5 Essential Things for a DIY Basement Bathroom Project
A family’s dynamics reflects the current state
of a house. Storage rooms or playrooms are converted to bedrooms, basements
transformed into dens or recreational areas, etc. A finished basement boosts
the home’s square footage and may add substantially to the value of the property.
It goes without saying that you have contacted your local building authority
about your improvement plans.
Any major basement conversion deserves a bathroom.
The bathroom itself is another value-adding venture that you can plan. You can
even pick out the fixtures and perform some of the installations yourself.
Being hands-on helps you keep track of expenses, mainly if you are on a tight
budget.
1.
Toilet
It is the centerpiece of the bathroom. You can
install a toilet that works in above-grade rooms, which, in real estate
terminology, mean those located above the ground. You can also find something
more attuned to the basement as far as pressure and clogging go. Examples are
composting toilets, upflush toilets, and pressure-assisted toilets.
Pro tip: the upflush toilet is expensive but
easy to install because it can connect directly to the sewer line and eliminate
the need to access the sewer lines underneath the floor. It is also not prone
to clogging and can last longer.
2. Sink
On the one hand, you have a pedestal sink that
looks solid, simple, and stylish. And on the other hand, you have a cabinet
sink that promises storage for your toiletries, bath towels, and cleaning
supplies. Your choice depends on the area of the place and the aesthetic you
want to achieve. Take note that the task of adding a sink to the bathroom is similar
to that of installing a toilet.
Pro tip: there are many ways to build a sink on your bathroom vanity.
3.
Shower
A walk-in shower looks sophisticated with its half-open doors or with no doors
at all. The lack of enclosures can work for smaller bathrooms, creating a
streamlined and less claustrophobic effect. If you stick to a regular shower,
think of glass, curtains, and glass blocks for a shower wall. Moreover, pay
close attention to the shower size in relation to the room and the fixtures,
such as a bench or tub, that may be added to it.
Pro tip: showers are one of the primary
consumers of water at home, with standard showerheads utilizing 2.5 gallons of
water per minute, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In shopping
for showerheads, look for the label bearing WaterSense, which ensures that the
product has met the agency’s standards for water efficiency.
4.
Bathroom Faucets
They go to the sink and tub and appear in a
variety of form, finish, and faucet material. One major consideration is the
durability of these fixtures. They must not be susceptible to rust or
corrosion, and they should be easy to clean. The metal used to make the faucet will
determine this quality and dictate the price. For bathtubs, the popular types
for faucets are freestanding, wall-mounted, and roman tub.
Pro tip: like the showerhead, there are also
water-efficient faucets in the market.
5. Gray
Water Pump
One of the intricate and complex tasks
relating to a basement bathroom is managing wastewater and keeping it out of
the newly laminated floors. Against this backdrop, installing gray water pumps
may help you in that sewerage department. Their function is to drain dirty
water from the bath, sink, dishwasher, or in the case of a washing machine,
suds. The installation is relatively effortless, centering on the four main
connections.
Pro tip: aside from basements, water pumps are
typically used in utility rooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Indeed, these
pumps are built to take food particles and grease from kitchen sinks.
This is a high-level overview of the key
fixtures to furnish your bathroom. There could be more accessories or supplies
to buy to add for comfort and function. What is essential is for the bathroom
to help the basement live up to its promise of more living space for the
family.
One last pro tip: go for substance over style
so that your bathroom looks timeless.
