Basement bathrooms are becoming a popular remodeling project – it’s likely that you know someone who decided to add or remodel a lower-level bath this year. Whether a smaller powder room, or a fully-featured guest bath, these additions bring many advantages to Chicagoland homes.

Don’t feel limited by lower ceilings required by building codes, plumbing considerations, or lack of windows! A professional contractor (like J&J) knows all the ins and outs of working with finished basement spaces, and will be full of great ideas on how to maximize light, find more space for storage and features, and will even ensure that the final product blends seamlessly with the rest of your home.

So, what can a new basement-level bath bring to your home? For anyone who uses their lower level space for entertaining, a second living area, or even a home office or workout room, the advantages of another – or larger – bathroom are obvious. Convenience, less trips up and down the stairs, and even privacy are all important advantages. Even adding a half bath can allow your basement to become a more independent part of the house. 

If you already use your basement as guest quarters – or plan to make it available as a separate living unit for family members – a full bathroom addition will add all the comforts of home. By adding a shower or even a full master-bathroom style suite, you’ll always be prepared for guests or lifestyle changes. Best of all: this is one renovation project that’s going to boost your home value!

Some considerations: 

• Plumbing location can be critical. By placing the bathroom as close to existing plumbing and electrical setups as possible, you’ll avoid expensive changes. Think of adding the new room under an existing upstairs kitchen or laundry area. 
• Basements, by nature, are colder and darker than the rest of your home. Consider adding as much light as possible – good overhead lighting and vanity lighting will change the mood. Radiant floor heat is also a wonderful way to add comfort to new bathroom floors. 
• Many aspects of basement bathroom construction are not DIY-friendly. To assure that drainage works perfectly, ventilation performs efficiently, and moisture is controlled, work with a qualified contractor. 

Adding a new basement bathroom also can help you make much-needed changes in your home. If you’ve previously considered adding a laundry space to handle guest linens, workout towels, or more, it can be added to your new area. Need more storage in a much-used family room? Take the opportunity to improve and expand cabinets as you renovate. With a multitude of clever features and polished good looks, storage can be very chic, indeed!

With kids growing up and many of us spending more time at home, many families have discovered a real need for an independently-functioning basement living area. If you’ve recently realized that just one more shower or bathroom would cut down on daily traffic jams upstairs – you have an opportunity to create just the right space downstairs.

Want to see more of our completed basement bathroom projects? Be sure to check out more of our project spotlights online. Ready to discuss your options? Set up an easy phone consultation soon!