It can sound like a crazy idea to add another bathroom in an old house. But people living in a large family with not enough options would only understand its real value. The long waits for a bathroom to be accessible for use, leading to absence from crucial meetings or other important events, can be excruciating, especially if you know it wasn't your mistake.Â
One may argue that fixing a routine for your bathroom chores to avoid any challenge may solve the problem. Still, you cannot ignore the possibility of urgent situations when your kid or a senior member may have to take over this space. Â
Plus, it can be impossible to keep your toiletries and other solutions organized if you have just one or two bathrooms. Hence, it makes sense to go for an addition. As per design experts, you can make this upgrade despite limited space and budget. However, you may be curious to know how to navigate this project.
Contents:
1. Find a Location for the New Bathroom
Surveys suggest that an additional bathroom can increase the home’s resale value by 8.7%, double that of adding a bedroom. The building cost can run between $3,000 and $25,000 based on the availability of the space. Luxurious décor can incur more. Besides, you also have to see if it involves taxes. In terms of personal benefit, it stands for greater functionality.Â
Once the cost is determined, you will need to figure out the right corner for it. Even with limited space and accessibility to electricity, ventilation, and water, you can achieve your goal. Some areas that can offer the perfect opportunity for this project include existing bathrooms, hallways, closets, and bedrooms.Â
Do you have one large bathroom? You can divide that into two by buying separate fixtures to make your task simple. Or, you can check the hallway. If it runs through the house with a window on the deep end without any other room on the sides, you may not have to look elsewhere.Â
Some people use the unused space in their master bedroom for this purpose, while others replace the walk-in closet with a bathroom with a few tweaks here and there. As such, you have to look everywhere in the house to find that perfect nook for it. Once you get it, you can ponder over the plumbing parts.
2. Install the Fixtures for the New Bathroom
Even though it is a need-based step, you will want your bathroom to have a specific look and feel. You can explore home improvement magazines and social media for the latest designs and decors. However, you have to be careful with the installation job to be more cost-effective. For example, no matter what type of toilets, showers, sinks, or contemporary lavatory faucets you select, you should try to fix them in a place where water and waste lines are quickly accessible. It can impact your building and plumbing costs hugely.Â
Another helpful consideration can be the placement of the door. A pocket door system can be a fantastic fit for a bathroom with tight spaces as a full swinging door unnecessarily occupies the area. This single choice can also give you more room for adding plumbing fixtures. Essentially, you have to keep an eye on things that are easier to fix and are low in cost.Â
3. Things to Consider Before Starting the Project
3.1 Complex decisions
When it comes to adding a bathroom, you need to take some factors into consideration. One of them is the ventilation part. Like mentioned earlier, you can focus on a space that already has a window. However, if it is not there, you can use a duct fan or create a new window based on the layout.
Another thing is to look for is the capability of the floor. Bathroom fixtures weigh heavy; a single attachment can be 20 pounds against one square foot. That's why you need to know the strength of floor joists beforehand. You can do all these calculations yourself to make this process economical.
Still, seeking professional help makes more sense. From the choice of supplies to tools to equipment, they will take care of everything. You don’t have to spend your time, energy, and money in these areas.Â
3.2 Simple decisions
There are a couple of other considerations too. For example, everyone knows the magic of wall paint in creating a charming atmosphere even in the dull corners of the house. So, make sure you choose the right shade for the wall. Just because it is a new feature, you should not try to overdo anything here. Make it as cohesive as possible to streamline the old and new areas. If you don't mind changing the color of the whole house, you can attempt that. Additionally, you can pick nice wallpaper, accent wall design, and tile or wood floor to package everything nicely.Â
Since a dim bathroom can look disappointing, you would have to ensure that it gets ample light through natural and artificial sources. While working on this, pay special attention to the vanity area, which would house the two busiest bathroom fixtures, such as the sink and faucet. Many people use this space for self-grooming. Hence, it will be best to add the right light fixtures here. Then, you can also complement this space with a lovely mirror. It can be effortless in raising the aesthetic quality of your new bathroom. At the same time, in a smaller area, it can create an illusion of largeness.Â
While most home upgrade decisions hinge between actual need and personal satisfaction, you cannot afford to take this project lightly. Even a minor change or improvement requires budget and time. And both are precious resources. If you don’t wish to waste them, you must give sufficient attention to planning and execution.Â
With the help of professionals, the task can become manageable. Still, having a basic understanding of what goes into remodeling or revamping work can be hugely lucrative. You can judge the suggestions of your contractor or interior designer practically instead of approaching them with an emotional mind. Besides, it will enable you to have clarity about the choices from the beginning.
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