Those making bathroom remodeling plans would do well to pay attention to the bathroom code. While some may view them as a set of limitations that prevent you from exercising full control over your bathroom remodeling, these rules actually have an important purpose as they adhere to safety standards.
The bathroom code is enforced by the framework from the International Building Code but they do have slight differences depending on your location and certain localities add their own rules to that code.
The following shall be the basic rules of the bathroom code that likely apply to everybody. It would be in your best interest to find out what the code is in your own location before beginning your bathroom remodeling.
Sinks
- Bathroom sinks must have a minimum of 4 inches of space from the sidewalls.
- Bathroom sinks that will be placed side by side must have a minimum of 4 inches of space between them.
- Bathroom sinks must have a minimum of 21 inches of clearance space in front of it for proper usage.
- Bathroom sinks must have a minimum of 4 inches of space between them and bathtubs.
Toilets
- A toilet must have a minimum of 21 inches of space to its front.
- There are varying limits to how much water a toilet can use for flushing.
Showers & Tubs
- Shower space must be a minimum of 30” x 30”.
- Shower doors must have a minimum of 24 inches of clearance space.
- Showers & tubs must have anti-scalding mechanisms installed.
Electrical
- Lights above showers or tubs must waterproof.
- Outlets must be faced against a wall and must be GFCI outlets.
- Switches must have a minimum of 60 inches of space between showers and/or tubs.
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