Bathroom Renovation in Etobicoke

A returning CanRenovation customer in Etobicoke contacted us after discovering that water from their bathroom shower had leaked into the adjoining bedroom. We had previously helped this homeowner with several mounting projects and door hardware repairs, and they reached out to our team again to investigate the water damage. The leak had damaged the bedroom baseboard, contributed to mould growth on the adjoining wall, and allowed water to travel beneath the bedroom flooring. The original repair plan focused on rebuilding the shower pan and replacing the first row of wall tiles. However, our inspection revealed additional concerns that required a more comprehensive solution. Identifying the Hidden Shower Problems Before demolition began, we discovered that many of the existing shower wall tiles were loose and that multiple grout lines had cracked. These conditions raised concerns about the reliability and safety of the existing tile installation. Based on these findings, the project scope was expanded from a localized shower pan repair to a complete shower renovation. The existing sliding glass shower door was carefully removed and stored safely for reinstallation after the renovation. As demolition began, another significant issue became immediately visible: the shower walls had no proper waterproofing system behind the tiles. Further demolition also revealed the likely source of the water intrusion into the bedroom. The existing shower pan waterproofing terminated below the height of the floor build-up beneath the tiles, leaving the edge of the shower pan inadequately protected against water migration. Rather than covering up these underlying problems, the decision was made to rebuild the shower properly. Shower Framing & Schluter Waterproofing Installation One of the challenges of this project was the condition of the existing wall construction. One shower wall was significantly uneven, and the older home's construction did not provide adequate separation between the bathroom and adjoining bedroom. New framing was installed to create a straighter, more suitable surface for the shower renovation while improving the separation between the two spaces for potential future repairs. The CanRenovation team then installed a Schluter waterproofing system throughout the shower, creating a continuous waterproofing assembly across the shower floor and walls, extending up to ceiling level. Particular attention was given to the shower pan, wall-to-floor connections, and areas where the previous installation had allowed water to escape. Once the waterproofing preparation was completed, the shower was ready for its new tile installation. Shower Tile Installation & Built-In Niche New wall and floor tiles were installed to give the shower a clean, consistent appearance. Instead of rebuilding the previous projecting shampoo shelf, a recessed shower niche was incorporated into the wall. This provided practical storage for shower products while creating a cleaner and more modern look without taking up additional shower space. Careful attention was given to tile alignment, corners, grout joints, and finishing details throughout the installation. Material Selection & Project Coordination The homeowner had limitations that made purchasing and transporting renovation materials difficult. With the customer's approval, CanRenovation coordinated the finishing-material selection and purchasing process, arranged material delivery, and ensured the required products were available according to the project schedule. This allowed the renovation to move forward without requiring the homeowner to manage multiple material purchases and deliveries. Final Waterproofing Test & Bathroom Finishing After the waterproofing was tested and the shower tile, grout, silicone, and finishing work were completed, the original sliding glass shower door was carefully reinstalled. As a final touch, our team also applied two coats of paint throughout the bathroom at no additional labour cost to the homeowner, creating a more consistent and refreshed appearance beyond the renovated shower itself. The completed project transformed a leaking shower with loose tiles, cracked grout, and inadequate waterproofing into a rebuilt shower with improved framing, a continuous waterproofing system, new tile, and a modern recessed niche. What initially appeared to be a localized bathroom leak demonstrated the importance of investigating the underlying construction before deciding on the appropriate repair. Dealing with a Leaking or Damaged Shower? Contact CanRenovation for professional shower repair and bathroom renovation services in Etobicoke and across Toronto.