Like many Canadian homeowners, you may be thinking of revamping your basement. Perhaps you have gotten tired of its dingy appearance and musty smell. Alternatively, you may have realized that finished basements could offer added value to your home – be it by providing more living space or an extra monthly income. Whatever your motivation, one of the best things you can do is add a bathroom to your basement.

Are you wondering about the expenses? We’ve got you covered. This comprehensive article contains everything you need to know about the cost to add a new bathroom in Toronto and the rest of GTA.

WHY ADD A BATHROOM TO THE BASEMENT?

Gone are the days when basements are neglected and left to accumulate dust. Today, more and more people are recognizing the value of furnishing this area of the house.

First and foremost, a finished basement could act as an extra living space for maximum comfort and convenience. Keep in mind that it doesn’t necessarily have to be a sleeping quarter. Instead, the basement can be an entertainment area, a home office, or even a gym. As an alternative, you can also transform it into an apartment, making it a potential source of income. And in all of these scenarios, a basement bathroom may be beneficial – if not necessary.

Here are some of the top reasons to add a bathroom to the basement:

• It can make your and your family’s life infinitely easier.
• You can enjoy your newly renovated basement without having to rush upstairs when nature calls.
• It can make things extra convenient for everyone, especially for houses with only a single functional bathroom.
• It can boost the value of your basement even further.

Related Article: Do You Need to Finish Your Basement and Is It Worth It?

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ADD A BATHROOM TO YOUR BASEMENT?

Are you convinced that you should add a bathroom to your refurbished basement? If so, the first question that probably comes to your mind is this: “How much does it cost to add a basement bathroom?”

The thing is, providing an exact amount is near impossible since several factors may come into play, affecting the overall bathroom installation costs. But generally speaking, you can expect to spend an additional $12,500 to $28,000 to add a bathroom to your basement. In comparison, building a bathroom on the main floor will cost anywhere between $10,000 and $23,000. This is because plumbing work tends to be more complicated in the basement.

In some cases, the cost to add a bathroom to the basement can also be as low as $3,500. Conversely, it can be much higher. The expenses may also be significantly lower in other cities in Canada. Basically, it varies immensely from one basement to another.

Remember, this is on top of the usual basement remodel expenses. In Toronto, remodelling your basement costs around $35 to $75 per square foot. As might be expected, this is also highly variable and depends on many factors, such as the size of your basement, the scope of the renovation, and the quality of the materials, among many others.

Related Article: What Is the Cost of Basement Renovations in Toronto?

WHAT FACTORS AFFECT THE COST OF ADDING A BATHROOM?

As you have seen above, the price range for adding a bathroom is quite wide. This is because you will have to consider a vast range of factors – from the size of the bathroom to the condition of your basement, and everything in between. Below, we will run through some of the most common factors. This will help you understand the cost breakdown better, as well as have a clearer picture of how much you will have to spend.

1. LOCATION OF THE BATHROOM

Where you plan to place the new bathroom can affect the overall costs. Most homeowners would install the bathroom inside the basement, while others may opt to build it as an extension of their home.

For the former, the contract will likely suggest demolishing a part of the basement. The extent of the demolition will depend on the structure of your home. Meanwhile, if the bathroom will be constructed outside of the basement, you will have to factor in the foundation installation costs. It is difficult to say which one will be more expensive, as it depends primarily on how your house is built and several other factors.

2. CONDITION OF THE BASEMENT

Building a new bathroom in an unfinished basement tends to be cheaper than adding it to a finished one. After all, a bare basement means that the contractors will spend less time and energy on the demolition work, enabling you to save money. Plus, they may also be able to take advantage of the existing plumbing running to the main floors.

3. EXISTENCE OF DRAINAGE LINES

Plumbing is a necessity in bathrooms. Essentially, a plumbing system is designed to deliver water to the sinks, toilet system, tub, and shower unit. During this step, the plumber will install the water lines, connect the drain lines, set up the bathroom fixtures, and hook up the tub and shower unit, among other things.

If there is already a rough-in drain plumbing available in place, it can lower the costs of a bathroom remodel. Conversely, if no drains are installed in the basement, then the plumber will have to run a new drain line. Take note that the distance from the drains and plumbing need to be taken into account as well. The farther the bathroom basement to the available plumbing, the pricier it will be to run the water supply lines. In some cases, a sewage ejector system may also be necessary.

You will also have to consider the labor costs of the licensed professional plumber. In Toronto, they usually charge about $100 per hour for their plumbing services.

4. SIZE OF THE BATHROOM

Size is a major contributing factor to the bathroom installation costs. Naturally, the larger the bathroom, the greater the expenses. After all, more bathroom space will entail more waterproofing, flooring, tiles, amenities, and others.

With that said, if you are on a tight budget, it may be best to stick to a small bathroom or a half-bath (which means no tub and shower). Meanwhile, if you have some extra bucks to spare, you can allot more space to the bathroom and, consequently, introduce more amenities, such as a powder room, walk-in shower, and a full bath. The possibilities are endless.

Related Article: What You Should Know About Waterproofing Basement Walls

5. QUALITY OF THE BATHROOM FIXTURES AND MATERIALS

Aside from the bathroom size, another vital factor is the quality of the fixtures, furnishings, materials that will be used in the bathroom remodel. These may include a toilet system, vanity, bathroom sink, cabinet, lighting, sink faucet, and showerheads.

If you want high-end or luxurious bath fixtures, then you can expect to spend more on the bathroom project. Tailor-made cabinetry, for instance, will have a significantly higher price than ready-made ones. Likewise, some bathroom fixtures are also pricier and more elaborate than others, such as a jet tub, pedestal sink, or even copper pipes for a rustic feel.

Finally, some materials (such as wood or bathroom floor options) may be of higher quality or less accessible than others. For example, ordering, buying, or delivering them may be laborious or time-consuming. All of these can further increase the expenses.

6. PERMITS

Several home renovation projects in Canada – including a bathroom addition in the basement – will require permits. In other words, your local government unit will have to approve the home remodelling first before the builder can get started with the construction work.

To avoid clashing with the law and paying exorbitant fees, make sure you understand the building permit regulations. The price of the permit will depend greatly on your location and the bathroom project you are doing. Learn more about applying for a building permit in Toronto.

THE PERFECT BATHROOM FOR YOUR BASEMENT AND BUDGET

Finishing your basement is an investment. And this rings true whether you plan to turn it into another bedroom, an apartment, or even a home theatre room. By constructing a new basement bathroom, you can increase the value of your furnished basement even further.

But let’s face it: home improvement projects are by no means cheap. If you add a bathroom to the basement, you can expect to spend more on the whole renovation endeavour. Of course, you would want to have an idea of how much money you will need, allowing you to budget accordingly. The last thing you want to do is try to scramble for some enormous cash at the last minute – just because you have miscalculated the expenses.

This is also why it is vital to hire only capable contractors or a reliable basement finishing company in Toronto. They will let you know early on about the costs associated with the basement remodelling, including providing a detailed breakdown and the bathroom costs per square foot, among others. Plus, they will also work within your budget and, if necessary, offer financing options. This way, you won’t have to worry much about the finances while the renovation process is well underway. Contact Basement Renovations Now for a free estimate or to schedule a consultation.