Get matched with top toilet pros in Tickfaw, LA

Some older homes have toilets in the basement to combat sewage backups. This type of toilet, also known as a Pittsburgh potty, acted as a safety valve over the incoming sewer line. If a line backed up, it would back up into the toilet because it was the lowest fixture in the home, keeping it out of sight and away from the finished areas of the house.

Basement toilets were also used by workers with messy jobs, like those who worked in coal mines or steel mills. This way, they could clean up and avoid tracking dirt through their home.

Adding another bathroom isn’t the most complicated project you can undertake, but it’s in the top 5%. Anything involving plumbing and electrical work should be handed off to a pro, and adding a half bath involves both. A contractor may charge $70 to $120 an hour for labor, but chances are they can work much faster and more accurately than a DIYer.

There are several ways to save money on a bathroom remodel through proper planning and savvy design strategies. To reduce costs, consider the following:

• Purchase your own materials: Buy your own bathroom fixtures, hardware, and other materials to avoid contractor upcharges and delivery fees.

• Shop smart for big-ticket items: Save on pricey items like tiles and tubs by shopping sales and at discount stores.

• Avoid major layout changes: Keep plumbing in its current location. Opt to replace fixtures rather than moving them to avoid significant renovation work.

• Focus on high-impact, low-cost updates: Make affordable but impactful smaller changes, such as upgrading hardware, installing new lighting, and adding stylish but economical accessories.

• DIY where possible: Handle easier parts of the remodel yourself, like painting or installing light fixtures, to save on labor costs.

• Time your remodel strategically: Consider remodeling in the spring, which tends to be a lower-demand time of year and may result in lower costs.

Silicone-based caulk is known for its waterproofing qualities, so it’s the best option for any bathroom area. While it’s often more expensive, it will provide a better, longer-lasting seal than acrylic or latex caulk. Use it along the base of the toilet to prevent leaks and keep the area clean and protected.