Converting a Laundry Room into a Bathroom. If you have a laundry room in an inconvenient position or would like to have a bathroom in that place, you may want to explore converting the laundry room to a bathroom.
Converting a Laundry Room into a Bathroom
This not only makes your living area more convenient, but it may also raise the value of your home if you decide to sell. Some fundamental plumbing and electrical skills are required for this project, which you should not attempt unless you have extensive experience in these areas.
Factors for Important Renovations
Special outlets for laundry rooms are provided in laundry rooms, but you will not require these in your new bathroom. It’s better to talk to a professional electrician about replacing these outlets with normal GFCI outlets in your bathroom. Keep in mind that outlets and switches should be kept out of the way of your shower or bath. This distance may vary depending on your local building code standards, however, an electrician can guide you.
If you’re converting a laundry room into a bathroom, you’ll need to modify the plumbing. A hot and cold source pipe, as well as a discharge pipe, would have been required for your old washer. These source pipes will be required in your new bathroom, but you will need to lengthen them to supply your sink, shower, and toilet. You’ll also need outflow pipes from each of these fittings.
When you are familiar with plumbing, you may be able to complete these tasks on your own. However, especially if you’ll be changing the electrical configuration of the area, it’s best to seek the advice of a competent plumber before starting. Your plumber and electrician can also tell you if you require a construction permit for your job in your particular municipality. If you do, make sure to plan everything out before you start building.
Renovation of the Laundry Room
The first step in figuring out how to turn your laundry room into a bathroom is to design the new area. Make a floor layout of the room and plan where you’ll put the sink, toilet, shower or tub. Plan out your cabinet and storage space as well. Will you install a huge vanity with drawers and cabinet space behind your sink, or will you go another over the towel rack?
After you’ve created the bathroom, look for fixtures that will complement both the aesthetic you’re going for and the space you possess available. Take the washer and dryer out of the room. Seek the assistance of your plumber and electrician to make the necessary changes. Then, you may either hire contractors to install your fixtures or do it yourself.
In a bathroom, proper waterproofing is critical. According to Custom Building Products, you can put liquid or sheet waterproofing behind your shower walls to ensure it’s watertight, especially if it’s a tiled unit. If you’re replacing the subfloor of your bathroom during your renovation, you’ll also need to properly waterproof it – how you do this may vary depending on the type of flooring you choose, so study the recommended guidelines for the flooring you select before you install it.
Additional Factors for Converting a Laundry Room into a Bathroom
Toilets should be placed near existing drains to the septic pipe when planning your new bathroom. The less pipe you have to add to the system, the easier and less expensive the project will be. You’ll also need to install a cold supply line to the toilet so that it can flush and fill. Again, a qualified plumber may assist you in determining how to lay out the pipes before you begin – Better Homes & Gardens recommends installing your drain and vent connections before you install your supply routes.
Adding more illumination to your new bathroom may be advantageous. Overhead lighting near your shower or tub, as well as additional illumination above the sink or vanity, may be desirable. This can be installed with the assistance of an electrician. Many lights are straightforward to install if you already have a junction box and are skilled with electrical work, but make sure to cut off the power at the breaker before making any adjustments.
