Is it possible to combine a small ensuite and closet into one larger bathroom in a condo?

Yes, combining a small ensuite and adjacent closet into a larger bathroom is possible in many Toronto condos, but it requires careful planning around structural walls, plumbing stack locations, and condo board approvals before any demolition begins. This is one of the most popular layout modifications in GTA condo renovations, particularly in units from the 2000-2015 era where developers squeezed in tight three-piece ensuites alongside narrow closets.

The first thing to determine is whether the wall between the ensuite and the closet is structural or a partition wall. In most concrete-frame Toronto condos, interior walls between rooms within your unit are non-load-bearing steel stud partitions that can be removed or relocated. However, some walls contain building services — electrical conduit, plumbing risers, or HVAC ductwork — that complicate removal. You will need a professional assessment, and your condo corporation will almost certainly require an engineering review from a licensed structural engineer before approving the work. Budget $500-$1,500 for the engineering report alone.

The Condo Approval Process

This type of renovation falls squarely into the category of work that requires full condo board approval in virtually every Toronto building. You will need to submit architectural drawings showing the proposed layout, the engineer's report confirming no structural concerns, your contractor's insurance certificates (minimum $2 million liability is standard), and WSIB clearance. Most buildings also require a refundable damage deposit ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The approval process typically takes 3-6 weeks, and some buildings only review renovation applications at monthly board meetings, so plan accordingly.

You will also need a building permit from the City of Toronto if the project involves moving or adding plumbing fixtures, which it almost certainly will if you are expanding the bathroom footprint. Relocating a toilet, adding a new drain, or extending supply lines all require plumbing permits.

Plumbing and Layout Considerations

The biggest constraint is the plumbing stack location. In condo buildings, the main drain stack is a vertical pipe shared by all units above and below you, and your toilet, shower, and vanity drain into it. Expanding the bathroom into the closet space gives you more room for fixtures, but every fixture must still drain back to that stack. The further you move fixtures from the stack, the more slope the drain pipe needs — and in a condo where your floor is another unit's ceiling, there is limited space for drain pipe slope. A skilled plumber can typically extend drains 3-5 feet from the stack by building up a small section of floor to accommodate the pipe slope, but this creates a slight step that needs to be planned into the design.

Expect to pay $25,000-$50,000 for a combined closet-to-bathroom expansion project in a GTA condo, including demolition, structural modifications, plumbing relocation, waterproofing, tiling, fixtures, electrical, and all finishing. The result is a dramatically more functional bathroom that can add meaningful value to your unit — a well-executed ensuite renovation in a Toronto condo typically recoups 60-75% of its cost at resale.