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Basement Bathroom Ideas Will Enhance the Look of the Bathroom
By Anna Walter
The basement is like a bonus place in the house. It adds extra square footage to the house. However, very few people make the right use of the basement. Mostly it is used as a junkyard for the old stuff. With proper planning, basements have the potential to be converted into cozy home theaters, play stations or guest quarters. Whether you want to use it as an entertainment center or an extra room, you would definitely have to build a bathroom in the basement first. We will start from the ground up so let’s discuss some basement bathroom ideas first.
Why is A Basement Bathroom a Good Idea?
The awareness about the benefits of basement space has led many homeowners to complete their unfinished basements. More and more experts are working to cut off the impression of dark and dingy basements by presenting contemporary and stylish basement design ideas. Here are some of the benefits of investing in basement bathrooms.
1. Added Convenience
You would definitely appreciate the convenience of a basement bathroom when you don’t have to go upstairs every time you want to access running water or use a bathroom.
It would still work to your benefit if you add the bare minimum of a toilet and a sink. However, a small basement bathroom with shower idea would be exactly what you need if you intend on using the basement more frequently.
2. Better Property Value
Whether it’s the basement or the main house, adding a second bathroom can highly increase the market value of the house. A full bathroom can boost the value of your house by up to 20%. While bathrooms without shower setup can add around 10% value to the house value. Basement bathrooms not only increase the property value but also render the basements functional. So they are considered a more effective way of elevating the home value.
3. Functional Basement Space
Basement bathroom can turn an abandoned basement into a highly functional living space. With the convenience of the bathroom, you can use the basement as a standalone building story.
4. More Square Footage
Bringing basement space to use means that you are adding more square footage to your home. You can expect more practical benefits with the increase in effective square footage.
What Could Be the Consequences of Having a Basement Bathroom?
Installing a bathroom below the ground may be quite challenging. The complexity of the project depends on the plumbing, design, and type of your basement. So here is a round-up of some challenges that you might face while installing a basement bathroom.
1. Sewerage Lines
As the sewer lines are typically above the ground so the water will have to be sent down and back up to the sewer lines in case of flushing. If you already have plumbing lines for the basement, adding a bathroom in the basement would be easy. However, you might have to break an existing floor if you need to install plumbing for the basement bathroom.
2. Vulnerability To Mold And Mildew
Basements are more prone to the growth of mold and mildew as moisture can accumulate more easily below the ground level. So it would be important to take the humidity and moisture issues into account while basement bathroom installation or you might end up with a moldy basement.
3. Poor Lighting
Basements are usually dark and dull. So you would have to make an extra effort to light up the basement bathroom.
What Should You Know Before Basement Bathroom Planning?
A basement bathroom, undoubtedly, is an effective approach to increasing the space utility. However, the project requires sound considerations and proper planning. Here are some of the things that you should consider before taking the plunge.
1. Drainage
Water drainage is a huge deciding factor for the project’s complexity. Some houses may not have deep sewer lines but it’s not the case for every house. It’s best to analyze the drainage lines though. If the drainage pipes are deep enough for the basement bathroom, you are in luck. Otherwise, you might have to improvise according to your plumbing situation. Septic tanks are an alternate option for houses with inadequate basement plumbing. Keep in mind that you might have to set aside more budget if the drainage pipes are not deep enough.
2. Location
Choosing the right location for the basement bathroom is important to optimize the space. Locate the current electrical and plumbing lines from your building design and choose the spot accordingly. It will cost more to build a bathroom with new plumbing lines. So pick the space where the plumbing lines already exist. Building the bathroom close to the plumbing lines will also lower the maintenance costs.
3. Ventilation
Due to the lack of windows, basement bathrooms require ventilation more than any other bathroom.
Since basements lack natural ventilation, moisture may trap inside and cause problems like mold and mildew growth. Therefore, it’s vital to consider the ventilation options while adding a basement bathroom. A timer exhaust fan is a good option to ventilate the space. You can go for more comprehensive options according to your project requirements.
4. Type of Bathroom
Consider whether you want a simple toilet or a fully equipped bathroom with a shower. This consideration will help define the size and location of the basement bathroom. You should also set the budget accordingly.
Basement Bathroom Ideas
Along with added practical worth, basement bathroom ideas offer a chance to upgrade the look and feel of your house. You can channel your creativity to achieve more in less. Here are some small basement bathroom ideas for you to incorporate.
- Mirrors all the way!
Basements are usually low on light. So the best way to enhance a basement is to flood it with lights. You don’t need to go overboard with lights. Use other design elements to achieve the effect. The mirror is one such element that facilitates light distribution throughout space. Mirrors are also an effective element for bathrooms. Choose a mirror of a relatively larger size to achieve a well-lit space. You can also employ the double mirror vanity idea to uplift the effect of mirrors on the bathroom.
- Employ the height Trick!
Basements usually have low ceilings as compared to the rest of the house. Low ceilings can create a feeling of compactness. You can create an illusion of more height by playing with wall colors. Paint the walls with a lighter color and the crown molding with a darker color to trick the eye into seeing more vertical length.
- Create the Illusion of more space!
You can create an illusion of a wider and brighter space by installing transparent fixtures. Instead of solid wood or steel doors, invest in glass shower doors and frosted glass walls. Glass doors allow the uninterrupted flow of light while the frosting on glass walls blocks the direct view. The continuous flow of light creates a feeling of spaciousness which is much-needed for basement bathrooms.
- Get creative with lighting!
Proper lighting can change the whole outlook of your basement bathroom. Use added lighting along with the necessary light fixtures. LED ceiling strips and LED mirrors can make a huge difference to the bathroom interior. It would not only light up the space but also add a posh and warm ambiance. LED mirrors are especially known for their opulent vibe. So make it a point to integrate them in your basement bathroom.
- Embrace the uniqueness!
Basements may sometimes have unique corners and nooks in their basic construction. You should accept these peculiarities and use them to your benefit in order to make the most of the given space. You can use a sloping site to your benefit by converting it into a walk-in shower or embrace a low ceiling situation by transforming it into a small storage space.
Average Cost of a Basement Bathroom
The cost of a basement bathroom depends on the extent of the project. If the plumbing and drainage concerns are already met, a small basement bathroom with a toilet and sink would cost you around $2000 to $3000. However, for a well-equipped bathroom along with shower space, you should keep a budget of $5000 to $20000 in mind. The project would lay on the lower side of cost estimation if the plumbing and drainage are all set. The cost would increase in case you have to set up the plumbing lines from scratch. Get a professional to inspect your space specifications and get a project quote.
Final Thoughts
You can effectively increase the square footage of your home by adding a basement bathroom. A lot of small basement bathroom ideas are available online to guide you through the process. While interior designers also offer personalized basement bathroom ideas. Don’t let your basement turn into a dumpster. Make an effort and optimize your space.
