Homeowners who plan to add another bathroom could spend at least $3,000, but this could be only good enough for a small addition with simple features. A construction project from scratch could easily reach up to $25,000. On average, most Americans spend around $6,569 and $9,872 for a new bathroom.
Other factors such as your location and cost of labor will affect the actual price. For instance, experts on home additions in Salt Lake City would charge a different rate from a similar one in Los Angeles.
Is it a Worthwhile Investment?
If you plan to build one to increase the value of your house upon a resale, the return on investment depends on where you live in the U.S. Homeowners in the West Coast could recover up to 67% from a bathroom addition, while those in the East Coast may regain around 48% based on the National Association of Realtors’ estimates.
This doesn’t automatically indicate, however, that a house with two bathrooms in Utah would cost more than the same property in New York. It is more important to focus on the size and amenities of an extra bathroom. Families with children often want a full bathroom with a tub and shower, so adding just a half bathroom may not increase your chances of finding more buyers.
On the other hand, there are distinct advantages in building a smaller bathroom. A half bath only needs at least 18 square feet of space, which is usually divided into a three-foot wide and six-foot-long area, and therefore cost less than a full bathroom. This would be a better choice if the main bath already has a good mix of amenities for adults and children.
Finding the Right Spot
It is normally easier to find the right place for a new bathroom when you only plan to build a small addition. Hallways, closet spaces, laundry areas, and even the garage comprise some of the usual places that can be converted into a bathroom. If you have at least 30 feet of space at the end of a hallway with a window, it is a good spot to build an addition.
Building a bathroom in a laundry area will save more money because there is no need to install new plumbing and other fixtures. A bathroom that used to be a hallway seems more convenient when it is near multiple rooms in the house, although this would require you to spend more money on installing new pipes.
If you prefer convenience than affordability, then adding a bathroom on the master bedroom seems to be the best option. More people would be likely interested to buy the house when you choose this option.
Once you decide on a budget for a new bathroom construction, you should choose an insured and licensed contractor after requesting for three quotes from different companies. It’s ideal to prioritize design and functionality before thinking about your return on investment, whether or not you plan to sell your house in the future.