How to Convert Your Attic Into a Bathroom?

Whether the family is growing or you just want to expand your space in the house, you may consider redesigning the rooms that are usually used as a warehouse. While the basement might already be too damp for that, giving a second life to your attic may be just the right idea.

What can you do with it, so that all family members can use it? Which is the most used room in your house where everyone spends an obscene amount of time? The answer is pretty obvious: the bathroom. Of course, turning your attic into a bathroom seems like a light bulb idea: imagine laying in the bathtub and looking at the night sky full of stars? However, there are a few reasonable questions that may arise along with the brilliance of this idea: is it even possible to turn the attic into a bathroom?  If so, what would you need for that?

Unlike the repair of the current bathroom, the creation of a new one will require the help of qualified specialists, since it involves quite a lot of technical nuances. Beginners, unfortunately, will not be able to do this on their own (unless, of course, you are a jack of all trades). However, this does not mean that you should not be actively involved in this project, because, in the end, it will be specifically designed to your needs.

Check if You Need a Permit 

Secure a Permit Before Starting Any Renovation Works

While most renovations don’t require a permit, a new bathroom will need new plumbing and electrical systems. In that case, you may want to check in with your local permitting office to see if you’ll need a permit for your attic bathroom. If you need one, check the type of required permit before starting with the project. If necessary, the experts will assist you in installing additional load-bearing structures and preparing the room for work. Did you know that a few square meters are all that is required for bathroom equipment? And because there is usually so much space in the attic, you can easily create the one-of-a-kind bathroom of your dreams up there.

Check Your Attic Flooring For Structural Support

Check Your Flooring For Structural Support

Make sure that the floor is strong enough to withstand the weight of a full bathtub/shower and other fixtures to store everything you need. Most of the attics are built in a way that the flooring can only hold so much. Attics are traditionally used for storing boxes and some old furniture, so you need to make sure that the flooring structure can hold bathroom appliances.

Plumbing, Electricity, Heating, and Ventilation Systems

Install Plumbing, Electricity, and Heating Systems

For the bathroom to be really comfortable and functional, it needs to have plumbing, electricity, and HVAC systems.

Electricity

If a large amount of daylight does not enter the attic room, provide enough sockets and lighting devices. A self-contained power supply system can also be built for the bathroom under the roof.

Plumbing

It will be ideal to install drain pipes near existing pipelines to facilitate repair work, including for drain equipment. An additional autonomous water heater can be installed if necessary.

Heating

When water is heated, communications are either integrated into the existing system or created from scratch when a new autonomous system is installed. Electric heating is even easier to install. Simply connect it and you're done. Immediately following the installation of the power supply, it is critical to pay close attention to ventilation in order to maintain a healthy atmosphere in the room, regardless of humidity level. Forced mechanical ventilation is what is truly required to maintain consistently comfortable air quality.

You can also install a bathroom fan in the attic that turns on and off along with the light. It is recommended in larger bathrooms to constantly circulate the air with the help of forced mechanical ventilation.

Ensure Good Insulation 

Good Insulation Will Ensure Bathroom Durability

It is critical to use high-quality insulation for the bathroom under the roof in order to create a room with a comfortable temperature and avoid paying too much utility bills. If you have enough space, consider adding internal insulation. This is far less difficult than installing external insulation. Technically, you can choose from a variety of materials specifically designed for attic room insulation, such as glass wool, stone wool, perlite, thin insulation (optional), hemp, flax fiber, cellulose wool, etc. Then all you have to do is cover the walls with drywall, paint, paste wallpaper, or lay tiles to transform your bathroom into a cozy haven away from the city noise. Flooring can be made of any material as long as it is light enough — from traditional tiles to treated wood parquet. A floor made of PVC or vinyl is also an option. On the other hand, using heavy floor coverings such as concrete, stone, clinker, or cement tiles is not advised. These tend to add significant weight and pressure to the supporting structures.

Useful Tips On Lighting and Appliances 

Windows Are A Source Of Natural Light

Because windows provide natural light and sun, attic windows can be used as an additional source of lighting and ventilation. Windows will have only a positive effect on the final result of the bathroom in this case. Therefore, if your attic has any, you could use them to their full potential; if not, consider carving them in. Since the attic is usually associated with something dark and dusty, try making the bathroom lighter with bright colors, white tiles, and good lighting.

Are you pro bathtubs or a shower lover? Depending on your attic bathroom design, either would go really well. The only difference is that a bathtub takes up some space and a shower can be custom made to accommodate the size of the room and its specific structures. 

Pricing

An Attic Bathroom Boosts Home Value

The plumbing behind finished walls is difficult to install, so you'll want to include it at the start of the project. The average cost to finish an attic renovation is $4,600 to $16,400, or $30 to $60 per square foot. This range includes the basics:

Drywall: $1,000 - $2,600
Insulation: $1,700 - $2,100
Subflooring: $500 - $800
Floor Joists: $1,000 - $10,000
Fan: $400 - $900

The cost of converting your attic into a bathroom ranges from $9,600 to $52,000. This includes the cost of finishing and installing a bathroom, which ranges from $5,000 to $35,000. Despite being a little expensive, attic bathrooms can boost your home's value and give you an opportunity to spend a little time by yourself, away from all the chaos of the world.