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 Can be mounted on wall or floor 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 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 Copyright ©2007, ABCD, All rights reserved.