Bathrooms are the place where we start and end our day. They are essential to our homes and lives. Therefore when designing or redesigning a bathroom, careful consideration is necessary. And it isn’t just the look but also the functionality. Add in some plumbing and construction codes, and you got quite the project on your hands. So where should you start? How big should it be? Here are some of those answers and more commonly asked bathroom design questions.
How Big Should Your Bathroom Be?
Let’s talk about the size of the bathroom first. Maybe you already have a set size, which is great. However, more often than not, we find homeowners want to expand or change the layout of their bathrooms. This can affect the overall size. It all starts with the location. Is this an en suite, powder room (aka half bath), or perhaps an ADA bathroom? Then consider the type of house. Is it for an apartment, condo, townhouse, or family home?
The answer will help determine the size requirements and what you are looking for in your bathroom design. For example, the average bathroom size for an apartment, condo, or townhome is between 36-40 square feet. However, for larger family homes, the average size ranges between 40-100 square feet. Although if it needs to meet ADA requirements the size is at least 60 inches wide by 56 inches deep, plus clearance space for fixtures.
Remember, these are averages, but if you have a larger property or a blueprint that allows you to knock down walls, you could make them more significant than average. Knowing the bathroom dimensions will make it easier to budget and get to the fun design elements and finishing touches with your contractor.
Who and How Will It Be Used?
Another way to help figure out the overall design is to think about who will use the bathroom. Your answers will influence your design and functionality. Here are some questions to consider:
- Will this be a kid’s bathroom and therefore, things need to be in reachable proximity?
- Is this a guest bathroom used on occasion? Or you may have heavy guest traffic at your house.
- Does this bathroom need to accommodate a family member who has a disability?
- Is this a bathroom shared by two adults, and what are their needs for the space?
- Do pets need to be bathed in this bathroom? Consider pet-friendly fixtures.
- And what about storage? What type of items will need to be stored and where?
- Do you have space for a separate tub and shower, or must it be a combo or a standing shower?
- Where do you need space, and where can you save space?
These are all questions we will spend time thinking through with you.
Basic Bathroom Design Size & Requirements
We all hear about wants and needs. There are some things that are necessary. For example, if you are going with a full-size bathroom, you need at minimum a shower (with a tub option most likely), a sink, and a toilet. These can easily fit into a 36-40 square foot area. If you are doing a half bath, you will need a sink and toilet. Generally, you want between 15-20 square feet at minimum.
For ADA bathrooms, more space and functionality are necessary. You have to consider clearance for mobility issues. At the very least you need 60 inches for the turning radius of a wheelchair.
Adding Extra Features to Your Bathroom Design
Again, we start and finish our days in the bathroom. It is very important to consider the things you want, the elements that make your life easier. Let’s make that process the best it can be! So let’s consider what you want.
Once you have the basics down, you can add touches like bidets, heated tiles, towel warmers, custom shower doors, bathroom tiles, and more. You can also consider your natural lighting sources and how you can dress additional lighting needs. On that note, lighting is very crucial to a bathroom. Especially around the vanities and the shower. You want not to overlook layering your lighting.
Another significant consideration will be code requirements. Working with us will mean we will have all the knowledge regarding those requirements, and you can rest assured that these guidelines are always at the forefront of our minds at Friel Kitchen & Bathroom Design.
Ready to Talk Bathroom Design?
At Friel Kitchen & Bath Design, we create a variety of different bathroom designs daily. From ensuites that need expanding to reworking smaller family-friendly bathrooms, we do it all. When you work with us, we do a free consultation. That includes designing the space based on code requirements, wants, and needs. You will be able to get an idea of what your bathroom can look like with our state-of-the-art digital rendering. Contact us today to get started.
