How Much Does it Cost to Add a Bathroom?

If you’re looking to improve your lifestyle and your home’s value, adding a bathroom is one of the best things you can do. But how much does it cost to add a bath? What if you want to put one in an out-of-the-way part of the home, like the basement?

 

While doing the math can be a little stressful, we've got great news: adding a basement bathroom is a high-ROI project. Even better, the cost to add a half or even a full bath isn’t as high as you might think.

 

Here’s what you need to know.

 

Factors That Influence the Cost to Add a Bathroom

As is true with all home remodels, there are a few predictable things that will impact the cost of your upcoming bathroom project.

 

The first is the age of your home. Bathroom remodeling or new bathroom addition is easier if you don’t have to rip out old plumbing and replace it with new, or add plumbing like you might have to in a basement remodel. Another factor influencing the cost is the size. If you’re installing a huge master bath to complement your existing master bedroom, for example, it’ll be more expensive than a simple half bath or a powder room for guests.

 

If your budget is tight, focus on things that can make a small bathroom feel like a palatial space. Light paint, for example, makes any room feel open and airy, and ample built-in storage will prevent it from becoming cramped and cluttered.

How Much Will You Spend on Your Bathroom Remodel?

According to Home Advisor, even simple bathroom additions can cost between $3,000 (if you’re converting or updating an existing space) to $25,000 (if you’re adding a large, luxurious full bath to your home). Before you start having heart palpitations, it’s essential to keep in mind that many things influence these basement bathroom installation costs and many places where you can keep some extra money in your pocket.

With that in mind, here are the various additions or upgrades you might choose, and a breakdown of the remodeling expenses for each: 

The Shower/Tub

Few things are as relaxing as a warm bath, and having a tub in your new powder room is an excellent choice for both ROI and lifestyle. As a general rule, it costs between $740.00 and $1,400 to have a bathtub installed professionally, while a shower will run about $1,200 to $2,000. If you’re installing new plumbing, though, this cost may wind up being much higher. 

Tile

Tile gives your bathroom floor a comfortable, beautiful look and feel. Available in linoleum, ceramic, glass, stone, and other materials, tiles are ideal for use in the shower, flooring, countertops, and more. If you want to save money on your flooring, you can opt to purchase a premade shower pan, which will decrease cost by about $100, although it may limit your design choices a bit. 

If you’re having tiling installed professionally, expect to spend about $700-$800. 

The Toilet and Sink

Two of the most critical parts of the room, these are also two of the most expensive elements. Luckily, there are a few smart ways to navigate this process. Here are a few things to consider: 

• You have alternate toilet options. If you’re installing a toilet in the basement or converting a closet or another space into a powder room, it’s smart to consider your toilet options. Instead of opting for a traditional toilet, which can cost up to $10,000 in new plumbing alone, consider an upflush toilet with a macerating unit. We recommend the Saniflo SaniAccess 3. Starting at $1,295.00 (although we offer frequent discounts), this toilet system is our top-selling unit and the most advanced residential macerator in our lineup. Featuring a 0.5 HP pump system, the SaniAccess 3 allows you to add a complete bathroom as much as 15 feet below your primary sewer line and up to 150 feet from the nearest soil stack. The kit contains the SaniAccess 3 macerating pump, tank, bowl, and a free soft-close lid. Additional options include an elongated bowl, extension pipe, and descaler. 

• You’ll save money by not hiring a plumber. This sounds scary but, depending on the type of toilet you choose to install, it’s possible. While you’ll need to hire a plumber if you decide to install a standard toilet (you can expect to spend about $400 on the installation), you can purchase an Upflush toilet and install it on your own. Because Saniflo systems make it possible to hook up your toilet, sink, and shower to a single system, installing one of these in your basement or anywhere else in your home is a great way to save money and hone your DIY skills. Even if you do hire a plumber to install your Saniflo system, it’ll go in quicker and easier than a standard toilet, which saves you money regardless.

 

Cabinetry 

Bathroom cabinets have a significant impact on the look and feel of your space. They’re also one of the places where you can spend the most money in the bathroom. The variation of pricing here is massive and depends mostly on the style, type, and size of the cabinets you choose. If you’re looking for a way to save money on cabinets? Choose prefab cabinets over custom cabinets, opt for slab front doors, and consider replacing wall cabinets with open shelving. As a general rule, you’ll pay about $350-$450 per linear foot for cabinets. 

Decreasing the Cost to Add a Bathroom 

The cost to add a bathroom can be massive, and the process of installing one can be amazingly stressful. Fortunately, there are several smart ways to cut corners and decrease your cost - namely by installing a Saniflo upflush toilet system.

From purchasing a premade shower pan to installing a Saniflo toilet system, which saves you from installing new plumbing and allows you to hook your toilet, sink, and shower into the same system, there are dozens of ways to get the powder room you need (in your basement and beyond!) at a price you can afford.

Ready to shop for your Saniflo system? Check out our selection of uplfush toilets today or contact our on-call experts to learn more about our models.