Constructing a new bathroom can be very exciting! The basement opens up your home to additional square footage to be utilized in many ways. Having a basement bathroom will enhance your home’s value along with your quality of life.
To add a bathroom, you must first complete the rough in plumbing. This guide will serve as a good foundation for planning your new bathroom construction. Creating a precise budget will make the project much more manageable.
Cost to rough in a basement bathroom average about $7,000. However, costs can range anywhere from $1,000 to $22,000. The price depends on the size, features, and materials. Labor is included in these prices, but can vary depending on the contractors you choose.
Watch this before you put a bathroom in your basement | Bathroom Rough In Tips
Why Do I Need Plumbing Rough In?
To prepare for bathroom construction, first, you must have the drains and water supply installed. These are placed in rough holes with studs. The pipe connections and frames must also be completed.
Once the rough in components are in place, the fixtures can be installed. Once you complete the rough in plumbing, you will have to schedule an inspector’s visit. All construction must comply with your municipal building codes (https://www.buildingsguide.com/build/building-codes-by-state/).
After you pass the inspection, you will be ready to begin the bathroom fixture installation. Because you must pass the inspection with flying colors, the rough in preparation must be carefully planned.
You will want the rough in to be carefully prepared to avoid any construction delays. Precise specifications must be followed to pass the inspection and start the work.
Planning the Bathroom Installation
The cost to rough in a basement bathroom highly depends on the types of fixtures you plan to install. These are the basics:
- Sink
- Faucet
- Toilet
- Shower
In addition, bathtubs and bidets are also common fixtures. We will discuss the estimated costs of these basic fixtures below.
The possibilities are endless!
You can add other amenities such as a steam room, appliances, or even a washer and dryer. It all depends on the budget and space you’re working with.
If you can dream it, you can build it!
Now, let’s take a look at the average cost of fixtures including the materials and installation:
- Sink: $250 to $5,000
- Faucet: $225 to $550
- Toilet: $300 to $4,000
- Shower: $1,250 to $3,750
- Bathtub: $475 to $3,200
- Bidet: $1,250 to 3,000
There are many brands and quality grades to choose from. Many components are easy enough to install with DIY instructions. If you don’t feel confident enough to do it yourself, you may hire a licensed contractor that guarantees the work.
Watch the following video for a tour of a typical bathroom rough in:
Cost For Sink Installation
A sink is the focal point of the bathroom. You can add your personal touch with this fixture to showcase your style. Choose from consoles, vanity sinks, pedestal sinks, and hanging sinks.
The price highly depends on the materials and brand you choose. The most budget-friendly option is a vanity with a drop-in sink.
Cost For Faucet Installation
You may purchase your own faucet or allow the contractor to source it. If you want the contractor to provide the faucet, they typically charge a commission. Most contractors prefer you purchase the faucet yourself according to your specifications.
Faucets come in all price ranges, but on average they are typically between $50 and $300. If you prefer the contractor to provide the faucet, you can expect to be charged an hourly rate or flat rate for the project.
Cost For Toilet Installation
Toilets are very modern nowadays. The brand, model, and features will determine the cost.
Check out the various options for toilets:
- Self-cleaning
- Water-saving or pressure-assisted flushing
- One-piece or two-piece
The plumbing specifications will vary according to the style of toilet you choose. The contractor must know ahead of time which type of toilet you’ll be installing. This will help in selecting the right tools.
Cost For Shower Installation
The shower installation cost depends on the materials, size, and type. It can range from $2,500 to $8,500. Walk-in showers are the most expensive to install. Their average installation price ranges from $3,000 to $14,000.
Shower replacement costs using a pre-fabricated shower stall are on average between $1,000 and $8,500. The cost to install shower plumbing ranges from $800 to $1,300.
There are three main components to any shower:
- Shower head
- Single valve
- Drain
Some shower models require additional plumbing components to be roughed in. Your contractor should be familiar with most shower models and their requirements.
Cost For Bathtub Installation
To install a brand new bathtub, the average cost ranges from $1,200 to $5,500. The cost depends on the type of bathtub you are installing. The hardware and fixtures necessary for the bathtub you choose will impact the price.
The price above includes the labor for a professional shower installation.
Cost For Bidet Installation
Bidet installations are becoming increasingly popular. Homeowners like the convenience they bring to a bathroom. Bidets are either wall-mounted or stand-alone fixtures. You can choose from different faucet configurations according to your preference.
Important Considerations
When planning the construction of a bathroom, you must keep these factors in mind:
Concrete Construction
Plumbing rough in concrete construction is much more expensive than if the space is constructed with wood. Contractors have to break and restore concrete slabs to be able to install plumbing lines.
Hence, the labor becomes much more expensive and takes longer to complete. Contractors must take into consideration concrete specifications such as:
- Plumbing depth
- Plumbing type
- Concrete slab’s thickness
- Materials
Plumbing rough in preparation in concrete ranges from $500 to $2,000 on average. This price includes all materials and labor.
Type of Materials
The type of piping material that is chosen will affect costs. For most installations, contractors will use either copper pipes or PEX pipes. You may also have to consider the home’s existing plumbing system.
Old houses have plumbing components that are outdated and even illegal. Some materials have been banned due to safety and environmental guidelines. If you’re dealing with an old property, you may need to dig out old buried pipes and replace them with new ones.
Cost of Copper Pipes
Copper pipes are preferred for most construction projects. It is the most commonly used material to rough in a bathroom. You can expect to pay about $2 to $5 per foot. A full repiping might cost you anywhere from $4,500 to $22,000.
Why copper you may ask? Because copper (https://www.copper.org/publications/newsletters/innovations/1999/06/long_lived.html) is one of the safest materials you can use. It has been proven to be safe over several decades. You do have to consider the winterization of copper pipes if you live in a cold climate.
Harsh winters with freezing temperatures may cause the pipes to burst. As long as you can winterize this material, you can be confident it will work great for your property.
PEX Pipes
Using PEX pipes for your basement bathroom’s rough in preparation is another great option. It will cost you approximately $2,200 to $5,500 on average. They are certainly less expensive than copper.
PEX is a strong material yet flexible. They can withstand a lot of pressure, so you don’t have to worry about pipes bursting or leaking. Another great advantage is the energy-efficient feature. This material retains heat and lowers your monthly utility bills.
However, the downside of PEX pipes is that they won’t last as long as copper. Since PEX is a type of plastic, it has a higher potential for damage. This material can be chewed by rodents inside your walls.
An alternative to PEX pipes is using CPVC material. The average cost is about $0.50 to $1 per foot. CPVC lasts longer, but the quality is debatable.
Get Ready for Your New Basement Bathroom!
Now, you should have a clear idea of how much it costs to rough in a basement bathroom. The details above will allow you to come up with an estimate for the whole project. Remember to check your local building codes and permits to see if you’ll have associated fees.
A new basement bathroom will be a great investment that will raise your property’s value. It is a great idea worth putting into motion!
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