Converting a bedroom into a bathroom is a popular choice for many homeowners. An extra bathroom can be extremely useful in a home, and can add value to your property for the future.
Not every bedroom is suitable for conversion, and some obstacles and costs can make conversion projects difficult. In this guide, we’ll explore the factors that you should consider when deciding whether to convert your bedroom into a bathroom.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is important to avoid leaks and structural damage. You should choose a waterproof covering like tile, bathroom paint, or beadboard to cover bathroom walls. Your floor will need waterproof material (like tiles or water-resistant laminate flooring) if you plan to install a shower. The shower itself needs to be protected from leaks. For this, you can use shower sealant — once dry, this forms a water-resistant surface. Over time, shower sealant can go mouldy and/or peel away, leading to insufficient waterproofing. When this happens, simply remove it and reapply a new layer.
Space and Layout
You may not need a particularly large room, especially if you already have a main bathroom and simply want a second room for a shower, sink, and toilet. It’s important to make sure that you can fit all of your desired bathroom fittings into the space safely. Overcrowding a space can affect its functionality and even make using it dangerous.
When planning a layout, it can be a good idea to separate the room into different “zones” — for example, the toilet zone, the shower zone, the sink zone, etc. Depending on the size of the room, you may or may not want to install a bathtub.
Proximity to Plumbing
Plumbing is vital for bathrooms, and can be the biggest limitation when it comes to choosing a room for conversion. The bedroom needs to be close enough to water and sewer pipes, unless you want to spend large amounts of money installing new pipes. There may not be enough space under the floor to fit new pipes, so you should check this first. If in doubt, call in a plumber for a professional opinion.
Ventilation
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Adequate ventilation is extremely important — bathrooms are prone to more water vapour and condensation than any other room of the house (unless, of course, you’ve installed a separate steam room or sauna in your home!). Inadequate ventilation can cause mould and damp, which is not only unsightly but can also damage health and the structural safety of your home.
Any room with a shower needs ventilation (for example, an extractor fan) to allow steam to exit. Ventilation can eliminate unpleasant odours quickly and prevent them from entering other rooms of the house. If you only have a bath and not a shower, it may be sufficient to simply open a window through which vapour can escape.
Privacy and Natural Light
Two important factors to consider are privacy and natural light. These can contradict each other — natural light requires large windows exposed to the sun, which can reduce privacy. In most cases, a balance needs to be struck.
One option is to install a skylight to increase natural light without increasing neighbours’ visibility into the bathroom. Alternatively, you may prefer to keep blinds closed and rely on artificial light. Many people choose to replace windowpanes with frosted glass to allow in some natural light while still obscuring visibility from outside.
Consider visibility from inside the home. Think about sightlines when choosing a room and placing fixtures — you probably don’t want the toilet or shower to be visible from other rooms.
Cost
The cost of any conversion will make the difference between a project being possible and impossible. There are many factors involved here — materials, labour, and fixtures. Avoid skimping on fixtures if you don’t want to end up replacing them a few years down the line.
The cost of converting a bedroom into a bathroom in the UK typically ranges from around £5,000 to over £20,000. It can be helpful to get quotes for materials and labour to make sure you stay within budget.
An Important Note
With any renovation project, check first if you need planning permission. Converting a bedroom into a bathroom is unlikely to require permission unless you’re adding an extension onto your house, or if your house happens to be a listed building. If you want your renovation project to be successful, make sure you consider these tips and tricks.
