An extra powder room, otherwise known as a tiny restroom, makes a big difference in convenience and comfort. A year-round gardener might want to place a powder room near the exterior of the home. A family with small children would likely benefit from this as well. A frequent host for social gatherings would benefit from an extra restroom near the dining or tea area.
Everyone has their own reasons, but they also face a similar problem. It is difficult to envision a reapportionment of space when you know the existing space so well. What follows are a few tips to make finding the space easier and less expensive.
Placement Concerns
Home designers typically place bathrooms back to back or against a kitchen. Multi-level buildings have bathrooms using the same interior wall. The goal is to minimize plumbing and reduce cost. A powder room placed away from the main wet-wall requires tapping into the main line or running pipe from bathroom feeder lines. If cost is a concern, the goal should be finding space along a wall shared with other plumbed rooms.
If you intend to place a restroom near the exterior, you are likely facing the need for a contractor to splice into the main line. It might be worth it depending on your goal. You will also need to attach the toilet to the sewer line. This is non-negotiable unless you opt for a composting toilet and grey water system for the sink.
Spacing
A small powder room is possible with very little space. Part of a porch, a slice of a large room, a closet, or two adjoining closets are all possibilities. Making the decision is easier with a diagram of the home. Simply walk around the home, take measurements, and make a diagram that notes all plumbed walls.
It doesn’t seem like much in writing, but a 3.5 feet by 6.5 feet space is lavish for a powder room. Make several copies of your diagram, and begin drawing in possibilities. A rectangular shape is the most common, but free yourself to experiment should there be an opportunity. It will also help to note where the main water line enters the home. The closer you get to this line, the less disruption will take place during the renovation.
Renovation
Unless you are a certified plumber, it is best to get help with this aspect. At minimum, a plumber should splice into the lines. Most DIY enthusiasts can handle the rest with minimal advice from online forums and the contractor.
Traditional walls with studs and sheet rock can be tricky, but it can be built with an extra set of hands. Other options are possible for low cost, ease of construction, and a unique look, depending on your needs and expectations. Ensuring privacy, including muffling sound, is best done with a thick frame and drywall.
Putting together a powder room is an inexpensive option for personalizing the home to your needs. Location is the primary determiner of cost. Remember that any money saved on building the room can be used to acquire fixtures. The right fixtures and decoration will make this a wise investment.
Angie Nichols blogs about home improvement projects. You can get free quotes on building a powder room at www.bathroomrenovationsperth.net as well as other projects, including kitchen renovation at www.kitchenrenovationsperth.net.