Should I Build a Basement Bathroom?

[John Seitz]

Hello, 

I'm new to the field and looking for advice. I'm eyeballing a house with an unfinished basement that is in really good shape (dry as a bone, well-maintained, etc.) The main bath on the first floor (the only bath) is pretty small and tight. There's no way to expand it without knocking out the back wall of the house which I don't want to do at this point. I was thinking of refinishing part of the basement, would it be worthwhile to add a bath? Half or Full? There is currently no plumbing for a bath in the basement so this would be from scratch.

Thanks, John

[Bill J Fay]

Finishing a basement is usually a great value add, meaning you will get a return on your initial investment. Make sure this is the case in your area. How much more are homes selling with finished basements? If it's a rental, how much are basement bedrooms renting for? It is all about your ROI. If you're digging concrete to add plumbing, it is almost always worth it to make a full vs a half.