You’ll have more space for your cosmetics, improve your home resale value, and your guest accommodation features! Increased privacy, convenience, and hygiene are additional benefits of the laundry room to bathroom conversion.
Here is the comprehensive guide that will teach you everything you need to know to convert laundry room to bathroom.
Assessing Feasibility
Can you convert laundry room to bathroom? Does your current laundry room meet the space requirements, is it possible to fix the plumbing and electrical requirements? Explore the most important feasibility considerations.
Space Requirements
To create a functional bathroom you need to follow the general guidelines for size:
- Toilet – 30 inches wide
- Sink – 30x 0 inches
- Bathtub or shower – 60 x 30 inches
- Clearance space for usability – minimum of 24 inches of clear space in front of the toilet
Take a measuring tape and check if your laundry room is adequate. Keep in mind your personal preferences for bathroom size.
Plumbing Considerations
Can a laundry room be converted to a bathroom depends a lot on the plumbing layout and potential modifications. Consult a plumber to evaluate the situation and ensure proper drainage and water supply installations.
Electrical and Ventilation Needs
If you want to convert basement laundry room to bathroom, the biggest challenge may be ventilation and electrical wiring. To understand the scope of changes, you’ll first have to access the current electrical setup.
If you don’t have experience or necessary knowledge about ventilation and electrics, consult a professional. Improver ventilation leads to mold and moisture and faulty electrical wiring is a major safety hazard.
Planning and Design
If your laundry room meets the space and installation requirements, it’s time to start with planning.
Layout Design
Once you remove everything from the room, take the rope or chalk stick to mark the space. Experiment with the layout to maximize the functionality of the space. Find the place for the key elements – toilet, sink, and shower or bathtub to ensure comfort.
Search online for inspiration, creative solutions and space-saving options.
Choosing Fixtures and Materials
Select space-saving elements, such as:
- Round or wall-mounted toilet
- Corner sink
- Compact bathtub or shower with slide doors
- Floating vanity
- Vertical storage
Invest in quality moisture-resistant materials to ensure the longevity of your entire bathroom.
Budgeting
How much does it cost to convert a laundry room into a bathroom depends on a lot of factors – plumbing, electrical works, fixtures, materials, and unexpected issues.
The total cost range goes between $10,000 for basic conversion to $25,000 for custom-made conversion with premium materials and fixtures. If you want to convert laundry room to half bathroom, with only a toilet or shower, the cost will be significantly lower.
You can request several quotes from local contractors to get a better sense of the total cost to convert laundry room to bathroom.
Preparing the Space
If you are ready to start with the project, here are the first steps.
Demolition
Remove existing fixtures, cabinets, and appliances and clear the entire area. Dispose of everything responsibly, and donate or recycle the appliances you won’t be using anymore. If you have some temporary partitions, demolish them and dispose of debris safely.
Addressing Structural Changes
If you have the necessary skills, make the needed structural modifications. Add reinforcing walls or partitions. If you aren’t skilled enough to do it yourself, hire a local contractor.
Lastly, get informed about building codes and applicable regulations, and ensure your new bathroom is compliant with relevant codes.
Plumbing and Electrical Work
Is it easy to convert laundry room to bathroom mostly depends on the complexity of the plumbing work needed and if you plan to do it yourself or hire a professional?
Plumbing Installation
To accommodate new fixtures for your new bathroom, you’ll have to extend or reroute water supply lines and the existing drain pipes. Water flow and drainage issues can happen if the water supply route isn’t appropriate, so consult a plumber if you lack the skills and knowledge for such tasks.
Next, for rough-in plumbing, place pipes and drain connection in the wall to make sure your plumbing work is located properly and you have easy access to it.
Electrical Setup
For your new bathroom to be functional, you’ll have to install outlets, and switches and connect wiring for proper bathroom lighting. Get GFCI outlets for the bathroom and follow other safety standards to prevent electrical hazards.
Ventilation Installation
Bathroom ventilation is important for bathroom air quality and to prevent mold and mildew development. Install an adequate exhaust fan with a capacity that matches your space. Keep in mind that a fan needs to be rated for use in wet or damp locations to be safely installed around the shower or bathtub.
Exhaust fans come with an installation guide and require a drilling hole and simple electrical wiring work. If you aren’t experienced with electrical work, hire a professional to do it.
Installing Fixtures and Finishes
Once the plumbing and electrical work is completed, proceed with other tasks.
Flooring and Walls
For bathroom flooring, you have several options to choose from, with different levels of moisture resistance:
- Ceramic tile – durable, various styles available
- Porcelain tile – less porous than ceramic tiles
- Vinyl plank flooring – suitable for DIY installation, mimics the appearance of wood Offers the look of wood or stone, is waterproof, and is easy to install.
- Luxury vinyl tile (LVT): premium vinyl that looks like natural materials, excellent moisture resistance
- Natural Stone – luxurious options, marble, granite, slate
- Sheet vinyl – seamless installation, great for high humidity
- Cork flooring – water resistant with gives warmth
For walls, most people opt for porcelain or ceramic tiles, but you can also pick vinyl wallpapers, glass tiles, and fiberglass panels.
Fixture Installation
Toilet, sink, and shower or bathtub installation require at least one afternoon if you are skilled enough and experienced with such work. For example, to install a toilet you’ll have to prepare the flange, install a wax ring, and set the toilet before you secure the bolts and attach the tank.
Sink installation is a bit simpler, and connecting the water supply and drain is the most challenging step.
Shower installation can be difficult because you’ll have to position the base and secure it to wall studs. Then, proceed with faucet and showerhead installation and connect the overflow drain. Once your shower or bathtub is in position, seal the edges and test every fixture for leaks.
Lighting and Ventilation
Complete the lighting installation with LED strips, recessed lighting, and ceiling light. Don’t forget dimmers and switch controls for easy light customization.
Secure and test the exhaust fan to prevent moisture buildup.
Finishing Touches
Only a few steps are left before your conversion project is complete.
Painting and Decoration
Decide the color scheme and paint what’s needed. However, make sure to choose paint colors suitable for wet and damp areas. Include a few decorative items, such as wall art and potted plants which thrive in humid environments.
Storage Solutions
Access the available space to get appropriate storage items, such as cabinets, open shelves, and vanity units. If you are limited with space, pick space-efficient units:
- Corner shelves
- Over the toilet cabinets
- Under sink and drawer organizers
- Ladder shelves
- Back-of-door storage
Final Inspection
The last step is to expect your new bathroom:
- Plumbing – check for leakage
- Electrical installation – Test all outlets and switches
- Ventilation – See if the fan is appropriate for providing air quality
- Stability – Test fixtures to see if everything is properly sealed
- Flooring, walls, and paint – Check for moving tiles, grout and paint cracks
Address issues and touch-up if necessary.
Tips and Best Practices
Here are a few tips that may affect the convert laundry room to bathroom cost, but ensure better performance.
Hiring Professionals
Choose your contractors wisely, and inspect if they are licensed and experienced for the job you need. In addition, if your budget allows you, consult an interior designer to create the best layout for your bathroom to enhance aesthetic and functionality.
Permits and Regulations
Visit local authorities to obtain all permits for your project. Also, make sure your electrical and plumbing work is compliant with local building codes.
Future Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to preventing costly repairs and preserving aesthetics. Make sure to use an exhaust fan regularly to keep the humidity at appropriate levels and prevent mold and mildew.
Regularly inspect the bathroom and fix issues to keep the bathroom at high performance.
Conclusion
How to convert a laundry room into a bathroom? Start with careful planning and designing a functional and easy-to-maintain bathroom following our tips and steps explained in the article.
For complex projects, you can hire professionals to ensure safety, compliance with local building codes, and high-quality results.
FAQ
What permits are required for the laundry room to bathroom conversion?
Permit requirements vary across states and local authorities. However, in most states, you will need permits for electrical work, plumbing, building construction, ventilation, and inspections.
What is the minimum surface area needed to convert laundry room to bathroom?
The minimum surface area required for a complete bathroom with a toilet, sink, and bathtub is 30 to 5 square feet.
How to know if I can use an existing electrical setup for the new bathroom?
Inspect if the setup can handle the additional load from new fixtures. Check the specific outlets circuit breakers, and wiring types, to ensure they can perform properly in damp areas.
