Floorplan/ideas needed for a really small bathroom

Polly Zieper
by Polly Zieper
When my 3rd child goes to college in a year we are thinking of having my 85 yr old mom move in with us...it will benefit all of us. She can help with the mortgage, get plenty of social stimulation, etc, and won't be alone so much.
Where can't find floor plans for a 3-piece bathroom we could add to her bedroom that would be workable, practical, not too cramped, etc?
  9 answers
  • Nancy Spencer Carlson Nancy Spencer Carlson on Aug 25, 2015
    first, what size room are you looking for? Then I'd just do a search for small bathrooms. If you only need a shower that will save a lot of space, methinks. Good luck! It's nice that you will have her move in with you.
    • See 3 previous
    • Z Z on Aug 26, 2015
      @Polly, if you scroll down about to the middle of the page on the link below you'll find out minimum distances for fixtures. Most are measured from center like you would studs when framing a home. http://www.bhg.com/bathroom/remodeling/planning/bathroom-layout-guidelines-and-requirements/
  • Z Z on Aug 25, 2015
    I'm with Nancy, more information is needed. If you do chose a shower, make sure it's big enough for a shower chair.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Aug 25, 2015
    Home talk website has many options in planning bathrooms.
  • Janice Metzger Janice Metzger on Aug 26, 2015
    Depending on the size and if you are doing the work your self... It would be best to have a walk in shower with no step with a glass wall or solid wall on the shower head side. It doesn't need to go to the ceiling, only enough to block shower spray from hitting the bathroom floor. This way if mobility becomes an issue you don't have to worry. Wall cabinets that are eye level would work best for a senior citizen. Bending over is hard for them so keep that in mind. If your installing a new sink and it's a small bath use a pedestal sink to keep the room looking large. Large tiles make a small floor area look larger using light colors. Also install a new "handicap" toilet. It is higher than the standard which allows for easier sitting and standing (unless the person is short). Use a large framed mirror instead of boring bathroom medicine cabinet. It will look richer. Have fun what ever you do! It's great that you will have your mom move in with you!
  • Nancy Fallon Nancy Fallon on Aug 26, 2015
    I'm a physical therapist, so my first thought was to make the bathroom accessible, which is difficult in a small space. My second thought was of some of the bathrooms I saw while in Europe that were basically waterproof everywhere; they even had little metal covers over the toilet paper to keep it dry. The "shower" would just be part of the room with a drain and blocked off by a shower curtain. The toilet could even be in the curtained off area...instant shower chair. The only big concern with this solution is that the tile for the flooring needs to be very slip proof as there may not be a spot for a bathmat if the room is very small and the entire floor tends to get at least a little wet. Try searching for shower rooms to see some pictures. Don't forget to add some grab bars, and a shower head that can be hand held is a good idea.
  • Carol Carol on Aug 26, 2015
    How big is the room/closet you will be turning into a bathroom. That sorta dictates the size of tub/shower, vanity/sink vs pedistal sink and toilet style. It will also help to know where the piping for water and drains will go. Google small bathrooms layout.
  • Cathy Smith Cathy Smith on Aug 26, 2015
    I would probably go ahead and make it handicap accessible. Cheaper in the beginning than having to do it later.
  • Sonia Burrows Sonia Burrows on Aug 26, 2015
    Janice and Nancy, totally agree with you, but Polly did say her mother would be "helping with the mortgage" so I'm guessing the expense for the bathroom suggestions isn't in the picture.
  • Dragonintheattic Dragonintheattic on Aug 27, 2015
    You can get a product called "No Skid" to paint your tile floor every few years, or use small mosaic tiles which have a lot of grout lines so they are not as slippery for older people. If you get her a higher toilet, get a squatty potty to rest her feet on as it's easier to go in that position. I grew up in a multi-generational house and its much easier for all. You won't have to worry about her. Good luck with your project.