproofing projects: sealed backer boards, vapor barriers, and proper slope in showers. It’s the unseen work that keeps tiles intact and grout lines clean for years.
If your renovation includes a walk-in shower or tiled tub surround, proper waterproofing is the single biggest factor in preventing long-term issues—and it’s an area where professional experience matters.
Materials That Balance Durability and Style
Trends come and go, but quality materials hold value. In Durham Region, homeowners often choose finishes that look timeless and are easy to maintain.
Popular upgrades include:
- Porcelain or ceramic tile: Long-lasting, moisture-resistant, and available in modern textures.
- Quartz or solid-surface counters: Durable and low-maintenance.
- Soft-close cabinetry: Extends life span and keeps the bathroom quiet and functional.
- LED lighting: Bright, energy-efficient, and ideal for mirrors or ceilings.
Wilworks helps clients choose finishes that match their lifestyle—balancing design with practicality so the bathroom stays beautiful for the long run.
Energy Efficiency and Modern Fixtures
Renovations are the perfect time to update water and energy efficiency. Low-flow toilets, modern faucets, and LED lighting reduce utility costs without sacrificing comfort.
For older homes, Wilworks often upgrades vent fans and ducting to improve air circulation and eliminate moisture buildup. It’s a small change that prevents future mold and maintenance issues—an easy win for both homeowners and resale.
Accessibility and Future-Ready Design
More homeowners are planning for the long term, adding accessibility features now that will make life easier later. Wilworks incorporates solutions like:
- Wider doorways for mobility access
- Barrier-free showers with linear drains
- Comfort-height toilets
- Non-slip flooring
These details make a bathroom safer and increase universal appeal for future buyers—another way a renovation adds lasting value.
Lighting and Layout for Real-World Comfort
The right lighting can completely change how a bathroom feels. Layered lighting—task lights around the mirror, ambient ceiling lights, and accent fixtures—improves visibility and adds depth.
Open shelving or recessed niches keep counters clutter-free. For smaller spaces, Wilworks often uses wall-mounted vanities and glass shower enclosures to visually open up the room.
The goal is simple: create a space that feels bright, balanced, and effortless to use every day.
A Local Example
In Ajax, Wilworks Renovations recently completed a full 4-piece bathroom renovation that transformed a tired, beige space into a bright and functional retreat.
The original bathroom had outdated finishes, limited storage, and poor moisture protection—common issues we see in homes built 15–25 years ago across Durham Region. The homeowners wanted a clean, modern design that would hold up to daily use while adding resale value.
Wilworks completely reimagined the layout, installing a freestanding tub as the centerpiece and upgrading to slate-style tile flooring for durability and contrast. A custom wood vanity added warmth and storage, while new lighting fixtures brought balance and brightness to the space. Behind the scenes, we applied the same waterproofing systems we use in larger renovation projects, ensuring the new finishes will stand the test of time.
This Ajax project highlights how thoughtful design, quality materials, and proper waterproofing work together to create a bathroom that’s as functional as it is beautiful. It’s a great example of the craftsmanship and attention to detail homeowners across Durham Region can expect from Wilworks Renovations.
Planning Your Bathroom Renovation
A well-planned renovation starts with a clear budget and realistic timeline. Wilworks guides each project through design, permits, plumbing and electrical coordination, and finishing. Our process eliminates surprises—so homeowners know exactly what’s happening at every stage.
We serve Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Courtice, and Bowmanville, providing complete bathroom renovation solutions from design to final polish.

