Another bathroom in your home can lift the property value, add a whole new dynamic somewhere, like a master bedroom, or provide utility to isolated spaces, such as a lower floor or basement. How to add a bathroom to a house comes down to answering questions about the best bathroom layout and installation cost.
Adding a bathroom should be customized to the existing features and layout of the home. Here is how you can add this essential element to your property.
Where to Put Your New Bathroom
The first step of adding a bathroom is deciding where to put it. If you’re building an addition for a bathroom, that will have a higher price tag than a bathroom put where there’s already access to plumbing. You don’t need a lot of space for a full bathroom.
With as little as 25 feet, you can put in a sink, toilet, and shower, and there you have it! The primary factors in deciding where you put a bathroom are adequate ventilation and sufficient electrical outlets.
Weight, Electrical, and Ventilation Considerations
Problems can arise when adding a bathroom to a house. Ensure your floor can handle the vanity and the tub or shower weight if it’s on a second floor or higher. You need the electrical outlets to be able to distribute wires evenly. This means multiple outlets to power a bathroom.
You also need air ventilation to prevent moisture from seeping into the walls and causing damage to your home. We haven’t even discussed plumbing yet!
Plumbing for a New Bathroom
Make sure that there can be plumbing to and from your new bathroom. A professional plumber should make plumbing alterations. You will have to attach a new bathroom to the existing plumbing. The toilet requires a vertical pipe running to the sewer. The sinks, shower, and bathtub require drainage. Usually, each requires its connection.
The big plumbing consideration is the water supply. You must have a water supply to your bathroom without drawing water from another fixture. This would create competition for water supply and is not what you want. A bathroom requires its plumbing setup, necessitating the inclusion of a plumber in the planning.
Breaking Through Concrete
Some people add a bathroom to a basement, garage, or home built on a concrete slab. This will typically require having to cut and break into the concrete. It’s costly. It weakens the structural integrity of your home.
It’s also very unpredictable as you don’t know whether it’s thicker or thinner than you think or what cracks may develop in the concrete. The potential for damage leaves many homeowners opting for alternatives, such as using above-floor plumbing.
New Bathroom Layout
Sketch out where you want the tub or shower, sink and vanity, and any other features you want. The precise layout can be decided on with a home addition contractor, and they may be able to provide guidance or make suggestions on ways to minimize costs.
You may also be able to expand your bathroom by extending it out into a hallway, closet, or existing bedroom. Look for ways to maximize your layout, both in square footage and with what you’re putting in.
Materials for a New Bathroom
Your new bathroom will require a lot of materials. The countertops. Flooring. Fixtures. Type of shower or tub. This is the fun part of adding a bathroom to a house.
Depending on your budget, you may want to look at Pinterest, Amazon, and all sorts of sources to find the right materials for your bathroom project.
How Much Value Does a Bathroom Adds to Your Home
There are many reasons to add another bathroom to a house, and property value is one. On average, adding a bathroom can increase a home’s value by as much as 8.7%. Many buyers prioritize homes with at least two full baths.
If your property doesn’t have two full baths and you plan on selling within the next five years, adding a bathroom will provide more enjoyment while living there and help bring up the home’s overall value.
How Much It Costs to Add a Bathroom to a House
How much it will cost you to add a bathroom depends on many variables. If you already have a room where a bathroom would work, it may cost as little as $3,000. If you’re building a home addition for a bathroom and adding square footage, the cost increases to as high as $25,000.
The larger the bathroom, the more luxurious the materials or features, which also adds expense.