Tired of fighting for your turn in the bathroom? Before you look for a new home with the extra bathroom you’ve been dreaming of, consider adding another bathroom to your existing home.
How much space do I need?
An ensuite doesn’t necessarily need much room. In fact you can fit one into as little as a 1x3 metre space! This will give you enough room for a shower at one end, a toilet at the other and a vanity in the middle. Install a cavity sliding door if space is tight – this maximises the available space for fixtures and fittings and makes it easier to move around inside the bathroom.
Where can I find space?
Converting an existing wet area like a laundry, or adding your new bathroom close to existing plumbing will be most cost effective. However, you may decide a completely different area is the more functional option. Some common areas where you might find space are:
1. Steal space from your bedroom
If you have a large bedroom, partition off space from one side to create an ensuite. Or perhaps you have a large walk-in closet that can be converted.
2. Convert back to back closets
Do you have any adjoining closets in your home? Knocking out the wall between them should give you just enough room for an ensuite or small bathroom.
3. Split a large bathroom
Some older homes have over-sized bathrooms that can be divided into two smaller bathrooms. Make one of the bathrooms an ensuite by adding a new doorway from an adjacent bedroom. This can be really cost effective since the plumbing is already in place for your existing bathroom.
4. Use a spare bedroom
Have more bedrooms than you need? Convert a spare bedroom into a good-sized bathroom or divide the space into a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite for the main bedroom.
5. Repurpose a hallway
If your hallway goes right to the end of your house, possibly finishing with a window or door outside, you have the perfect spot for a new bathroom!
6. Take over the laundry
Laundries are often underutilised, and you may find an extra bathroom is a much better use of the space. You can either keep the laundry facilities in the new bathroom or relocate them elsewhere in the house. Options include stacking the washing machine and dryer in a cupboard, or creating a laundry under the stairs or in the garage.
7. Under a staircase
You may be able to fit a sink and toilet under the stairs. Install the toilet where the ceiling is lowest – you may need to move the toilet out from the wall a little to avoid bumping your head. If you can’t have a window because the stairwell isn’t on a boundary wall, you’ll need to have some ventilation installed.
Adding an extra bathroom not only makes it easier for everyone to get out the door on time, but will also increase the value of your property. Need a professional opinion? Contact Paul for tips and suggestions on the best way to add an ensuite or extra bathroom to your home.