We actually did this (extra 220v circuit) at our previous house but never got to put a hot tub in. The previous owners of this place had the same idea! There is a 220v labeled “hot tub” - we will use it for our EV charger. Or maybe get a hot tub after all, depending on how much energy our solar roof will generate.
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When a friend built their new shower, they made sure it was also wide enough to accommodate a caretaker in the event that was needed.
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@oneofthosemoms: If you look at my first pic of the vanity we added to the cabin, it was pre-drilled with three holes. Single-hole faucets usually come with a deck plate to cover up the unused holes. You can see the deck plate surrounding the brushed nickel single faucet. Still better than having hot and cold handles, IMO.
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I’d include one for resale. When we were redoing my D’s bathroom we removed the tub (still have one in the master) to make a large shower and the plumber told me I needed to have 1 tub for resale to comply with code. Didn’t independently check that statement but your builder might know if that applies in your locale.
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Interesting that it is code to have a tub somewhere!
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The expert in this household says…if it’s “code” that you MUST have a bathtub in a house…it must be some local code. It is not national building code.
So…for anyone questioning this…contact the building official where you are planning to build or renovate.
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Now I’m curious….turns out the plumber was not quite accurate….a bathtub OR shower is sufficient.
(b) There shall be at least one bathtub or shower for every four individuals for homes opened on or after March 15, 1982. There shall be at least one bathtub or shower for every six individuals for homes opened on or before March 14, 1982.
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That’s correct. In a residential home, you must have bathing facilities to get a CO in most municipalities.
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All fifty states and DC have some version of the International Building Code. This is what NY’s residential code has: [NY] R306.1 Toilet Facilities
Every dwelling unit shall be provided with a water closet, lavatory, and a bathtub or shower.
Exception: Owner-occupied one-family dwellings subject to the approval of the building official.
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This…if in doubt, contact the building official where you are building or renovating.
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I think I’m convinced we should put a tub in the guest bathroom. I think H was wanting to do that anyway.
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I have nothing to add to all these great ideas… Except for one thing…
Boy, I sure would have loved to have body jets and multiple shower heads when we redid our bathroom. BUT, we have a private well with a water tank in our basement, and we just can’t support the water pressure it would take for them all to run the way they should. Maybe something in the lines, the tank, our well pump, who knows. But make sure your have enough water and pressure to make your awesome new setup…awesome!
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Good point. I will be sure to ask the builder about the water pressure expectations. One of the reasons we picked the location was because it had city water.
And the hot water capacity. We have all the body jets, a regular shower head and a rain head up above, all of which my husband uses every day so everyone in the family knows to get a shower before dad gets in because hot water will be scarce afterward. He told me that using all the heads is similar to using a separate shower for each, at the same time - which is why it eats up the hot water. No issues with pressure though.
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Talk to a knowledgeable plumber about the multiple heads. We have some kind of set up where the hot water recirculates.
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Some instahot systems allow addition of a water holding tank. We have a combiboiler that provides both DHW and also heats the water that circulates through the coils in our whole house “furnace.” In addition, there is a hot water holding tank for those situations where someone needs 50 gallons of hot water to soak in while the rest of the household tries to wash dishes, take a shower, etc. It is a very efficient system.
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We think we are doing mostly hardwood/tile in main level floors but carpet in the guest rooms/basement but open to suggestions. My husband was thinking a Berber type carpet? My goals are low maintenance. I don’t like the idea of people tracking in from outside on carpet in the basement…but maybe could throw down a runner to the bathroom…which I’m hoping to design the basement bathroom close to the back door.
My grandparents had a house on the beach in Florida. Their bathroom actually had a door directly to the exterior, it kept a lot of sand out of the house. I’ve also seen houses with a mudroom entrance directly to the laundry area which can also work well.
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Is there a lower level entry into a common area like a family room? I would agree I smwluldnt want to walk in on carpet. Is sand/beach in the equation at all?
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There will be a sandy shore lake behind the house. I envision having summer guests…boating/hanging by lake/fire pit…basement would be most convenient for people to run in and use the bathroom. Right at the entrance, I would probably tile and maybe some cubbies to the side like a mini mud room…if a bathroom/sauna was right of the the walk out exit, that would help. My h and kids regularly take off shoes in the house. It is instinctual after all these years and one one my rules. It is a little uncomfortable for me to ask people to take off shoes…especially if they are older. Some people might feel a little offended too…like it is not very hospitable. It is easier for me to ask my side of the family but I get self conscious and wonder if I’m being unreasonable to ask H’s side. I also thought of having those open house realtor disposable shoe covers available in a cute box with a sign asking to wear, but again…maybe offensive?
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