Is space at a premium in your bathroom? Having a small bathroom can be tough. It can look and feel cramped, plus storage is an issue. However, if you plan out fixture placement, you can enjoy more room with a single bathroom remodel.
Sinks
Replacing your sink with a different style is a good way to add more space. There are no standards in sink sizes, so you can find a smaller one to fit your needs. They can be put in corners, mounted on walls or as part of a pedestal. Before you pick the sink, decide what size and type of faucet you want. The size of the bowl is dependent on what kind of fixture you have. If you don’t want to sacrifice storage space, there are undersized vanities available.
Sinks should be tall enough to be used by homeowners and their families, and there should be a minimum of 30 by 48 inches in front. Most codes require 15″ of space between the center of the sink and any wall.
Tub Or Shower Stall?
Another must to consider is the bathing facilities. Most codes require at least 32” for a shower, but a stall will still save space when you consider how much room a tub will occupy.
However, they don’t offer quite the same luxury as a good soak in the tub does. Most tubs are 5′ by 30″ or 32″ wide, but there are smaller tubs out there as well as corner units. They may be a little hard to find, but your local home supply store should be able to find one to fit your needs. Some manufacturers offer custom work. Generally, the tub rim height is more important than the length of the tub. The higher the rim is, the better the water coverage will be.
Toilets
The design of the commode will determine the space needed. Generally, toilets with round bowls take up less space than elongated models. Remember to check your local building codes. Usually, the center of the toilet must be 15″ inches away from the wall, and 30″ to 32″ from other fixtures. There also needs to be at least 24″ in front of the fixture.
The more you plan before the remodel happens, the better your result will be. Have fun shopping and enjoy your new bathroom!
Iron River Construction offers bathroom installation and makeovers for Minneapolis/St. Paul area homeowners as well as those living in outlying communities.
