What is an ensuite bathroom? Advantages and disadvantages

An ensuite bathroom in a family home or any other home type can be attractive for those looking for more privacy and convenience. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to this arrangement. This article will explore what an ensuite bathroom is, its pros and cons, the main difference with respect to private bathrooms, and how much it could cost to install it at home.

What is an ensuite bathroom?

An ensuite bathroom is a bathroom attached to a bedroom, with or without a door. It is also referred to as en suite, attached, adjoining, or master bathroom. The words en suite come from French and mean “in sequence” or “in harmony.”

A master bedroom is not usually considered as such unless a bathroom is attached. In real estate, it’s common to refer to master bedrooms if they have a bathroom inside them.

Do you need permission to install an ensuite bathroom?

No, you shouldn’t need permission to install an ensuite bathroom in your home if the renovation work is happening in an existing house unless your property is a listed building.

Still, you should comply with local building regulations if you renovate windows, electrical wiring, and other aspects of your home. If you plan to sell your property in the future, you may need your completion certificate when the work is finished.

Pros of an ensuite bathroom

The following are some of the main advantages of installing an ensuite bathroom in your home.

Pro #1: The best use for your space

An ensuite bathroom can be a particularly good idea if you own a large room or a room that can have an optimal distribution of its space. If you happen to own a dressing space and combine it with a bathroom in the same room, your comfort could increase in your everyday life—provided you still have enough space for your rest.

Pro #2: Convenience

It goes without saying that an ensuite bathroom offers you easy access and convenience—no more standing in line for the bathroom and no more delays. For a growing family, these bathrooms can help parents to take care of their personal hygiene without waking up a sleeping baby or kids.

Pro #3: Privacy

An ensuite bathroom guarantees more privacy from other members of your family. If you live with friends or have visitors, this will also grant you more personal space.

Pro #4: Home value increase

In some cases, an ensuite bathroom increases the value of your home. It is an appreciated furnishing solution nowadays. If you plan to sell your house in the future, this could also be a good investment.

Cons of an ensuite bathroom

Before carrying out the installation of an ensuite bathroom, it is also worthwhile to consider its cons and see if some of them are relevant to you.

Con #1: Limitation of space

Even if you have a large room, installing an ensuite bathroom may limit your space more than you have previously thought. It may take up more space than you estimated, and you may have to redistribute your possessions in ways that can be difficult to do at first.

Con #2: Renovation work

Even if it is obvious, renovation work is one of the main disadvantages. You will need to pay a professional worker or team for the preparation of the building, which can have a high cost and take a long time. In addition, you may need to update cadastral records.

Con #3: More cleaning

You will have an additional bathroom at home, which means more grimy surfaces to clean and sanitize: toilet, tub, shower, sink, floor, and hygiene items. On top of that, the room will likely have more humidity in the air, which may impact the generation of mold and mildew.

What is the difference between an ensuite bathroom and a private bathroom?

The difference between an ensuite and a private bathroom is the location and access to the toilet, shower, or bath.

In an ensuite bathroom, the toilet and shower or bath can be accessed from within your room, while in a private bathroom, they are accessed from outside your room.

In addition, there are also shared bathrooms. As the name implies, the toilet and the shower or bath are shared between one or more rooms.

How much could an ensuite bathroom cost?

In general, the installation of a new ensuite bathroom could cost between $10,000 to $35,000.

The cost of an ensuite bathroom can be considerable, and it highly depends on your room's space, the bathroom size, labor, fittings, finishes, and the renovation work required in your house.