Emily Rivers
Adding a new bathroom is a great way to add value to your property. You could add a new bathroom as part of a house extension or loft conversion. Alternatively, you could convert an existing room into a bathroom. You will usually need planning permission for extensions or loft conversions. Converting an existing room into a bathroom will not usually mean you need to apply for planning permission. It’s usually best to check with your local authority, as this can vary in some areas.
Renovating a bathroom may involve replacing the bathroom suite, retiling or repainting. There are some bathroom regulations you’ll need to adhere to. Renovating a bathroom will not need planning permission. Although, you will need to make sure it meets building regulations. The building regulations cover several different areas of a bathroom. Read on to find out more about how planning permission and building regulations apply to bathrooms.
Planning permission
The planning permission system means that for certain types of work you have to apply for permission from the local authority. In general, you won’t need planning permission for internal works. This means that if all the work for your bathroom installation is inside the property, you will not need to apply for planning permission. However, if you are carrying out external work like adding a new window to the property, you may need planning permission.
If you are adding a new bathroom as part of a loft conversion or extension, you will need planning permission. This application should include information about the extension and the way you will use the new space. If you apply for planning permission for an extension that does not include a bathroom and then fit one in the extension later, you may need to apply for planning permission again.
The enforcement of planning permission can vary. Different local authorities have different rules in place, as the system is designed to protect the local area. So if you’re not sure if your bathroom work will need planning permission, you can ask your local authority for advice. You can find their website using this tool.
Building regulations
Building regulations are a set of standards that building work has to meet. They make sure that buildings are safe, energy efficient and suitable for those with access requirements.
If you are creating a new bathroom, you will need building regulations approval. This may involve an inspector from your local authority carrying out a visit. If you are simply replacing a bathroom suite like for like, you will not need building regulations approval. However, you must make sure that any replacement bathroom furniture does not make access to the bathroom or ventilation any worse. If you are moving bathroom furniture like the bath or sink, you will need building regulations approval.
New bathroom regulations
Building regulations apply to new bathrooms in a variety of ways. Some of these are:
- If you already have a ground floor toilet, you should not remove it as it will affect access for disabled persons.
- Bathrooms must have suitable ventilation. This is usually done by having an openable window and an extractor fan. The extractor fan must have an airflow of 15 litres per second, and it should overrun for 15 minutes. If there is no openable window, a more powerful extractor fan may be required.
- Floor structure. If a bathroom is installed on the upper floor of a property, a survey should be done on the existing floor structure. A bath or shower may put extra weight on the floor. It’s important that the floor structure is capable of withstanding this extra weight. If it is not, you may need to upgrade the floor structure.
- There are regulations in place that govern electrical installations in bathrooms. Generally, these specify ‘special locations’ in the bathroom which may come into contact with water. All electrical appliances and wiring in these areas must be appropriately waterproofed. Use an electrician certified with a competent persons scheme to comply with these regulations.
- Plumbing and drainage. There are regulations in place for fresh and waste water plumbing. These specify the flow rate and height of pipework. Registered plumbers can self-certify that their installations meet the building regulations.
So now you know all the bathroom regulations you need to take not of. If you’d like more information about bathroom regulations, the best thing to do is to speak to a professional. Alternatively, your local authority may offer advice about regulations in your area.
Simply click on ‘Start my Project’ to get in touch with up to 4 bathroom pros who can give you a quote.
