Estimated cost to convert half bath to full?

Question

I'm trying to get some kind of ballpark figure for what it would cost to convert a half bath to a full. I have a friend that is looking to move out of their 3BR/2.5 bath home in Rockville in the next year. The basement is livable and has a half bath; my thought is that if I can convert it to a full, I'd be able to pocket more in renting out the space. The upstairs has a master bedroom with full bath attached, another full bathroom across the hall, and two bedrooms; one they have been using as a study, and the other as a guest bedroom.

Looking at the basement as a rentable space, the house is 4BR/2.5 bath. They're located in Rockville, off of Aspen Hill & Veirs Mill. I was told by a friend that's a RE agent that this area of Rockville doesn't offer much in terms of appreciation, but I'm trying to figure out if it could be a potential house hack. I'll be there Sunday to get more info re: what price range they're looking to list it for. The one caveat is that they have a large inground pool in the backyard which seems like a huge sunken cost. I would want to remove the pool if I ended up buying the property, but have no idea what that would cost.

Daniel Pitta · Answer

What is a reasonable amount to expect to get for rent in that area? The 2 rooms upstairs will be sharing a full bath. The basement is spacious with a half bath, that I'd be looking to convert to a full.

Russell Brazil · Answer

$7k for thr bathroom. Pool removal would vary by size, but its a lot more money than people typically expect. That location maintains decent demand, thus decent appreciation over time.  Sire its a little stronger in thr Rockville High cluster than there, but not a vwry big difference.  From route 200 and south you typically have pretty good demand and appreciation.

Daniel Pitta · Answer

@Russell Brazil