Everything You Need to Know About Bathroom Additions for Your Maryland or DC Home

If you’re looking to add both value and comfort to your home, look no further than your bathroom. Bathroom remodels and additions are a popular home improvement project among homeowners, as they have a high rate of predicted return on investment. Plus, if you have a family, it never hurts to have an extra bathroom. No more waiting around to take a shower – and the added benefit of extra privacy whenever you need it. 

Spend a little money on your bathroom, and you’re sure to reap the rewards!

Where to Add a Bathroom

The biggest question for most homeowners is where that extra bathroom should go. Here are a few ideas:

• Walk-in closet. If you have a large closet that isn’t getting enough use, it may be a perfect spot to house a new bathroom. Bedrooms often come equipped with walk-in closets, making it prime real estate for an added bathroom.
  

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• Hallway. This is another compact area that can accommodate an extra bathroom. If you have a hallway with quite a lot of space between bedrooms, you may be able to use that to your advantage. Alternatively, if you have a hallway that doesn’t have any rooms at the end, you could section it off for a bathroom.
• Bedroom. If you have one or more underutilized spare bedrooms, consider reclaiming some of that space for a bathroom instead. This is a great option if you’re looking to add a larger bathroom with a tub. You can also section off part of a larger master bedroom and incorporate the space into your existing ensuite. 
• Basement. A basement is a great spot to add a washroom. It’s super convenient if you spend a lot of time downstairs, or if you have a guest bedroom.
• Laundry room. If you have a large laundry room, it makes perfect sense to add a bathroom in the corner.

Practical Considerations for Bathroom Additions

The biggest thing to consider during the planning phase is how and where to lay your plumbing and electricity. With flushing toilets, running sinks, showers, bathtubs, lights, and outlets, a new bathroom needs to meet design and safety codes. Adding plumbing and electrical can be more or less difficult, depending on the location. Work with your designer to figure out which areas in your home are best suited for an addition and whether changes need to be made to accommodate a new commode.

Adding onto an existing bathroom is one of the easiest choices, as most of the plumbing and electrical is already in place. The same goes for laundry rooms, thanks to your washer and dryer. 

If your house uses a septic system, you might need to investigate further. Check to see whether the system is capable of handling an additional bathroom. If it’s not, you may want to nix the addition or upgrade the entire system, which can be quite involved.

A half-bath can usually be installed if you have around 25 square feet of space. A full bathroom needs a minimum of 36 to 40 square feet. Take these dimensions, along with your plumbing and electrical needs, into consideration before cementing the location of your new bathroom.

The Cost

The price of your new bathroom really depends on the size of the addition you have in mind and the finishes you choose. At the very lowest end, you can expect to spend at least $25,000. However, the average renovation will likely cost closer to $40,000 to $50,000 or higher. 

This may sound like a lot of dough, but don’t rule the bathroom addition out just yet. A second or third bathroom can significantly increase the value of your property when it comes time to sell. 

According to a 2018 report from The National Association of Home Builders, adding a half-bath can add ten percent to your home’s value, while a full bath can boost that number up to 20 percent. When you add the financial payoff to the comfort and convenience that an extra bathroom can offer, the investment can definitely be worth your while.

Making a Plan

Bathrooms can be quite a tricky business to install and renovate. Plumbing and electrical are highly technical skills that require trade professionals to do the work and location and dimensions are best handled by an experienced designer. 

When you’re ready to take the plunge, call in the experts at Winthorpe Design & Build. With years of experience and a skilled team of passionate designers and contractors, you’re sure to be thrilled with the result. Reach out today, and let’s get started!