Adding A Bathroom To The Basement: How Much Does It Cost?

Kenneth Wilson

If you want to free up more space in your home, you may want to look below. That’s right– we’re talking about your basement!

Basements can be transformed into living spaces to serve different functions. To make it more convenient, you may want to install a bathroom below. Adding a bathroom in your basement ranges between $10,000 and $27,000.

Total costs will depend on building the bathroom in the existing space or if it will be an extension to your basement.

Installing a Basement Bathroom: Average Costs


Basement bathroom installation runs for $10,000 to $27,000 (or more). The basement has some unique needs construction-wise. If the bathroom is located near a pipe, you may save some money. But, basement bathrooms will generally cost you more than installing bathrooms on the upper floors are certain facilities and details are complex.

Drainage will be the trickiest thing to deal with in basement bathrooms. If your home's sewer system is above the basement level, your contractor must determine other methods to eliminate the waste.

Cost Factors in Installing a Bathroom in the Basement


Adding a bathroom in the basement will vary in cost, depending on several things. Let’s look at some of the most influential factors to consider below.

Basement Condition


Adding a new bathroom in an unfinished basement will be less expensive than working with a finished one. Working with an empty basement will make it easier for your contractor to avoid heavy demolition work, also reducing labor costs. They may also utilize existing plumbing leading to the upper floors in the room.

Availability of Drainage Lines


Every bathroom needs plumbing systems to supply water to your sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers. If the basement has a drain in place, you may expect up to 70% ROI if you place your property in the market.

Your plumber will only need to install the plumbing and connect the drainage lines. But if there’s no drain in the basement, you will need to install a new drain line, increasing labor costs.

Permits


A basement bathroom extension may require a permit. Most likely, you will need to get approval from your local government for this home renovation project before construction can even begin. (Related: Bathroom Remodeling: Does It Require Permit?)

Labor Costs


Installing plumbing lines and fixtures will cost you about $2,300 to $4,000. This doesn’t cover the cost of creating a small room to house the toilet. But if you already have a sink and faucet in your basement, you will only need to pay for the new toilet plumbing between $750 and $1,800 per fixture.

Overall, you’re looking at an average of $1,500 to $6,000 for labor costs to install a basement bathroom.

Fixtures and Fittings


Basement bathrooms may vary in features, fittings, and fixtures. Depending on your preferences, you can customize your bathroom if you want a simple toilet and sink combination or a full bathroom with a shower or bathtub. As such, prices for these fixtures will add to your total project costs.

Rough-in Plumbing


Depending on local building codes, you may need to present rough-in plumbing (rough sketch of the plumbing layout) and have it approved by the municipal authority. Without approval, you may be unable to proceed with the project. This will cost you around $350 to $700 for professional fees. (Related: What is 'Rough-in'? And How It Fits Into The Remodelling Process)

Important Note: This will depend on your local codes. If it is not required in your area, it’s still recommended that you ask your plumber to give you a rough installation plan.

Piping


As opposed to traditional copper pipes, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes are more beneficial for a basement bathroom as it doesn’t need to connect to a nearby branch of the main line. Thanks to this material’s flexibility, you can connect it to the main pipe before it finds its way down the basement. Expect to pay $1.5 to $4 per linear foot for a PEX installation.

Sewage Ejector System


A sewage ejector system is composed of pumps that will remove the sewage from the system. This is often necessary for basements since it is located below the ground floor, often too far from the pipes.

Installing this sewage ejector pump costs anywhere from $900 to $1,700 to cover material and labor costs.

Toilets


You will need to spend between $120 and $375 for the cost of a typical toilet. Expect the price to be much higher if you opt for a smart toilet or a toilet with a heated seat. The installation of a toilet may cost between $250 and $500. Installing a pipe still has a different cost, so you need to pay for installing a new toilet if you already have an existing line.

Sinks and Faucets


Sinks and faucets give the space character and allow you to choose your style, making it the most enjoyable part of designing your dream bathroom. Additionally, sinks and faucets almost have an endless range of options.

This only means that the pricing may vary significantly. However, you can still expect to spend between $400 and $5,000 for a set of sink and faucet.

Doors


Doors are an essential addition to your bathroom for your privacy. It costs anywhere between $170 and $450, depending on whether a professional works on it. You should have no problem fitting a door yourself as it is a reasonably straightforward task. It will make it easier if you have the physical strength or have someone’s assistance to hang it while you fit it.

Showerheads


Like a faucet, a shower comes in countless different shapes, sizes, styles, and qualities. You can even find a showerhead for $50 if you are low on budget.

You can spend more than $500 on a showerhead if you want to accomplish your dream bathroom. The good news is that you may not require to pay for additional labor because shower heads are straightforward to install even by yourself.

Electricity


In some cases, you will need to bring electricity underneath your basement or wire it in new outlets. Generally, you will be charged by electricians around $75 to $80 per hour for this service. The recommended outlet for all bathrooms is GFCI outlets.

Overall Verdict: Is it a Good Idea to Add a Bathroom to the Basement?


It is a great idea to install a bathroom in your finished basement for maximum comfort and convenience. This will eliminate the need to run to the main floor (or upper floors) if you badly need to go to the toilet. It will make life so much easier for everyone in your home. If you only have one working bathroom at home, it will also serve as an extra bathroom for when more than one family member needs to address mother nature's call.

Lastly, a basement bathroom installation project will add more value to the living space. If you plan to place your home on the market after several years, potential homebuyers may see it as a compelling reason to purchase!

Kenneth Wilson
March 29, 2022
Bathroom Remodeling, Cost Guides

Kenneth Wilson

Retired contractor. Currently residing in Southwest Florida. Now in semi-retirement, I write and manage this blog focused on helping home owners make savvy decisions when it comes to finding contractors and getting their projects done. I also operate remodeling design service for homeowners.

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