Installing a bathroom in your attic can add value to your home, but is it workable? Adding a new bathroom to an area with limited space, such as an attic, requires careful research and planning. This article examines some of the key considerations to keep in mind when you are trying to decide if this addition makes sense for your home.

Space

Space is one of the first things you need to think about. In particular, the height of your ceiling is critical. Typically, you will need a height of at least 8 feet, 6 inches from the door to the rafters in an unfinished attic, before you put in improvements, such as a bathroom.

This amount of space allows you to have a ceiling height between 6 feet, 8 inches and 7 feet, 6 inches in your finished bathroom, which is the typical requirement in most jurisdictions. In some instances, if you are short of space, a skylight or dormer might help you meet local regulations. Space requirements can vary from area to area, so check with your local building office before starting any remodeling.

Location

Typically the best location for an attic bathroom is directly above an existing bathroom in your home. The reduces the amount of plumbing lines that have to be run to the new bathroom and also keeps wall disturbance to a minimum.

Joists

The ceiling joists of many houses are not large enough to support a bathroom floor or bathroom features like a toilet and sink. If you have joists that are 2x8 or 2x6, these are usually too small to support a bathroom in the attic. You will have to have a professional renovator bring the joists up to code. Once again, check with your local building office to determine the exact requirements.

Insulation

Attics tend to be hotter in the summer and colder in the winter than the other parts of your home. To make sure that your bathroom is comfortable, you will need to add insulation to keep heat from escaping in the winter and trap as much heat as possible inside in the summer. Also, purchasing a fan for the bathroom is probably a necessary expense.

Adding an attic bathroom makes a lot of sense in many cases, but it's a task that must be planned carefully for best results. Let these key tips guide you as you get started. For more information, contact an experienced plumber in your area.

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