Bathroom Designs and Remodeling: Bathroom Showers, Sinks, Toilets and Accessories
Bathrooms are a lot like kitchens, both areas are necessities in every home, but can vary greatly in how they function. Basic models can be utilitarian, combining the basic functions with the most economical means. Larger version can be both luxurious and roomy. While lying in between, average size bathrooms try to balance cost and comfort. As with kitchens you will pay more for a larger bath. However, more square footage is not always the solution, bathrooms of all sizes can be functional and stylish. When looking at bathrooms let your lifestyle guide your design without going beyond space and budget.
All bathrooms are a combination of planning and products. On the planning side, you may not have room for the bath that is 15x20, but perhaps you can find the few extra feet you need to be more comfortable. In the same way, your budget may preclude some of the nicer amenities, but standard equipment when well chosen can turn your bath from ordinary to extraordinary.
Bathroom Design Fundamentals
In planning and budgeting for a bath, start by determining how big the space will be. Whether you build your bath within the existing dimensions of the plan, steal some adjacent space from other rooms or and outside wall, or start from scratch by converting another room, the bathroom's overall shape and size will likely fall into one of three categories:
A standard-size bath is a rectangle starting at approximately 5 x 7 or 5 x 9 feet and ranging to perhaps 7 x 9 or 8 x 10 feet. In this rectangle, there's room for a sink with vanity, toilet, tub, and perhaps a small separate shower. This could be a home's main bath or a guest bath. A powder room or half bath is generally 15-32 square feet, and including just the basic essentials, a sink and toilet. A master bath is large and roomy, often 100 square feet or more and normally adjacent to or opening into the master bedroom. The extra space allows for luxury such as a whirlpool or soaking tub, a steam shower, separate vanities, a sitting area, stylish furniture pieces, storage, and large windows or skylights. The shape may vary. Arranging The Space
No matter what the actual dimensions of your bath, it's the arrangement of elements within, that determines how big or small the room feels. A modest-size bath neatly configured can feel spacious, while a large bath poorly planned can feel cramped. Following are guidelines for placing the essential bath fixtures.
Toilet/Bidet: Try to allow at least 16 inches of clearance from the center of the fixture to a wall or adjacent fixture on either side. Leave an area of clear floor space in front of the fixture, at least 30x48 inches. Up to 12 inches can extend under an adjacent lavatory when knee space is provided. Private toilet compartments should measure at least 36x66 inches. Lavatory: Allow at least 15 inches of side clearance from the center of the sink to a wall or other obstruction. Vanity height should fit the user. Standard height is 30-34 inches, but taller folks will find 34-42 inches more comfortable. For double-bowl vanities, leave 30 inches or more between the centers of the two bowls. Knee space should be provided at a lavatory. A mirror over the lavatory should be a maximum of 40 inches above the floor. Leave at least a 30x48-inch area of clear floor space either parallel or perpendicular to the lavatory. Tub: A tub should be large enough to use comfortably. Standard length is 60 inches and standard width is 30-32 inches. Leave a clear floor space either parallel or perpendicular to the tub. A parallel space should be at least 60 x 30 inches. A perpendicular space should be at least 60 x 48 inches. With either approach, up to 12 inches can extend under an adjacent lavatory when knee space is provided. If a built-in seat is planned on one end of the tub, increase the width of the clear floor space by the added depth of the seat, or at least 15 inches. For whirlpool tubs with control panels, leave an additional 12-18 inches of clear floor space beside the control panel for easy access. Shower: Shower stalls may come 32 x 32 inches or smaller, but the some builders recommend at least 34 x 34 inches, measured from wall to wall. For showers less than 60 inches wide, leave a clear floor space outside the stall that's at least 36 inches deep and the width of the shower plus 12 inches. For showers at least 60 inches wide, the clear floor space should be 36 inches deep and as wide as the shower. Shower doors should always open outward, into the bathroom. Safety And Comfort Recommendations
In addition to the requirements for fixtures, these are some recommendations to follow to enhance your safety and comfort in your new bathroom.
Choose flooring that is slip-resistant, and avoid stairs in the bath. Make sure any glass in the tub or shower area is tempered. Construct or reinforce walls to receive grab bars, and install them in the tub, shower, and toilet areas. Install the toilet-paper holder within reach of a person seated on the fixture, and centered at 26 inches above the floor. Keep all toiletries, linens, controls, and dispensers within a range of 15-48 inches above the floor. Provide a fan or other means of ventilation to the outside. When possible, include a window or skylight. Use clipped or radius corners and curved or beveled edges on countertops. Light all areas of the bath well with overhead and side fixtures. No light fixtures should be within reach of anyone seated or standing in the tub or shower area.General Pricing
Though the bathroom is usually the smallest room in the house, the cost of building it can seem disproportionately large. How much you spend on your bath depends on what fixtures, fittings, surfaces, and accessories you choose, and how much labor is involved. The installation accounts for nearly a quarter of the total cost, because jobs such as plumbing and tiling are so labor-intensive.
Labor costs will run higher if you're moving fixtures around. Installing a new sink, toilet, or tub in the same location as the plan indicates is fairly easy. When you move one or more fixtures, even just a few inches, labor costs may go up by hundreds of dollars.
You can save on building costs by doing work yourself, but be realistic about your skill and experience levels. Fixtures, wiring, and plumbing connections must meet building codes. Unless you're completely confident in your abilities, let a pro handle the big stuff, and limit your contribution to prep work and finishing, where you can still save money but the skill requirements are lower.
Regardless, the cost of labor is not the place to cut corners to save money. In fact, hiring a good contractor is the key to getting the most for your money. Paying a little more for the experience, skill, efficiency, and contacts of a seasoned professional can yield dividends for years. Get names of contractors from satisfied customers, view their work, and be willing to wait for the best. Good contractors are often always busy, and their customers are loyal.
