BATHROOM PLANNING TIPS

Floor Space
Plan for clear floor space of at least 30” in front of all fixtures and between opposing walls.
Minimum distance in front of sinks, tubs, and toilets should be 21”. Minimum distance in front of showers is 24”.
Vanity Height
There is no standard vanity height. Vanity height should be appropriate to the end user. Typically vanities are to be 32” high to 43”.
Showers Valves
Code requires shower and tub/shower control valves must be one of the following:
-pressure balanced
-thermostatic mixing
-combination pressure balance/thermostatic mixing valve types.
Consult with a licensed plumber when planning a bath.
Shower and Tub Controls
Controls should be accessible from inside and outside the shower spray area.
Shower Size
There are no hard and fast rules to the maximum size of a shower. However the recommended minimum size of a shower is 30” by 30” floor area.
Shower Seats
Height of a shower seat should be standard seat height between 17” and 19”. The seat area should be in addition to the minimum shower floor area.
Shower Doors
Glass shower doors should always be made of tempered glass and marked “tempered glass”.
Windows in close proximity of any shower or tub should also be of tempered glass.
Steps
Steps around or in any wet area, including tubs, are not recommended. If steps must be included in the design plan, grab bars are mandatory.
Flooring
Slip resistant flooring should always be used in the bath.
Accessories
Mirrors should be placed above or near the lavatory that takes the user's eye height into consideration.
Toilet paper holders should be located 8" - 12" in front of the edge of the toilet bowl, at a minimum 26" above the floor.
Towel holders, soap dishes, etc., should be conveniently located near all bath fixtures.
Electrical Receptacles and Switches
All receptacles in the bath must be protected by Ground-fault-circuit-interrupters (GFCI).
A receptacle or switch should not be installed within a shower or bathtub space.
Switches, as part of the listed tub or shower assembly, are okay, such as an air switch to operate a whirlpool tub.
Consult a licensed electrician when planning a bath.
Ventilation
Do plan for a mechanical ventilation system of at least 50 cubic feet per minute ducted to the outside if you do not have a window of at least 3 sq. ft. of which 50% is operable.
Lighting
All light fixtures should be marked "suitable for damp/wet locations". Hanging fixtures are not recommended in baths.
Luxury baths today include fancy vanity furniture, elegant stone tile, frameless glass shower and tub doors, steam showers, wet and dry saunas, oversized whirlpool or air tubs, integrated all-mirrored medicine cabinets, coffee bars, seating areas, personal showers including multiple shower heads, body sprays, hand held showers, and storage, storage, storage. Please call BK Design Associates for help planning your own personal sanctuary.

Call 281-531-4242 today.
The information contained herein is provided as a public service with the understanding that BK Design Associates makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information.