Frequently Asked Questions

Bathroom

• A toilet

• A sink

• A bathtub, shower, or both

This is the most common term and usually refers to a full bathroom used daily by household members or guests.

Restroom

• A toilet

• A sink

This term is more commonly used in commercial or public spaces (offices, restaurants, stores), but some people use it interchangeably with bathroom at home. It usually does not include a tub or shower.

Powder Room

• Toilet + sink only

• No bathing fixtures

Very common in homes for convenience and resale value.

¾ Bathroom

• Toilet

• Sink

• Shower (no bathtub)

Common in basements, guest suites, or secondary suites.

Full Bathroom

• Toilet

• Sink

• Bathtub and/or shower

Most homes have at least one full bathroom.

En-suite

• Directly connected to a bedroom (usually the primary bedroom)

• Can be a full, ¾, or even half bathroom

En-suites offer privacy and convenience and often include upgraded finishes.

Jack and Jill Bathroom

• Is shared between two bedrooms

• Has two separate entrances

• Usually includes a full bath or ¾ bath

Popular for families and children’s bedrooms.

Guest Bathroom

• Any bathroom primarily intended for visitors

• Can be a powder room or full bathroom

Commercial Washroom

A washroom is a term commonly used in Canada and commercial settings. It usually includes:

• Toilets

• Sinks

• Sometimes multiple stalls

Here’s a clear, contractor-level breakdown of the most common types of drywall, what they’re used for, and when to choose each one, especially helpful for renovations and new builds.

Standard Drywall (Regular / White Board)

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways

• Most common drywall type

• White or light gray face paper

• Available in ½" and ⅝" thickness

• Not moisture-resistant

Moisture-Resistant Drywall (Green Board)

Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms (not inside showers)

• Green-colored face paper

• Resists humidity and light moisture

• Not waterproof

• Often replaced by cement board in wet areas

Mold-Resistant Drywall (Purple / Blue Board)

Best for: Bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms

• Mold- and moisture-resistant core

• Better than green board for damp areas

• Still not waterproof

• Popular choice in Winnipeg basements

Fire-Resistant Drywall (Type X)

Best for: Garages, furnace rooms, multi-family units

• Contains glass fibers for fire resistance

• Typically ⅝" thick

• Required by code in many applications

• Used for fire separations and ceilings

Sono Panels

Best for: Bedrooms, home theatres, offices, dividing between suites.

• Denser core for sound reduction

• More expensive than standard drywall

• Often paired with resilient channel or insulation

Cement Board, Orange Board

Best for: Showers, tub surrounds, wet areas

• Waterproof and mold-resistant

• Used behind tile

• Required in wet areas instead of drywall

Paperless Drywall

Best for: High-moisture or mold-prone areas

• No paper facing (fiberglass instead)

• Highly mold-resistant

• More expensive and less common

Flexible Drywall

Best for: Curved walls or arches

• Thinner sheets designed to bend

• Specialty use only

The cost to renovate a bathroom can vary widely based on the size of the space, the quality of materials, the extent of the renovation, and whether you’re changing the layout or plumbing. Below are typical cost ranges for bathroom renovations in Winnipeg to help you plan, from basic updates to high-end remodels.

💸 Average Bathroom Renovation Costs (Winnipeg)

Type of Renovation Typical Cost Range

Basic Refresh$5,000 – $10,000

Mid-Range Remodel$10,000 – $20,000

Full Renovation (layout change)$20,000 – $30,000+

High-End / Custom Remodel$30,000 – $50,000+

Prices are approximate and can vary based on materials, plumbing/electrical changes, permits, and site conditions.

What Affects the Cost?

Here are the main factors that influence the final price:

1. Room Size

Larger bathrooms require more materials and labour.

2. Extent of Renovation

• Cosmetic updates: paint, fixtures, lighting

• Moderate remodel: new flooring, vanity, shower/tub

• Full gut: new layout, moving plumbing or walls

3. Plumbing & Layout Changes

Moving drains, toilets, or adding a shower can significantly increase cost.

4. Materials & Fixtures

• Basic fixtures vs premium

• Tile type/size

• Custom vanities

• Lighting & hardware finishes

5. Waterproofing & Tile Work

Proper waterproofing and professional tile installation add quality and cost.

6. Permits & Code Requirements

Winnipeg renovations may need permits, especially for plumbing and electrical.

Flooring can be classified by material, installation method, and function. Choosing the right type depends on durability, style, maintenance, and budget.

1. Hardwood Flooring

Material: Solid wood (oak, maple, cherry, etc.)
Installation: Nail-down, glue-down, or floating
Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas
Pros: Long-lasting, can be refinished, adds value
Cons: Expensive, sensitive to moisture

2. Engineered Hardwood

Material: Thin layer of hardwood over plywood or HDF
Installation: Floating, glue-down, or nail-down
Best For: Areas with slight moisture (basements, kitchens)
Pros: Looks like real wood, more stable than solid wood
Cons: Limited refinishing compared to solid wood

3. Laminate Flooring

Material: Composite wood with photographic top layer and protective coating
Installation: Floating or click-lock
Best For: Living areas, offices, low-moisture rooms
Pros: Affordable, scratch-resistant, easy to install
Cons: Cannot be refinished, not ideal for wet areas

4. Vinyl Flooring

Material: PVC or luxury vinyl planks (LVP)
Installation: Glue-down, click-lock, or loose lay
Best For: Kitchens, bathrooms, basements
Pros: Waterproof, durable, easy maintenance, affordable
Cons: Can dent or tear, lower resale value than hardwood

5. Tile Flooring

Material: Ceramic, porcelain, stone, or natural stone tiles
Installation: Mortar and grout
Best For: Bathrooms, kitchens, entryways
Pros: Water-resistant, durable, design flexibility
Cons: Cold, hard, can crack if sub-floor isn’t perfect

6. Carpet Flooring

Material: Nylon, polyester, wool, or blends
Installation: Wall-to-wall or carpet tiles
Best For: Bedrooms, living rooms, basements
Pros: Soft, warm, noise-reducing
Cons: Stains easily, requires maintenance, not water-resistant

7. Concrete Flooring

Material: Poured concrete
Installation: Polished, stained, or sealed
Best For: Basements, garages, modern interiors
Pros: Durable, low-maintenance, modern look
Cons: Hard, cold, can crack

8. Bamboo Flooring

Material: Compressed bamboo strips
Installation: Floating or glue-down
Best For: Living spaces, bedrooms
Pros: Eco-friendly, hard and durable, stylish
Cons: Sensitive to moisture, can scratch

9. Cork Flooring

Material: Compressed cork tiles or planks
Installation: Floating or glue-down
Best For: Bedrooms, playrooms, home offices
Pros: Soft, sound-absorbing, eco-friendly
Cons: Can dent or fade in direct sunlight

1. Ask for Recommendations

• Friends, family, neighbours: Personal referrals often give the most honest feedback.

• Real estate agents or interior designers: They frequently work with reputable contractors.

• Local community boards or online groups: Places like Facebook groups or Nextdoor can provide recommendations.

2. Check Online Reviews

• Look at Google Business, TrustedPros, or Bark reviews.

• Pay attention to recurring themes: timely completion, quality work, professionalism.

• Verify reviews are recent; a good contractor should have a consistent track record.

3. Verify Licensing and Insurance

• Make sure the contractor is registered and insured in your area.

• Ask for proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation.

• For Winnipeg, check that they meet Manitoba building code requirements.

4. Ask for References

• Request past clients’ contact info and follow up with them.

• Ask about communication, reliability, and workmanship.

• Visit past project sites if possible to see work quality firsthand.

5. Get Detailed Quotes

• Obtain at least 2-3 quotes for comparison.

• Look for itemized estimates, not vague numbers.

• A reputable contractor will explain materials, labour, timeline, and potential issues.

6. Check Experience and Specialization

• Make sure the contractor has experience in the type of project you need (bathroom, basement, commercial, etc.).

• Ask how long they’ve been in business and what projects they specialize in.

7. Look for Professionalism

• Prompt responses, clear communication, and organized paperwork are signs of reliability.

• A contractor who is willing to sign a written contract with clear terms is usually more trustworthy.

8. Visit Their Website or Portfolio

• A professional contractor often has a portfolio of past projects.

• Check for before-and-after photos, service descriptions, and testimonials.

• This also helps verify their style matches what you want.

9. Trust Your Gut

• If something feels off—pressure tactics, vague answers, or missing licenses, move on.

• Good contractors are confident, transparent, and willing to explain the process.

A general contractor is a professional responsible for managing construction projects from start to finish. They act as the primary point of contact for clients and coordinate all aspects of a build, renovation, or remodel.

General contractors can work on residential, commercial, or industrial projects, and their role is essential to ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to code.

1. Project Planning & Coordination

• Develop construction schedules and timelines

• Plan the project scope with the client

• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and designers

• Ensure all necessary permits and approvals are obtained

2. Hiring & Managing Subcontractors

• GCs hire specialists like:

  • Plumbers

  • Electricians

  • HVAC technicians

  • Flooring installers

  • Painters and drywall specialists

• They schedule and manage these trades to avoid delays

3. Budgeting & Cost Management

• Provide detailed estimates for labour and materials

• Track project expenses to stay within the client’s budget

• Handle change orders if additional work is required

4. Procurement of Materials

• Source and purchase construction materials, fixtures, and equipment

• Ensure quality materials are used

• Coordinate deliveries to match project timelines

5. On-Site Supervision

• Oversee day-to-day construction activities

• Ensure work is completed safely, correctly, and efficiently

• Inspect work for quality and adherence to building codes

6. Problem Solving & Issue Resolution

• Address unexpected challenges on-site (e.g., structural issues, delays)

• Communicate solutions to clients and subcontractors

• Keep the project moving forward without compromising quality

7. Final Inspection & Handover

• Ensure all work meets client expectations and code requirements

• Conduct a final walk-through with the client

• Coordinate any warranty or post-construction service

Summary: General Contractors Are Your Project Managers

A general contractor acts as the central coordinator of a construction project. They take care of planning, scheduling, hiring, procurement, budgeting, and supervision, so the client doesn’t have to manage every detail themselves.

By hiring a GC, you get:

• Peace of mind knowing the project is managed professionally

• A single point of contact for all aspects of construction

• Reduced risk of delays, errors, and cost overruns