James B. ParkerConverting a spare bedroom into a bathroom is a renovation project with many ins and outs. However, with the numerous possibilities afforded to you through bathroom remodeling, there are also many chances for things to go wrong.
You should do some thorough research before attempting any conversion project of this scale. You may be wondering how much will a project like this cost me, how long will it take, and is it ultimately worth it?
This article will answer all those questions and more, arming you with the knowledge needed to make wise choices concerning your future bathroom conversion projects. We will also discuss viable alternatives if converting a bedroom to a bathroom is not right for you.
Let’s dive in.
Is It Possible to Turn a Bedroom Into a Bathroom?
If you have thousands of dollars to spend and go through the proper channels to obtain any required building permits, then this conversion is definitely possible.
It’s usually the financial burden that prevents people from converting a room. As you will see later in this article, bathroom conversions can be very expensive.
When it comes down to permits and building regulations, nothing is stopping you from converting a bedroom to a bathroom.
Just make sure you obtain the proper permits before you start working and follow any bathroom regulations in your area.
Is Converting a Bedroom Into a Bathroom Worth It?
To determine if a bedroom to bathroom conversion is worth it will depend on your home’s size.
If, for example, you have a 5 bedroom home with only one bathroom, then converting one of those spare bedrooms would be beneficial to you and will increase your property value.
But if you have 4 bedrooms or less, removing one of those bedrooms in favor of another bathroom is seen as a less desirable choice and will actually reduce your home’s property value.
While converting a closet or laundry room into a bathroom will always increase your property value, bedrooms are more highly prized.
Of course, if you have no plans of ever selling your home, then the future resale value should not really matter to you.
How Long Does It Take To Convert a Bedroom Into a Bathroom?
Many factors affect the timetable of a bathroom conversion; luckily, most of these factors are under your control.
The chosen materials, custom features, and how many hours are worked a day affect how long it takes to convert your new bathroom.
You should expect the timeframe for your specific project to vary, but a bedroom-to-bathroom conversion usually takes 2 weeks to complete.
How Much Does it Cost to Turn a Bedroom Into a Bathroom?
The cost of two different conversion projects can differ greatly based on custom features or the lack thereof. The things you add to your new bathroom, like custom glass shower doors or heated flooring, will greatly increase the cost of the project.
Due to the larger size of bedrooms, these conversions are more pricey than smaller closet or laundry room conversions. And these variable price differences apply to conversions in all countries across the globe.
United States
In the United States, you will be paying around $15,000 for a basic full bathroom and up to $45,000 for a full custom bathroom with all the bells and whistles.
Canada
In Canada, you will be paying around CA$15,000 for a standard full bath and upwards of CA$50,000 for a custom job.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, you could be charged anywhere from £7000 for a basic full bath and possibly around £24,000 for a full-on custom bathroom.
Australia
In Australia, you will be forced to pay between AU$20,000 to AU$40,000 based on the materials and features you bring to your bathroom conversion.
Things to Consider When Converting a Bedroom Into a Bathroom
Plumbing
Plumbing is a vital consideration that makes all the functions of a bathroom possible.
The first thing to consider is how far the bedroom you’re converting is to existing plumbing in your home. The further your bedroom is from plumbing, the more it will cost you during the renovation.
The next thing to consider is which type of plumbing you will use. Copper, brass, PEX, and PVC are all viable choices, with each having its own benefits and drawbacks.
Be diligent when budgeting your plumbing costs, as they can easily skyrocket out of control.
Lighting
Lighting will set the tone and mood of your bathroom. Will you use natural light through a skylight, or will bulbs create the scene in your new bathroom?
Natural light through a skylight or windows is an amazing choice during the day, but you will still need some form of lighting at night. Also, skylights can considerably add to the already high budget of your bedroom-to-bathroom conversion.
If artificial light is your choice you will save money and will still have some options available to you. Choosing the bulb’s color temperature can dramatically affect the look and feel of your bathroom.
Privacy
Bathrooms have always been one of the most private spaces in any home. Privacy is usually something we don’t consider until the job is complete and we actually use the bathroom.
Some bedrooms are located in places that would be inconvenient for a bathroom. Bedrooms also have large windows that do not meet the privacy needs of a bathroom.
It’s best to consider privacy at the beginning of the project to address any issues that may arise.
Ventilation
Bathrooms require ventilation to remove foul odors and get rid of moisture that can lead to mildew and mold.
If you are just installing a bathtub or will have no shower or tub at all, then windows and a household fan will be enough to meet your ventilation needs.
But if you will be installing a shower in your new bathroom, you will need ventilation found in most bathrooms which is through a fan and hole in your ceiling that leads outside. This is the most efficient ventilation method and will be required for a shower.
Alternatives to Turning a Bedroom Into a Bathroom
Install a Freestanding Tub
Freestanding tubs are becoming popular stylish additions to bedrooms across the world.
You will pay about $1000 to $3000 for a good quality freestanding tub which saves you considerable money over a full-on bedroom-to-bathroom conversion.
Be aware that you will need a faucet and drain, which will bring the total cost up some but is still a serious money saver over a complete remodel.
Fit an Ensuite
An ensuite added to your master bedroom gives you the best of both worlds, combining the utility of a bathroom with the relaxing livability of a bedroom.
Ensuites only work for large master bedrooms due to the space required. You will pay between $10,000 and $20,000 for an ensuite which will save you money compared to a complete conversion but still remains an expensive choice.
Add a Shower Stall
Adding a shower stall to a bedroom can give the room some flexibility. While shower stalls are by no means stylish, when added to a guest or spare bedroom, they give you additional bathing options.
With materials and labor costs, you’ll pay around $1200 to $1500 to add a shower stall to your bedroom.
FAQ
Yes, it can. If you have a large home with 5 or more bedrooms, you should be okay losing one of them. But bedrooms are valued as highly, if not more so, than bathrooms. So removing a bedroom in place of a bathroom will likely devalue your home.
In most cases, yes, you will need a permit. Building code regulations change from area to area. Usually, a permit is not required when converting a room that already has plumbing in it, like a laundry room. But a bedroom requires new water lines, which usually means a permit is necessary.
