How Much Value Does a Basement Bathroom Add?
A finished basement will, of course, add more value to your home than an unfinished space. Perhaps you are considering putting in the work to remodel your basement, and are wondering if you should add a bathroom to this space as well.
A home bathroom will increase your home value even more, but how much, exactly? Read on to learn more and determine if this is the right move for you.
Why Should You Add a Basement Bathroom?
There are a few big benefits to adding a bathroom to your basement, the largest being the increased home value and the increased functionality you will receive from such an addition.
Increase Home Value
Adding a basement bathroom increases the value of your home. Having that basement can easily add in the range of 10% or more to your home value. Having the basement bathroom can also turn your basement into an investment opportunity– you could turn the basement into a rentable living space for additional income.
Increase Functionality
Maybe you are not looking to sell your home in the near future. It still remains true that adding a bathroom basement will increase your home’s value, but it will also increase the functionality of the space. If you are planning to stay in this home, this can be a valuable move for you and your family. You can turn your finished basement into a playroom, home office, home gym, or more– and with the addition of the bathroom, you will not have to interrupt yourself to go upstairs and use another restroom. A basement bathroom increases the convenience and functionality of your basement.
How Much Does It Cost?
When taking on a large project such as remodelling your basement and adding a bathroom, the cost is important. You will want to ensure you do your research and create a budget for the work. There are several factors that come into play when considering pricing, and a contractor will be able to assist you and provide quotes once you discuss the scope of work involved.
General Cost Estimate
Without speaking to a contractor and discussing the details of the work you will be doing, it is impossible to get an exact quote on the cost you will incur while adding a basement bathroom. Many factors must be considered in cost. Generally, you can expect to pay in the range of $12,500 to $28,000 to add a bathroom to your finished basement. Comparatively, the main floor bathroom can cost in the range of $10,000 to $23,000. The reason it is more expensive to add a basement bathroom is that plumbing work is more complicated in a basement than in the main house.
Factors In Cost
Some of the factors that come into play with cost have to do with the city you are in– for example, some cities may have cheaper rates for labour, so your contractor will charge less– while others have to do with the conditions of the basement itself, and the scope of work that will be involved.
Location and Condition
The intended location of the bathroom and the current condition of the basement are very important factors. For example, you could choose to build the basement as an extension on the home rather than building it in the existing basement space. This would require the addition of a foundation, which would need to be factored into building costs. On the other hand, if you are constructing the bathroom inside the existing space, there may be some demolition going on, which would need to be budgeted for. Either one can be more expensive, depending on the layout and design of your home, so the best choice must be determined on a case-by-case basis. When it comes to the state of your basement, it is actually cheaper to add a bathroom to an unfinished basement, as there will be less demolition involved.
Plumbing
The existing state of any drainage lines or plumbing also affects the cost of bathroom addition. If there is already a rough-in drain plumbing in place, this will mean less work for the plumber and can drive the cost down. However, if not, the plumber will need to run a new drain line. In this type of work, the distance from the drains and plumbing is important, as the farther the distance, the more expensive it will be.
Size of the Bathroom
The size of the bathroom you are adding is important to take into consideration, as the price will increase with the size of the space. More bathroom space calls for more waterproofing, tiling, and more. If you are on a tight budget, it may be more cost-effective to explore options such as a half bathroom or a smaller bathroom space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a basement in the bathroom worth it?
When you add a bathroom to your basement, this makes the basement a liveable space. This, in turn, will increase the market value of your home. The addition of a basement bathroom can also be a selling point for buyers.
Does adding a bathroom in the basement add home value?
Yes. Usable space is important to buyers, who are willing to pay more for it.
How much value does a basement half bathroom add?
A half bathroom is a good option if you do not have a lot of space in your basement. On average, adding a half bathroom to your basement will add around 10% to your home value.
Do I need a permit to add a bathroom to my basement?
Most new additions to your home do require a permit, including electrical or plumbing renovations. You will need a permit in order to add a bathroom to your basement space.
Does a basement bathroom need a shower?
A basement bathroom does not need to have a shower and can save you some money if you decide not to install one. However, having a full bathroom, rather than a half bathroom, will increase the value of your home more. You can also add a steam shower to the basement bathroom as a nice added touch.