Building Regulations Bathrooms

Building Regulations Bathrooms


When it comes to fitting a new bathroom suite or completely refurbishing a bathroom there are a few things you should bear in mind with regards to the legalities which may be involved which you may not be aware of.

In recent years home improvement has become increasingly subject to building regulations and planning permission. These are the primary issues which you need to consider with regards to building regulations when carrying out a bathroom refurb.

Part P Building Regulations

Part P building regulations relates primarily to electrical works and a major part of this legislation directly affects electrics fitted in bathrooms and kitchens (i.e. areas where water is likely to come into contact with electricity). The legislation can be largely broken down into 4 areas:

All electrical work must be carried out by a competent person
Minor electrical works (such as electric showers and extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens), must be certified with a minor works certificate which should be issued to you by your electrician.
Quality electrical materials must be used.
Shower rooms, bathrooms and kitchens are considered 'special locations' and nearly all electrical works carried out in these areas must be notified to building control - to be on the safe side, ensure that you obtain the relevant certification, not only from a safety perspective but also to prevent any problems with missing paperwork if you come to try to sell your property and are unable to verify any bathroom modifications work.
If upgrading your electric shower check with the manufacturers instructions to see if any notifications are required to remain compliant. Good quality showers will normally have information accompanying them about this matter.
Bathrooms and External Ventilation Regulations

When fitting a bathroom, shower room, wetroom or cloakroom, it is essential that external ventilation of some sort is available. Whilst most bathrooms and shower rooms etc, will normally have an external window fitted in any event, if there is no window present it is imperative that an extractor fan is fitted.

En Suite Bathrooms - Regulations

An ensuite bathroom cannot lead directly into a bedroom (with just one door into the bathroom), if it is the only bathroom in the house.

Bathrooms With WC

Bathrooms with a toilet fitted in them must not open directly into a kitchen, living room or dining room.

Need A Bathroom Fitter?

If you need a bathroom fitter and are looking for quotes from plumbers or bathroom fitters you can use our free service to compare quotes from several plumbers. You will are not obliged to accept any quotes from tradesmen but comparing quotes using Top Tradespeople free plumbers quotes services could save you time and save you money by helping you get the best deal on bathroom fitting. Request quotes from bathrooms tradesmen.