When it comes to buying a home, many buyers consider the number of bathrooms as a top priority. They not only add a lot of functionality to your space, but they’re also an effective way to increase the value of your home. In short, it makes your house more livable. 

 

In particular, older homes tend to be short on bathrooms, and this might be limiting the resell potential. This is because bathrooms are notoriously the most expensive room to add, so it used to be common to only have one or to include a powder room instead of an additional bathroom. 

 

Things are changing today as having multiple bathrooms per home becomes the norm. According to a TreeHugger survey, the golden rule for bathrooms is two bedrooms per bathroom. So if you have a two bedroom home, having a single bathroom might be fine. However, if you have more bedrooms, it’s time to consider adding a new bathroom to your property. Here’s how to add a bathroom to your home step by step. 

 

 

Step 1: Replacement vs. Addition

Your first big decision is to decide if you’re going to add on a new bathroom to your home by building an additional room, or if you’re going to replace an existing room. Converting an existing closet with a half-bath, for instance, is significantly less expensive than adding on a new room to your home. 

 

Converting an existing space will always be more affordable, but it isn’t always practical if you’re already lacking in the space department. No matter which option you choose, you’ll need to find the right space for your addition. A half bath will need as little as 3-by-5 feet of space while you’ll need a bit more square footage for a full bath. The best places to add a bathroom include a hallway, closet, bedroom, or even an existing bathroom that can be split into two. 

 

 

Step 2: Plumbing System

One of the trickiest parts of adding a bathroom to your home is all of the plumbing and electrical work. There are local codes that need to be followed to ensure your home is safe and functional, so this isn’t a simple process. The easiest way to handle this is to build a bathroom with an existing plumbing space. This way, all the pipes can easily meet each other without needing to invest in new plumbing for your home.

 

The smartest way to handle your plumbing is to hire a professional. This isn’t something you want to mess with if you don’t have experience since you can easily run into costly problems. Once the plumbing and electric are established, you can get on to the more exciting parts of this addition.

 

 

Step 3: Ventilation

Before you get on to the new appliances and fixtures, you need to handle the ventilation. If your bathroom has a tub or shower, ventilation is likely required to keep your room from collecting too much moisture. Unless you have a window for air circulation, you’ll need a fan to prevent moisture build-up. Once again, a professional contractor can help install this for you. 

 

 

Step 4: New Appliances and Fixtures

Now is when your design skills really get to shine. Install a new tub, toilet, sink, and other basics to make your bathroom functional. If you’re handy, you can likely manage most of these yourself. However, it’s always worth getting help for the more complicated installations like your bathtub or toilet. Any problems during the installation process could lead to costly disasters later down the line. 

 

Finally, choose colors, tile, and fixtures that make your room really shine. You don’t have to choose the most expensive upgrades for a functional space. In fact, those might be a turn off to some home buyers when it comes time to sell your home. Remember, people spend a lot of time in bathrooms. The key here is for the space to be comfortable and functional. If it’s easy to clean, that’s also a plus.

 

 

Step 5: Enjoy Your New Bathroom

Adding a new bathroom to your home, whether you physically build a new space or renovate an existing one, will add value to your property. Having enough bathrooms to suit the number of bedrooms is a renovation worth considering in this competitive housing market. We’re no longer in the age of one bathroom per household, so make sure your home is up to modern standards. 

While adding a new bathroom is certainly a more expensive renovation, it’s one you can count on paying off. As long as you’re careful with how you plan your new space, you’ll find ways to keep your expenses as low as possible.