It is true that older homes typically have fewer bathrooms than modern homes. This is because the expectations and lifestyles of homeowners have changed over time. In the past, it was common for families to share a single bathroom, whereas today, having multiple bathrooms is seen as a necessity for many homeowners.
In addition, building codes and regulations have evolved over time, requiring newer homes to have a minimum number of bathrooms based on the size and type of the home. For example, a three-bedroom house built in the 1960s might have only one bathroom, whereas a similar-sized home built today would likely have at least two or more.
The lack of bathrooms in older homes can create challenges for modern homeowners, especially if they have large families or frequently entertain guests. Adding a bathroom to an older home can be a smart investment that not only increases the functionality and convenience of the space but also enhances its value.
If you have a large family, enjoy entertaining, or are looking at the resale value of your home, a bathroom addition is worth considering, and might even be vital. There are several ways to go about adding a bathroom, and our designers at Hatchett can help you figure out the best strategy.
Considerations
- Identify the Need
- Location
- Budget
- Permits
- Design
Double Sink Vanity | Davis Bathroom Remodel
Identify the Need
There are several bathroom addition types you may consider depending on your need.
If you find yourself entertaining a crowd on a regular basis and only have one bathroom downstairs, you may consider a half bath addition, also known as a powder room.
Perhaps you’re looking to upgrade your home by adding a luxurious master suite. Having a bathroom attached to your master bedroom provides a higher level of convenience and comfort. It eliminates the need to share a bathroom with other family members or guests and provides a private space for you to relax and unwind.
If you have an aging parent, you may need a bathroom that is more accessible, with features such as grab bars, a walk-in shower, or a raised toilet seat, to accommodate mobility issues or aging in place.
Location, Location, Location
You’ll need to determine the location that best serves your needs. It’s important to also keep the location of existing plumbing in mind. The closer your new bathroom is to supply and drainage lines, the more affordable the renovation will be.
With bathroom additions, you have two options: build out by adding square footage to your home, or convert existing square footage into a bathroom. While adding square footage to your home is the easier option, there are ways to take unused space and convert it into a unique and useful bathroom addition.

Eclectic Hall Bathroom | Rust Bathroom Remodel
Wasted Space Under Stairwell
Unused space under a stairwell can be ideal for a powder room. It’s cozy, but half the fun is finding creative ways to make the space feel larger. Utilize bold patterns or unique features to give visual interest to your half bath.

Blue & White Bathroom with Wall-Hung Sink | Callahan Bathroom
End of Hallway
Converting the end of a hallway into a half bath is a popular way to maximize space in a home. A small closet or storage space can be removed to create enough room for a toilet and sink, and a pocket door can be installed to save even more space.

Custom Closet | Owen Park Primary Bathroom Remodel
Convert a Closet
The amount of closet space you have can vary widely depending on the size and layout of your home, and not all closets are created equal. If you have a walk-in closet that’s rarely used or a smaller closet that could be reconfigured, converting it into a bathroom can be a smart way to maximize space and add functionality to your home.
Bonus: This gives you the opportunity to re-work your current closet to be custom and functional.

Bathroom with Walk-In Shower | Garrett Ensuite Addition
Repurpose Garage Space
If you can talk your significant other into sacrificing some of his garage space, that’s a convenient location that’s usually near the kitchen (and existing plumbing).

Expand the Laundry Room
Hatchett Design Remodel can help you expand the functionality of your laundry room by incorporating a bathroom into the space. By utilizing clever design and space-saving solutions, such as a large single basin sink that can double as a utility sink, your laundry room can be transformed into a multi-functional space that meets all your household needs.
Bathroom Addition Cost & Return on Investment
When it comes to bathroom additions, it’s important to consider both the cost and the value of the project. According to Remodeling Magazine‘s 2022 Cost Vs. Value Report, the average cost of a mid-range bathroom addition is $57,843, while an upscale one can cost as much as $103,524.
While these figures may seem high, it’s important to remember that a bathroom addition can add significant value to your home. In fact, a homeowner can recoup up to 49.8% of the cost of a mid-range bathroom addition and up to 41.3% of an upscale one, making it a smart investment that can pay off in the long run. In addition to the financial benefits, a new bathroom can also improve your quality of life by providing additional space and convenience.
At Hatchett Design Remodel, we understand the importance of balancing cost and value, and we’ll work with you to create a bathroom addition that meets your needs and budget while also adding significant value to your home.
How to Add a Bathroom Addition
The final two considerations are permits and design. Experience a truly seamless and stress-free bathroom addition process with Hatchett Design Remodel. Our team of experts will handle the permit process to ensure that your project meets all necessary regulations and requirements.
If you’re considering adding value to your home with a bathroom addition, working with a designer can help you unlock the full potential of your space. At Hatchett Design Remodel, we understand that every home is unique and offer personalized design solutions tailored to your needs and preferences. Our experienced design team can guide you through the process and help you create a bathroom addition that maximizes the value and functionality of your home.
Contact us today to discuss your project – it costs nothing to ask, and we’re always here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much value does an extra bathroom add?
Does an addition add value to a home?
What type of addition adds the most value to a home?
Is it hard to add a bathroom to a house?
What should I consider when adding a bathroom?
- Identify the Need
- Location of the bathroom
- Budget
- Permits and Construction
- Design
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