Disabled Bathroom Layout Ireland

At Yorkshire Care Equipment, we have an accessible bathroom specialist and experienced plumber in-house. This allows us to provide complete design and installation service for bathroom adaptations and wetroom fit-outs. One of the most common questions we get in consultations is about space.

Many people worry about the minimum size requirements for disabled wetrooms and think their home isn't big enough. But you'd be surprised at how compact an accessible bathroom can be!

We've adapted some tiny bathrooms to provide level-access and installed disabled wetrooms under the stairs. This guide covers the regulations and recommendations for determining the minimum size of an accessible bathroom/wetroom.

Jump straight to…

      • Building regulations for disabled bathrooms
      • Recommendations for bathrooms in private residences:
        • For wheelchair users
        • For people who require assistance in the bathroom
        • For people with progressive conditions

Regulations for disabled wetroom dimensions

Building regulations outlined in the government's Document M state the minimum dimensions for an accessible wetroom are 2500mm x 2400mm.  These regulations are for a wetroom that includes a toilet, basin and shower.

The document also recommends that the size of the shower tray be a minimum of 1000mm x 1000mm.

If you want to include a bath, it should be at least the standard size (1700mm x 700mm).

Document M does not specify separate minimum dimensions for an accessible bathroom that includes a bath rather than a shower. However, it does state that you should provide 1500mm x 1500mm clear circulation space. This is empty space where a wheelchair user can turn around.

Accessible bathrooms for wheelchair users must be big enough for a 1500mm turning circle

These guidelines are for new builds and major refurbishments

All these dimensions and regulations can feel daunting. But before you let that put you off getting a bathroom adaptation, it's important to remember these two points:

  • The regulations assume an accessible bathroom/wetroom is being installed for a wheelchair user.
  • These documents are really written for local authorities and building professionals.

By outlining a clear set of guidelines, the government is ensuring local authorities and building professionals deliver standardised accessible bathrooms in new builds and major refurbishment projects.

This is key for the development of accessible homes or assisted living facilities. However, in an individual home setting, not all these regulations will be relevant.

For example, you might be looking to install a downstairs level-access wetroom for your mother who has severe arthritis. Her condition might make her unable to get upstairs quickly to use the toilet and she may have difficulties getting in and out of the bath, but she doesn't use a wheelchair.

In this situation, providing 1500mm x 1500mm circulation space wouldn't be a priority even though its what building regulations recommend.

Recommendations for disabled bathrooms in private residences

In private home settings, the minimum size requirements for a disabled wetroom will depend on individual needs.

The goal isn't necessarily to create a bathroom that ticks all the boxes to be officially classed as 'accessible'. The goal is to create a bathroom that is accessible for a specific individual so they can wash and go to the toilet safely in their own home.

With that in mind, let's have a look at some questions that can help you determine the minimum size for an accessible bathroom in your, or a family member's, home:

1)     Is the bathroom for a wheelchair user?

We've already touched on the fact that not everyone with a disability uses a wheelchair. But if the accessible bathroom is for a wheelchair user, then some of the building regulations are helpful.

You will need to ensure the doorway is wide enough for their wheelchair to fit through easily. The bathroom will also need enough clear circulation space for them to turn around.

Exactly how much clear space is needed will depend on the size and manoeuvrability of their wheelchair. This is something an accessible bathroom specialist can help you to determine during the design stage.

2)     How much support do they need to use the bathroom?

If someone requires assistance from a carer(s) then an accessible wetroom will need to be larger than if they can use the bathroom independently. This is simply because you need to comfortably fit more people in the room at once!

As well as determining the overall size of the wetroom, this can also affect how much space you should leave around the toilet and shower.

For someone with more independence, placing the toilet in the corner of the room can be fine. But if someone needs assistance getting on and off the toilet, then you're better off positioning it in the centre of a wall. This allows space either side for a carer to support them.

3)     Have they got a progressive condition?

Another important thing to consider is whether someone's capabilities are likely to change over time. Sadly, for people with progressive conditions that worsen over time, they may require increasing levels of support when using the bathroom.

This is something you should factor into your original wetroom design so that it continues to meet their needs in years to come.

For example, someone with muscular dystrophy may currently be able to stand in the shower. However, over time as they experience increased muscle weakness, they may need to use a shower chair instead.

So, when determining the size of the shower tray, you might want to choose one that is large enough to fit a shower chair. This will avoid having to undertake more adaptation work in the future and means the bathroom will continue to meet their personal care needs.

Get a custom wetroom design

The best way to ensure a disabled bathroom is the right size to meet your needs is to get a custom design from a specialist.

Our accessible bathroom consultant can come out to your home, take measurements, and learn more about your circumstances and any difficulties you're having. This is a free, no-obligation service to help you get a better understanding of the size and style of wetroom that will work best for you.

After the home visit, we can then complete your wetroom design, get all the fixtures and fittings together in our warehouse, and arrange a date for our plumber to come out and install everything!

Disabled Bathroom Layout Ireland

Source: https://www.yorkshirecareequipment.com/advice-tips/whats-the-minimum-size-for-a-disabled-wetroom/