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Basements are a spectacular way to gain space in homes. These rooms can take on any function, from being a game room to a bedroom. However, for it to be as comfortable as any room on the upper levels, it needs to have its bathroom. How much does it cost to add a bathroom in the basement? It is a good question that many owners ask themselves.
The bathroom in the basement is the only way that people who are using the room do not have to climb constantly to perform their physiological needs in the bathroom of the living room. Adding a bathroom is an investment in comfort, but it will be difficult to make due to its location.
On a constructive level, building a bathroom always requires certain guidelines. However, because this will be underground, there will be some additions to the project that will increase the cost.
We can try to reduce the budget we need if we strategically plan the construction of the bathroom, but that will not save us from paying for new foundations, linings and pipe installations.
Try to check the plans of your building before beginning the construction of an underground bathroom. You may be able to take advantage of the location of existing pipes to reduce plumbing costs.
It is worse if we have a foundation slab. Drilling this concrete filler only to pass through water pipes and drains can be expensive.
Adding a bathroom in the basement is a good investment
Image source: FBC Remodel
Before discussing the cost and the factors that you should consider in the construction of a new bathroom, let’s describe why this will represent a good investment.
When it comes to money, bathrooms always meet the expectation of returning the investment. No real estate agent will tell you that an extra bathroom is unnecessary. After all, no person does not use them, so it is always good to have one nearby.
They are convenient
Image source: The Consulting House Inc
But of course, the first point in favor is the convenience of having a bathroom near where we do our daily activities. No one likes to have to run to a second floor in case of emergencies.
Also, when it comes to creating bedrooms in the basements, the bathroom complement cannot be missing. This gives additional privacy, both for basement users and for people on the ground floor.
A new living space for sale
Image source: Mosaik Design & Remodeling
Each space that is habitable independently of the rest of the house adds value to the total of the property.
The basement is an area that, while very useful, is not appreciated by many people, as they see it as a dreary storage room. This perception changes immediately when adding the bathroom.
We can even do more ambitious projects in the basement once we have ready the bathroom plumbing, like a kitchen. The possibilities become unlimited, and each one guarantees a return on investment.
How much does it cost to add a bathroom in the basement? Project Details
As we mentioned before, a basement has special needs when it comes to construction. Basement bathroom costs are between $10,000 and $15,000, this in case we do not skimp on expenses.
If we put the bathroom near a pipe, we could save some money, but usually, this type of bathroom will always cost between $2,500 and $5,000 more than one on the surface. This is because certain facilities and details are unique.
Drainage is one of the most common problems when it comes to basement baths. This tends to work by gravity, but the sewer system may be above the basement level, so we will have to use other methods to get rid of the waste.
Skilled labor
Image source: Karen Spiritoso Designs LLC
Although depending on the contractor we may get better prices, we can usually calculate an estimate based on national costs.
The workers set a budget based on the number of hours it takes them to carry out the project. In this way, the carpenter usually charges $70 an hour, while the plumber varies between $45 and $65 & in the UK multi service plumbing companies like Plumb Guardian charge £80 per hour which is quite a jump from US prices. The electrician could be the most expensive, charging between $65 and $85 an hour, but it is also the one that will usually end faster.
However, the need for a contractor is almost nil when it comes to building a full bathroom. Since the project is small, a handyman could be all we need. A handyman would save us a lot of money on different experts since their fees do not usually exceed $90.
Building a strong structure
Image source: Reliance Design Build
Our new bathroom needs a strong structure to stand on. The first thing is to build the frame of the walls. This, with materials included, costs approximately $1 per square foot. This makes calculating the structure easy, since, for example, for 1,000 square feet, you will spend $1,000.
Now we need to cover the walls. Drywall has a considerable influence on our budget, since these costs between $2.70 and $3.39 per square foot. After installed, most drywall is prepared to be painted or upholstered.
In the middle of the wooden frame, the water pipes and the electrical wiring will be installed, and finally, the excess space will be filled with insulation.
New electrical installations
Image source: The Southern Basement Company
The electrician is not exclusively responsible for placing lamps. Electrical work also consists of placing the necessary switches and outlets for the devices that will be used in the room.
Some houses were prepared with available fuses, but there are others where it will be necessary to install a new switch panel. The breaker panel does not cost more than $100, although its installation can exceed $1,000.
Now that the electrician is sure that the building can with the new consumption, he will proceed to perform the installations in the bathroom. Do not worry about the price that the professional will charge, but about the cost of the accessories, since a wall lamp can be more expensive than the electrician’s $80 per hour.
The plumbing cannot be missing
Image source: Matrix Basement Systems, Inc.
It is obvious that when it comes to the bathroom, the most important thing is plumbing. The difficulty of the project can make it cost up to double that if it were a surface bath.
A cheap estimate is $2,500; this is if there are pipes close to where we will install the bathroom and if we don’t install many sanitary pieces. A toilet, a shower, the sink, the drains, everything must be connected to a pipe.
Now is the time to determine if we will need to install special facilities to remove bathroom waste. If the pipes do not have the necessary inclination, there is the alternative of depositing the waste in a septic tank.
Accessories provide elegance
Image source: Brothers Construction
In a bathroom, an accessory is all useful elements that we can add, not just a mirror. For example, the toilet is an accessory.
Certain accessories are mandatory in any bathroom, such as the sink and toilet. These two will depend entirely on our tastes. In the market, many options adapt to any room size. However, the average toilet costs $350.
Our plans may include the construction of a shower. This is ideal if at any time we think that the basement can function as a bedroom. The showers have a construction cost of between $1,200 and $2,000 in materials and labor, while the bathtubs are cheaper because they only require the installation of pipes, so we can get them for $700.
Tiled Coatings
Image source: Knight Construction Design Inc.
How much does it cost to add a bathroom in the basement? The result may vary if we install tiles only on the floor or if we cover the entire room.
The slabs are more hygienic than simply painting the walls. These are not easily damaged by moisture and can be easily cleaned.
Generally, it is recommended to install slabs throughout the floor and up to half the wall. The showers should have tiles on each side preferably so that the water does not seep.
Most owners choose porcelain for floors. Because it is not porous, it does not retain dirt. Although you may need to place a pair of floor mats to avoid slipping when wet.
Finally, this section also depends largely on our tastes. Not all tiles have the same price, although you can expect to spend more than $1,600 between floor and walls.
The storage we need
Image source: Astro Design Centre
You cannot miss the shelves in your new bathroom. Placing a pair of drawers to store personal hygiene products is essential to avoid clutter.
Our advice to save money is to install prefabricated countertops or cabinets. Another alternative are doorless shelves embedded in the wall. There are cheap countertops of less than $200 a linear foot, but for bathrooms, it is common to find them from $350.
FAQs about adding a bathroom in the basement
1. What are the requirements for adding a bathroom in the basement, such as plumbing, electrical, and ventilation?
The basement bathroom addition involves meticulous planning and close attention to detail. Ventilation, electricity, and plumbing are essential components that must be installed correctly. Access to a septic system or a sewer line is necessary for plumbing. GFCI outlets should be included in the electrical wiring, which must be installed in accordance with local regulations. In order to stop the growth of mold and mildew, proper ventilation is also crucial. Installing an exhaust fan or a ventilation system that connects to the current HVAC system is recommended.
2. How much will it cost to add a bathroom in the basement?
Several variables, like the bathroom’s size, degree of customization, and materials utilized, might affect the price of constructing a bathroom in the basement. The price can range from $5,000 to $15,000 on average, but if plumbing or electrical lines need to be expanded or the bathroom needs to be completely rebuilt, the cost might increase dramatically.
3. What type of flooring should be used in a basement bathroom?
It’s critical to select a flooring material that can endure high humidity and water exposure because basement bathrooms are prone to moisture. Because they are waterproof and simple to maintain, vinyl, ceramic, and porcelain tile are popular choices for basement bathrooms. Another choice is polished concrete, which may be sealed to make it water-resistant and is long-lasting.
4. What kind of lighting is appropriate for a basement bathroom?
Since natural light is frequently scarce in basement bathrooms, lighting is a crucial factor. Popular choices that can offer adequate lighting while also providing visual interest include recessed lighting, track lighting, and pendant lighting. Make sure the lighting fittings are certified for moist environments as well.
5. Can a basement bathroom be added without a permit?
The majority of the time, a permission is necessary to add a bathroom to a basement. Obtaining a permit has different requirements depending on the jurisdiction, but it’s crucial to adhere to all local building norms and rules to make sure the installation is secure and compliant.
6. What are the considerations for the location of the bathroom in the basement?
The plumbing, electrical, and space conditions, as well as the level of seclusion required, will all influence where the bathroom will be situated in the basement. It is crucial to pick a place that is simple to get to and avoids interfering with any utilities or existing structures.
7. What are some design options for a small basement bathroom?
Small basement bathrooms have a variety of design alternatives, such as employing a shower stall rather than a bathtub, installing a pocket door to make the most of the available space, using a pedestal sink or a wall-mounted basin to save space. Mirrors can also give the appearance of extra room and natural light.
8. How long does it typically take to complete a basement bathroom renovation?
The size of the job and the accessibility of contractors will determine how quickly a basement bathroom makeover may be finished. An typical basement bathroom makeover can be finished in 2 to 6 weeks. The complexity of the plumbing and electrical work, the materials utilized, and any unforeseen problems that develop throughout the remodeling are all factors that could affect the timeframe.
9. Is it possible to add a shower or bathtub in a basement bathroom?
In a basement bathroom, a shower or bathtub can be added. But you’ll need access to a drain and hot and cold water lines to do this. These lines will need to be extended if they are not already in the basement, which could raise the overall cost of the remodeling.
10. What are some ways to address moisture and humidity concerns in a basement bathroom?
Basement bathrooms frequently experience moisture and humidity problems, which can promote the growth of mold and mildew. Proper ventilation must be installed, such as a vent fan or a dehumidifier, to address these issues. It is essential to waterproof the bathroom to stop moisture from penetrating the walls and floors.
This can be achieved by employing moisture-resistant materials like ceramic tile, waterproof paint, or vapor barriers. It’s also crucial to perform routine maintenance, such as washing down the sink and shower after each use and swiftly addressing any leaks or drips.
How much does it cost to add a bathroom? – There is no precise answer
Especially when it comes to a bathroom in a basement. The budget can vary greatly depending on our decisions.
Will we call a contractor or a handyman? Is it necessary to install a shower? What is the furniture we want for our bathroom? All this represents large variations in the final cost.
Another element that we do not consider within the recommendations is your geographical location. There are cities where these constructions are cheaper. Although we try to give you the average prices, they could be altered by up to 10% depending on where you live.
But don’t worry, you can carry out this project little by little. The only thing is that you must make sure that, when you resume it, the construction is still in perfect condition. Otherwise, you will have to make repairs before continuing.
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