Adding value to your property with an extra bathroom

The bathroom is definitely an intrinsic component of personal space. It is essentially the second most important room in your home after the kitchen. The bathroom is not only utilized for its functional purposes, but it also offers an area for relaxation and unwinding within a home, for example, bathtub sessions. A while back, having extra bathrooms was considered a mere luxury. However, modern homeowners are starting to realise the essence of en-suite bathrooms and cloakrooms. Reports have even indicated that most property buyers, nowadays, are reluctant and unwilling to purchase homes that don’t have more than two bathrooms. This bespeaks how much of a necessity this extra addition has become in today’s living. 

The perks of having an extra bathroom cannot be understated. Not only does it offer some much-needed convenience, but it also enhances the value of your home drastically. Bathrooms equipped with modern standards are enticing selling features and offer a high return on investment. If you are contemplating adding a new bathroom but have no idea about how to go about it or where to fit the bathroom, this article delves into the nitty-gritty of the bathroom installation process. 

Choose a Reputable Contractor 

It is imperative that you find a professional and experienced contractor who’ll help you in designing a bathroom that meets your specific needs. It’s a no-brainer that you’ll require to work with a contractor that can operate within your set budget. Cost is always a major consideration in many projects’ decision-making processes. 

Seeking recommendations from friends and families is always a wise way to go. People who have had a previous experience with the contractors can offer you first-hand information on what to expect from them. 

Checking out client reviews online and the contractor’s portfolio can also help you make more informed decisions. It is important to determine if the contractor is licensed and qualified. The internet has a wealth of information and is your companion in the hunt for the most suitable contractor. 

Check the Plumbing System 

There’s an array of plumbing challenges usually associated with the installation of new bathrooms. It is important to devise means of manoeuvring past these challenges in order to achieve the desired results. An experienced contractor can advise you on how to effectively handle the problems arising from the plumbing situation. 

For starters, exposed pipework may hinder you from attaining a luxurious and finished bathroom look that you yearn for. This means that tiles may need to be removed and the walls chased out in order to conceal the new pipework. 

The most ideal location for fitting a new bathroom is near the soil and vent stack. However, if the only available space is far from the soil stack, connecting the bathroom to the existing drainage system may be greatly hampered. Another challenge is if the bathroom is fitted at a low lying level and the waste has to be pushed upwards or horizontally to the soil and vent stack. Macerator pumps or macerator-fitted toilets offer the perfect solution when installing bathrooms in unusual spots. They enable the waste to be pumped through thin and flexible pipes horizontally or vertically to the existing drainage system. 

Ideal Spots for Fitting Extra Bathrooms 

Under the Stairs 

Property owners usually find creative ways of utilizing the space under the stairs. Installing a cloakroom under the stairs is an effective and creative way of making use of the available space. The area may seem too small to fit the amenities of a toilet but there are diverse designs suitable for all sizes. A combined toilet and sink ensures that one maximises on the available space. 

Loft Conversion 

Converting your loft into an additional living area is a creative way of improving the value of your home. Depending on the space available, a homeowner may find it fit to create a new master bedroom with ensuite facilities. However, if it is tight, it may still allow for a standard-sized bedroom ensuite with a curved shower enclosure. 

Due to the sloping roof, it is essential to take measurements in order to plan on the most appropriate design. There should be enough height space to ensure occupants are comfortable and their movement is not limited. 

Plumbing is a major concern when it comes to loft conversion. Set up the bathroom near the existing soil and vent stack or make use of macerator pumps. Hot and cold water pipe-work maybe retrofitted to the existing plumbing in the bathrooms below the loft. However, if your plumbing works from a free-fall/gravity supported system, the tank may be required to be placed at a higher level than the loft shower heads in order to increase pressure. Negative head shower pumps can also be installed. 

Loft conversions can increase a property’s value by over 20%. 

Garage Conversion 

The garage offers ample space for conversion into a living area. Garage conversions into en-suite or stand-alone bathroom facilities have been fast gaining popularity in the recent past. Garage conversion is not only cost-effective, but it is also a non-destructive way of expanding the living space. Due to the amount of space available, you may choose to go all out while planning the design of your bathroom. 

When it comes to adding extra bathrooms to your home, the spaces and designs to choose from are seemingly limitless. It all boils down to taste and preference. The potential returns and benefits of having an extra bathroom fitted prove that this is a worthy investment that every homeowner should partake.