Regardless of the size of the bathroom, its construction must follow specific building codes. The purpose of these codes is to determine how much distance it should be between fixtures such as sinks and toilets. Also, they are a significant guide for deciding the bathroom’s height and the expanse of available floor space.
Other than construction codes, particular size recommendations ensure that the bathroom also feels comfortable. Thus, for individuals planning on bathroom renovations, these codes and recommendations will allow them to pass the bathroom code while achieving their personal objectives. Also, Plumbers in Orland Park use these codes in their line of duty.
Clear Space and Doors
The most significant size consideration during a bathroom construction involves the entrance and the quantity of free space needed.
According to the doorway code, the bathroom opening should be 32 inches, while recommendations state an opening of 34 inches. As one enters the bathroom, they should easily swing the door’s breadth into the room while eliminating the possibility of hitting either the toilet or the vanity.
Therefore, if the width of the door is 32 inches, the passage should be 32 inches wide as well, together with a 32-inch length of free space that leads into the bathroom.
The space inside the bathroom requires a minimum of 21 inches in front of the sink, toilet, bidet, or tub. In addition, there should be utilized space in front of the shower that measures 24 inches.
Fixture Placement
Typically, a fixture is any large long-term addition to a bathroom. They include things such as a shower, tub, bidet, vanity, toilet, and the sink, and every one of them has the minimum space required to pass the code.
The toilet will require an area of at least 3 of inches to sit independently, with an extra 15 inches from the centerline towards each direction.
The sink will need at least 20 inches of room to fit in, more so if the sink is the only one in the room.
The shower will only need 30 inches of space, and it will require a circle to be drawn, 30 inches in diameter. Most individuals consider this a tight fit, so the recommendations for showers are 36 inches.
Ceiling and Fixture Height
Generally, the bathroom’s ceiling should be at a minimum length of 80 inches inside the shower and in front of the toilet and sink. The height of the ceiling may be about 60 inches at the lowest.
There are no standard requirements for sinks and vanity height. Therefore the recommendations are user-adjustable; that is, they should fit the user’s height. These measurements range between 32 inches to 43 inches.
For toilets, the mandated measurements from the rim to the floor are at least 15 inches, and the recommendation height from the floor to the rim is 17 inches.
Electrical
In every bathroom, a single GFCI outlet should be installed within a distance of 36 inches from the outer edge of the vanity or sink. This applies when they do not enter the tub or shower space.
Furthermore, there should be at least one switch at the bathroom entrance. The required height for hanging fixtures is 8 feet above the bathtub rim, except if the horizontal distance between them is 36 inches apart from the outer rim.
Accessories and Storage
For individuals who want to install storage and accessories in their bathrooms, they are not restricted by any codes. These are determined by the purpose of the bathroom and the preference of the homeowner. Medicine cabinets, towel bars, tissue holders, and toiletries racks can be positioned wherever an individual wants.
Therefore, decorating and storage in your bathroom can be as flexible as need be. If in doubt, Plumbers in Orland Park can give you recommendations.
