The quick answer: A bathroom renovation normally carries two warranties: the contractor’s warranty on the labour and the materials they supply, and the manufacturer’s warranty on the products. With Bytown Better Bathtubs and Showers that is a 5 year written warranty on labour and supplied materials, plus the manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty on most of the acrylic systems we install. In Ontario the law adds a third layer: the Consumer Protection Act deems the work to be of a reasonably acceptable quality, and a contract cannot remove that. Whoever you hire, ask for the labour term as a number of years, in writing, before the work starts.
By the Bytown Bath team. Last reviewed: October 2026.
“Written warranty” means very little without a number of years beside it. This guide explains the two warranties that come with a bathroom renovation, what each one is for, what Ontario law adds, and the questions worth asking before you sign.
The Two Warranties on a Bathroom Renovation
| Warranty | Who gives it | What it is for | With Bytown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labour and supplied materials | The contractor | The installation work, and the materials the contractor supplied. | 5 years, in writing |
| Manufacturer’s product warranty | The manufacturer | The product itself, for example an acrylic tub or wall system. | A limited lifetime warranty on most of the acrylic systems we install |
They come from two different companies and they are two separate documents. If something goes wrong, which one applies depends on whether the problem is with the product or with how it was installed.
What Is a Labour Warranty?
It is the contractor’s promise about their own work: the installation, and the materials they supplied for it. The term is a number of years, and that number is what tells you how long the contractor stands behind the job. Bytown’s is 5 years, in writing.
What Does “Limited Lifetime Warranty” Mean?
It is the manufacturer’s promise about the product, with limits. Those limits, such as who is covered, for how long and what is excluded, are written in the manufacturer’s warranty document, and they differ from one manufacturer to another. Ask for that document for the exact product being installed, and read it before the work starts.
Most of the acrylic systems Bytown installs carry a manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty. The American Standard walk-in therapeutic tub comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the tub itself.
What Does Ontario Law Say About Renovation Warranties?
A written warranty is something the contractor chooses to give. Ontario law adds protections that apply whether or not the contractor mentions them.
| Ontario rule | What it means for a bathroom renovation | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| The work must be of a reasonably acceptable quality | The contractor is deemed by law to warrant this, and a contract term that tries to remove it is void. | Consumer Protection Act, 2002, section 9 |
| The contract must be in writing | A home renovation contract worth more than $50 must be in writing. The Government of Ontario’s guidance says to make sure it includes a clear description of any warranties. | Government of Ontario, Your rights when starting home renovations or repairs |
| Tarion does not cover a renovation | Ontario’s new home warranty, which Tarion administers, does not cover alterations, deletions or additions made by the homeowner. A renovation relies on the contractor’s warranty and the manufacturer’s warranty. | Tarion, What is not covered by the new home warranty |
These are Ontario rules. Quebec has its own consumer protection law, which is what applies to a home in Gatineau. The three sources above were read on 5 October 2026, and this section is general information, not legal advice.
Five Questions to Ask Any Contractor About the Warranty
- What is the labour term, in years? A lifetime warranty on the product is common. The labour term is the one that varies.
- Is it in writing? A warranty that lives in a conversation is hard to rely on later.
- What is excluded? The exclusions matter as much as the term. Read them before you sign.
- Which products carry a manufacturer’s warranty, and can I see the document?
- Who do I call if something goes wrong?
Our guide to tub liners and replacement shows how these questions play out when you compare quotes.
Bathroom Renovation Warranties: Your Questions, Answered
How long is the warranty on a bathroom renovation?
It depends on the contractor, so ask for the term as a number of years. With Bytown, every job carries a 5 year written warranty on labour and supplied materials, plus the manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty on most of the acrylic systems we install.
What is the difference between a labour warranty and a manufacturer’s warranty?
The labour warranty comes from the contractor and covers the installation work. The manufacturer’s warranty comes from the company that made the product and covers the product itself. A renovation normally carries both, and they are two separate documents.
Does a lifetime warranty cover the installation?
Not by itself. A lifetime warranty on the product is common, and it comes from the manufacturer. The installation is covered by the contractor’s labour warranty, which is why the labour term in years is the number to ask for.
Is a walk-in therapeutic tub covered by a warranty?
Yes. American Standard walk-in therapeutic tubs come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the tub itself, and Bytown stands behind the installation with its own written warranty.
When should I get the warranty in writing?
Before the work starts. With Bytown, the price and the 5 year warranty term are given in writing before any work begins.
Is there a legal warranty on renovation work in Ontario?
Yes. Under section 9 of Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act, 2002, a contractor is deemed to warrant that the services supplied are of a reasonably acceptable quality, and a contract term that tries to remove that warranty is void. A written warranty from the contractor comes on top of that.
Does Tarion cover a bathroom renovation?
No. Tarion administers Ontario’s warranty on new homes, and that warranty does not cover alterations, deletions or additions made by the homeowner. A renovation is covered by the contractor’s warranty and the manufacturer’s warranty.
Does a renovation contract have to be in writing in Ontario?
Yes, when it is worth more than $50. The Government of Ontario’s guidance also says to make sure the contract includes a clear description of any warranties.
Talk to Bytown Better Bathtubs and Showers
Bytown Better Bathtubs and Showers is an Ottawa bathroom renovation company at 3894 Russell Rd, rated 4.8 on Google. We do bathrooms only, on a fixed written quote with a 5 year written warranty on labour and supplied materials. Call (613) 746-8055 for a free in-home estimate, or see our pricing guide.
