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Replies (19)
- Laura Stankorb, "laurastankorb"
- Contributions:13
These days, the trend is absolutely toward the shower-only option, as long as there is at least one tub in the house, preferably in the bathroom accessed from the secondary (not the master) bedrooms. I can say with certainty that there is absolutely no reason to put a bath in the basement.
- wetdawgs
- Contributions:26798
If you are installing a kitchenette, are you thinking of this as a possible "mother-in-law" suite? If that is the case, then a bath would be a good idea. If not, then a shower would be fine.
- Laura Stankorb, "laurastankorb"
- Contributions:13
Sorry, but I would have to disagree. Truthfully, baths just don't work well for the elderly (but they are indispensable for small children). If you have any plans of creating a future mother-in-law suite, you may want to consider installing grab bars. Grab bars and a fold-down seat, which can be installed at a future date, are the best practice recommended by the ADA.
- cybersolidarity
- Contributions:5
Thanks Laura, I was thinking the same thing. There might be a chance that my Mom would need to live with me at some point, and stepping over a tub is often difficult (and dangerous) for an elderly person. The way that the basement bathroom was stubbed in would make it very difficult to provide a seperate shower and a tub. I need to pick one or the other, or have major cement and plumbing work done.
So yes, for my use, or for a future owner, I was thinking along the lines of all of the necessities being available in the basement area.
So yes, for my use, or for a future owner, I was thinking along the lines of all of the necessities being available in the basement area.
- Lauri Ann Maloney, "Lauri Ann Maloney"
- Contributions:51
I think the big questions are "who likes to use bathtubs" and "who would sleep in the bedroom?" Most bathtubs are used by small children and women. More than likely the basement bedroom is not going to be used by small children, or the lady of the house. So, the bathroom would probably be used most for guests or for those accessing the rec room. I would tend to recommend the shower only in this case. I don't think a shower only scenario would cause you any problems with resale.
- Carl Heldmann, "mrbuilder"
- Contributions:32
Many people would never consider a bathroom without a tub AND shower an asset.
Here's a way to have the best of both worlds, a sunken tub/shower :)
Carl
www.byoh.com
Here's a way to have the best of both worlds, a sunken tub/shower :)
Carl
www.byoh.com
- Kate Walsh, "Feng Shui Realtor"
- Contributions:67
I think it depends on what part of the country you are located in. Is your city, size of home, neighborhood, etc. showing any gains at this time? What price range would your home sell for today?
You already have three baths in your home. Is there a need to finish the lower level at this time, particularly when you can only afford to finish one room at a time? Your money may be better spent maintaining and/or renovating your existing spaces rather than adding space. If your home is dated, upgrading the existing space would be the better option. It also depends on if you wish to finish the lower level for your own use vs. to sell the home in the next 2-4 years.
You already have three baths in your home. Is there a need to finish the lower level at this time, particularly when you can only afford to finish one room at a time? Your money may be better spent maintaining and/or renovating your existing spaces rather than adding space. If your home is dated, upgrading the existing space would be the better option. It also depends on if you wish to finish the lower level for your own use vs. to sell the home in the next 2-4 years.
- bamkmartin
- Contributions:104
Go with the stand up shower with removable hand wand. And, I also have a nice large jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom. I have used it once in the 3 years that I have been in the house. I would much rather see a nice, functional shower than a jacuzzi tub. What a waste of money.
- turn
- Contributions:23
shower in bath.
I agree that if you really don't need the extra space and need to update...do that instead.
We just changed 6 bathroom faucets, 5 light fixtures and window treatments in 3 rm and it is AMAZING the difference it made! Total cost: $1250.
I agree that if you really don't need the extra space and need to update...do that instead.
We just changed 6 bathroom faucets, 5 light fixtures and window treatments in 3 rm and it is AMAZING the difference it made! Total cost: $1250.
- FWDAVIS
- Contributions:1
If you are going to add a bathroom, do a custom frameless shower stall with a hand held shower head, this will add value
- James Foy, "perfectfitz"
- Contributions:16
Another option, not addressed, pipe sizing for both supply and drainage. A shower is 2 less units than a bath, so might save you money in the long run. If you add the kitchenette, and bath, you might need to upgrade your water meter and/or supply piping to keep up your water pressure. Check with your local building department--many contractors will tell you it doesn't need to be done unless the inspector tells you to, which could lead to problems later...or just unsatisfactory showers.
- DanaEv
- Contributions:62
We just bought a house with this. We have a walk out basement that has been finished and carpeted. The owners put in a bathroom which has a large shower, toilet and cabinet with sink. It's great, and I can't imagine the need for a tub, since we have two other tubs in the house (one in the master suite, one in the kids' bathroom). I can't think of a reason right now, off the top of my head, to put in a bathtub. Most people take showers and even women don't often have time for a bath. So.....I'd go with a really nice shower that's a decent size and leave out the tub.
In our case, the shower is used for people coming in from the pool, or sometimes if I'm in the shower, my husband will go down there to take a shower. If there was only a bathtub down there, he wouldn't be able to take his shower before work if I was in our shower.
I think they add alot of value, since we have 3 1/2 baths because of this addition.
Just one thought though...on the show Holmes on Holmes, which is one of my favorite shows, he says that if a stove is added to a basement, it immediately becomes a 'rental' unit and the house has to be changed to that designation. A homeowner wanted to add a bathroom, kitchen, and living room to a basement so her daughter and grandkids could live there, and he said they could do a bathroom, living room and anything else, but as soon as a stove was installed, the designation of the house changes. Now, his show is in Canada so I don't know all the rules here in the US, but I'd definitely check that out before I put in a kitchenette.
In our case, the shower is used for people coming in from the pool, or sometimes if I'm in the shower, my husband will go down there to take a shower. If there was only a bathtub down there, he wouldn't be able to take his shower before work if I was in our shower.
I think they add alot of value, since we have 3 1/2 baths because of this addition.
Just one thought though...on the show Holmes on Holmes, which is one of my favorite shows, he says that if a stove is added to a basement, it immediately becomes a 'rental' unit and the house has to be changed to that designation. A homeowner wanted to add a bathroom, kitchen, and living room to a basement so her daughter and grandkids could live there, and he said they could do a bathroom, living room and anything else, but as soon as a stove was installed, the designation of the house changes. Now, his show is in Canada so I don't know all the rules here in the US, but I'd definitely check that out before I put in a kitchenette.
- General Home Repair
- Contributions:7
With the way you are claiming to set up the basement when it is all done, I would say that the tub would be a good idea as well as maybe leaning towards Hadicap Accessible. Reason being is that a lot of people can't afford or don't want to put their parents in a "Home". Having this set up for a possible "in-law" suite could increase the value as well as being desirable for potential buyers of a home that size. You can do this without having it look like it was made for hadicap access.
Look at all the options to make an educated decision and have no regrets.
Look at all the options to make an educated decision and have no regrets.
- AlexShek
- Contributions:76
It also depends on your long term plans. If you are planning to stay in the house for 5-7 years or more, don't be concerned about people who will eventually buy your home. You are doing it first of all for your family.
Since your mother may move in with you, I am leaning towards "no threshold" shower.
Since your mother may move in with you, I am leaning towards "no threshold" shower.
- Melody91
- Contributions:229
I agree that it depends whether you intend to use it as an in-law suite or rent it out as a small independent unit.
If you intend to do the latter, my best advice, would respectfully differ from some of that above; you need to keep your bases as broad as you can.
If there were another bath on that level, I would 100% agree with the shower only advice; that not being the case, I do believe the combo might be to your best interest, and might actually add value to your property.
I do not think it costs that much to add to the shower part of the (new) tub combo, an additional hand held shower...it is both European, chic, convenient for shampoos, and even for rinsing kids' feet or anyone's feet off.
Doing room by room does delay the process; yet it definitely minimizes the chaos most!
Lots of luck to you.
If you intend to do the latter, my best advice, would respectfully differ from some of that above; you need to keep your bases as broad as you can.
If there were another bath on that level, I would 100% agree with the shower only advice; that not being the case, I do believe the combo might be to your best interest, and might actually add value to your property.
I do not think it costs that much to add to the shower part of the (new) tub combo, an additional hand held shower...it is both European, chic, convenient for shampoos, and even for rinsing kids' feet or anyone's feet off.
Doing room by room does delay the process; yet it definitely minimizes the chaos most!
Lots of luck to you.
- Margaret Van Voast, "M Van Voast"
- Contributions:1
I don't know what the current status is of the homeowner's project, but I have a few sugesstions which expand on the very "constructive" comments made by my esteemed colleagues!
Since the budget seems to be a primary factor (and face it whose isn't right now?) I would suggest that you create what is essentially a "Master Plan" for the area with the "mini-projects" scheduled or "phased" in order of importance AND in consideration of future work to be done. In short, you need to think about all the "things" (pipe, ductwork, wiring, blocking (reinforcement supports), etc.) - anything that needs to go behind a wall, in the ceiling or under the floor needs to be considered so that the infrastructure is in place for future projects. For example, you may only want to build-out the bathroom right now, but if your future plans include either a kitchenette or hospitality/ wetbar area you will want to get the piping for this installed now; it can be easily valved and capped behind the wall (or ceiling - where ever) so that it is available for the future. The space needs to be planned out and an eye on future flexibility as your plans for the future may change.
Also, you should check with your local Building Dept. I am not sure if Germantown falls under the jurisdiction of Montgomery County or has its own department? Rockville, MD for example, has its own building dept, but the installation of a pool also includes health dept approval which falls under the authority of Montgomery County. In general the people in the building (or may be "Planning Dept") are really helpful and will be able to point you in the right direction.
Finding the right contractor(s) will also be key to your success. Ask your family and friends for recommendations as well as checking references for any contractors that you are considering. Any reputable contractor that won't provide you with references or let you see previous installations (most homeowners will happily let you see their contractor's work if you ask them) should generally be avoided.
Good Luck and remember - Asking questions is always a good thing and a good contractor or architect/engineer/designer will answer all of your questions, because as the Syms clothing company says "An educated consumer is our best customer"!
Since the budget seems to be a primary factor (and face it whose isn't right now?) I would suggest that you create what is essentially a "Master Plan" for the area with the "mini-projects" scheduled or "phased" in order of importance AND in consideration of future work to be done. In short, you need to think about all the "things" (pipe, ductwork, wiring, blocking (reinforcement supports), etc.) - anything that needs to go behind a wall, in the ceiling or under the floor needs to be considered so that the infrastructure is in place for future projects. For example, you may only want to build-out the bathroom right now, but if your future plans include either a kitchenette or hospitality/ wetbar area you will want to get the piping for this installed now; it can be easily valved and capped behind the wall (or ceiling - where ever) so that it is available for the future. The space needs to be planned out and an eye on future flexibility as your plans for the future may change.
Also, you should check with your local Building Dept. I am not sure if Germantown falls under the jurisdiction of Montgomery County or has its own department? Rockville, MD for example, has its own building dept, but the installation of a pool also includes health dept approval which falls under the authority of Montgomery County. In general the people in the building (or may be "Planning Dept") are really helpful and will be able to point you in the right direction.
Finding the right contractor(s) will also be key to your success. Ask your family and friends for recommendations as well as checking references for any contractors that you are considering. Any reputable contractor that won't provide you with references or let you see previous installations (most homeowners will happily let you see their contractor's work if you ask them) should generally be avoided.
Good Luck and remember - Asking questions is always a good thing and a good contractor or architect/engineer/designer will answer all of your questions, because as the Syms clothing company says "An educated consumer is our best customer"!
- Elliot Sirota, "elliotsirota"
- Contributions:63
I agree with others but mainly speaking with local contractors on what is being done in your area. You do not want to overbuild and be specific on who will use this area, age and what are the needs. This will help determine the project and return of it.
- Alex Saenger, "AlexSaenger"
- Contributions:626
While adding a bath will ad value to the property, whether you have a tub or not is not going to matter for resale. Since you already have one upstairs, you don't need one in the basement. That said, you will want to do your cost analysis. It may be less expensive to get a low end tub andhave that installed than to get fancy tile. Do your homework, but go with the less expensive option. Your home sale will not be effected either way as long as the work is done professionally.
- Melody91
- Contributions:229
Excuse me; however I DO believe the answer varies IF the Owner or for resale value, a potential New Owner, might want it for a Separate Suite...Then Tub/Combo would be your broadest based option.
Subway tile (cheap) is back in mode, and with a nice STRIP of a jazzy TILE in the Tub Area, and maybe round the bathroom, it could add a lot of extra value; at least that's what my experience has been. It is ALSO why, if I ever Do redo an In-Law Suite again, I WOULD go for a nice Tub/Combo and spiffy it up with accent tile, & maybe also an inexpensive, yet 'statement vessel sink' that is at least 15.5" deep.
One can get them even on E-Bay for a fraction of their cost; I know because I did it in a bathroom I designed a couple of years ago. it remains the HIT feature and 'TOPIC of RAVE-Reviews' from almost all who see that small bathroom.
Good luck, again.
Subway tile (cheap) is back in mode, and with a nice STRIP of a jazzy TILE in the Tub Area, and maybe round the bathroom, it could add a lot of extra value; at least that's what my experience has been. It is ALSO why, if I ever Do redo an In-Law Suite again, I WOULD go for a nice Tub/Combo and spiffy it up with accent tile, & maybe also an inexpensive, yet 'statement vessel sink' that is at least 15.5" deep.
One can get them even on E-Bay for a fraction of their cost; I know because I did it in a bathroom I designed a couple of years ago. it remains the HIT feature and 'TOPIC of RAVE-Reviews' from almost all who see that small bathroom.
Good luck, again.
Bathroom in basement addition?
I am torn between adding a bath/shower combo, or just a nice large shower. I would prefer just the shower, myself, but want to do what is best for resale value. I already have 1/2 bath on main floor and two full baths with tubs (one is a jacuzzi tub) on the 2nd floor. Advice anyone?
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