When planning your home improvement, a common question is whether you should include a bathroom in your basement renovation or not. First, we break down the benefits and then discuss other things to consider when making your decision.
Benefits of Including a Bathroom in Your Basement Renovation
Convenience
The obvious benefit, if you choose to install a bathroom in your basement, is convenience. You won’t need to run up the stairs to use the restroom. In addition, you will also have access to running water for cleaning and other helpful tasks.
Comfort
With a bathroom, finished basements feel more comfortable. Beyond convenience, your basement remodel will feel complete and less like storage space.
Increase in Home's Value
Additional bathrooms increase market value. Potential buyers see a finished basement as additional living space. They don’t need to spend additional time and money on adding a basement bathroom if you already completed the bathroom remodel.
Things to Consider When Deciding to Put a Bathroom in Your Basement
Before installing a basement bathroom, you must consider what you plan to use the basement for, the current condition of your basement, who will complete the work, and of course, your budget.
How Do You Plan to Use the Space?
First, decide if you plan to add a spare bedroom. A bathroom close by helps guests feel more comfortable, especially if you have young children or seniors using the space. With a basement toilet, you don’t need to climb stairs as frequently therefore you reduce the risk of falls.
Furthermore, should you decide to rent out extra space in your basement, at least a toilet sink bathroom if not a full bathroom is essential. Another great idea is to consider a kitchenette if renting is your goal.
What is the Current Condition?
Next, confirm if you have a rough-in ready for your basement renovation. If you don’t already have drain lines and a plumbing vent system available, this will add to your expense. You may need to break up the concrete floor and make other accommodations if the drainage lines aren’t deep enough.
Is your basement completely raw or finished completely or in part? Will you need to demolish existing finishes or even remove existing plumbing which no longer functions? Breaking down walls and removing finishes will add to the time and money required for your basement renovation.
After that, asked yourself how much space you have available. Depending on your layout and what you plan to include in your bathroom, you could require a lot of space once used for storage, exercise equipment and other family activities.
Who Will Complete the Renovation?
Then you must consider who will do the basement renovation. Including a bathroom in your basement renovation presents challenges. Therefore you would be wise to hire a professional who ensures they complete proper planning and permits preventing future headaches.
You need to consider ventilation fans to remove moisture. And specialty basement bathroom plumbing features like an upflush toilet and the right shower drain line will enable you to connect to water lines and sewer lines correctly.
Equally important as plumbing, you need to select flooring to accommodate a concrete basement floor to avoid water problems later. Lighting choices depend on the availability of natural light and basement ceiling heights.
What is Your Budget for Renovations?
Then you must consider who will do the basement renovation. Including a bathroom in your basement renovation presents challenges. Therefore you would be wise to hire a professional who ensures they complete proper planning and permits preventing future headaches.
You need to consider ventilation fans to remove moisture. And specialty basement bathroom plumbing features like an upflush toilet and the right shower drain line will enable you to connect to water lines and sewer lines correctly.
Equally important as plumbing, you need to select flooring to accommodate a concrete basement floor to avoid water problems later. Lighting choices depend on the availability of natural light and basement ceiling heights.
So, Should You Put a Bathroom in Your Basement?
Will it be worth it? Will you see a return on investment in terms of either enjoyment of use or higher resale value? Basically, the answer comes down to how much benefit you believe you will get compared to the expense of the basement bathroom installation.
Pros:
- Convenience
- Comfort
- Increased Value
Cons:
- Expense and Inconvenience
- Takes up living and storage space
- Need professional assistance
A professional can easily help you work through the numbers and ensure you complete proper planning to meet all your goals. If you want to proceed, start answering the questions outlined in this article and stay tuned for access to our planning guide.
