Can I Add a Bathroom to my House?


Adding a bathroom to your home could stop those regular arguments amongst your household.

Not only can it make life easier for you, but it may add value to your property.

We discuss where you can add a bathroom to your home, what it’s likely to cost, and how long it takes.

Can you add a bathroom anywhere in your house?

Yes, you can add a bathroom anywhere in your house.

You can create a bathroom under the stairs, turn a bedroom into a bathroom, or anywhere else you have some spare space.

If you are unsure, check with your local council before you start any work.

If you are creating a downstairs toilet, then building regulations will probably apply and you will need a building control completion certificate when the bathroom is finished.

If you don’t get this if can be hard to sell your property as there is no evidence to say the work is safe.

How much does it cost to add a bathroom in the UK?

The average cost to add a bathroom in the UK is between £4,000 to £6,000. Factors affecting the price of installing a bathroom can include your location, how much work needs to be done, the age of your property, the bathroom size and layout.

Can a bathroom be next to a kitchen in the UK?

Yes, you can add a bathroom next to a kitchen but there must be a door between them.

The bathroom must also have a sink for handwashing and any new installations must meet the relevant requirements for plumbing, ventilation, and drainage.

Can you have a wet room upstairs?

Yes. You can have a wet room upstairs or anywhere else on your property. Whether this is changing your existing bathroom into a wet room or creating a new wet room. If you are creating a new wet room, you should ensure all relevant permissions are checked before starting work.

Can I add a bathroom without planning permission?

You will likely need planning permission if you are adding a new bathroom if it includes new drainage, ventilation, structural changes, heating, or electrical work.

Heating or electrical work can be self-certified by qualified and approved installers, but you will still need Building Control to assess the work.

How much does an extra bathroom add to home value UK?

An extra bathroom in your home could increase the value of your property by around 5% or £12,000 on average.

This will, of course, vary depending on location.

Not only could it add value to your home, but it could make it sell faster. Seventy percent of estate agents believed adding an extra bathroom to your home would help you to sell it.

How long does it take to fit a bathroom?

It depends on what work you are carrying out, but it can take anywhere from 5 to 14 days.

Can you install a new bathroom yourself?

Yes, you can install a new bathroom yourself, but it will take you longer and possibly end up costing more.

A bathroom can last up to 10 years or more and you want to ensure it is done right, especially if you are adding a new bathroom.

Adding a new bathroom means it will need to meet certain requirements to get your building control completion certificate. And if you’re not experienced at this then it could cost you more to fix any mistakes.

How to install a bathroom

The process for adding a new bathroom may include prepping walls, pipework, insulating, electrical work, ventilation, finishing walls, floors, and fixtures.

Electrics

Electrical work will need to be done early on and should be carried out by a qualified and experienced professional.

If you are getting underfloor heating, this will be added at this stage along with all other electrical work.

Pipes

Before any pipework is carried out, your water should be switched off and your heating system drained.

Waste pipes will be lead at this stage.

Ventilation

It is vital to have adequate ventilation in any new bathrooms you add to your home.

If there is not enough ventilation, you could experience damp and mould which can cause health problems, especially lung issues.

You don’t necessarily need to have a window, but you should have vents that circulate the air.

Insulation

It is important to have insulation in your bathroom, especially for outside extensions.

Not only does it make it more comfortable, but it also avoids any damp, and it is more energy efficient.

Tips to keep bathroom installation costs down

  • Choose an independent bathroom installer

An independent bathroom installer such as Add Heat will allow you to choose from a range of different brands to suit your budget.

  • Pick a qualified and experienced bathroom installer

A bathroom is an investment, and a lot of problems can happen during installation. That is why it’s important to choose qualified and experienced bathroom installers.

  • Choose alternative materials

You can choose more affordable materials and fixtures if you want to cut your costs. For example, you could choose lino which looks like tiles instead of tiles.

Adding a bathroom to your home

Adding a new bathroom to your house can stop arguments and make your life more peaceful.

It can also add value to your property and help it to sell quicker.

You can add a bathroom anywhere in your home, but you may need planning permission, so it is best to check with your local council before you carry out any work.

You can carry out some of the work yourself if you are skilled, but it is best to choose an independent bathroom installer to carry out the work for you to ensure it is done to a high-quality.

An extra bathroom is an investment in your property and while there are things you can do to cut your costs; you shouldn’t cut on labour.

If you are considering installing a new bathroom in your home, at Add Heat, we provide transparent pricing and qualified bathroom installers.

We are independent, allowing you to choose from a range of brands and stay within your budget.

Contact us today to discuss your new bathroom.

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