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How to Turn a Closet Into a Bathroom: Costs & Steps

You can give a whole new meaning to the term cleaning out the closet by turning it into a fully functional bathroom through remodeling.

Our closets often serve as a place for extra storage, but sometimes that space can be better utilized, especially if you need another bathroom.

Turning a closet into a bathroom is akin to doing a complete renovation. There are many moving parts that go into creating a bathroom. This article will help ease your problems and gain progress when it comes to this giant undertaking.

We will cover all the necessary information to perform a successful closet conversion.

  • The cost of the project
  • How long it will take to complete
  • Step-by-step guide to walk you through the construction process
  • …and more

Let’s get started.

closet bathroom conversion
Source: Icon Plumbing

Is It Possible to Turn a Closet Into a Bathroom?

It is possible to convert a closet into a bathroom as there are no building codes or regulations that strictly forbid it. But be aware that once your closet is a bathroom, it has to abide by the regulations that were created for bathrooms.

The major obstacle you will face when converting a closet to a bathroom is the size of the closet.

If the closet you want to convert is an extremely small space, you will be limited in what you can put in your bathroom or even if the conversion is at all possible.

Your average linen closet has space for a toilet and possibly a sink. This allows you to create a half bath, but a shower or bathtub is likely out of the question.

Is Converting a Closet Into a Bathroom Worth It?

Is it worth all the time, effort, and money to convert a closet to a bathroom?

In the long-term, any bathroom remodel or conversion project is worth it as long as you can afford it. In the short term, you will have an extra bathroom at your disposal, and when the time comes to sell your home, you will have gained additional resale value by creating another bathroom.

But besides the high initial cost of this investment, there are other negative aspects to consider.

Your home will turn into a bit of a construction zone while the conversion takes place. This can disrupt the daily activities of you and your family.

And if you are doing this conversion yourself you will have some long tiring days ahead of you.

How Long Does It Take To Convert a Closet Into a Bathroom?

Since closets lack water lines or any type of plumbing for that manner, converting a closet to a bathroom is similar to building a bathroom from scratch with some added demolition thrown in.

Depending on whether you’re converting your closet to a full or half bath, the project may take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks or 1 to 2 months.

There are many factors that can have an effect on how long this job will take.

These factors include how much demolition you’ll need to do, which features you’re adding to your new bathroom, and even how many hours a day you or your contractor will be working on the project.

How Much Does it Cost to Turn a Closet Into a Bathroom?

Prices change based on the market and availability of materials.

But the main variables that affect the cost of converting a closet to a bathroom anywhere in the world include:

  • the size of the bathroom and closet
  • whether you’re creating a full or half bath
  • the distance from the closet to pre-existing plumbing
  • materials
  • and additional features

United States

In the United States, you will pay around $5000 for a half bath closet conversion and upwards of $15,000 or more for a full bathroom

Canada

In Canada, you will pay similar prices to the United States at CA$5000 for a half bath and around CA$12,000 or more for a full bath.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, you will be paying around £4500 for a half bath and around £7500 or more for a basic full bathroom.

Australia

In Australia, the cost of this conversion will be at about AU$7000 for a half bath and upwards of AU$17,000 for a full bathroom.

How to Turn a Closet Into a Bathroom: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Planning

Decide exactly what you want to include in your new bathroom, check local code regulations, get any required permits, and find where the closest plumbing connections are to your closet.

2. Measurements

Take measurements of your closet space to determine what will fit in your closet and whether or not you need to knock out some walls to gain enough space.

3. Demolition

Remove all closet-related items like shelving and coat hangers.

Remove the drywall from any wall that an appliance will be installed on so you can access your soon to be installed plumbing and electrical systems.

This is also a good time to expand the room if you wish to do so, although you will have to retake measurements.

4. Framing

With the closet properly demolished, you can use the opportunity to frame in any new doors or skylights that you want to add to your new bathroom.

5. Plumbing

Time to connect your new bathroom to your existing plumbing system. Before connecting any new water lines to the system, be sure to turn off your main water supply.

Where your plumbing ends up in your new bathroom determines where your sink, toilet, or shower will be installed.

6. Electrical

Most closets do not have lights, so you will have to connect some electricity to your new bathroom for lighting along with any outlets you desire.

7. Flooring

You will likely be installing a tile or linoleum floor.

Both of these flooring methods are popular and straightforward, revolving around an adhesive or caulk used to install the flooring.

Once your floor is installed, you can then seat or install your toilet.

8. Fixtures

With your floor installed, you can bring in the rest of your fixtures like your vanity and sink along with hooking up your shower if you’re installing one.

9. Finishing Up

The final step is to add any finishing touches like a tub backsplash or tiled walls for your shower if you installed one.

Caulking, cleaning and finally testing everything to make sure it works correctly. Odds are you will have forgotten something, so it doesn’t hurt to go over everything you installed a few times.

FAQ

Can I turn a closet into a shower?

Yes, you can. You are only limited by your budget. Having a small closet can also prevent you from converting it into a bathroom, as not all closets can be expanded.

Do you need a permit to convert a closet into a bathroom?

By converting a closet to a bathroom, you are adding plumbing and electrical systems to a room and may require a permit for each. In any case, you should check your local building authority to determine what exactly is required.

James B. Parker

At a young age, James' father taught him carpentry, and he was pretty much destined for a career in the construction industry. He worked as a professional remodeling contractor for some of the most prominent construction companies for several years, before deciding to pursue his passion for writing.

A vast amount of construction experience allows James to provide practical advice for those considering a bathroom remodel.

About Loo Academy

At Loo Academy, our mission is to offer trusted advice for everything related to bathrooms (design ideas, plumbing advice, showering & bathing tips, remodeling guides, and more) — a place where we all spend a great deal of time.

We work closely with qualified experts and follow a thorough editing and fact-checking process before publishing content.

Published content is regularly fact-checked and revised so that the information we provide is accurate and up-to-date.

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