Deb,

Adding a full bathroom will definitely add value to the house in the long run. However, make sure you do two things...get permits for everything you are doing (which can include framing, electrical, plumbing etc) even if you are doing it yourself. Second, get good middle to top of the line faucets, showers controls etc, and save a bit on lower cost tile if you are cost conscious.

I learned through experience that adding a "bargain" faucet/shower control is no bargain over time. I used inexpensive supplies when I added a full bath in 2006, and the shower control handle is now thoroughly stripped so now the valve and handle/face place have to be replaced. My plumber told me to get a Moen...he said they have lifetime a warranty, and they all have the same "cartridge", so if one breaks it's simple to replace. The cost is about $300-400 for both but now worth the investment.

Cost to add a full bath varies depending on the size, location, if you are adding a stall shower or a tub/shower, if any demolition needs to be done etc. Toilets can range from $100 to thousands of dollars. Same with sinks and tubs. There is the cost of shower/tub doors which for standard with frames are relatively inexpensive, but custom/ frameless can get pricey.

Then there is the cost of the acoutrements (which people rarely figure into the total cost) but can add up as well. IMHO, I would say with labor, supplies and building materials, and permits figure anywhere between $8000 and $15,000 or somewhere between $150-$250 sqft.

Don't overlook the issue of "deminishing returns." The added value of an additional bathroom in a home with a single bath will far exceed the additional value of a home in which the bath is the third or fourth.

As mentioned, its location relative to the floor plan is an important consideration and needs to fit into the overall flow of the home.

Good luck
The Eckler team

You have two keys to consider when adding the bath:

Can it be added to the property without being a detriment to the current space, ie are you turning a large bedroom into a smaller bedroom to add a master bath? Are you putting the bath into a space that is rarely used? ie in a basement that is unfinshed or partially finished but rarely are you down there. Can you maintain the open space and flow of the home so it doesn't look like you just threw a bathroom in?

Second-Is the bath going to match the other amenities in the home? Is your kitchen and first bath up graded to granite counters, solid wood cabinets, etc. Adding the bath in an appropriate location with matching upgrades to the property is important.. But you must maintain costs because in todays market it is hard to recoup investment in a short period of time.

In Baltimore, $8K-$10K is about the range for a lower end upgrade, you would have to contact local real estate professionals to see if that is feasible to recoup when you sell.

Best wishes!

Generally adding a bath will increase the value of your home, but don't add for the sake of adding. Make sure the additional bath location makes sense in the overall flow of the home. I'd also recommend you match the level of the new bath to the rest of the home. For example, is the rest of your home outfitted with standard faucets, toilets and sinks?

Laursa Giannotta
Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore

Yes it will help your bottom line. It is almost impossible to determone exactly how much value it would add to your property unless you provided the location of the property. That way, someone would be able to look at some comparable properties for you and determine more acurately how much value would be added.

First off don't be penny wise and pound foolish. If you're going to add the bath use at least mid-range faucets, cabinets, sinks, etc. While I consider an additional bath a definite value adder, one that is done poorly almost detracts from a home. Here in Mass. we're looking at around $8000-10,000 for a bath, depending on whether you're rehabilitating an old bath or starting from scratch. Where are you adding this bath?

Also, consider using energy and water saving devices such as aerators, low flow showers and toilets. These are very popular with buyers.

An extra bathroom could very well add value to your home. Be careful though about spending too much to do it. The costs could get higher than the added value.