I have an unfinished basement level in our 4 level split. We would like to finish it ourselves (for the most part).

I think it would add a lot of value to add a bathroom to the level since there will be a bedroom and media room. The bathroom would be on the modest side as far as the finishes. No custom cabinets or anything, just stuff from from the big box stores.

But, the big problem is the basement is NOT plumbed for a toilet or shower. The main sewer valve runs straight under our house and comes in to a utility room in the basement (not where I want the bathroom because there's no extra room and there's a sump pump and heater).

Have any of you put a bathroom in a basement that was not plumbed already? I think it would involve jackhammering the concrete to run the water across the room. Then you'd have to put the concrete back.

The plumbing would be done professionally, but my family would do everything else, probably. Not sure about the concrete work or how difficult that would be.

My family flips houses, but we're not plumbers at all! And certainly not concrete experts either.

Does anyone have an idea about the average expense of adding baths? Any other advise would be appreciated to.

We're in new territory here, and it's my own house! Kind of scary.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: michelle_TK,

just about any thing can be done for the right price.......I have seen it done on shows like This Old house, etc....and it sounds like it could be more expensive because of the tearing up the concrete....Look for a plumbing company that does home remodelings.....a full service plumbing company....I know the company i deal with has people that can work on everything - even steam boilers for heat....

Basement bathrooms must meet local buildig codes. They require a permit and inspection. There is 'uplifting' plumbing that can be installed. Get at least 3 bids from local plumbers. Make sure that they are licensed and insured.

Thanks for the replies. The more I read about it, the scarier it seems. Seems like there's so many hoops to jump through.

When we flip, we usually don't have to deal with permits because we mostly do aesthetic changes, and maybe poke a hole in a wall or something. But, no real structural changes.

Before you can begin a basement conversion, plans will need to be submitted to local building code office for approval before permit is issued. You can stop by the office and get a list of requirements and application. These will define such as finished ceiling height, egress windows for bedrooms, requirements for finishing walls, insulation, stairs, ventilation, windows, doors, etc.