Remodeling a basement can be one of the best ways to increase the value of your existing home, while also adding square footage and living space for your family. A basement bathroom remodel presents special issues that the average homeowner may not be prepared to deal with and the services of a professional contractor may be needed to make sure that the basement bathroom plumbing is installed and works correctly.

Benefits of a Basement Bathroom

The primary benefit to a basement bathroom is that it can be extremely inconvenient to have to run upstairs to use the bathroom. For the convenience of your guests and family members who will be spending time downstairs, a basement bathroom is the answer.

An additional benefit to a basement bathroom can be ease of use if you are planning on having family members living in the basement space or renting out the space as a separate apartment. Separate living spaces require separate bathroom spaces also, so installing a basement bathroom as part of your remodeling project is a must.

Design Elements

It is important to remember that most basement bathrooms will have no windows which may make the room feel claustrophobic and closed in. One way to combat this phenomenon is to install mirrors along one wall or behind the sink, which reflects the room and makes it feel larger.

Another concern for basement bathrooms installation is air circulation. Because of the nature of the bathroom, moisture and dampness can be particularly problematic in a basement bathroom. In order to prevent the growth of mildew or mold, installing an air circulation fan is important.

Some homeowners may choose to install a half-bath instead of a full bathroom. A half-bath contains only a toilet and sink and perhaps a small medicine cabinet. There is less need for a dedicated air circulation fan to be installed in a half-bath, although many homeowners elect to install one as a convenience measure and to combat potential mildew or mold that might result simply from having a room that has water in it. Half-baths require less space and can be as small as 3 feet by 6 feet.

Special Concerns

The location of most basement bathrooms is actually below the level of the drains, which makes installation of plumbing tricky at best and extremely complicated at worst. This is where the services of a professional contractor come in handy. The contractor will have specialized knowledge of how to install basement bathroom plumbing so that it works correctly and does not cause problems with the plumbing or septic system later.

In addition to knowing how to install bathroom fixtures, the professional contractor will know how to install and where to locate any additional piping needed for your basement bathroom remodeling project.

Interested in remodeling your basement? Get your project started by submitting a free BuyerZone request for basement remodeling price quotes.