То самое помещение, в котором мы чаще всего we are experiencing a shortage of space - the bathroom. However, this complex problem can be solved. In our article - the architect's answers to the most inconvenient questions about expanding the bathroom. Our specialist in changing the space, architect Ruslan Kirnichansky, has already told Roomble readers about how to do redevelopment in and apartments. This time we will talk about the bathroom.
— One of the common wishes forrefurbishment of living space is the change of bathrooms and kitchens. And it is not only a matter of insufficient space, but also the fact that a modern kitchen and bathroom are rooms with a large set of new technical equipment and new functions that were formed much later than the construction of most standard series of houses. The modern level and rhythm of life is changing rapidly, new technical equipment appears that makes our life more convenient, but in morally outdated standard planning solutions there is not enough space for these innovations. That is why the issue of redevelopment is so relevant now. Today we will talk about bathrooms. Their average area in our country is 3.8 sq. m, and the toilet room is 1.2 sq. m. If the sanitary unit is combined, then its total area can be from 3.2 sq. m. With these parameters, it is difficult to place the minimum sanitary equipment, and it will be unified: a small sink for washing and a bathtub of standard sizes. In addition, we must not forget about an important category of our society - people with limited mobility, for whom it is physically difficult to use standard sanitary products. Therefore, I will give advice on the permissible expansion and re-equipment of bathrooms.
Combining a bathroom and toilet
It is possible to dismantle the enclosing bath andtoilet room wall without approval only if there is no utility equipment (sink, faucet, heated towel rail) on the wall being demolished. Otherwise, a utility transfer project and approval will be required. Important: transferring utility equipment is a complex process, and if you allow a non-professional to perform this work, there is a high risk of disrupting the functioning of the common house mains. The consequences will be dire: from a change in the water pressure to accidents. Therefore, I recommend always contacting highly qualified plumbers when changing utility networks. Every second person can change a faucet, but only a professional can move a heated towel rail without disrupting the water circulation.
Bathroom expansion
When changing the configuration of the walls, it is necessary to clarifytheir purpose: if it is a partition, then demolition is possible, but if the wall bears a load, then only the organization of openings is allowed (the sizes and places of their organization should be clarified with the architect or engineer). After determining the purpose of the walls, it is necessary to make a project for expanding the bathroom and submit it for approval. Important: expanding bathrooms is allowed only at the expense of non-residential premises. Expansion at the expense of a living room is not approved, since this conflicts with the RF Government Resolution No. 47 of 28.01.2006. The text of paragraph 24 of this regulation reads: "Placing a toilet, bathroom (shower) and kitchen above rooms is not allowed." In paragraph 5 we read: "A room should be understood as a part of a residential building or apartment that serves as a place for direct residence of citizens in the house or apartment."
Moving the bathroom
It follows from the same resolution that the transferWet zones are limited to being located in the apartment below non-residential premises. Non-residential premises are kitchens, hallways, storage rooms and, accordingly, bathrooms. Important: residents of the first floors are lucky - the transfer of wet zones there is permissible and to living rooms, since there are no spaces below the living spaces. When organizing a bathroom, you must also take into account the technical features of the engineering equipment. It is important to understand that to ensure natural self-drainage of the sewer pipe (pipe diameter - 100 mm), you need to provide a slope of 4% (or a rise of 10-15 mm per meter of pipe), which affects the level of raising the floors. If you move a plumbing product five meters from the sewer main, the floor level in the apartment will rise by 17-20 cm (10 cm - pipe, from 5 cm - slope, from 2 cm - final floor covering). I recommend deciding on such a transfer of the toilet room only if there is an urgent need for it. There is an easier option: install a special pump for the sewer. This will allow you to move the equipment 50 meters from the sewer main with a minimum floor lift and without a technical pipe slope (100 mm pipe + 20 mm topcoat, screed lift height - from 12 cm). Advice: choose a high-quality pump that has proven itself well and does not produce excessive noise during operation. When moving only a bathtub and a sink, use a smaller diameter sewer pipe: 50 mm versus 100 mm, which allows you to make the screed smaller in height. Important: if the floor screed is more than 40 mm high, use expanded clay or similar lightweight materials. If you do not listen to my advice and fill it with M300 sand concrete to a height of 100 mm, there is a risk of the building collapsing (the floor slab may not withstand such a load).
Transfer of a water heated towel rail
When moving a water heated towel rail, you need tocorrectly calculate the permissible number of elbows and the possible distance from the main pipe. I recommend entrusting this work to an engineer. Moving a water heated towel rail is not always a technically feasible option, but there is nothing wrong with that, since there are now electric heated towel rails, the installation of which is more convenient and does not require complex approvals. Important: the electric heated towel rail must be powered from a separate cable with its own circuit breaker, and the same should be done with the outlet for the washing machine. The electric option is convenient because it can be installed on any wall of the bathroom, and it will work if connected to the network (in many houses built before the 80s, the water heated towel rail is connected to the heating system and does not function in the summer).
You may get the impression that the vaultsrules and SNiPs are designed to limit our desires, but this is not the case. Building codes are designed for comfortable and safe living in an apartment building. This is a regulation of the relationship between owners of common property, based on mutual respect and responsibility, which allows for the transformation and refurbishment of space without deteriorating the quality of life of each resident. More information about expanding bathrooms is written here:
- Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of 28.01.2006 No. 47,
- SP 54.13330.2011,
- SanPiN 2.1.2.2645-10 p.3.8 and p.3.9.
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