Bathroom design specifications cover installation of fixtures, drains and safety features.
Bathroom designs range from luxurious to practical. Whether you want a trendy spa atmosphere or just a functional second washroom, contractors follow standard requirements when sketching their plans. General bathroom design specifications include installation of the fixtures, as well as the dimensions of the lavatory plumbing. And as more Americans approach their retirement years, homeowners choose bathroom features in anticipation of their changing needs as they grow older.
Fixtures
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) sets guidelines to cover common lifestyle trends and consumer safety, according to Star Craft Custom Builders. For example, NKBA recommends at least 30 inches of clear floor space in front of every toilet, shower or bathtub. Leave at least 18 inches from the centerline of the toilet to the wall or the next bath fixture. The preferred toilet height is between 32 and 43 inches to accommodate the users. NKBA suggests interior shower dimensions be 36 inches by 36 inches, and users must be able to access shower and tub controls from inside and outside the stall. Keep counter edges rounded or clipped for safety, and make certain hinged shower doors swing outward.
Drains
Bathroom drains are not created equally. For instance, a standard toilet drain is 3 to 4 inches and stands 12 inches from the wall, using a 2-inch vent, according to Bathroom Guru Review. These bathroom dimensions require precision because over-sized drain lines encourage more clogs than smaller-sized plumbing, says Bathroom Guru Review. Normal bathroom wastewaters push solids through the network of pipes and into the sewer system. In larger pipes, wastewaters cannot build enough force to propel solids forward. Instead, the liquids seep past the waste materials, leaving behind buildups that eventually form dams. Local building inspectors follow strict plumbing codes, and builders and remodelers typically meet with city authorities before tackling bathroom projects. Bypassing local regulations could turn your bathroom into a serious health hazard.
Accommodations
Universal bathroom design is a growing trend in which homeowners add style to washroom features that traditionally are associated with elderly and disabled people, according to House Logic. Instead of standard safety rails, popular beaded-escutcheon grab bars that are mounted onto plywood frames surrounding the shower, tub and toilet areas. The 1/2-inch pressure-treated plywood allows quick installation of more bars as needed. Lever-type handles replace the old-fashioned twist knobs for easier use among arthritis sufferers, House Logic reports. Wall-mounted sinks without vanities offer additional space for wheelchairs. If you desire cabinets, leave at least 9 inches between the floor and cabinet to allow wheelchair footrests to pass underneath.
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