The right number and sizes of bathrooms can make or break your home's comfort and functionality. But some homeowners find themselves struggling with 1/2 baths and 3/4 baths instead of standard, full bathrooms. Conversely, others have more bathrooms than they need due to changes in family size and living arrangements. What should you do to address either problem? Here are a few tips for right-sizing your bathroom setup.
Should You Convert to a Full Bath?
If you have a 1/2 or 3/4 bath, you have a head start on the costs and work of a remodel. Plumbing and electrical are some of the biggest costs for a bathroom addition, and you may be able to use what's already there. In addition, half (or more) of the needed space is already allotted.
An additional full bath makes your home more valuable to future buyers, so it permanently increases home value. You'll also have a wider pool of prospective buyers, especially if comparable homes tend not to have the extra full bath.
Of course, there are downsides to this move. Most powder rooms exist to save space compared to a full bathroom. So you will likely need to steal space from surrounding rooms or use an addition (although possibly just a bump-out addition). Too, homeowners may not get much actual benefit — in value or in functionality — by converting a 3/4 bath to a full bath.
Should You Convert to a Smaller Bath?
Much less common is the idea to remodel a full bathroom into something less comprehensive. The most common reason is to recapture the extra space taken up by showers or bathtubs that aren't often used. If your overall home isn't as large as you'd like, this is valuable interior real estate and should be taken advantage of. It's a particularly good choice if you can't expand outward due to yard size or zoning restrictions.
If you want to make this unconventional move, make sure that your home's value can afford it. Are there sufficient full bathrooms in the house? Many pros recommend having at least one bathtub in any home for parents and others who need it. The location of the bath also matters. If the guest room is on the main floor, for instance, don't remove the only convenient bathing facility.
Where Can You Start?
Whether you are considering converting a bath upward or downward, the best place to begin is to meet with a home improvement company in your local area. They'll professionally assess your home's strengths and weaknesses as well as all available options to achieve your goals. Call a local home improvement company today to make an appointment.
