Budget for a basement bathroom rough-in on a Calgary house?

A basement bathroom rough-in in Calgary typically runs $2,500 to $5,500, and can reach around $8,000 where the concrete slab requires extensive cutting. That range covers labour and basic materials for the drain, vent and supply rough-in only; fixtures, tile, drywall and finishing are separate costs.

What moves the price for this job

The biggest variable is how much concrete gets opened. A basement bathroom needs drains below the slab, so the plumber cuts the floor, digs down to tie into the existing drain stack or building drain, sets the rough-in for the toilet, shower or tub, and sink, then pours the concrete back. A bathroom positioned close to the existing stack with a shallow drain depth costs less to rough in than one at the far end of the basement where the run is long and the digging is deep. The number of fixtures matters too: a simple two-piece (toilet and sink) is less work than a full three-piece with a shower or tub.

Other factors: the condition of the existing drain and whether it needs any repair while it is exposed; whether a sewage ejector pump is needed if gravity drainage is not possible; and whether supply lines are copper or PEX, which affects material cost.

A plumbing permit from the City of Calgary is required for this work. A homeowner who owns and lives in the home may apply for the permit and do the rough-in themselves, but the work must pass a rough-in inspection before the concrete is poured back and a final inspection once the fixtures are in. The City of Calgary's 2026 contractor permit fee starts at $116.50 and rises with the declared construction value. Starting work before the permit is issued doubles the fee, so the permit comes first.

The rough-in inspection is the critical checkpoint: the inspector checks that drains are properly sloped, vented and supported before anything is covered. Do not pour the concrete back until that inspection is signed off.

Who does the work: a certified journeyperson plumber, or a registered apprentice working under one, must do this for pay in Alberta under the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act. Ask to see the trade certificate before work starts. If any deposit changes hands before the job is complete, the contractor must hold an Alberta prepaid contracting licence (Service Alberta); ask for it and get a written contract. A WCB-Alberta clearance letter confirms the contractor's account is in good standing.

What a fair quote covers: the scope should spell out how many fixtures are roughed in, the estimated length of concrete to be cut and restored, whether the existing stack needs any work, who pulls the permit, and whether concrete patching is included or quoted separately. Fixture supply, drywall, tile and finishing should each be a separate line so you can compare quotes on the same scope.

When you put two written quotes side by side, line up the concrete-cutting and patching scope, the number and placement of rough-in points, who is responsible for the permit and inspections, and what each contractor's warranty covers on labour and materials.