The very room in which we most oftenwe are experiencing a lack of space - a bathroom. However, this difficult problem can be solved. In our article - the architect's answers to the most inconvenient questions about the expansion of the bathroom Our specialist in changing the space, the architect Ruslan Kirnichansky, has already told Roomble readers about how to do the remodeling in the apartments. This time it's about the bathroom. 
- One of the common wishes forremodeling of living space is the change of bathrooms and kitchens. And the point here is not only the insufficient space, but also the fact that the modern kitchen and bathroom are premises with a large set of new technical equipment and new functions, which were formed much later than the construction of most typical series of houses. The modern level and rhythm of life is changing rapidly, new technical equipment appears, which makes our life more convenient, but there is not enough space for these novelties in the morally outdated standard planning solutions. Therefore, now the question of redevelopment is so urgent. Today we are going to talk about bathrooms. Their average area in our country is 3.8 square meters. m, and the toilet room is 1.2 sq. m. If the plumbing unit is combined, then its total area can be from 3.2 sq. m. With these parameters, it is difficult to place the minimum plumbing equipment, and it will be unified: a small washbasin 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 ware. Therefore, I will give advice on acceptable expansion and remodeling of bathrooms.
Combining a bathroom and a bathroom
You can dismantle the enclosing bathroom andtoilet room wall without approval only if engineering equipment (sink, mixer, water heated towel rail) is not placed on the wall to be demolished. Otherwise, a project for the transfer of communications and approval will be required. Important: the transfer of engineering equipment is a complex process, and if a non-professional is allowed to perform these works, then there is a great risk of disrupting the functioning of common building highways. The consequences will be dire: from changes in the pressure (pressure) of water to accidents. Therefore, I recommend that you always contact highly qualified plumbers when changing engineering networks. Every second is capable of changing the faucet, and only a professional can transfer a water heated towel rail and at the same time not disturb the water circulation. 
Expanding the bathroom
When changing the configuration of the walls, you need to clarify thempurpose: if it is a partition, then demolition is possible, but if the wall carries a load, then only the organization of openings is permissible (the dimensions and places of their organization must be checked with the architect or engineer). After determining the purpose of the walls, it is necessary to make a project for expanding the bathroom and refer it for approval. Important: the expansion of bathrooms is permissible only at the expense of non-residential premises. Expansion at the expense of the living room is not coordinated, as it conflicts with the RF Government Decree No. 47 of 01.28.2006. The text of paragraph 24 of this provision reads: "Placement above the rooms of the toilet, bathroom (shower) and kitchen 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 the direct residence of citizens in a house or apartment." 
Transferring the bathroom
From the same resolution it follows that the transferwet areas are limited to being in the apartment below non-residential premises. Non-residential premises are kitchens, corridors, storage rooms and, accordingly, bathrooms. Important: the residents of the first floors are lucky - the transfer of wet zones there is also permissible in living rooms, since there are no living spaces below. When organizing a bathroom, you need to take into account the technical features of engineering equipment. It is important to understand that to ensure the natural self-draining of the sewer pipe (pipe diameter - 100 mm), it is necessary to provide a slope of 4% (or a rise of 10-15 mm per meter of pipe), which affects the level of floor elevation. If you move the sanitary ware five meters from the sewage main, then the floor level in the apartment will rise by 17-20 cm (10 cm - pipe, from 5 cm - slope, from 2 cm - finishing 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 sewage system. This will allow the equipment to be moved 50 meters from the sewer line with a minimum level of floor rise and without a technical slope of the pipe (pipe 100 mm + topcoat from 20 mm, screed lifting height - from 12 cm). Tip: Choose a quality pump that has proven itself well and does not make excessive noise during operation. When transferring only a bathtub and a sink, a sewer pipe of a smaller diameter is used: 50 mm versus 100 mm, which makes it possible to make the screed less in height. Important: if the floor screed has a height of more than 40 mm, then use expanded clay or similar lightweight materials. If you do not heed my advice and fill it with M300 sand concrete to a height of 100 mm, then there is a risk of the building collapsing (the floor slab may not withstand such a load). 
Transfer of the water heated towel rail
When transferring a water heated towel rail, you need tocorrectly calculate the permissible number of elbows and the possible distance from the main pipe. I recommend that you entrust this work to an engineer. Transferring a water heated towel rail is not always a technically feasible option, but there is nothing wrong with that, since now there are electric heated towel rails, the installation of which is more convenient and does not require complex approvals. Important: the power of the electric heated towel rail must be provided from a separate cable with your machine, and the same should be done with the outlet for the washing machine. The electric option is convenient in that we can allow its installation on any wall of the bathroom, and the fact that, provided that it is connected to the network, it will work (in many houses built before the 80s, a water heated towel rail is connected to the heating system and in the summer season it is not is functioning). 
You might 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 the regulation of the relationship between the owners of common property, based on mutual respect and responsibility, which allows the transformation and re-equipment of the space without deteriorating the quality of life of each tenant. Read more about expanding bathrooms 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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