Creating A Cozy En-Suite: A Bedroom Bathroom Project

Adding a bathroom to a bedroom can be a great way to increase the functionality and value of your home. It can be a challenging task, but with careful planning and consideration, it is certainly achievable. The first step is to find the right location, preferably near existing water and waste lines to minimise plumbing costs. The space required will depend on the desired features, with a half bathroom needing a minimum of 3 feet by 6 feet, and a full bath with a tub requiring a larger area of around 5 feet by 8 feet.

It is also important to consider the electrical and plumbing work needed, ensuring it complies with current codes and regulations. Ventilation is another crucial aspect, especially if the bathroom includes a bathtub or shower, and natural light should be incorporated if possible.

The design and decor of the bathroom can be tailored to your personal style, with options to create a luxurious or spacious feel. Overall, adding a bathroom to a bedroom can enhance the functionality of your home and potentially increase its value.

Finding space for the bathroom

Finding space for a new bathroom can be challenging, but there are several options to consider. Firstly, it's important to note that you don't need a lot of space to add a bathroom, and it can be done without changing the footprint of your home. Here are some potential areas to create your new bathroom:

Hallways

If you have a hallway that extends to the end of your house, perhaps with a window and no adjoining rooms, this could be an ideal location for your new bathroom. This option may provide the necessary space and privacy for your new bathroom.

Closets

Consider whether you truly need all your closet space. A large walk-in closet or even adjoining closets could be converted into a bathroom with a few adjustments. You might be surprised at how much space you can gain by utilising your closets differently.

Bedrooms

If you have a spacious master bedroom, there might be an area that is underutilised and could be partitioned off to create a new bathroom. This option allows you to maintain your bedroom's privacy while adding the convenience of an en-suite bathroom.

Existing bathrooms

If you have a large bathroom, dividing it into two smaller ones could be a viable solution. This approach can provide the benefits of added functionality and privacy without significantly altering your home's layout.

Under stairwells

The area under a stairwell often goes unused and can be an unexpected place to fit a small bathroom. However, you'll need to consider the plumbing and electrical requirements carefully in this case.

Oversized garages

If you have an attached garage, you might be able to bump out a shared wall to create space for a new bathroom. This option may provide the necessary square footage while still keeping your garage functional.

Attic spaces

Converting an attic space into a bathroom is another possibility. You might need to add a dormer to create sufficient headroom and natural light. Ensure that you comply with building codes and regulations when making any alterations to your attic.

Basements

Adding a bathroom to a basement requires careful consideration of plumbing and ventilation. Basements often require a special type of pump if they are below the sewer line. Additionally, an exhaust fan and proper slope for the waste line are essential factors to address.

Bumping out your home

If all else fails, you can consider adding a small addition to your home, either on a slab foundation or with a crawl space below. This option will increase your living space and provide the necessary room for your new bathroom, but it will also be the most costly and complex.

When deciding on the location for your new bathroom, it's essential to consult with professionals to ensure that your plans comply with building codes and that any necessary plumbing and electrical work can be safely completed.

Plumbing and electrical work

Plumbing:

Firstly, it is essential to consult a licensed plumber to determine the feasibility of your plans and to ensure any work complies with current codes and regulations. The ideal scenario is to keep the new bathroom's plumbing in close proximity to the existing plumbing. This will help reduce costs and simplify the installation process.

If possible, position the new bathroom on the opposite side of an existing bathroom wall, allowing pipes to meet and reducing plumbing costs. This is especially important for the vent stack for toilets, as installing a new one can be expensive. If your home has a basement or crawl space, first-floor bathrooms can be more easily plumbed compared to those on a slab foundation, which may require breaking into the concrete.

Additionally, consider the slope for the waste line, which must run downhill, and the need for an exhaust fan, which should vent to the home's exterior. If your home is on a septic system, ensure it can handle the addition of another bathroom to avoid costly system upgrades.

Electrical Work:

When adding a bathroom to a bedroom, it is crucial to ensure that there is access to sufficient electrical outlets. This is an important consideration when choosing the location for your new bathroom. Any electrical work should be completed by a qualified electrician and comply with relevant codes.

Remember to consider the electrical requirements for any fixtures you plan to install, such as lighting, fans, and heated towel racks or toilet seats. These features can enhance the functionality and comfort of your new bathroom but require careful planning to ensure adequate electrical supply.

Overall, by carefully planning the plumbing and electrical aspects of your project, you can ensure a successful addition of a bathroom to your bedroom, creating a functional and enjoyable space.

Ventilation

If your new bedroom-bathroom will have a bathtub or shower, it’s important (and often required) that the room be well-ventilated. Ideally, the room should have an exterior wall where a window can be placed or access to the roof for a skylight. If this is not possible, you will need to install an exhaust fan to help circulate the air and prevent moisture build-up. This is always worth doing, even if you do have a window in the room.

Extractor fans are most commonly used in kitchens without functional windows, but they can also be used in bathrooms. They capture steam, smoke, or moisture and redistribute it elsewhere, reducing humidity in the room while providing some ventilation as fresh air is drawn in to replace the extracted air.

If you are creating a new room or renovating an existing structure, you could choose to use perforated building materials such as air bricks to improve airflow. Passive vents are also a popular ventilation system for rooms without windows, particularly when they have exterior walls. These are often louvered vents that provide some control over the air entering the room.

If you are installing an air conditioning system, make sure the vent is open and set to fan mode so that air circulates throughout the room. If you don't have an air conditioning system, you can purchase a simple box fan or install a ceiling fan to circulate the air.

Design and decor

When designing a bathroom in a bedroom, it's important to consider both functionality and style within the limited space. Here are some design and decor ideas to make your bathroom feel spacious and stylish:

• Use light and bright colours: Light colours can help make a small room feel larger. Designer Ben Dhong created a serene space with plenty of character and harmony by using vintage pieces mixed with new, modern ones in a powder room.
• Utilise vertical stripes: Vertical stripes add height to a room, just like they do in fashion. Designer Ashley Gilbreath used a wallcovering with vertical stripes in a powder room to make the space feel taller.
• Incorporate natural elements: Bringing in natural elements is an easy way to make your bathroom feel like a spa. Place potted houseplants on the floor, countertop, and other surfaces. If natural plants don't suit your space or skills, opt for fresh flowers or faux plants.
• Add a large-scale wall covering: Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to stick to petite motifs in a small bathroom. Medium- and large-scale wallpapers and tile patterns can make a space feel larger.
• Use high-gloss paint to reflect light and amplify the space: Light-reflecting high-gloss paint can make a small bathroom feel airy and spacious. Designers Casey Kenyon and Jonathan Beck used this trick in their Brooklyn bathroom.
• Choose compact pieces: Bulky vanities and tubs can make a small bathroom feel claustrophobic. Opt for compact toilets, sinks, and floating versions to open up the space. If you must have a tub, consider a Japanese soaking tub to add serenity without taking up too much space.
• Create clever storage solutions: Built-in shelves or cabinets can help solve storage issues in a small bathroom. You can also utilise floating storage to keep everything you need within arm's reach.
• Use a glass shower door: If you're designing a small bathroom from scratch, consider scrapping the shower curtain and opting for a glass shower door. This will help to open up the space, as designer Jenny Wolf suggests.
• Keep the floor clear: A pedestal or floating vanity keeps the floor clear and creates a more spacious feel.
• Add stylish shelving: Opt for sleek shelves that fit your decor and give you extra space. Acrylic shelves that match the rest of the bathroom can be a great choice, as seen in a bathroom by Fanny Abbes.
• Incorporate plenty of bathroom storage: Make it easy to maintain a clean, uncluttered look by incorporating lots of storage. In addition to cabinets and drawers, bring in baskets, mount hooks or shelves, and utilise furniture.
• Use a wall-mounted faucet: A wall-mounted faucet is a space-saving, stylish, modern, and easy-to-clean option.
• Choose smaller details and decor: Using small-sized details and decor is a surefire way to make your small bathroom appear larger. Designer Anne Hepfer chose a compact corner vanity, a skinny and long mirror, and double wall sconces to create a spacious feel in a powder room.
• Install a skylight: Installing a skylight is an ambitious design choice, but it will make a major impact by opening up your entire bathroom and brightening the space.

Adding value to your home

Adding an extra bathroom to your home can be a great way to increase its value and improve its functionality. Here are some tips to help you add a bathroom to your bedroom:

Location, location, location

The location of your new bathroom is crucial. You'll need to consider the layout of your home and find a space that is easily accessible, ideally with an exterior wall for ventilation. Look for underutilised spaces such as under a stairwell, in an oversized closet, or even within an existing large bathroom.

Plumbing and electrical considerations

When adding a bathroom, ensure that any plumbing and electrical work complies with the current codes and regulations. It's best to consult with a licensed plumber to determine how to tie the new bathroom into your existing plumbing system most efficiently. This will help reduce costs and avoid the need for major renovations.

Ventilation and natural light

Adequate ventilation is essential, especially if your new bathroom includes a bathtub or shower. Consider adding a window or skylight to improve natural light and ventilation. If this is not possible, install an exhaust fan to help circulate air and prevent moisture buildup.

Design and functionality

When designing your new bathroom, opt for a luxurious and functional space. Consider adding features such as a tub, double shower heads, or seating. Use neutral, classic tones for tiles and fixtures, and add bold accents through rugs, candles, or paint colours. Ensure you have adequate storage solutions to keep the space organised and clutter-free.

Keep it legal

To ensure your bathroom renovation complies with building codes, obtain the necessary permits. This will give buyers peace of mind and save you from potential issues down the line. Work with licensed, bonded, and insured contractors to protect yourself and guarantee the work is done correctly.

By following these steps and considering the specific needs and layout of your home, you can successfully add a bathroom to your bedroom, increasing the value and functionality of your property.

Frequently asked questions