Basement renovations often include updating or adding bathrooms. In our Arvada home, we reconfigured the existing basement bathroom layout and relocated the washer. However, many homeowners don’t understand how much work is involved. We provide itemized estimates and insights into cost factors to help you make informed decisions.
Plumbing: The Big Ticket
The most significant expense in basement bathroom projects is plumbing. The expertise a master plumber brings to your project is crucial, but it isn’t cheap. Even if you see pipes stubbed out from the wall, they still need to cut trenches in the concrete subfloor and excavate beneath it to add each drain line and connect them with the house’s plumbing mainline. To minimize these expenses, place your bathroom as close to the mainline as possible. Trust us, it’s not worth DIYing the back-breaking labor cutting concrete to save money!
We cut our basement subfloor and dug beneath it to add new drains for the toilet, sink, shower, and washing machine. Even more concrete ended up being removed to connect the new pipes to the main sewer line for our house.
Permits & Pros
Building permits are required when adding a bathroom or moving the drains. The building inspector ensures that plumbing and other installations meet code, preventing future expensive repairs. Besides plumbers, projects often involve electricians and other specialists. While some homeowners tackle tasks like painting themselves, opting for skilled tradespeople ensures a polished finish and compliance with safety standards.
Tile Selection
Tiles are not only functional but also add style to your bathroom. Tile size and layout pattern influence our installation rate, which is based on how much time it takes. Simple layouts with larger tiles are more cost-effective to install. If homeowners haven’t picked their tiles, we use standard sizes and layouts in our estimates, such as 3”x12” tiles in brick or stacked layout. While tile prices vary—from basic to artisanal—the difference in material & installation costs for an entire bathroom can be manageable. So, go ahead and splurge on that beautiful tile you love!
Contrast classic subway tiles with black geometric tiles in a complex layout to add sophistication to the tiles design in this basement bathroom renovation.
Environmental Contaminants
The final cost factor to safely remodel an existing bathroom is testing for mold, asbestos, and other environmental contaminants. If found, a certified remediation company must handle their removal and disposal. If the test results are negative, we can safely perform the demolition and include disposal with the rest of our construction waste.
Contractor Tip
Avoid buying faucets and fixtures from big box stores or online retailers. While prices may seem lower, these products often use inferior plastic parts that aren’t durable and can lead to frequent replacements or plumbing disasters. Investing in higher-quality fixtures from plumbing supply companies saves money in the long run.
Navigating the costs to remodel your basement can be confusing. By understanding the key factors when adding or updating an existing bathroom, such as plumbing intricacies, permit requirements, and tile choices, you can budget and plan effectively. Whether you’re dreaming of finishing your basement or tackling a bigger home improvement project, prioritizing quality and compliance ensures a successful project that enhances both comfort and value in your home.
