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June 4, 2009
advice on adding a bathrroom
can anyone here tell me if it's possible to add a full bathroom in a space that is only 6x5?
i'm willing to install smaller fixtures ie: small corner sink that hangs off the wall as opposed to sitting on a vanity, small toilet and small corner stall shower. am i crazy for even thinking this is doable?
any tips and/or advice will be most appreciated.
Comments
Should not be a problem at all. While there don't seem to be 32" shower stalls anymore, a corner unit saves space and gives a felling of openess. Plot it out on graph paper and be sure to leave some space around the toilet for comfort.
Posted by: yaakovdoe at June 4, 2009 8:16 AM
Build a wet-floor bathroom.Easy.
Posted by: alias100 at June 4, 2009 8:24 AM
download Google Sketchup. Its free. Lets you plan 3D projects.
Posted by: modsquad at June 4, 2009 8:32 AM
Wet floor bathroom is always a good idea. it's rarely done in the US but is all over Asia & Europe. There are shower base stalls as small as 30" or just have your own constructed.
There are even toilets out there (seen them in Japan but not here) with an integral sink on the top of the bowl!!! Maybe a little creepy!!!! WC sinks can be very small, there are a lot out there.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 4, 2009 9:01 AM
something like this: http://seriousgamessource.com/features/img/JapaneseToilet.JPG
the only problem - you get only cold water after the flush.
Posted by: bobjohn at June 4, 2009 9:21 AM
Sorry, it probably need explanation. When you flush the toilet, water starts fill the tank but instead going directly to the tank it flows from the sprout on top and then collected into the tank. So you save water when you wash hands. And it does not take up space.
Drawbacks - it is a cold water and you have to flush to make it running. as daveinbedstuy mentioned it is creepy to gaijeen.
Posted by: bobjohn at June 4, 2009 9:29 AM
interesting suggestions all! perhaps i should have mentioned in my initial post that i'm on the top floor of a prewar coop and i fear the wet floor bathroom would not work in my situation.
i am also having difficulty finding a contractor to do this work. the few i contacted some weeks ago never got back to me which i find odd since i have the cash and given the state of the economy there can't be too much work for contractors these days. if anyone knows and can provide the name & contact info for a reliable contractor in nyc it would also be very much appreciated.
Posted by: 11214 at June 4, 2009 9:32 AM
You may need an architect to file plans with the DOB and get board approval first before hiring a contractor. Also, aisles of at least 3 feet are standard.
I saw a kitchen where they didn't think of this and put in counters that were too deep, leaving an aisle of only 2 feet, and it felt cramped and you couldn't open the oven or dishwasher.
Posted by: mopar at June 4, 2009 9:54 AM
Your sink should be a miniscule corner fixture. There are really 2 sizes for toilets, Round and Elongated. The toilet is your dealbreaker. The code states you need a foot and a half (18") from the front of the toilet before an obstruction and 15" from the center to either side (30") which is very tight. Your shower should also be in a corner and perhaps be a triangle shape where you enter on the diagonal. This might work.
Posted by: tomgee at June 4, 2009 10:10 AM
A bathroom this size can certainly work, and fixtures need not be as miniscule as some suggest. This site is very basic, but will let you experiment with layout if you're not comfortable with graph paper (metric conversion necessary):
http://www.bathroom-guides-planner.com/planner/planner.htm
The points tomgee makes re: required clearance are VERY important. You will definitely need plans and permits. One contractor to try is Dineen Construction.
Not cheap, but very good: http://www.dineenconstruction.com/
Posted by: vinca at June 4, 2009 10:37 AM
bobjohn, yes, that's it. GB in Shinjuku ni-chome has one. GB stands for "gay bar."
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 4, 2009 10:40 AM
If you're not putting in a tub then that is plenty of room.
Wetrooms can be done on any floor these days - you are essentially just putting down a huge shower tray and then hiding it with tiles.
Lots of resources online. http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/wetroom.htm
Posted by: the chicken at June 4, 2009 11:05 AM
You can make an "all wet" bathroom... they seem to be popular in eastern europe -- though not this small.
The shower is the room, the room is the shower, and the sink and toilet are in the shower (sort of)
Posted by: tybur6 at June 4, 2009 11:31 AM
I think your bathroom can accommodate a normal toilet and sink. If not, toilet lid sinks are available in US. See: http://www.sinkpositive.com/faq.html
http://www.realgoods.com/product/home-outdoor/water-quality-conservation/shower-bath/toilet+lid+sink.do
Posted by: vinca at June 4, 2009 11:35 AM
i am actually building one of that size in nyc right now as part of a small loft renovation,,the toilet is a duravit happy d (depth of 25 5/8), sink is a glue up under a marble deck, and the shower is a hand built tile job 28 x 32...when you get to small spaces forget stock items... btw you will definitely need an architect, dob filing etc
Posted by: eman1234 at June 4, 2009 8:04 PM
if you go the corner sink route, porcher makes the least offensive unit
http://www.vintagetub.com/asp/product_detail.asp?item_no=25031&utm_id=IDK14
Posted by: eman1234 at June 4, 2009 8:06 PM
many thanks to you all for your helpful advice and suggestions. will try to report back when this project is underway and hopefully will be able to provide some pics.
Posted by: 11214 at June 5, 2009 8:17 AM
I have a 5X6 full bath I used a pedestal sink and a oval toilet. I also used larger tiles on the floor to give it a more open feel. I gutted it out and did most of the work myself. Cost was about $2500.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39465010@N00/100170256/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39465010@N00/100170261/
Posted by: staceys at June 5, 2009 3:58 PM
Contractor to call would be Mike Streaman of MRS Construction..718-832-5958. We've worked on dozens of projects like this one with him and have constructed Bathrooms of this size with a wet floor and they come out amazing!! You would definitely need an architect to do this right and have all the filings in place....a 30"-32" shower can be tight!! Don't worry about being on the Top Floor, if done correctly you will have no more chance of a leak than a custom built shower...it's built the same way!!
Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at June 5, 2009 10:50 PM
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