You are here:

Architecture/bathroom design

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/10/2006


Question
Hello,
When one looks into a bathroom from the doorway, what is the proper placement of the sink, toilet and bathtub?  In other words, shouldn't the layout be from the door: sink, toilet and the bathtub?

Our bathroom is completed with all walls totally tiled with the position of the sink and toilet reversed by mistake, can we correct the position of the toilet and sink by accessing the piping from the sheetrock walls behind and under the toilet and sink without tearing down the tiled wall and floor of the bathroom?

Is it possible to take out one affected 12"x12" tile only to remove the hole which will remain on such tile when the hot water pipe of the sink is removed?  

Answer
Okhee - thanks for your question!

Although there's no "proper" placement of the fixtures, it's quite common to arrange them as you've described.  I can't think of a reason to arrange them otherwise!

You're stuck with the current layout, however - unless you tear things up considerably.  The biggest obstacle is the 4" toilet drain.  Even without the tile and wall issues, you're into a very big under-floor job to relocate that drain.

At this point it's either learn to live with it or start over!

Regarding the removal and replacement of one tile, no problem - it's done all the time!

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com

Architecture

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.