I’m finally building a new detatched garage and will be including a potting shed and toolshed. My wife insists on adding a bathroom to it with a shower, sink, and toilet for when we’re working out in the garden and don’t want to get the house dirty.
I’m looking for the smallest possible bathroom design, and am willing to use corner toilet and sink, as well as make the entire room a wet room. Do any of you out there have a sketch of what you think is the smallest bathroom allowed by code?
Thanks
Replies
THE FHB "Houses" issue just out has an article on just that.
Forrest
Smallest possible? Better clarify just what you want!
First, I've seen the FHB article, and I wish my bathroom was as large as their "smallest."
I've had bathroooms as small as 4 ft x 5 ft. At that point, the toilet and sink are IN the shower, and the entire place is the shower stall.
I have trouble imagining any garden chores that would have you needing to shower before entering the house.
I DO see a need to wash your hands - and tools - often. I also see a need to fill pails and clean boots.
I suggest that you 'split' the design. First, a small 3 ft. x 4 ft. 'room' with a toilet only. It won't feel so cramped if it has a large window.
Nearby, have TWO sinks. One would be a restaurant - style basin with counter. This counter is part of the same steel pan, and has a 3" well (backsplash) all around it. That is, the "counter" surface is actually a drain pan for the sink. You can put the water heater under the sink. You can expect this sink to take up 5 ft. of wall space.
The second sink is a "mop sink." This is a floor level basin with 4" sides, and a faucet at waist level that will accept a hose. Such a sink is about 3 ft. square.
>>I've had bathroooms as small as 4 ft x 5 ft. At that point, the toilet and sink are IN the shower, and the entire place is the shower stall.<<
4x5? Lotta wasted space! 30"x36" is plenty on many boats. Tiny corner sink set high, knees under sink edge when seated on head, close lid for a shower seat. Handheld shower with mount on wall. Entire floor is the shower pan generally covered with a removable teak grate. Toughest thing is keeping the TP dry - most have a recessed cupboard for this purpose.
Be advised that the prudent mariner will remove all paper products from the compartment before showering.
Perhaps OP meant smallest comfortable bathroom..........
I have a bathroom which is 6' x 6'8" - 30" vanity / dividing wall / 40" x 32" shower stall with bypass glass doors down one 6'8" wall. Toilet sits in space in front of shower doors. Entry door is in front of toilet. Probably could shrink it a little more.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
what you think is the smallest bathroom allowed by code?
What I think, and what code requires can be different things (both lesser and a greater).
You will have to tell us which Code your AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) uses, since several of the codes vary.
Note, that it can be a very good idea to check your City's (if you live in one) web page for which code is used, and the permits required.
For instance, in my fair city, I'd need a permit to make a sewer connection, and another to add the supply plumbing. Further, I'd have to get a variance to permit having a detached bathroom on the property (this is very common where codes and zoning are enacted, it's to prevent people adding untaxed dwelling units on existing properties).
Now, a run-through sink with an outdoor shower would be much less complicated; keep the shed under 120sf, and no permits needed at all.
And I once sailed in a 36' yawl that had a "full" bath in 30" x 39" x 60" tall (mostly)--not hugely comfortable, but better than sitting on the foredeck dipping seawater from a bucket (joys of saltwater soap <sigh>) . . .
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Smallest full-function bathroom I have ever built is 5x6. It contains a standard toilet; a full-size enamel-steel drop-in sink in a 32"-wide counter; and a standard, side-opening 31x32 FG stall shower fitted with a glass shower door.
It is quite comfortable for anything one normally does in a bathroom.
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not brought
low by this? For thine evil pales before that which
foolish men call Justice....
Since this is not a living area or dwelling unit, codes may not even apply, depending on how local ordinances are interpreted and enforced.
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I could never see the need for a bathroom for two. siting there, reading the paper,"Yes, yes, who your daddie, whooooooo your DADee'' "Honey could you turn on the fan"
why waste 'lectricity?Light a match
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