Essential Considerations When Installing a Basement Bathroom
Basements are highly useful in providing additional space to a home that desperately needs to expand. In addition, it can also increase the value of a property. Finishing the space and renovating it has plenty of benefits for homeowners.
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After furnishing, it can be treated as a whole different room already. Big families can add another bathroom especially if they have difficulty sharing the ones they have. It may also be valuable especially when guests and out-of-town relatives visit you.
Installing a new bathroom is labor-intensive enough; making one situated in the basement can be even more challenging. Many concerns must be addressed ahead of time. Before you even start on the project, plan adequately, and take these factors into account.
Plumbing and Electrical Concerns
The position of the basement bathroom should be as close to the existing plumbing and electrical systems as possible. Not only will it make hooking up these essential aspects easier, but it will also be much cheaper. Ideally, the bathroom should also be near an exterior wall for the ventilation that will be installed.
Drainage is also a big factor because drainage lines rely on gravity and waste needs to go downward. If the slope toward the exit point doesn’t provide adequate fall, it may require additional pumping. The flow rate must also be enough to flush the waste and not cause any clogs in the drains.
Financial Resources
It comes as no surprise that the basement bathroom installation can be costly. It’s imperative to get an estimate or quote of how much it costs. Aside from the fixtures, flooring, and decor, hiring a plumber is another expense. Some homeowners are capable of tackling the project by themselves, but not everyone is similarly equipped.
In general, home-improvement projects can be pretty expensive, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to save money. Planning early and knowing exactly what steps to take will help you stick to the budget. Before starting the whole undertaking, ensure that there are enough funds to finish everything until completion.
Handicap Accessibility
For households with persons with disabilities, making the bathroom handicap-friendly is a big consideration. Items such as the toilet, bathtub or shower, and sink all need to be designed to allow easy use for everyone in the family.
The toilet and sink heights should be adjusted, and grab bars must be installed in key locations. The door opening must also be wide enough, and there must be an accessible shower or bath. These modifications are necessary to provide more comfort and consideration to people with disabilities.
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Space
Another vital consideration in the new bathroom installation is space. If it’s a very small space, it’s best to make it as simple as possible without skipping on the necessities.
Consider buying the space-saving fixture design of sinks integrated into toilets. The water that goes down the sink is reused to flush the toilet, saving water too. This leaves more shower space, so all the amenities are there even in the limited space.
Zoning Ordinances
Before even plotting out the floor plan or looking for fixtures, contact the local building authority first. Most probably, there are deed restrictions and zoning ordinances that must be considered in your area. They are in place to ensure that the property isn’t too close to the neighbors or too high.
Some contractors do not check beforehand and expect the homeowner to know already, so make sure to talk to your contractor about it. Research the restrictions before starting the installation to avoid problems and additional expenses. Taking the time to contact concerned authority is better than accidentally interfering with zoning ordinances.
Also Read: Some Of The Best Bathroom Glass Shower Doors
Fixtures
Deciding to have another bathroom is one thing, but deciding what kind of fixture to get is another. The homeowner must choose between a regular flush toilet, an upflush toilet, or a pressure-assisted toilet. For the sink, there are options like a pedestal sink, vanity mirror with sink, or countertop with cabinets.
It’s also a choice between bathtubs or showers, but one may choose to have both. Deciding on these items involves thinking of space and economic considerations too. The frequency of how these fixtures will be used will also factor in decision-making.
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Learn from Others
Talk to friends or colleagues who may already have bathrooms installed in their basements. They probably have a thing or two that they’d like to have done differently. They may also provide helpful advice or forward contacts to reliable suppliers, contractors, and plumbers.
