Whether you’ve turned your spare bedroom into a guest bedroom, or created a game room for your kids or man cave, adding a bathroom to your basement is a great way to get rid of annoyances like having to make the trek upstairs before or after doing what you need to do. It’s also a great way to make sure safety hazards like slipping and falling on your basement stairs are things of the past.
All of that said, plenty of consideration has to go into a basement bathroom getting done. Plumbing projects done underground need extra care compared to those on upper floors.
The bottom line is simply that this is a job best done by a professional with the proper tools and experience. However, people that see themselves as either a handyman or handywoman should at least do a proper consultation. That way, every requirement involved with the job can be fulfilled with little to no issue. This is also a great way to properly gauge how much will be required for the project.
It's important for the local building authority to be contacted before any bathroom basement installation or the like. There are usually zoning ordinances and deed restrictions attached to building projects. Needless to say, bathrooms have to be as close to electrical wiring and plumbing that's already there. Ideally, the basement bathroom should be set up under one located upstairs. Of course, that's not always possible.
The new bathroom's design can only begin conception when the location is set. Think about:
People tend to skip the tub or shower part since the temperatures in basements tend to drop. Corner showers will require heating and waterproofing. In that case, a good ventilation fan will help prevent extra moisture and dampness.
Basements being inspected for a bathroom add-on need to take plumbing depth and pipe size into account. That's because undersized pipes already in existence won't be enough; basement drains need space. Needless to say, the drainage lines need to be deep as well. Luckily, basements are usually built with the possibility of a bathroom being added down the line.
In cases where plumbing is not deep enough, the budget will simply have to have the room for it.
When all the fixtures are in place and the walls have been painted, all that's really left is personal touches. How big will the mirror be? Do you need some type of shelving? It's important to make sure the basement bathroom, despite being an add-on, is well made up to the smallest detail.
Basement bathrooms are a great add-on for any home. Consider design, proper drainage and things like whether a full bath or not is actually necessary. Some people choose to go the DIY route, but in truth, the best route is for a professional to be called in.
Looking to work with reliable home renovation contractors in Los Angeles for a bathroom basement? Contact Technick today! We build commercial and residential space meant to inspire.