Moving the bathroom

[dizz]

Good morning all.

I am currently looking at a property which has a large landing. My thoughts would be to create a new bedroom, which would be created by taking some of the landing and the existing bathroom space. As there is a large kitchen, I proposed to split the kitchen, to create a smaller kitchen and new bathroom. If I do this, the new bathroom will not have any windows. Are there any issues with this? Is a bathroom obliged to have a window? I am aware of the regs regarding ventilation for the kitchen and bathroom.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

No need for a window just proper ventilation as you say.

 

[dizz]

Thanks Freddy.

 

[Richard C]

No issue with the lack of a window as stated but you also need to be aware of Building Regs, controlling drainage, sound insulation of any stud walls adjacent to a habitable room & new electrics. As your creating a new room with fitted with a W/C, the work will also be notifyable & possibly subject to inspection.

Edit; you should also consider that having no upstairs bathroom will counteract somewhat the additional value of adding annother bedroom.

 

[DevilDamo]

You need an extractor fan capable of extracting min. 15 litres per second.

If a window cannot be provided... does the fan need to compensate (i.e. extract at a higher rate)?

 

[Richard C]

You need an extractor fan capable of extracting min. 15 litres per second.

If a window cannot be provided... does the fan need to compensate (i.e. extract at a higher rate)?

Most of the smaller fans are capable of around 20 litres/sec+ so no real problem; no additional capacity needed for the lack of an opening window.

 

[dizz]

Thanks guys.

It is a flat - we are on the top floor. Currently we have :

A Landing Space B stud wall C bathroom D structural wall E large kitchen F

I intend to remove stud and and put in a new one like this :

A Bedroom D structural wall E bathroom - stud wall - small kitchen F

Essentially, the bathroom will be the same side (but other side of structural wall) - I expect to use the same soil pipe.

I believe that Part E will apply as it is a material change of use and building regs are required for the Electrics, Ventilation, Fire and Sound.

 

[Richard C]

It is a flat - we are on the top floor. Currently we have :

Ah-ha didn't think of that

A Landing Space B stud wall C bathroom D structural wall E large kitchen F

I intend to remove stud and and put in a new one like this :

A Bedroom D structural wall E bathroom - stud wall - small kitchen F

Essentially, the bathroom will be the same side (but other side of structural wall) - I expect to use the same soil pipe.

Would rather see a sketch than try to work that one out but you only need to insulate walls adjacent to a habitable room. A habitable room is defined as; all living rooms and bedrooms, but not kitchens, bathrooms, WCs or circulation space. Creating the new room with a W/C is notifyable & the work must comply with current regs; if your connecting into an existing stack they may still want to inspect but are unlikely to require test.

I believe that Part E will apply as it is a material change of use and building regs are required for the Electrics, Ventilation, Fire and Sound.

If it’s a purpose built flat or existing conversion, moving your loo does not amount to a material change of use. A new conversion inot flats does & then you have to sound insulate the floors as well.

 

[dizz]

Thanks Richard - they are already flats.

 

[DevilDamo]

but not kitchens

Kitchens are infact considered habitable rooms if they are more than 2m wide in accordance with some local authoritys' "Outlook, Amenity, Privacy & Daylight" document.

 

[noseall]

Kitchen/diners are h' rooms.

 

[Richard C]

Kitchen/diners are h' rooms.

I know K/D's are classed as H/R; understandably IMO, but I've not seen anything specific that places kitchens into a H/R category. It may be down to local (inexperienced ?) interpretation but I would question such an interpretation based on all the many LABC guidelines I’ve read.

 

[noseall]

but I would question such an interpretation based on all the many LABC guidelines I’ve read.

Me too.

You will always come across a bco who is over zealously proud of his job and title.

 

[big-all]

another point to remember you must leave your landing a minimum off a square the same size as the stairs are wide

 

[DevilDamo]

You mean a landing has to be as deep as the width of the flight or "at least" 400mm if a door swings across it