Bathroom Planning Checklist

Fixture Placement Requirements

Lavatory

• 15" (38 cm) or more of clearance space from the centerline of lavatory bowl to a wall or similar obstruction.
• 30" (76 cm) or more of clearance space between the centerlines of double-bowl lavatories.
• At least 30" x 48" (76 cm x 122 cm) of clear floor space in front of the lavatory.

 

Water Closet/Bidet

• 16" (41 cm) from the centerline of a water closet or bidet to a wall or similar obstruction, or fixture adjacent to it.
• At least 48" x 48" (122 cm x 122 cm) of clear floor space in front of the water closet or bidet.

 

Bathing/Showering

• Shower size large enough to comfortably use, at least 34" x 34" (86.36 cm x 86.36 cm).
• Tub size large enough to comfortably use.
• At least 60" x 30" (152 cm x 76 cm) of clear floor space in front of shower/tub.

 

General

• The bathroom entrance door swings so that it does not interfere with people in front of fixtures.
• Fixtures located so that more than two people can use the space comfortably.
• Water closet and bidet in separate compartments or shielded from entrance view.

 

Safety Requirements

• Non-slip flooring used throughout the space.
• Ground-fault circuit interrupter electrical recepticals used.
• Electrical switches placed away from tub or shower.
• Grab-bars at shower/tub entrance and inside enclosure.
• Tub and/or shower easy to enter and exit.
• No steps at the tub or shower.
• Safety glazing on glass used for shower doors.
• Shower door swings into bathroom, not into shower enclosure.
• Bench/seat included in shower enclosure.
• Pressure balanced water control valves used in shower.
• Temperature regulating water control valves used in shower.

 

Storage System Requirements

• Adequate counter or shelf space around lavatory.
• Adequate storage for grooming equipment, toiletries, linens, etc., 15" - 48" (38 cm - 122 cm) above the floor.
• Towel bars /rings located within reach of fixtures.
• Bathroom linen and paper product storage space provided.
• Storage space for shampoo and such in the shower/tub area, between 15" to 48" (38 cm - 122 cm) above the floor.

 

Mechanical System Requirements

• An efficient ventilation system is part of the plan.
• Bathroom heating system will keep the space comfortably warm.
• Task lighting provided at every functional area.
• General lighting provided throughout the bathroom.

 

Reprinted with permission from the National Kitchen and Bath Association.