Should I Add Another Bathroom in the Basement?
If you’re considering adding another bathroom to your basement, there are many things to think about. Adding a bathroom in the basement can add both convenience and value to the home. That extra bathroom could also take away some stress regarding bathroom competition. How can you tell if it’s the right choice for your home and lifestyle?
Are People Fighting Over Bathrooms?
Some homes only have one bathroom. Others may instead contain a main bathroom and a half bath. Depending on the number of people who live in your home, this can end up becoming a major pain point. If there are 5 people in your family and there are only 1-3 bathrooms, this can sometimes be difficult, to say the least. Even if your basement already has one extra bathroom, you may need to add another if bathroom time is an issue.
Is There An Existing Basement Bathroom or Kitchen?
If you already have a bathroom in your basement, is it a full bath or a half-bath? You may consider expanding an existing half-bath to include at least a shower stall. If there’s a 
kitchen already in the basement, unless you have enough room and people, one bathroom down there is sufficient for most families. However, the more people you have, the more bathroom space you will need, in order to avoid bathroom mishaps. This is especially true if you have one or more teenagers in the house. Teenagers need their own space.
What Else Is Your Basement Used For?
If your basement is being used as a rental space, adding another bathroom could be a real plus. This could allow you to charge more for rent if the added bathroom is convenient. If your basement isn’t a rental, adding a bathroom may allow you to use it as one. If you’re instead using your basement as extra living space, having that additional bathroom can be much more convenient than running up the stairs for the restroom. Basement party or game rooms can also benefit from having easy access to a bathroom or two.
Bathrooms Can Add To Property Value
Because of their added convenience, bathrooms can significantly add value to your home. But don’t go overboard on bathrooms, especially in a small home. That may actually take away value, if you create one in a space where it isn’t actually needed. On the other hand, if you have a huge house and only one and a half baths, potential homeowners may shy away. Discuss with your contractor the pros and cons and what kind of value an extra bathroom in the basement would add before getting started.
Bathrooms Are Desirable In Rental Basements
It’s definitely possible to rent out a basement room without having a bathroom. However, adding a bathroom and kitchen to your basement can make it the renter’s own private space. This is much more desirable for most renters. Who wants to share a bathroom with complete strangers? Some people might, if the price is right, but that’s less money for you. You can actually call a finished basement an apartment and charge more rent if a bathroom and kitchen are included.
