Having a bathroom in the basement is like adding another level to your home. For, it ensures that the space offers all the creature comforts of the rest of the house. If you’re remodeling your basement and are considering adding a bathroom, following are some things to keep in mind.
The Plumbing: If your basement is currently not studded for a bathroom, it will have to be done. This requires removing part of the concrete floor.
This is definitely not a job for do it yourselfers because when you remove part of your basement floor, you are dealing with the very foundation of your home. You can cause cracks to other parts of the floor, which can cause a whole host of problems. So, call in professional contractor(s) with experience in plumbing and concrete to handle this part.
Size: Once you get the necessary, no-fun part of the job handled (ie, the plumbing), the design fun can begin. Now it’s time to tackle things like size; tub/no tub; types of material; etc.
One thing that often stumps some homeowners is whether to go with a full bath that includes a bathtub, or a simple shower. Following are four things to consider that should make this decision easier.
How to Decide on a Shower vs. a Shower/Tub
- How many baths are in the rest of the home: If you have sufficient shower/tub combos in the rest of your home, then you may want to just install a shower. You can make up for the lack of a tub by making it very luxurious.
- How Big Is the Space: Some basements can only accommodate a shower; there’s no room for a tub. If this is the case, then the decision is easy.
- Your Budget: While installing a shower/tub combo is not that much more expensive than a shower, if your budget is really tight, you might want to just go with a shower.
- Family Use: If you have an elderly parent or physically challenged family member who may someday use the basement as personal quarters, you may want to install the shower/tub combo. On the other hand, if you’ll soon be empty nesters and the space won’t get much use, then a shower may be the best route.
A professional contractor will be able to assist you with the layout and design, letting you know what’s possible based on necessities like plumbing.
