If you are planning to renovate your bathroom, you are undoubtedly interested in certain practical suggestions on the best way to arrange your toilet, bath, shower, counter and other bathroom accessories.
Even if you cannot use all these suggestions because of space or other restrictions, remember that simple arrangements can sometimes make the difference between a functional and non-functional bathroom. Your renovation costs won't be any higher, but you'll enjoy an improved quality of life, both now and in the future.
Depending on your needs, you could make provision for the following:
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| area of 1500 mm (60 in.) diameter, sufficient for a wheelchair to turn around in, if required |
| minimum, unobstructed opening of 760 mm (30 in.) |
| easy-to-operate, lever-type handle |
| a door that can be unlocked from the outside and that opens outwards is recommended |
| also consider the possibility of using a sliding door |
| non-slip floor covering |
| wedge-shaped (1:2 slope) sill no higher than13 mm (1/2 in.) |
| 305 mm (12 in.) clearance between the toilet and side wall |
| a seat 400 mm (16 in.) above floor level rather than the standard 350 mm (14 in.) is recommended for people with reduced mobility |
| easy-to-use, manually activated flushing system |
| the center of the washbasin should be no more than 460 mm (18 in.) from a side wall |
| the countertop and washbasin should be 865 mm (34 in.) above floor level, rather than the standard 813 mm (32 in.) |
| clearance of 760 mm (30 in.) below and 685 mm (27 in.) above the washbasin, if required |
| insulate or build an enclosure around the pipes under the sink to avoid risk of burns while allowing for proper clearances |
| showerhead with a 1800 mm (72 in.) long flexible hose |
| sliding showerhead on a vertical rod allowing for easy adjustment by seated individuals |
| consider installing a 450 mm (18 in.) high shower seat |
| use a shower curtain rather than solid bathtub and shower panels that make access difficult |
| front taps no higher than 450 mm (18 in.) from the rim of the bathtub or 850 mm (ñ 33 in.) from the floor |
| seated individuals will find it easier to use a balanced pressure or thermostatic shower valve (a single-handled lever for adjusting water flow and temperature) |
| easily accessible, built-in soap dish, preferably with no handle |
| lever-type handles for the washbasin, shower and bathtub. |
| consider installing an easy-access storage cabinet, as well as a medicine cabinet no more than 1000 mm (39 in.) above floor level |
| toilet paper dispenser 600 mm (24 in.) above floor level |
| towel rack and shelves 1200 mm (48 in.) above floor level |
| mirror 1000 mm (39 in.) above floor level |
| hooks 1400 mm (55 in.) above floor level and protruding no more than (50 mm) 2 in. |
| normally all accessories should be 400 mm (16 in.) to 1200 mm (48 in.) above floor level |
| nailing bases (reinforcement) in side walls near the toilet, in the wall behind the toilet and in the walls surrounding the bathtub and shower with a view to installing grab bars at some future date make sure that this backing is securely fastened in place and has no chance of pulling out |
| there is no defined way or height for grab bars. It is a good idea to add lots of blocking inside walls even if it is never used, a good idea is to make a small drawing of the bathroom so you know where the blocking is so you can easily find it if you need to install more grab bars in the future. Naturally grab bars that work for a 6` person will not necessarily work for someone 4`6" so it is best to plan ahead as it will save you lots of headaches down the road |
| if you install grab bars, ensure they are 30 mm to 40 mm (1 1/4 in. to 1 5/8 in.) in diameter for easy grasping, and approximately 35 mm to 45 mm (1 1/2 in. to 1 3/4 in.) from the wall |
"Strong lives are motivated by dynamic purposes; lesser ones exist on wishes and inclinations." Kenneth Hildebrand
MGM
© ALS Independence 2003-11
