Like many Canadian homeowners, you may be considering your basement renovation. Perhaps you’re tired of its dirty look and musty smell. Or maybe you’ve realized that finished basements can add value to your home, whether it’s increased living space or extra monthly income. Adding a bathroom to your basement can be a great way to improve your home.
Are you wondering about costs? We can help you. This detailed article contains everything you need to know about the cost of new bathroom addition in Toronto and other areas of the GTA.
WHY ADD A BATHROOM TO THE BASEMENT?
There are many reasons why you might want to add a bathroom to your basement. Maybe you’ve recently finished your basement and realized it’s the perfect spot for a home gym, but you don’t want to traipse upstairs whenever you need to use the restroom. Or perhaps you’re considering renting out your basement as an apartment, but know that potential tenants will be more likely to sign a lease if there’s a full bathroom on-site.
Whatever your motivation, adding a bathroom to your basement can have numerous benefits. Not only can it make your life more convenient, but it can also increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers or renters.
Here are some of the main reasons to add a bathroom to your basement:
- It can make your and your family’s life much easier.
- You can enjoy your finished basement without rushing upstairs when nature calls.
- It can make life more convenient for everyone, especially in homes with a single functional bathroom.
- It can further enhance the value of your basement.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ADD A BATHROOM TO YOUR BASEMENT?
Do you think it’s essential to add a bathroom to your renovated basement? If that’s the case, the first question that springs to mind is, “How much does it cost to add a bathroom to your basement?”
The fact is that it’s almost impossible to name an exact amount, as several factors can come into play that affects the total cost of installing a bathroom. But, by and large, you can expect to pay average prices between $12,000 and $30,000 extra to add a bathroom to your basement. By comparison, building a bathroom on the main floor would cost between $12,000 and $25,000. This is because plumbing work in the basement tends to be more complicated.
In some cases, the cost of a bathroom addition to the basement can be as low as $3,500. Conversely, it can be much higher. In other cities in Canada, the costs can be much lower. All in all, things vary greatly from one basement to another.
Keep in mind that this is on top of the usual basement remodelling costs. In Toronto, basement remodelling costs between $35 and $75 per square foot. As you would expect, this price is also very variable and depends on many factors, such as the size of your basement, the scale of the remodel, the quality of materials, and many others.
WHAT FACTORS AFFECT THE COST OF ADDING A BATHROOM?
As you saw above, the price range for a bathroom addition is pretty wide. This is because you’ll have to consider many factors, from the size of your bathroom to the condition of your basement and everything else. Below, we’ll look at some of the most common factors. This will help you better understand the cost breakdown and get a clearer idea of how much you will have to spend.
1. LOCATION OF THE BATHROOM
The location of your bathroom has a big impact on the price. If you want to add a bathroom in the same room as an existing one, it will be cheaper than starting from scratch. This is because there will already be plumbing lines in place, which means that the only thing you’ll need to do is add new fixtures.
On the other hand, if you’re starting from scratch or adding a bathroom in a different part of the house, expect to pay more. You’ll have to install all new plumbing, which can be very costly.
2. CONDITION OF THE BASEMENT
Another important factor that affects the cost of adding a bathroom to your basement is its condition. If your basement is already finished, adding a bathroom will be a lot easier (and cheaper). This is because fewer structural changes will need to be made.
On the other hand, if your basement is unfinished, adding a bathroom will be more difficult (and more expensive). This is because you’ll have to make more structural changes, such as adding walls, before starting to think about plumbing.
3. EXISTENCE OF DRAINAGE LINES
Plumbing is an essential element in the bathroom. Essentially, the plumbing system is designed to supply water to the sinks, toilet, bathtub and shower stall. At this stage, the plumber will lay the plumbing, connect the drain lines, install the plumbing, connect the tub and shower stall, etc.
If the room already has a rough-in drain, this can lower the bathroom repair cost. Conversely, if there is no basement drain, the plumber will have to install a new drain line. Note that the distance to the drain and plumbing must also be considered. The farther the bathroom basement is from available plumbing, the more expensive it will be to install plumbing. In some cases, you may also need a wastewater ejection system.
You will also have to consider the labour costs of a licensed professional plumber. Toronto typically charges about $100 an hour for the services of a plumber.
4. SIZE OF THE BATHROOM
Size is a major contributing factor to the cost of adding a bathroom. A small bathroom will be less expensive to add than a large one. This is because there will be less work involved in plumbing, fixtures and materials.
With that in mind, if you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to limit yourself to a small bathroom or half-bath (which means no tub or shower). However, if you have money to spare, you can allocate more space in your bathroom and add more amenities, such as a vanity, shower stall, or full bathtub. The possibilities are endless.
5. QUALITY OF THE BATHROOM FIXTURES AND MATERIALS
The high-quality materials of the bathroom fixtures also contribute to the cost. If you want to add high-end fixtures and materials, it will be more expensive than using more basic items.
In addition to the size of the bathroom, another vital factor is the quality of the fixtures, furniture and materials that will be used in the bathroom remodel. This could be the toilet, vanity, sink, cabinet, lighting, sink faucet and showerheads.
If you need high-end or luxury plumbing fixtures, you can expect to spend a lot on your bathroom project. For example, custom cabinets will cost significantly more than prefabricated cabinets. Similarly, some types of plumbing fixtures are also more expensive and complex than others, such as a whirlpool tub, pedestal sink, or even copper pipes for a rustic look.
Finally, some material (such as wood or bathroom flooring options) may be better or less affordable than others. For example, ordering, purchasing or shipping them can be labour-intensive or time-consuming. All of these things can further increase costs.
6. PERMITS
Some home remodelling projects in Canada – including adding a bathroom to your basement – require building permit regulations. In other words, before a builder can begin construction work, your local government will first have to approve the home remodel.
To avoid running into the law and paying exorbitant fees, make sure you understand the rules of obtaining a building permit. The price of the permit will depend on where you are and what type of bathroom project you are doing. You can learn more about applying for a building permit in Toronto by contacting us.
The last significant factor that affects the cost of adding a bathroom to your basement is the need for permits. Depending on your municipality, you may need one or more permits before starting construction. These permits ensure that the work being done meets all building code requirements.
Not only do permits add to the project’s cost, but they also take time to acquire. You may have to wait weeks or even months to get the permit approved in some cases. This can further delay the project and increase costs.
Building a bathroom in your basement can be a great way to add value to your home. But before you start, it’s important to have a clear understanding of all the costs involved. By taking all of these factors into account, you can ensure that your project stays on budget.
