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Altering the layout of your bathroom will make a big difference as moving or adding plumbing quickly inflates your total bill. While you can recoup more of your cost (in home value terms) by adding a bathroom, rearranging the layout won’t affect your home’s sticker value. However, strategic placements that allow more light or better flow may increase buyer interest.

A water closet is a room within a bathroom where a toilet has a dedicated door for privacy. This separate space is set apart from the rest of the bathroom, allowing someone else to use the shower or sink. In some instances, there is also a small sink in the water closet for added convenience. The main benefit of a water closet is that it offers private space and can be a desirable design amenity, particularly if the bathroom is shared with others.

Walk-in showers aren’t necessarily better. It depends on your circumstances. On the one hand, they’re more accessible—especially for people who use a wheelchair. They also take up less space than bathtubs and are ideal for small bathrooms. On the other hand, some families may need a bathtub to bathe young children and pets.

Whether you need a permit to demo your bathroom depends on the project scope and local regulations. Major structural changes require a building permit, like pulling down a load-bearing wall or removing lead paint or asbestos from an old bathroom. If you’re relocating plumbing, you might need permission to cap off the existing water and sewer lines. Because requirements vary by municipality, if there’s any doubt, always check local building department rules.