Ed makes some very good points. Any chance (i.e., space) for installing your second bathroom above the ground floor? That may create far fewer headaches if space is available.

: HI!!
: Need some help please. I am buying a bi-level house in VA... The house was built in 1969 and only has one bathroom. Being married and having two kids i need a second bathroom *grin* anyway...
: what is the best way in putting a bathroom in the downstairs of this house. there is a utility room (about 20 x 20) below the upstairs bathroom that doubles as the laundry room, so there is access to water, and electricity. The floor in that room is concrete, no carpet.
: A friend of mine told me that instead of breaking up the floor (because of hydrostatic water problems - something about the water forcing itself up through the floor) that i should build a false floor for the new bathroom which would raise the toilet and shower. This, if it would work, seems like a good idea, but i did not see any drainage pipes (didn't look that hard yet either though).
: TIA
: Paul