7.02 Bathrooms

Types of Baths

Half-bath/powder room - sink & toilet only

Full bath - sink, toilet, bathtub/shower

¾ bath – sink, toilet, shower with no tub

Master bath – full bath located as part of master bedroom

Bathroom Considerations

Locate near existing plumbing lines to lower construction costs

Position bathrooms to provide sound barriers between private and social areas

Consider how many people will use the bath

Allow space for safety

Design and measure the layout carefully as it is difficult and expensive to move fixtures

Check local building codes for minimum requirements needed for the bath

Bathroom Sinks/Lavatories/Wash Basins

Wall-hung sink: has open space beneath sink, can make the room appear larger

Pedestal Sinks

Pedestal sinks: supported by a free-standing base, often artfully shaped or appears as a sculpture

Inset Sinks

Inset Sink: set into the countertop, cabinet below adds storage

Above the counter

Above-the-counter: looks like a decorative washbowl set on a counter. Plumbing is below

Toilets/Water Closets

1. Can be mounted on wall or floor2. Ultra low flush (UFL) toilets may

be required by local building codes, use no more than 1.6 gal as compared to older models which may use up to 5 gal.

Floor mount Wall mount

Showers

Tub Showers: bathtub with a shower head above that may be in a fixed position on wall, adjustable or handheld. Some showers may have multiple heads at various levels

Stall Showers: walk-in with a door

Tubs

Freestanding: may have ball-and-claw for Victorian look

Enclosed tubs: may be round, rectangular, square, oval. Surrounded by 3 walls, may be sunken into floor or built on platform

Whirlpool tubs: includes water jets

Innovative Baths

Towel Warmers Chromotherapy Water jets

Cabinets and Vanities

Base cabinet in a bathroom that conceals pipes, provides counter space and storage

Universal Design in Baths 1. Wide doorways (36”) and extra

floor space (usually 5’x5’ turning radius for wheelchairs)

2. Grab bars near toilet and tub 3. Elevated toilet seat 4. Lever style sink and shower

controls 5. Lower cabinets 6. Tilting mirror

7. No-sill, door-less shower stall with rolling or fixed chair

Grab bars with hand held shower

Resources Housing and Interiors, pages 519-523 www.lowes.com www.homedepot.com www.nkba.com www.tubz.com www.hgtv.com www.bhg.com www.aarp.org

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