THE REBUILD PROJECT

Bathroom and Water Damage Renovation in the Junction, Toronto

The Rebuild kitchen renovation with white shaker cabinets, a marble-look waterfall countertop, stainless steel appliances, and a view down the hallway to the entry
The Rebuild kitchen renovation with white shaker cabinets, a marble-look waterfall countertop, stainless steel appliances, and a view down the hallway to the entry
The Rebuild bathroom renovation with a corner frameless glass shower, built-in shower shelves, a white floating vanity, and a gold door handle
The Rebuild bathroom renovation with a corner frameless glass shower, built-in shower shelves, a white floating vanity, and a gold door handle

Managed Remotely, Rebuilt from the Source

This townhouse renovation in Toronto's Junction neighbourhood was managed remotely for a client based in BC. The project began with multiple areas of water intrusion throughout the home, including a failed bathroom renovation with black mould, damage to the kitchen ceiling and lighting, and ongoing exterior leaks affecting recently installed flooring. What started as targeted repairs evolved into a full-scope renovation addressing both the source of the problems and the overall integrity of the space. The scope expanded to include a complete bathroom renovation, floor replacement in the living room, exterior waterproofing, full unit painting, kitchen ceiling repair and electrical updates, a foyer tile refresh, and new baseboards throughout.

Location
Toronto, Junction

Year
2025

Area
1,200 sq ft

Budget
$35,000

Bathroom mid-renovation with a white vanity being installed, tiled walk-in shower with built-in corner shelves, and a floor drain, during The Rebuild bathroom renovation
Bathroom mid-renovation with a white vanity being installed, tiled walk-in shower with built-in corner shelves, and a floor drain, during The Rebuild bathroom renovation
Freshly tiled corner shower pan with a square drain and metal threshold trim, during The Rebuild bathroom renovation
Shower arm roughed in above a built-in corner shelf, with ceiling patching still visible, during The Rebuild bathroom renovation

The Bathroom

Tile installation was executed with careful attention to slope and alignment, ensuring proper water flow toward the drain and preventing pooling within the shower pan. Equal focus was placed on achieving clean, consistent grout lines, precisely aligned with plumbing fixtures for a balanced, symmetrical finish. This level of detail extends beyond the shower, carrying through to the bathroom floor, where grout lines are integrated seamlessly with the overall layout.

HVAC condenser unit on a freshly waterproofed concrete deck or balcony, with a protective white coating applied around the unit
HVAC condenser unit on a freshly waterproofed concrete deck or balcony, with a protective white coating applied around the unit
Close-up of existing white baseboard trim and subfloor during demo, with evidence of water coming in from outside
Close-up of a foundation gap near exposed wood framing and foam insulation, showing a point of entry during an inspection

The Exterior Leak

Water intrusion from the exterior patio was contributing to ongoing damage within the living area, impacting recently installed flooring. Rather than addressing only the interior symptoms, we identified the source of the issue and properly waterproofed it to prevent further infiltration. By resolving the problem at its origin, the integrity of both the structure and interior finishes was restored, ensuring long-term performance.

Understanding the Failure of the Bathroom

During demolition, extensive black mould was uncovered behind the shower walls, caused by prolonged moisture intrusion from failed waterproofing. A punctured pipe within the wall assembly further contributed to ongoing water exposure.

Visible mould along silicone joints is often an early warning sign of deeper issues, typically pointing to poor air circulation and, in many cases, trapped moisture behind tiled surfaces.

The bathroom was fully remediated and rebuilt from the structure outward, with corrected plumbing and a complete waterproofing system installed, protecting the space against future moisture-related failures.

Close-up of black mold found on exposed wood framing and subfloor during demolition

Built to Last
Every layer, from waterproofing to tile installation, is executed with precision to ensure long-term durability and resistance to moisture-related issues.

Craftsmanship First
Surfaces are carefully prepared to be level, stable, and properly aligned, allowing each finish to be installed with accuracy and consistency.

Premium Systems
We rely on Schluter® waterproofing and substrate systems to deliver a fully integrated, industry-leading foundation.

Integrity Behind the Walls
Equal attention is given to what's unseen, ensuring proper methods and materials are used throughout for a bathroom that performs as well as it looks.

The Process, Step by Step

Every finished surface hides the work that makes it last. This bathroom was rebuilt from the studs out, new rough-ins, corrected plumbing, and a fully waterproofed subfloor and substrate system, all in place before a single tile was set. The shower pan was flood tested to confirm there were no pinhole leaks before tiling began, and the process was documented with photos so the owner has lasting proof the work was done properly. Precision at every stage, laser levels included, is what makes the final finish look effortless.

Exposed wall framing with new black ABS drain pipes and supply lines being rerouted during The Rebuild bathroom renovation
Round white floor air vent with a grille being measured with a yellow tape measure before being rerouted to the wall during The Rebuild renovation by Vogman Design + Build
Freshly poured self-levelling compound covering a bathroom floor, with the toilet flange and a drain pipe exposed and taped drywall on the surrounding walls, during The Rebuild renovation by Vogman Design + Build
Corner shower base covered in orange waterproofing membrane with a centre drain, set against moisture-resistant drywall with the shower valve roughed in, during The Rebuild renovation by Vogman Design + Build.
Overhead view of a red spirit level resting across a shower drain flange set into orange waterproofing membrane, checking that the drain is level, during The Rebuild renovation by Vogman Design + Build.
White bathroom vanity with an integrated rectangular sink and chrome single-handle faucet being installed against large-format light grey wall tile, with the drawers not yet fitted, during The Rebuild renovation by Vogman Design + Build.
Corner shower tiled in large-format light grey porcelain on the walls and floor, with two corner shelves, a square centre drain and a taped metal curb track in place for the glass enclosure, during The Rebuild renovation by Vogman Design + Build.
White bathroom vanity with an integrated rectangular sink and chrome single-handle faucet being installed against large-format light grey wall tile, with the drawers not yet fitted, during The Rebuild renovation by Vogman Design + Build.

Whether You're Local or Managing a Property From Out of Province, We'd Love to Help

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