How to Turn a Closet into a Bathroom

Are lines for the bathroom ruining the harmony in your home? Whether children are growing older, regular visitors are coming to stay, or elderly relatives are moving in, adding a new bathroom to your property might be your next logical home improvement.

If you’re short on budget, time, or space, converting unused closet space into a small ensuite or “half” bathroom might be the most effective solution. A half bathroom, sometimes called a powder room, consists of a toilet and sink. Unlike a full bath, there is no shower or bathtub in this tiny bathroom. This home renovation project can be a great use for a small space. 

So what’s the best way to tackle the ultimate closet makeover? Let’s break the project down step by step.

Why a Bathroom Conversion Can Be a Great Investment

Adding an additional full bathroom to a property can be a costly and complex way to solve the problems of having insufficient washroom space in your home. Converting a closet into a half bathroom, on the other hand, can alleviate the same issues with far less cost and effort. 

The impact of a project like this can go beyond ending family squabbles. Homes with at least two bathrooms are more appealing to buyers. So adding an extra water closet could increase your home’s value or help it sell more quickly. 

Deciding Where to Create an Extra Bathroom

Finding the space to add a half bathroom is easier than many homeowners may think. With the right fixtures, a small bathroom can be created in almost any space. First, you should evaluate what kind of bathroom you want to create. Then look for locations in the home that could sustain it:  

• Kids getting older? Turning a bedroom closet into an ensuite bathroom could be a perfect solution. 
• Taking in a senior relative? Turning a ground-floor hall closet into a half bath might be the most accessible option.
• Concerned that you don’t have a large enough closet space? You might want to consider knocking out a wall between two adjoining small closets to create one larger room. Other space-saving tactics include installing a sliding door, or a hinged door that opens out of the bathroom space instead of swinging into it. 

Before beginning any construction on a new bathroom, you’ll need to check your local ordinances to be sure you’re keeping everything in the room up to code. You’ll also need to file any permits that are required for the conversion.  

Choosing a Half Bathroom Layout

Once you’ve found the right location to add your new bathroom, the next step is to create a design plan. A simple bathroom layout needs to include at least a sink, lighting, and a toilet. Mirrors and cabinets are also good elements to include whenever possible. Light fixtures are also important, as is a small storage space area.

Fixtures need to be spaced in the room so that they’re accessible. There needs to be enough room for people to stand in front of the sink, for example. Our top tip? Use the corners as much as possible to keep some floor space free and make it easier to move around the room. For more inspiration, take a look at our small bathroom remodel ideas.

 Considering Function and Style in a Small Bathroom Remodel

Above all, your extra bathroom should meet the goals you have for your home. Before you get started, list the functions you need your new bathroom to have, and make sure that the room is built to meet those needs. If family members are fighting over outlets and mirrors to blow dry and style hair in the morning, large wall mirrors and carefully placed outlets will be a must.  

Style is important in a bathroom, especially since a ground-floor half bath is the washroom most likely to be used by guests. If you’re creating the restroom for your family’s own use, you should choose style elements that represent you and your taste. If you’re adding a room to add value to your home before you put it on the market, simple, neutral styles will be more appealing to buyers. 

Function should always beat style for a utility room. If there isn’t enough room in the budget for all your ideal materials, it’s better to spend more on high-quality fixtures than on fancy decorations or designs.

Homeowners should express their own style while still focusing on the function of the room.

Adding Light and Ventilation to a Former Closet Space 

Light and ventilation are two key elements to consider when you’re converting a closet to a small bathroom. Adding a window to the room, if it’s possible to do so, is a great way to make the room both lighter and better ventilated. If the room is too far into the home to accommodate a window, however, a fan vent can help keep air circulating and prevent stuffiness in the room. 

In some residential areas, bathrooms are required to have vents in order to be kept up to codes. Be aware that electrical outlets will require ground-fault circuit interrupters to help reduce the risks of electrocution, given the power source’s proximity to running water in a bathroom.

Selecting Fixtures, Finishings, and Storage for Your Extra Bathroom

Whenever possible, plumbing fixtures like sinks and faucets should be added near existing water and sewage lines. Setting these fixtures against a wall with plumbing access will save you money on the costly relocation of pipes.  

It’s also important to check the structure of the floor. In order to hold the weight of the new fixtures, the floor may need to be reinforced. Adding more joists can help ensure that it holds up well.

Storage in the bathroom is always a nice touch, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of accessibility. If a large vanity with storage shelves and drawers takes up too much room, a simple medicine cabinet should suffice instead. Adding a small rack for extra soap, toilet paper, and hand towels can help ensure the room is well-equipped without taking up too much space.

You’ll find more inspiration for bathroom fixtures, finishings, and storage solutions in our article on small master bathroom ideas.

Transform Your Closet Into a Half Bathroom With Alure Home Solutions

Dreaming of how much easier life would be with an extra bathroom in your home? Converting a closet into a half bathroom is no easy DIY project. Leave it to the professionals and start the process today with Alure Home Solutions. 

Schedule an appointment for a free design consultation with one of our bathroom renovation experts. We can discuss your goals and devise a bathroom design plan that suits your space and your budget. Our trusted team of bathroom professionals will find the best way to work with your closet space and guide you through every step of the process. Contact Alure Home Solutions today.