Bathrooms, as a functional space, don't often get the attention they need, given how much time we spend in them. Pro Basement Finishing Company wants to make this space the calm, inviting retreat you deserve. Everything from basic fixtures to new custom-built cabinetry can be installed by us. Increased storage in both large and small bathrooms makes the morning rush a little simpler. Adding additional natural light or dimmers, recessed lighting and other lighting modifications are also wonderful ways to make the space appear and feel better.
Pro Basement Finishing has everything needed for a complete basement finishing project from concrete to a sweet new basement bathroom!
Finishing A Basement Bathroom
Finishing a basement bathroom is a very popular home improvement. Hiring a contractor is nearly always the best way to proceed, whether you're turning your entire basement into a completed basement or just want to add an extra bathroom. Giving someone free reign in your basement without knowing what they're doing, on the other hand, might be stressful. Even if someone else is performing the task, having some understanding of the process might be beneficial. This post will walk you through the process of finishing a bathroom in your basement.
As a contractor, these are the normal steps we would take when installing basement bathrooms for our clients. The technique may differ slightly in other parts of the United States and the world. We'll go over everything we'd do, and what your contractor is likely to do, starting with the planning and design phase and ending with the final touches before your contractor goes.
Design and Planning Phase
When you employ a renovation company to finish a basement bathroom, the first thing they'll do is gather information from you so they can start making blueprints. You will be extremely involved in this stage of the process, but you should still seek their advice and opinion because they will know what area will work best for a bathroom and how to keep costs as low as possible.
During this time, you and your remodeler will determine the size of your bathroom as well as its location in the basement. If possible, locate the bathroom near existing utilities (electricity, water, air, drainage, etc.) to make the procedure easier and less expensive. Your contractor may also suggest that you build your basement bathroom below another one in your home to make the basement bathroom plumbing and wiring easier.
After you've figured out all of this, your contractor should be able to tell you what permissions and inspections you'll need and how long they'll take to obtain, as well as a pricing estimate for the project.
Your primary responsibility throughout the planning process will be to identify the various types of fixtures you desire. The toilet will most likely be the first fixture you select. A toilet made specifically for basements, such as an up-flushing toilet or a pressure-assisted toilet, may be recommended by your contractor.
You will also be able to select any additional features you desire, such as bathtubs, showers, and sinks. Keep in mind that the more plumbing features you choose, the more money you'll spend. You'll also choose elements like the type of lighting you want, the tiles you want, and the colors you want to paint the walls, among other things.
Installation Phase
It will be time to begin the installation phase once all of the planning and permitting is completed. This phase will take much longer, and you will be less involved, though your contractor should keep you informed throughout the process.
Wall Decorations
Your contractor will most likely begin by installing wall and floor plates before constructing the wall layout with studs. Your contractor may decide to just outline where the walls will eventually go if any concrete in the floor needs to be demolished for the plumbing.
Sump Pump Installation
A sewage pump must be built in your basement unless it was originally equipped with one. This pump is required to lift sewage liquids and solids high enough to be fed into existing sewage pipes leading to the sewer or septic system.
Typically, a basin or crock is constructed beneath the basement floor. In the crock, there is a pump. When the pump is finished, sewage collects in the crock and reaches a particular level, the pump is float-activated. The sewage is automatically pumped up and out of the basement by the pump.
Getting the Drains in the Right Place
Your contractor will place the toilet drain, as well as the shower or bath drain, if your design calls for it, after outlining the layout and/or building up the wall frames. At this time, they will also install the sink drain. Each drain will need to be placed in a precise area, which is why your contractor will mark them before digging trenches or installing pipes.
Trenches to Dig for New Lines
Your contractor will demolish any concrete floors that need to be removed before starting to dig trenches. These trenches are excavated so that the drains (shower, toilet, etc.) may be connected to your main sewer line or the sewage pump stated earlier. Your contractor may accomplish this on his or her own, or they may subcontract it out to a plumbing specialist.
Pipe Installation
Your contractor will begin installing the pipes when the trenches have been dug. They will install a number of different types of pipes. The underfloor drain pipes that link your fixtures to your main sewage line will most likely be the first pipes installed. The above-floor drain and vent pipes will be installed next. Typically, these above-floor pipes will be run through the walls and connected to existing soil stacks/roofline vents. The water supply pipes, which will bring water to your shower, sink, toilet, bath, and other fixtures, are the last type of plumbing that your contractor will install. These pipes are often run from existing supply lines to wherever you need them in your new basement bathroom.
After your contractor has installed all of the lines, they will have a city inspector come in and check off on everything before closing up the walls and flooring. This will ensure that you have the essential certifications stating that your plumbing is safe and up to code.
Fill Trenches and Pour Concrete
Your contractor will backfill the trenches and then lay the concrete to seal everything up after the plumbing has been examined and certified. This is usually required before they can proceed on to installing anything else, including all of the fixtures, which is why inspections must be completed promptly.
Electrical Installation
Your contractor will begin the electrical work after the plumbing has been completed and inspected, and the floors have been refilled with concrete. Once again, your contractor and his crew can conduct the work themselves or hire an electrician. In any case, the cost of this should have been included in his original estimate from the design process.
After the wiring and electrical boxes have been installed, another municipal inspector will come out to inspect the work and certify that everything is safe and up to code.
HVAC Work
HVAC work in your bathroom may or may not be required. This step is generally not essential if your basement already has heating and air. Your contractor will install new ductwork at this time if the new space requires HVAC extensions or additions. An inspector will have to sign off on the work when it has been completed.
Insulate Your New Space
Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to build insulated walls. Existing exterior walls should have insulation installed, but if new walls are needed, insulation will be placed and examined.
Drywall or Other Wall Covering
Your contractor will begin drywalling the walls and ceilings once the insulation, plumbing, wiring, and HVAC work has been completed and approved by an inspector. This stage usually takes no more than a few minutes.
Tile or Other Flooring
Your contractor will lay any flooring and tile, including the tile for the shower, about the same time as the drywall is being placed. Your contractor and his crew may perform this themselves or hire a subcontractor once again.
Cabinets & Countertops
Now that all of the major surfaces have been done, your contractor can move on to more exterior work, such as adding cabinetry or vanities. During the design step, you'll decide how many cabinets you want and how they should look. You will also have to choose the countertops for the space.
Plumbing and Electrical Fixtures
Any elements that require electricity or plumbing will be installed at this stage by an electrician and plumber (either your contractor or a subcontractor). Sinks, toilets, faucets, showers, light fixtures, and outlets are examples of these features.
Finishing Touches
Your contractor will do all of the finishing touches, which are primarily decorative after the final inspection is completed. They'll paint the walls and finish any trim or moldings that need to be installed. They frequently install or hang any hardware or accessories you desire, such as towel bars and mirrors.
Some people choose to handle some of this work themselves, but it is often far more convenient to just let your contractor finish everything so that your bathroom is exactly how you want it. Furthermore, adding these finishing touches to your room should not take long.
While that may seem like a lot of steps to do to finish your new space, once your contractor gets started, your basement bathroom should be finished in about a month or less.
And now, when you're considering who you want to use as your contractor, you'll have a better idea of what they'll be doing when it comes to finishing a basement bathroom. Even with your newfound information, don't be afraid to contact your contractor if you have any residual worries or questions. A qualified contractor should not be hesitant to respond to your inquiries. Don't forget that we also finish bedrooms, offices and living rooms.
Are you looking for a bathroom finishing contractor? Pro Basement Finishing is ready to assist you in converting your unfinished basement into a lovely space for you and your family to enjoy and utilize on a daily basis. Get started by calling or texting 920-379-6579 today.