skip to main content

Plumbing Remodeling Bathrooms

How can I make my bathroom bigger?

last year

last modified: last year

I live in a 3 story home (upper, main, and finished basement). It’s technically considered a single family home, but the upper and main level both have kitchens and it functions as a duplex. We’re renting out the top unit as a “mother-in-law unit”, and the bottom two floors make up the main unit.

We’re currently converting the basement into a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom space and plan on having my sister-in-law move in down there with her husband.

My partner and I would like to increase the size of the kitchen (tackled in a separate post) and the primary bathroom. Looking for bathroom suggestions here. I have one solution below, but as someone pointed out, the walkway to the toilet is not big enough. They suggested I swap the toilet and the shower, but above the toilet sits an original (from 1890) wood window. I assume I'd have to move that as well, right? Appreciate any help!

Current floorplan:

Proposal:

Close-up:

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

lharpie
last year
Do you need 2 sinks? that plan would work nicely with a smaller vanity with one sink (assuming there is sufficient space for toilet for code). other option is to use the closet space. i’d be willing to consider giving up walk in closet if i really wanted a spacious bath.
Carly Schaaf
Original Author
last year
Great suggestions, thanks! I was thinking a double vanity more for resale purposes just cuz I’m assuming that makes it seem more like a proper primary en-suite, but I don’t actually know how important that is for people
Related Discussions
How can I make this bathroom less brown?
Q
Comments (13)
"The window in the shower also needs to be waterproofed..." Huge red flag, The shower/bath combo should never have been installed without that window already having been waterproofed. The waterproofing of the window is done behind the tile. It is literally impossible to waterproof the window at this stage, but even installing a vinyl window and minimizing the risk of leaks in this case would be a very complex job requiring a certain skill set. If there is evidence of leakage, you are looking at gutting the enclosure to fix it, which would certainly fix the brown issue.
...See More
how can I make my bathroom look bigger and elegant
Q
Comments (2)
No. From the looks of it you really can't fit what you have in there now. Post a scaled floor plan with what is currently there and possibly get more help but definitely no tub from what you have shown here.
...See More
Can I fit a bigger tub in this bathroom?
Q
Comments (6)
I'd ask her if she'd be happy with deeper instead of longer. If the point is to submerge, deeper works better because you can still sit up and read a book (or whatever). Swapping out a tub is not so expensive. Remodelling a bathroom is. Let her help with the costing exercise so she can see the real-world consequences of what she's asking for.
...See More
How can I fit a larger bathroom and closet into my primary bedroom?
Q
Comments (4)
Definitely along the lines of your first option. And try to move the door to the primary bedroom back a foot or whatever so its wall is in line with the rest of the hallway. It’ll make for one less awkward jog and give you more room to walk around the bed and access the new closet.
...See More
lharpie
last year
yes seems to be strongly favored in some areas. your door swings right into where someone is standing at the sink so this really isn’t a two person bathroom. i’m not a souble sink person anyway but this is way too cramped.

Related Stories

LIVING ROOMS Ideabook 911: How Can I Make My Living Room Seem Bigger?

By Becky Harris

10 Ways to Make a Small Space Live Large

BATHROOM DESIGN 12 Ways to Make Any Bathroom Look Bigger

By Toronto Interior Design Group

These designer tricks can help you expand your space without moving any walls

BATHROOM DESIGN New This Week: 5 Ways to Make a 5-by-8-Foot Bathroom Look Bigger

By Mitchell Parker

See how designers use tile and other elements to make a tight layout feel more spacious and stylish

THE POLITE HOUSE The Polite House: What Can I Do About My Neighbors’ Trash Cans?

If you’re tired of staring at unsightly garbage way before pickup day, it’s time to have some tough conversations

TILE How Tiny Tiles Can Elevate Your Bathroom’s Style

Thanks to their ability to add texture and subtle pattern, petite hexagonal and penny tiles may be here to stay

SMALL SPACES How Portability Can Make You Happier at Home

Downsizing your stuff and going for maximum mobility can actually make your home feel bigger and your life feel fuller

DECORATING GUIDES 11 Ways to Use Mirrors to Make Your Space Look Bigger

Mirrors can transform a room, boosting the feeling of space and adding a cool flash of glamour

DECORATING GUIDES How to Use Full-Scale Decor to Make a Small Space Feel Bigger

By Toronto Interior Design Group

With a less-is-more approach, even oversize furnishings can help a compact area seem roomier

SMALL KITCHENS New This Week: 3 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Feel Bigger

By Mitchell Parker

Using lighter colors, bringing in more sunshine and a few other tricks can help you visually enlarge your kitchen

BEDROOMS How to Make a Compact Bedroom Seem Bigger

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Colors, storage and more can help bring airiness to a room of any size

Sponsored

M&Z Home Services LLC

1 Review

Franklin County's Established Home Remodeling Expert Since 2012

More Discussions

Looking for feedback on Grohe & Moen faucets

15

Recommendations for under counter drinking water purification system?

15

overwhelmed! free standing faucet match champagne bronze delta

2

Separate shower head and hand-held shower controls

15

Need help identifying a bathroom faucet.

0