If relocating your bathroom across your house seems daunting, this guide covers everything from planning to execution for a smooth bathroom move.
Whether you want more natural light, accessibility improvements, or better proximity from the bedrooms, moving the bathroom across the house can transform how you enjoy your home.
As one of the most disruptive home renovation projects, bathroom relocations require thoughtful planning and skilled execution.
Hiring the best Canadian moving companies brings expertise that helps the process go smoothly from emptying the existing bathroom to installing finishes in the new one.
This guide shares considerations, costs, and tips for successfully pulling off this major home improvement project.
Know What You’re Getting Into
Before calling renovation contractors, understand key considerations about relocating bathrooms across a house:
- Plumbing complexity – Moving drain and vent lines is no small task. Be prepared for plumbers to cut into walls and floors to reroute pipes.
- Electrical adjustments – Light fixtures, outlets, and other electrical must shift across the house from the bathroom.
- Structural modifications – Walls may need framing changes to accommodate new layouts. Weight must also transfer safely to the new location.
- Floorplan impacts – How will the bathroom’s former or new location get utilized after the move? Changes to adjacent rooms should complement the shift.
- Temporary bathroom needs – Expect to use a temporary toilet, sink, and shower during the weeks- or months-long project.
While not impossible, bathroom relocations require major construction. Set your expectations accordingly in regards to complexity, costs, and living without your bathroom for an extended timeframe.
Map Out the Master Plan
Proper planning prevents poor performance, especially with whole-bathroom moves. Map out details in advance:
- Compare existing bathroom and future location to identify required changes
- Draw floor plans showing the new bathroom layout and usage of the former bathroom space
- List preferred materials and fixtures to replicate or improve upon the current bathroom’s finishes
- Catalog electrical, lighting, storage, ventilation, and other custom features you want
- Establish a tentative timeline with contractor input
Having a master plan reduces the chances of missteps, unmet expectations, and budget surprises. The more detail the better when visually documenting the desired bathroom relocation process from start to finish.
Leave It to the Experts
While minor renovations rely on handy homeowners, bathroom relocations—much like kitchen remodels—typically call in the pros.
Best Canadian moving companies have experience relocating home features without causing unnecessary damage or delays. General contractors also piece together the right combination of trade experts:
- Plumbers address new drain lines, vent stacks, water supply infrastructure
- Electricians update lighting, outlets, ventilation fans, and safety systems
- Framing carpenters rework walls, flooring, and ceilings
- Drywall hangers seal up new walls
- Tilers install tub surrounds, shower enclosures, and flooring
- Painters refresh colors on walls and ceilings
- General contractors oversee coordination, inspections, dumpster rentals, etc.
Leaving bathroom relocations to the experts ensures correct building techniques, code compliance, and attractive finishes. Costs add up but DIY shortcuts show in the final product.
The Price of Relocation Bliss
What can you expect to pay for all the effort involved with moving bathrooms across your house? Costs vary based on details like:
- House layout complexity
- New bathroom square footage
- Plumbing line rerouting needs
- New electrical circuits and lighting
- Ventilation improvements
- Luxe finishes and features
According to 2021 figures, average bathroom remodels range from $6,500-15,000. Expect moving it across your home to sail past those figures in most cases.
Budget for extended disruption also—functioning without your sole bathroom or only shower adds hassle for households during the weeks or months it may stay under construction.
Timing Truly Is Everything
Once you greenlight the contractors, proper timing during the execution phase prevents family inconvenience. Have pros stage work to transfer essential bathroom functions in phases:
- Rough in the new bathroom location first so temporary toilet and shower connections were set as the current bathroom gutted
- Transfer key fixtures to maintain usage while less-critical components finished
- Shift storage, decorative items, and final touches after major construction completed
Careful choreography keeps the process, as disruptive as it will still be, from negatively impacting household routines more than necessary. Communicate clearly with contractors to align on expected timeframes for each milestone.
Your Home, Remastered
While the cost and process last longer than smaller-scale home projects, relocating your home’s bathroom across the house reaps big rewards for certain homeowners.
Those struggling with corner showers, distant trips down the hall, or accessibility challenges finally gain their dream bathroom.
With thoughtful planning for the behind-the-scenes infrastructure changes and phased construction timelines, you can have contractors handle the heavy lifting. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying your newly improved home layout for years to come.
Have you moved bathrooms or other major home features successfully? Share your lessons and tips in the comments below!
