Install a basement bathroom to make your house more valuable. Here’s how.
Have you ever wondered how to put a bathroom in a finished basement? Many other homeowners have wondered the same thing. There are, however, a limited number of basement bathroom ideas that you can use to build your own basement bathrooms. While adding a bathroom to your basement can increase the value of your house, there aren’t many basement bathroom ideas and designs available, and many homeowners aren’t sure where they can cut costs or how to come up with original basement bathroom construction ideas. Fortunately, there are several options available when it comes to adding a bathroom to the floor of a basement. What you should know is as follows.
Follow the steps below to create a basement bathroom.
The Pros & Cons
Even though putting in a basement bathroom is an expensive and difficult DIY job, homeowners will experience a rise in their home’s total value and return on investment. Additionally, having a bathroom close by usually outweighs the disadvantage of the area that the bathroom occupies. Additionally, a bathroom is one of the features that must be added to every rental property, so this project might be the first step in turning your unusable basement into a profit. In general, everyone with the time and money should consider installing a bathroom in their basement.
Pros:
- Convenient location
- Increase home value
- Create rental space
Cons:
- Costly project
- Professionals required
- Takes up basement space
The Cost
Installing a basement bathroom can be expensive; depending on whether you want a modest half-bath or a luxurious full-bath, you can expect to pay anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000 on average. A rough-in drain system, which is increasingly typical in recent homes, can save you $500 to $1,000 on the project. However, there are still considerable plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and material expenditures involved. When choosing a layout for your basement bathroom, take into account the following breakdown:
| Rough Plumbing | $1,000 to $10,000 |
| Electrical | $500 to $2,500 |
| Drywall and Framing | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Tile Floor | $900 to $3,000 |
| Permit | $50 to $2,000 |
| Lighting Fixtures | $150 to $900 |
| Vanity | $500 to $4,000 |
| Faucets | $150 to $350 |
| Toilet | $200 to $600 |
| Towel Rack (Optional) | $20 to $100 |
| Bathtub (Optional) | $1,400 to $7,000 |
| Glass Shower Door (Optional) | $500 to $1,400 |
| Shower/Bath Liner (Optional) | $2,000 to $6,000 |
| Shower (Optional) | $2,000 to $8,500 |
Additionally, bear in mind that the hourly fees for plumbers, electricians and carpenters differ based on the technician’s region, experience level and license. To prevent unpleasant surprises when the basement bathroom is finished, choose pros that can match your project requirements while also charging a price that fits within your budget.
ROI
You could already have the money set aside for a basement bathroom installation, but you are unsure of how much money you might make (ROI). This anxiety is mostly unjustified, though. You may anticipate a significant return on investment as long as the bathroom installation is carried out per regional building rules and is authorized by a construction permit. This implies that the bathroom will likely enhance the home’s price when it sells by a significant amount over what it initially cost to install. Because most potential buyers are more interested in properties with two or more bathrooms, adding a basement bathroom to a property that currently only has one bathroom would not only boost the home’s value but also make it much simpler to sell the home.
Project Difficulty
An experienced do-it-yourselfer may find the concept of installing a bathroom to be straightforward. But, many people fail to consider the difficulties of digging up the concrete foundation to run drainage lines at the proper angle for effective waste disposal and to prevent clogs. Although running new wires to the bathroom may be within your scope of expertise, it is better to leave the proper connection of the new circuits to the main electrical panel to a master electrician. Overall, it’s better to let one or more qualified specialists handle the installation of a basement bathroom. To lower total expenditures, seasoned do-it-yourselfers might wish to take on some of the projects. The drywall installation, faucet installation, vanity installation and even floor tiling are some of the tasks that are easier for a do-it-yourselfer. Just make sure that each stage of the installation complies with the necessary construction rules to prevent future issues, such as a foundation leak.
The Process
Even if many components of this project are not suitable for do-it-yourselfers, it’s still crucial to comprehend each step of the installation process to make sure you and your contractors are on the same page. If you are unaware that the concrete floor needs to be cracked to run drainage lines, you might be alarmed and surprised to see a handheld jackhammer. Take some time to become comfortable with this overview of the complete basement bathroom construction process, as well as the jobs that are DIY-friendly, rather than trying to navigate through multiple important design options without knowing the significance of each decision.
Design
It’s crucial to have a design in mind for the new basement bathroom before you begin working on your unfinished basement space. The decision to create a tiny half-bath with just a toilet and a sink, a three-quarter bath with a toilet, basin, and shower, or a full bath with a toilet, sink, shower and bathtub will thus need to be made. Beyond these initial issues, you’ll also need to decide on the bathroom’s size and the most attractive arrangement for the room’s primary fixtures. The precise faucet, sink, toilet, vanity, shower, bathtub and lighting fixtures that you want installed must also be chosen. Don’t forget to pick the bathroom’s paint color, tile type and tile color as well. It’s not necessary to decide on every last detail before the building starts, but it’s still crucial to have a general notion of what you want so that the design stays loyal to your desired result.
Measure & Mark Walls
Choosing the location for the room’s exterior walls is the first step in installing a basement bathroom. You ought to have chosen an approximate size or location for the basement bathroom during the design process. Measure and mark the precise locations for the bathroom’s exterior walls using this information. The walls won’t be put up until the drainage pipes are in place, so keep in mind that the concrete floor will still need to be broken up to run drain lines. An experienced do-it-yourselfer can complete the stage of measuring and marking the walls for the new bathroom. If a professional has already been recruited to do the carpentry work, they should measure and mark the positions of the walls as part of the wall rough-in procedure.
Zoning & Permits
First, get in touch with your neighborhood building authority if you intend to add a bathroom. You will likely require new electricity connections, drainage lines, and water lines when constructing a bathroom in the basement. To make sure the work is done per the code, you will thus require a building permit. You may have to take into account zoning regulations, deed restrictions and other issues as you proceed with your project when adding a bathroom to the basement. The municipal inspectors may swing by with a “stop-work” order and terminate your project if you decide to start this project without getting the necessary work permits. Additionally, they can decide that it’s acceptable to fine you and stop you from doing any more work until the required permissions are secured. Applying for a permit beforehand can ensure that your bathroom installation is approved, saving you time and hassle from fines and pointless paperwork. Building permits typically cost between $50 to $2,000 for the majority of renovation projects, but the expense is justified to guarantee that the work is completed following regulations.
Position Drains
Mark the placement of the shower and toilet drains once the wall locations are clear. To find the optimal position with the fewest drainage issues, it is usually better to discuss this plan with the plumber who will be running the drain lines. To choose where to put the shower drain, take a broad measurement of the bathtub or shower stall. Place the toilet drain approximately 1 1/2 feet from the wall. If you are concerned about the bathroom’s layout based solely on measurement, think to consider bringing the actual toilet into the space to see exactly how it would fit. This should give you enough room for a suitable fit. You’ll be better able to decide and keep the project going forward as a result of this.
Concrete Work
Installing a bathroom in a basement frequently necessitates running lengthy, horizontal drainage pipes that are prone to clogging, which is one of the main issues. This is why it’s crucial to include a qualified plumber when laying out the drain lines, digging pipe trenches and setting up the drainage pipes. The plumber will frequently break up portions of the bathroom’s concrete floor during this step with a jackhammer. The objective is to dig trenches so that the drain pipes connecting the toilet and shower to the main drain line may be fitted.
Floor Drain Lines
The plumber can start installing the drainage pipes from the main sewage line to the bathroom once the trenches have been dug. For the pipes to fit comfortably in the trenches that the plumber has excavated in the concrete, they will need to be measured, cut, and assembled. To guarantee that the plumbing is done following the code and will not have problems with drainage or leaks, this phase should always be handled by professionals.
Rough-in Walls
To support the vertical drain pipes, ventilation pipes and water supply pipes that must be run to complete the plumbing, the bathroom’s structure can now be erected. This portion of the job is normally manageable for skilled do-it-yourselfers: Just be sure to strictly adhere to the previously measured and indicated wall positions to prevent any alignment issues with the drywall.
Vertical Drain & Ventilation
The above-floor vent pipes, sink branch drains and connections to the roof vent stack must all be installed by a plumber as the next phase in the procedure to ensure proper ventilation. The drain and ventilation pipes can be joined to the wooden studs for support if these lines are built after the room’s construction. Without enough support, excessive pressure on a single joint can cause the pipe to shatter, leading to foul odors, leaks and significant hidden water damage. Inexperienced DIYers frequently ignore ventilation lines, yet these pipes are essential to stop dangerous sewer gas from accumulating within the house. Instead, ejector pumps are used to direct the waste into the sewer systems, and a vent on the home’s roof is used to discharge the gas.
Water Supply Lines
For a reasonably low-stress basement bathroom installation, hiring a trustworthy professional plumber is essential because so many steps in the procedure require expertise, knowledge and experience that are not amenable to do-it-yourselfers. Another component of this installation that is best handled by a professional plumber is running the hot and cold water pipes to the toilet, sink, and shower/bath. They’ll be able to evaluate the space and devise a plan for safely running hot and cold water lines to the bathroom’s plumbing fixtures and other fittings. Plumbers often install copper water lines, however, some choose to use PEX pipe since it is less expensive. Make sure your plumber is aware of any materials you have in mind.
Electrical
You should look for a certified electrician to run new wires from the main electrical box to the bathroom once the majority of the plumbing work has been completed. These electrical lines’ main function is to deliver electricity to baseboard heaters, outlets, and lighting fixtures as required. The drywall and ceiling must first be completed before the actual fixtures can be fitted. An experienced DIYer might be able to handle the basic wiring, but it’s advised to leave this task to a qualified expert so that you can be sure the bathroom will pass an inspection.
Tile & Drywall
Before covering the bathroom with tiles and drywall, it is a good idea to have an inspector come and look at the plumbing, electrical, and structural elements of the space. Once the floor has been approved, you can pour fresh concrete to fill the pits. If you don’t know how to install a tile floor, you might want to hire a carpenter to have the job done so you get the outcome you want.
The majority of do-it-yourselfers should have little trouble installing drywall on the walls and ceiling. Just be careful to measure and cut holes for any electrical fixtures, water lines, or drain pipes that extend from the wall. Lighting fixtures that will be wall-mounted are also included. A shower or bath installation requires the installation of tiling on the walls of the bath or shower stall to avoid water damage from normal use.
Appliances & Fixtures
The electrical fixtures, toilet and vanity can now be installed. Depending on whether a half bath, three-quarter bath or full bath is being planned, you might additionally wish to install a shower or a bathtub. While the ordinary DIYer may tackle simple finishing tasks like installing a toilet or new faucet, it’s advised to hire a plumber to install a shower or bathtub. Additionally, installing a straightforward sink and vanity is well within the capabilities of an experienced do-it-yourselfer, but if you’d rather pay an expert, a carpenter may complete this job. If the main wiring has been installed properly, wiring and mounting the electrical fixtures should be very simple. However, if you are unfamiliar with electrical systems or don’t feel comfortable wiring these fixtures, it is better to have an electrician make the final connections.
Finishing Touches
Installing the trim and painting the walls are the final steps in finishing this basement restoration job. Trim can be challenging for less experienced do-it-yourselfers, but experts won’t have any trouble making angled cuts to slot the trim pieces in precisely around the room’s boundaries. Pick a paint color that will complement or draw attention to the bathroom’s plumbing and lighting fixtures. To help preserve the drywall and stop water damage, be sure the paint is suitable for use in bathrooms, kitchens and other high-humidity areas.
Work With the Professionals
Look, you made it to the end, great job! Did any of this leave you with questions and concerns? We totally get it. Tackling a project on this scale is not for inexperienced or amateur home DIYers. With all the moving parts and industry-specific details, we recommend working with a team of skilled professionals who have not only years of bathroom remodeling experience but basement bathroom experience as well. But who is the top team in your area that will leave you with no stress? Valor Home Services, of course! Our skilled team of remodelers can not only install a basement bathroom but finish or remodel your entire basement! We would love to sit down with you and discuss your project and design. The best way to get a hold of us is to call or contact us here.
