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Minimum size for a 1/2 bath

14 years ago

We are considering adding a sink/toilet in a narrow space when we remodel our home. I'm wondering what the minimum measurements are to build a 1/2 bath, including the studs and drywall, etc. (Inches matter). Is 4'x7' enough? I'm thinking side entry door, toilet to the left, sink to the right. Thanks friends!

Featured Answer

lazypup

14 years ago

It depends upon which code your under.

Under both the IRC (International Residential Code) & The UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code) you are required to have 15" from the center of the water closet bowl to any wall, fixture or appurtenance on either side, therefore with the WC centered you could get by with 30" inside finished dimension for width.

The IRC requires 21" from the front edge of the W.C. Bowl to any adjacent wall, fixture or appurtenance.

Under the UPC you are required 24" frontal clearance from the front of the bowl to any adjacent wall, fixture or appurtenance.

The combined overall length would then depend upon what fixtures you choose to install plus the frontal clearance.

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Comments (6)

weedyacres
14 years ago
I had a powder room that was about 3x7, and it was the exact layout you described. It was just fine.
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bob_cville
14 years ago
I put a powder room in a space that was 36" wide (before drywall) at one end and 32" wide at the other by 6'4" long.
It was just barely enough to meet the requirements for clearance in front of the toilet. However it looks and works great.
I had to change the door so that it would swing out instead of swinging into the powder room.
marisany
14 years ago
I came here planning to post a question about the minimum possible size for a powder room, and found this thread! I hope you don't mind me horning in, peace_rose.

We are planning to remodel an awkward space - rear entry, cabinets, counter with sink, small room with toilet only (no sink). We are gutting it, and planning to block off windows if necessary. We'd like it to be a mudroom with a powder room. I've been tearing my hair out trying to come up with a configuration that will work, with no success. I paid an architect to come in for an hour and give me some ideas. He told me that the minimum sizes for a powder room were either 4' x 5' or 3' x 6'. (This is not code, but just his idea of what would be workable and attractive.) So what you are planning should be fine, peace_rose.

I am hoping to squeeze the space down somehow to make it easier to figure out the space. Has anyone done a powder room smaller than the dimensions I gave? If so, how did you do it?
peace_rose
Original Author
14 years ago
Horn away marisany! Our 8'x9'kitchen may become a hallway/narrow 1/2 bath. So we can all learn together! :)
PRO
MD Construction
2 years ago
It would be possible to mount a sink over water closet

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