Designing a Bathroom
Bathrooms are sometimes the smallest room in the house and as a result, time must be spent planning and designing a layout before you lift the first paintbrush. You’ll need to check the local regulations and research the options available. Using a bathroom layout will make the entire process somewhat easier.
- Check the local building codes. There may be requirements such as space needs, door placement, shower and tub size, fixture placement and lighting. Local codes will stress minimum requirements, but check with professional organizations such as the National Kitchen and Bath Association to find guidelines based on comfort and organization.
- Draw the room’s dimensions to scale on graph paper. Take wall to wall measurements, ignoring current fixture placement. Add the door and window locations, and the existing mechanical systems, like the plumbing and electrical outlets. If you are on a budget, it is generally in your best interest to keep mechanical systems in place.
- Gather dimensions of the items you will have in the bathroom, like fixtures, vanities and storage closets. Remember towel racks, toilet paper holders and tissues.
- Plan for the maximum amount of floor space. Most codes require at least 21 inches in front of sinks, toilets and bathtubs, but 24 inches is a more comfortable distance.
- Lay out the interior of the bathroom on the graph paper. You can use specific software, or a bathroom architectural template. Other than local codes, there are not any rules about designing bathrooms. Move around fixtures and parts until your needs are met.