Key Takeaways
| Factor | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Converting existing space to a bathroom | $5,000 – $25,000 |
| Building a bathroom home addition | $20,000 – $75,000 |
| Average cost per square foot (conversion) | $200 – $250 |
| Average cost per square foot (extension) | $400 – $500+ |
Adding a bathroom can enhance the functionality and value of your home. Understanding the costs involved and the different options available can help you plan your bathroom addition effectively.
Average Cost to Add a Bathroom
The cost to add a bathroom depends on whether you are converting an existing space or building a new addition.
Average Cost to Add a Bathroom
| Bathroom Type | Average Cost per Square Foot | Average Total Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Conversion | $200 – $250 | $5,000 – $25,000 |
| Extension | $400 – $500+ | $20,000 – $75,000+ |
Cost by Bathroom Location
Converting an Existing Space
The cost to convert an existing space into a bathroom varies based on the location within the home.
| Location | Size (Square Feet) | Average Conversion Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Closet / Under Staircase | 15 – 30 | $3,000 – $7,500 |
| Laundry Room | 40 – 70 | $7,500 – $16,000 |
| Upstairs Space | 40 – 80 | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Basement | 50 – 100 | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Attic | 50 – 150 | $10,000 – $38,000 |
| Bedroom / Office | 100 – 150 | $20,000 – $38,000 |
| Garage | 100 – 120 | $20,000 – $30,000 |
New Addition
Building a new addition for a bathroom is more expensive but allows for greater customization.
Cost by Bathroom Size
The size of the bathroom significantly impacts the cost of the addition.
| Size (Square Feet) | Conversion Cost | Addition Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small Half Bath (15 – 20) | $3,000 – $5,000 | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Small ¾ Bath (25 – 40) | $5,000 – $10,000 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Medium-Sized Full Bath (40 – 50) | $8,000 – $12,500 | $16,000 – $25,000 |
| Large Full Bath (50 – 100) | $10,000 – $25,000 | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Primary Bath (100 – 200) | $20,000 – $50,000 | $40,000 – $100,000 |
Cost by Bathroom Type
The type of bathroom you add also affects the overall cost.
| Type | Basic Bathroom | Luxury Bathroom |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Bath / Powder Room | $3,000 – $8,000 | $9,000 – $16,000 |
| Three-Quarter Bath | $5,000 – $16,000 | $15,000 – $32,000 |
| Full Bathroom | $8,000 – $20,000 | $24,000 – $40,000 |
| Jack and Jill Bathroom | $10,000 – $25,000 | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Wet Room | $10,000 – $20,000 | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Primary Bathroom | $20,000 – $80,000 | $60,000 – $160,000+ |
How much does it cost to add a bathroom?
The cost to add a bathroom to your home can vary significantly depending on whether you’re converting existing space or building a new addition. Converting an existing space, such as a closet or laundry room, into a bathroom typically costs between $5,000 and $25,000. Building a new bathroom addition, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $75,000 or more.
Average cost to add a bathroom
The average cost per square foot to convert existing space into a bathroom is $200 to $250, with total costs ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. For a bathroom addition, the average cost per square foot is higher at $400 to $500+, with total costs ranging from $20,000 to $75,000+.
Cost by bathroom location
Converting an existing space
The cost to convert an existing space into a bathroom depends on the size and location of the space:
| Location | Size (square feet) | Average conversion cost |
|---|---|---|
| Closet / under staircase | 15 – 30 | $3,000 – $7,500 |
| Laundry room | 40 – 70 | $7,500 – $16,000 |
| Upstairs space | 40 – 80 | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Basement | 50 – 100 | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Attic | 50 – 150 | $10,000 – $38,000 |
| Bedroom / office | 100 – 150 | $20,000 – $38,000 |
| Garage | 100 – 120 | $20,000 – $30,000 |
New addition
Building a new bathroom addition is generally more expensive than converting existing space, as it requires additional construction work, such as foundation, framing, and roofing. The cost of a bathroom addition can vary widely depending on the size, location, and features of the new space.
Cost by bathroom size
The size of the bathroom is a significant factor in determining the overall cost of the project:
| Size (square feet) | Conversion cost | Addition cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small half bath (15 – 20) | $3,000 – $5,000 | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Small ¾ bath (25 – 40) | $5,000 – $10,000 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Medium-sized full bath (40 – 50) | $8,000 – $12,500 | $16,000 – $25,000 |
| Large full bath (50 – 100) | $10,000 – $25,000 | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Primary bath (100 – 200) | $20,000 – $50,000 | $40,000 – $100,000 |
Cost by bathroom type
The type of bathroom you choose can also impact the overall cost:
| Type | Basic bathroom | Luxury bathroom |
|---|---|---|
| Half-bath / powder room | $3,000 – $8,000 | $9,000 – $16,000 |
| Three-quarter bath | $5,000 – $16,000 | $15,000 – $32,000 |
| Full bathroom | $8,000 – $20,000 | $24,000 – $40,000 |
| Jack and Jill bathroom | $10,000 – $25,000 | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Wet room | $10,000 – $20,000 | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Primary bathroom | $20,000 – $80,000 | $60,000 – $160,000+ |
Bathroom features
The cost of individual bathroom features can add up quickly:
| Fixture | Average installation cost* |
|---|---|
| Shower | $1,000 – $15,000 |
| Tub | $800 – $4,600 |
| Toilet | $350 – $800 |
| Sink and faucet | $580 – $2,000 |
| Countertop and vanity | $400 – $4,000 |
| Flooring | $350 – $2,500 |
| Plumbing | $450 – $1,800 |
| Electrical wiring | $175 – $850+ |
| Light fixtures | $200 – $600 |
| Exhaust fan | $250 – $950 |
| Mirror | $140 – $430 |
| Medicine cabinet | $150 – $400 |
Bathroom addition cost factors
In addition to the size, location, and features of the bathroom, several other factors can influence the overall cost of the project:
Labor cost
Labor costs can account for a significant portion of the total cost of a bathroom addition, often ranging from 40% to 65% of the total budget. Hiring experienced, licensed professionals is essential to ensure the job is done correctly and up to code.
Bathroom addition FAQs
Can you add a bathroom to a house?
Yes, you can add a bathroom to a house by either converting existing space or building a new addition. However, the feasibility and cost of the project will depend on factors such as the available space, plumbing access, and local building codes.
Does adding a bathroom add value?
Adding a bathroom can significantly increase the value of your home, especially if you only have one bathroom to begin with. According to a National Association of Home Builders study, adding a half bath can increase home value by 10.5%, while adding a full bath can boost value by 20%.
What is a .75 bathroom?
A .75 bathroom, also known as a three-quarter bath, typically includes a sink, toilet, and shower, but no bathtub. This type of bathroom is a popular choice for smaller spaces or as a secondary bathroom.
How can I save money on a bathroom addition?
To save money on a bathroom addition, consider:
- Converting existing space instead of building a new addition
- Choosing budget-friendly finishes and fixtures
- Doing some of the work yourself, such as painting or tiling
- Shopping around for the best prices on materials and labor
Getting estimates from bathroom contractors
Before starting a bathroom addition project, it’s essential to get estimates from several contractors to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Here are some questions to ask potential contractors:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Can you provide references from previous clients?
- How long have you been in business?
- What is your estimated timeline for the project?
- Do you offer a warranty on your work?
- How do you handle unexpected issues or changes to the project scope?
By carefully planning your bathroom addition and working with experienced professionals, you can create a beautiful and functional new space that adds value to your home.
Cost to Add a Bathroom Summary
Adding a bathroom can enhance the functionality and value of your home. By understanding the costs, benefits, and available options, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and budget.
For more information on bathroom additions and to explore other cost-related guides, visit our detailed articles on bathroom remodel cost and home improvement cost.
