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Wet room plans


16 stunning wet room bathroom designs |

(Image credit: Richstone Properties / Mandarin Stone / l Drummonds / Darren Chung)

Wet room ideas open up the opportunity for contemporary creative design, without the need to squeeze in a shower enclosure or raised shower tray.

A wet room can be a real luxury at home, even when the space you have to work with is limited. Try thinking along the lines of colorful floor-to-ceiling tiles, built-in seating and sleek, concealed pipework. 

A true wet room without any panels provides you with more room to move, and an open-layout is easier to keep clean than a regular shower. 

However, wet rooms are a big project to take on when it comes to bathroom ideas. The tanking process to ensure your room is completely watertight can be a significant upheaval, not to mention costly, too. 

You may want to weigh this up against the longevity of the space, as a wet room’s seamless design makes it a great option for accessibility and future-proofing your home for years to come.

Wet room ideas

Wet rooms have become an increasingly popular choice for shower-lovers because they are the perfect solution for small bathrooms when you don’t have the space for both a bath tub and a separate shower. 

The key difference between a shower and a wet room is the fact that while both may have shower screens, wet rooms are completely open spaces without the stand-in tray you will normally get in a shower. The floor is at one level and water is allowed to flow freely to a drain. 

A wet room can provide a spacious showering area and the high-end look of a luxurious spa hotel because the look tends to be very streamlined. Wet rooms  are also level entry, so easily accessible to all, not to mention hygienic and easy to clean. Done well, a wet room is incredibly desirable and can boost your home’s value, too. 

There are a number of things to consider when planning a wet room or walk-in shower – from suitable flooring to drainage points – so that you can achieve the best results.  

1.  Ensure the space you intend to use is fully tanked

(Image credit: Sarah Hogan)

It goes without saying that a wet room needs to be waterproof. Luckily builders are a lot savvier about how to achieve fully tanked spaces nowadays and wet room tanking systems and products are readily available. 

'In particular, hidden tray systems, which fit under the floor tiles and take care of drainage gradients and watertightness have proved a real game-changer,' says Nicholas Cunild, MD of luxury shower brand Matki . 'Low-level shower trays that fit flush with the tiles are also popular and can help define the shower room in a bigger room. Wet room installation is not for novices, it’s important to find a tanking specialist or builder with verifiable experience.'

2. Consider underfloor heating to keep the space dry

(Image credit: Mandarin Stone)

'It’s important to take extra steps with regards to heat, ventilation and drying than you would in a regular bathroom,' continues Nicholas Cunild. 'You may be lucky enough to live in a hot climate which naturally gives a warmer bathroom. But if you live in a colder climate and you exit a wet room onto carpeted rooms – add kids, dogs and all the rest –  it is a recipe for waterlogged, messy floors everywhere. 

'A screen will help contain major puddles, but underfloor heating and heated towel rails will also speed up the drying process and help prevent slip hazards. Mechanical ventilation is a must and will help clear steam quickly – look for models with intelligent humidity sensors that automatically boost when required.' You can also pair this with a beautiful, easy-to-wash bathroom rug idea.

3. Consider different surfaces ideas, not just tiles

(Image credit: Base Interior)

Tiling from floor-to-ceiling is practical but can feel cold and uninviting in large volumes. Nicholas points out the importance of exploiting other options. 

'We’ve noted a rise in polished plaster – both traditional Tadelakt and more modern Microcement – in wet room designs and the results are stunning,' he says.  

Built up in layers, the finish is waterproof and seamless, so there’s no grubby grout to tackle. 

4. Pick the right sanitaryware 

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton )

'If you are embracing the full wet room in a large bathroom look and omitting any sort of enclosure or screen, it is fundamental to think about your choice of sanitaryware, as it is likely that it will get wet from the spray of the shower or the condensation in the room,' advises Rebecca Milnes, designer at CP Hart . 

'Opt for ceramics that are flush to the wall and are ideally wall-mounted. A wall-hung toilet is a brilliant choice in a wet room, as there are no areas for water to pool and it makes cleaning easier.'

Though a bathroom that has been tanked doesn’t necessarily need a shower panel, you may want to add one to prevent towels or toilet rolls getting wet. Opt for a fluted or frosted finish to maintain a level of privacy if your wet room forms part of the main bathroom.

'In order to create a true wet room, a watertight environment must be created by tanking both the floor and walls of the room to thoroughly protect it from leaks. First a watertight membrane is laid, then the room will need to be tiled throughout with a gentle gradient in the main a shower area so the water flows away easily into the waste.'

5.  Choose the right size sanitaryware to enhance the sense of space

(Image credit: Matki)

It’s important to choose sanitaryware that is slightly smaller than the average in size so that it can make the room look bigger. A  wall-hung toilet with a concealed cistern, is not just easier to keep clean, but being able to see the floor gives the illusion of a bigger room. Wall-hung bathroom vanity ideas will also help reduce visual clutter and use the bathroom space more effectively. 

6. Play with the illusion of space

(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Gooch)

Using matching tiles or composite panels on both floors and walls is a good idea for wet rooms and small bathrooms as it will accentuate the sense of space.  

Create areas of bathroom color, and even patterns using mosaics or tiles in a variety of formats, to give definition to your shower space, or mix shapes, sizes and shades for a unique look.

'Add glossy finishes and sleek chrome fittings and use matching shower tile ideas or composite panels on both floors and walls to accentuate the sense of space. Create areas of color and even patterns using mosaics or tiles in a variety of formats to give definition to your shower space, or mix shapes, sizes and shades for a unique look.'

Make sure the floor tiles you want have an appropriate non-slip bathroom flooring rating for wet areas – look out for raised, textured finishes or anti-slip properties in your search.

'Good-quality porcelain tiles are perfect for use in wet rooms and walk-in showers,' says Jo Oliver, Director at Stone & Ceramic Warehouse . 'Firstly, they are impervious to water, making them an ideal solution for everyday use. They also won’t be damaged by detergents or any of the other chemicals we frequently expose our shower surfaces to. '

(Image credit: Max Kim Bee)

While it’s easiest to install a small wet room in a new-build or extension, any bathroom, upstairs or down, can be fully tanked for wet room use. 

There are certain situations where a wet room comes into its own. 'Wet rooms are particularly effective in small or awkward scenarios, like rooms with sloped ceilings or strange layouts, as you can maximize the showering area without the restrictions of standard shower tray sizes,' says Nicholas Cunild. 

Issues like the direction of floor joists can be problematic but not insurmountable. 'In some cases, you may need to accept a step up into the room, in order to achieve the necessary gradients for efficient water drainage. If it’s done by a good professional, it will be unnoticeable.'

8. Fake a wet room 

(Image credit: Future / Darren Chung)

If you are not able to create a true wet room, the latest ultra-low profile shower trays are a clever alternative.

A frameless shower enclosure will give any bathroom a modern, seamless feel and create a contained area for showering without the need for a separate cubicle.  

Paired with a low-profile shower tray, these walk-in shower ideas with frameless, clear glass panels help to make even the smallest of spaces feel less claustrophobic and therefore a more calming showering experience.

Don’t forget to allow for adequate drainage at the planning stage. Your shower floor ideas may need to be fitted at a sloped angle away from any doors so water can drain away easily. A sunken shower tray that can be installed flush to the rest of the floor.

9. Bring in pattern to help zone the shower area

(Image credit: Bert & May/ Fired Earth)

Many wet room designs lean towards a minimalist look but it can also be a great opportunity to introduce color and pattern into the space. 

Even in an open plan space you can use a showstopping tile on the shower walls and floor to zone the shower area. If you are feeling even braver you can contrast the tiles you use on the floor and walls for even more impact. 

10. Find the right tile

(Image credit: Future / Artisan of Devizes)

Bright and colorful wet rooms make for an invigorating shower experience. Ideal if you're not naturally a morning person. Smaller bathroom tile ideas like mosaics are a great choice for wet rooms, as they’re easy to lay in a slope towards the drainage hole. 

Alternatively, a mix of metro and patterned tiles create a cool and contemporary appearance.

Maintain a seamless look by incorporating a recessed shelf within the shower – a great shower storage idea to keep essential bottles without encroaching on the rest of the space.

11. Enhance the floor factor

(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Gooch)

Shower floor ideas are one of the most important factors when planning and developing a wet room. 

Most bathroom flooring types can accommodate the pipes needed for drainage in a wet room – even concrete. But in some instances, the flooring will need to be taken up before tiling takes place to ensure the drainage pipes can be positioned with the necessary slope for the water to drain away.

Tiles are the best type of flooring for a wet room. Damla Turgut, founder of Otto Tiles & Design , advises: 'The most suitable types of tiles for a wet room floor are porcelain or natural stone such as marble, terrazzo, encaustic cement or mosaic tiles. Because of their construction and high-shine finish, we would not recommend the use of ceramic tiles on a wet room floor, they are however suitable for wet room walls as are the very on-trend zellige tiles.'

12. Turn a loft space into a wet room

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

There are so many advantage to having a wet room. 

You can create a more impressive shower room design in an average-sized bathroom simply by removing the bath and freeing up the space needed for a walk-in shower. For instance, if you have a loft space, consider installing a wet room here.

You probably will need a special extractor fan in your wet room. The build-up of moisture and condensation is greater in a wet room than in a traditional bathroom. Fans operated by light switches alone often aren’t effective enough. A good fan needs to be wired into the room (still coming on with the light switch) but with a separate cut-off switch, which is outside the room. Humidity-tracking extractor fans are best for wet rooms as they work continuously and incrementally with automatic extraction for however much steam is in the room.

13. Create a spa-like sanctuary

(Image credit: Future / Mark Luscombe-Whyte)

Real estate agents are quick to point out that a family home without a bath will be less saleable, but there are creative wet room ideas with baths you can explore. 

If space allows, the bathroom can be turned into a spa-like sanctuary with a bath, vanity unit and smaller wet room-style cubicle. 

'Wet rooms give an added level of luxury, allowing a continuous floor finish making a space feel seamless and bigger,' says Gemma Holsgrove, Associate Director at interior design agency Sims Hilditch . 'With cleverly positioned fittings it can certainly feel well thought through. '

A wet room design can also work alongside a bath, as Sally Cutchie of BC Designs explains. 'Choosing to have a wet room can actually be hugely beneficial when wanting a bath to sit in the same space,' she says.

'As a wet room is fully waterproof it doesn’t need a shower enclosure fitting,' she adds. 'This can free up a lot of extra space for the all-important bath.'

If your bathroom is on the small side, then use the same material to clad your whole space. A strong stone, like marble, is a stylish option.

14. Take a seat

(Image credit: Fameed Khalique)

Add built-in seating to your wet room for a sauna-like experience. Complete the look with a large rainfall showerhead, then simply sit back and relax.

A wood look can offer a holistic spa bathroom experience, but you'll need to ensure any timber is treated so that it's suitable for a wet area. Or you can mimic the look with tiles. Just make sure they have a non-slip treatment and are comfortable to sit on.

15. Let the light in

(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Gooch)

If you are creating a new space for your wet room, you will need to think about light sources during planning. A huge skylight like this creates the illusion of showering outdoors. So if you've been inspired by trips to tropical climes such as Bali or Thailand, this could be a practical way to recreate that magic.

The best bathroom lighting ideas feature at least two lighting circuits – one for overhead lighting and another for adjustable mood and task lighting. Where you place these will depend on any natural light sources, too.

16. Install a space to rest and recharge

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

When considering how to choose a shower for your wet room, Paul Bailey, Senior Category Manager at GROHE , says: 'Features such as steam, sound and chromotherapy through built-in lighting modules are increasing in popularity, due to growing demand for spa and wellness inspired bathroom spaces. '

Wet rooms are considered a practical and luxurious addition to a home. However, they can be costly. Nick Cryer of Berkeley Place says: 'Wet room installations are more specialist, more time consuming and more expensive. All the materials and kit is very readily available, however, we recommend only experts are employed to complete the installation.'

Are wet rooms a good idea? 

There are lots of benefits to having a wet room – from being able to utilise a small or awkward space where a bath or standard shower enclosure cannot fit, to future-proofing your home.

Estate agents are quick to point out that a family home without a bath will be less saleable. But there are creative options you can explore. For instance, if you have a large master bedroom, consider installing a freestanding, statement tub here for a dash of hotel chic.

'Investing time and money into creating a wet room and properly tanking it can also be incredibly useful when it comes to busy family bath times,' says Paul Bailey, Senior Category Manager at GROHE UK.

The main drawback is the investment and upheaval a wet room project brings, mainly due to the fact that all wet room ideas require proper tanking. 

'One other point worth noting is that wet rooms can get quite cold, because there’s no enclosure to keep the steam in,' adds Yousef Mansuri, head of design at C.P. Hart.

How small can a wet room be?

While wet rooms are not limited to incremental sizing, most bathroom designers would recommend that the showering section of a wet room measures a minimum 800 x 800mm. 

When planning a shower design for a small bathroom, there are a few aspects which may determine the space required. Will pipework be exposed or concealed? Do you need to install a glass panel to prevent other areas of the room from getting wet?

Don’t forget that adequate ventilation must also be installed in line with building regulations to prevent mould and damp spots.

Get the right layout for a wet room

There's no denying that plumbing can limit the layout of a wet room. Basins, baths and showers only have to take away water but, if placed 12ft from an outside wall, the drainage will have to slope gently downwards for quite a long way, avoiding joists, which may not be running in a helpful direction. The sooner an architect or plumber raises a few floorboards, the sooner you’ll know your options.

'In a wet room, the shower area is flush with the floor level and the drain is fitted into the fully tiled floor. Originally wet rooms were completely open without any glass partition. However, a simple fixed glass panel creating a walk-in shower area is a much more practical choice and has become the most popular trend,' advises Rebecca Milnes, designer at CP Hart .

'Wet room systems are not limited to incremental sizing, like shower trays often are, so they are a great solution for awkward or tight spaces. 

'In small rooms it is possible to turn the whole area into a walk-in shower. However, it is best to be mindful of the items in the bathroom that need to be kept dry, such as towels and toilet rolls.

'One of the first things to consider when planning a wet room is where to position the drain. Ideally the drain should be as far away from the bathroom door as possible, to minimise any risk of water escaping the room. 

'If you have a wooden sub-floor, the way your joists run is crucial to where your drain can be positioned. You’ll also need to think about which way the gradient fall towards the waste will run, to avoid any tricky wedging effects.'

What's the difference between a wet room and a walk-in shower?

‘A true wet room is a fully waterproofed space without a fixed shower door or tray, and usually has an open tiled shower area,’ explains Nicholas Cunild, managing director of Matki.

A walk-in shower, on the other hand, is an area in a bathroom or shower room with a low-level shower tray and glass surrounds. While completely watertight, you may still wish to include a glass panel in a wet room to contain the water spray.

Is a wet room expensive?

There’s no doubt that a wet room is an investment. The tanking process to ensure the room is completely waterproof can be costly and takes time. All wet room ideas involve tiling the space from floor to ceiling carefully while ensuring proper drainage. 

Concealing pipework can also be an investment, though this can often allow recessed shelving and storage to be created as an additional benefit.

You can find out how much it costs to install a wet room in our guide.

What kind of costs are involved in a wet room?

It is never cheap to re-do a bathroom. In a family bathroom with two basins, a WC, a bath and a shower, quality items will easily add up to £5,000. 

Installation adds a further £3,000 or so and, with cabinets and storage, good quality mirrors, tiles and lighting, it generally adds up to between £10,000 and £15,000.

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

The build-up of moisture and condensation is greater in a wet room than in a traditional bathroom. Fans operated by light switches alone often aren’t effective enough.  

A good fan needs to be wired into the room (still coming on with the light switch) but with a separate cut-off switch, which is outside the room. Humidity-tracking extractor fans are best for wet rooms as they work continuously and incrementally, with automatic extraction for how much steam is in the room.

Pick the right wet room flooring

'When deciding which wet room system to go for, think about what your sub-floor is made of. There are systems for both solid and wooden floors. If you have a concrete floor, it can be quite invasive to channel in a waste and create the gradient fall required for drainage,' advises Rebecca Milnes of CP Hart.

'Forgoing a shower tray in favour of a wet room allows the floor tiles to run through to the shower area, which adds visual space to a room. However, not all surfaces are safe to use in a wet room setting and it is crucial to know what the slip rating of the material is. I’d recommend using a material with a structured, textured finish to give extra grip in wet areas. Mosaics are also a great choice for wet areas, as the grout lines between the tiles give appropriate grip.

'In cases where a step-up to the wet area is needed, the step should be at least 10cm high, as anything lower can be easily overlooked by those not familiar with the room and can become a trip hazard. Adding under-plinth lighting can highlight the step and add ambiance to the room.'

Tanking a wet room

'Tanking is essential in a wet room,' says Rebecca Milnes. 'This is a multi-step process which entails several layers of waterproofing to ensure an excellent seal – much like a swimming pool. 

'The two main approaches for tanking a wet room are using a self-adhesive bitumen-based waterproof membrane, or applying a paint-on liquid wall membrane. It is always best to speak to your supplier about the best system for your project.'

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

10 wet room bathroom designs for you |

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(Image credit: Mandarin Stone / Fired Earth / Quick-Step)

Small wet room ideas open up the opportunity for contemporary design, without the need to squeeze in a shower enclosure or raised shower tray to your master bathroom or ensuite.

Small wet rooms provide a spacious showering area and the high-end look of a luxurious hotel spa. They are also level entry, so easily accessible to all, not to mention hygienic and easy to clean.  

However, small wet room ideas are a big project to take on when it comes to bathroom ideas. You may want to weigh this up against the longevity of the space, as a wet room’s seamless design makes it a great option for accessibility and future-proofing your home for years to come.

Small wet room ideas

A wet room or walk-in shower will add a truly luxurious-up, spa-like showering experience to your wet room ideas. Done well, a wet room is incredibly desirable and can boost your home’s value, too. Here's how to achieve the best results when planning a small wet room.

1. Go for all-over plaster in a small wet room

(Image credit: Quick-Step)

Hygienic, seamless and extremely beautiful, polished plaster is a popular choice right now. In small wet rooms and walk-in shower ideas, polished plaster’s waterproof prowess and elimination of moisture-seeping joints is the big story. Venetian plaster requires waxing to seal out water, but most micro-cements and Tadelakt plasters are inherently waterproof, not to mention stain-resistant, UV-stable and easy to clean.  

The polished plaster look can be very sleek and contemporary, or more rustic for an earthy effect. Adding pigments allows customisable color, and most types of polished plaster are suitable for use on floors, walls, ceilings and even furniture.

2. Take a less is more approach 

(Image credit: Kitesgrove)

‘When choosing colors and materials for small bathroom ideas and wet rooms, less is more. Here, we deliberately reduced the palette and created a streamlined design to really bring the focus to the materials,’ explains Katie Lion, interior designer, Kitesgrove . 

‘Natural marble is a quietly luxurious choice that instils a sense of sophistication and calm in any wet room. Its unique veining can be a simple but impactful way of bringing interest and layers to what is often a smaller space. We chose a brass finish for all the trims and fixtures to pick out the warm tones of the marble striations, helping it feel cohesive, elegant and timeless.’

3.

Introduce a color hit 

(Image credit: Silestone by Cosentino)

A wet room – no matter how big or small – can often leave you feeling cold and exposed, even if the space is well heated. Here, clever color blocking techniques demonstrate how you can break up an empty space, put the shower area in the spotlight and add a much-needed dose of visual warmth. 

Red tones promote coziness – the color here is Silestone’s earthy, Mediterranean shade Arcilla Red – and also work well with textural materials such as wood accessories and woven storage. 

‘Silestone surfaces come in a great range of colors and large format slabs so there will be minimal grouting to clean,’ adds Ross Stewart, general manager, Cosentino Newmarket.

4. Create cocooning curves

(Image credit: Mandarin Stone)

Tucking your shower into an alcove will contain splashing but, if space allows, a curved showering area is far more impressive. And you can still pop a robe hook nearby without risk of soggy towels.  

‘Curves provide a cocooning environment that will help you unwind physically and mentally while you shower,’ says Mandarin Stone’s creative director, Louisa Morgan. 

‘They also provide welcome relief to all the hard edges and surface finishes typically found in bathrooms.’ The trend for stacking skinny tiles vertically makes creating soft curves easier; add a generous border in a darker shade at floor level to really accentuate the shape.

5. Work the walls in a small shower room

(Image credit: Fired Earth)

It goes without saying that the floor of a wet room needs to be fully tanked but what about the walls? Shower tile ideas – on every inch of your wall – can prove incredibly sterile, not to mention costly. In this small wet room by Richstone Properties the walls are only tiled where absolutely necessary, namely in the main shower area and above the basin, and the space feels much more inviting for this restrained approach. 

Do install tiled or stone upstands rather than timber skirting boards to protect lower walls from water damage. Remaining surfaces can be painted in a moisture resistant paint, like satin or eggshell, and don’t forget decent extraction.

6. Divide your wet room

(Image credit: Drummonds)

In smaller wet rooms, it pays to divide the space into wet and dry zones. A tall metal-framed screen lends an industrial edginess to this striking wet room, while keeping water away from the beautiful marble-topped vanity. 

Making a feature of this dividing point boosts the overall design, particularly the clever mix of fluted and plain glass. The former nods to mid-century industrialism, adding an element of privacy, and the latter lets in maximum daylight from the window beyond. Locating the shower controls well away from the showerhead is also a smart idea.

7. Combine a small wet room with a bathing area

(Image credit: Max Kim-Bee
 /Victoria + Albert Baths at House of Rohl)

‘Side-by-side showers are perfect for ensuite bathroom ideas that are designed for sharing,’ says Emma Joyce, brand manager at House of Rohl .  

‘It’s often a feature you’ll find in luxury hotels and allows plenty of personal space while making a bold statement. Try pairing with a freestanding tub to enjoy the best of both worlds.’ 

In this small wet room by Leanne Ford Interiors , the floor has been raised to accommodate drainage pipes, with a stepped front. The entire space inside was then tanked and tiled, essentially creating a giant shower tray that keeps water completely contained.

8. Take a dark and dramatic approach

(Image credit: Sarah Hogan)

Don't be afraid to use a dark color in a small wet room. A good bathroom color scheme is essential for creating the look, feel and design you want in your space – and you can use everything, from tiles and sanitaryware to accessories, to create a unique look. Introducing a dark and dramatic hue to your wet room – or walk-in shower – will really lift your whole home, bringing this functional space in line with the rest of your decor. 

9.

Invest in luxury bathroom materials

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton )

There are few materials that can create the feeling of a luxury bathroom design that marble can. Elegant, timeless and effortlessly beautiful, marble is usually used in wet rooms to create a statement finish, and although it is an expensive investment, it is a look that will last a lifetime. 

'Marble bathroom ideas work wonderfully in small wet rooms, and because of the relatively small space, it is also cost-effective, too. However, consider the use of marble carefully for spaces where you are using it in swathes because no slab of marble is the same as another. 

'What I love most with marble is the activity, veining and coloration,' says interior designer Cara Woodhouse. 

10. Make sure you wet room is warm and ventilated

(Image credit: Mandarin Stone)

It’s important to take extra steps with regard to heat, ventilation and drying. No one wants to exit a wet room onto carpeted rooms. A screen will help to contain major puddles, but underfloor heating and heated towel rails will also speed up drying and help prevent slip hazards. And, do consider all non-slip bathroom flooring options when at the initial planning stage.

Mechanical ventilation is a must – and will help to clear steam quickly – look for models with intelligent humidity sensors that automatically boost when required.

Is a wet room good for a small bathroom?

A wet room is a good idea for a small bathroom. There are lots of benefits to having a small wet room – from being able to utilize a tiny or awkward space where a bath or standard shower enclosure cannot fit, to future-proofing your home.

What is the smallest size needed for a wet room?

The smallest size usually recommended for a wet room measures a minimum 800 x 800mm. 

According to the best bathroom designers, when planning a shower design for a small bathroom, there are a few aspects which may determine the space required. Will pipework be exposed or concealed? Do you need to install a glass panel to prevent other areas of the room from getting wet?

Plus, don’t forget that adequate ventilation must also be installed in line with building regulations to prevent mould and damp spots.

Linda graduated from university with a First in Journalism, Film and Broadcasting. Her career began on a trade title for the kitchen and bathroom industry, and she has worked for Homes & Gardens, and sister-brands Livingetc, Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, since 2006, covering interiors topics, though kitchens and bathrooms are her specialism. 

Transfer of the wet zone in the apartment. All norms!

Changing the area and / or moving the wet areas of bathtubs and toilets is one of the most common measures during renovation work in an apartment. Redevelopment allows you to make the apartment more comfortable and give it individual features.

Contents of the article

Wet zone in the apartment - what is it?

There is no strict definition of which places in an apartment should be classified as wet areas. According to established practice, we are talking about rooms in which, according to SNiP, there should be floor waterproofing that protects the lower floors from possible leaks.

In a residential building apartment, waterproofing is required in the bathroom, bathroom, shower room and toilet.

Wet areas often include the kitchen and laundry. These rooms are not as “wet” as a bathroom, and when laying floors in them, laying a waterproofing layer is not necessary, although it is highly recommended.

Wet point relocation

When remodeling an apartment, a combined bathroom, toilet, bath or shower is often moved to a new location or arranged in addition to existing sanitary facilities.

It is not uncommon for a wet zone to be moved when redevelopment of new buildings with free planning and in studios, where the boundaries of these premises are marked only on paper or laid out from blocks in one row.

In these cases, special attention must be paid to the laying of utilities, as there are a number of restrictions on the installation of pipelines and installation of ventilation.

The transfer of the wet zone, if there is a residential area below, can only be carried out to a non-residential area. This rule equally applies not only to the bathroom, but also to the kitchen.

Expansion of the wet zone due to the corridor

Most often, during repair work, a bathroom or bathroom is enlarged due to an adjacent non-residential (auxiliary) room - a corridor, a pantry, a dressing room or a dark room.

Expansion of the combined bathroom in the photo:

Current regulations (SP 54.13330.2016) do not allow the placement of sanitary facilities above the living rooms and kitchens of neighbors. An exception is two-level apartments, where, according to the law, it is possible to place a bathroom above your own kitchen.

It is also forbidden to enlarge the kitchen by placing it above the living rooms. And it is possible to expand the kitchen space due to the area of ​​the bathroom only on the top floor.

The exit from the bathroom should not be into the living room or kitchen. There is also an exception to this rule - it is allowed to leave the combined bathroom in the bedroom if it is not the only one in the apartment.

Waterproofing of wet areas

The current regulations provide for the mandatory presence of hydro-sound insulation of the bathroom premises, as well as the installation of an overflow dam.

To protect the apartment from the spread of water, the floor level in the bathroom is either made below the level of the corridor, or separated by a threshold more than 1.5 cm high (according to clause 4.8 of SP 29.13330.2011, updated version of SNiP 2.03.13-88)

Technical requirements for waterproofing are set out in SP 71. 13330.2017 "Insulating and finishing coatings" (updated version of SNiP 3.04.01-87). Modern combined materials provide both waterproofing and soundproofing floors.

Examples of waterproofing of wet points:

Coordination of the wet zone in the apartment

Increase in the size of the bathroom, displacement and installation of additional plumbing equipment require mandatory coordination (PP-508, metro station. ZhK RF).

Coordination of repair work is carried out by supervisory authorities exercising control in the field of redevelopment, on the basis of documentation, including a project and a technical report.

An example of a redevelopment project with an increase and combination of a bathroom:

This project includes combining a bathroom (5) and a toilet (6) into a combined bathroom with its increase over the entire width of the corridor (7). The entrance to the kitchen (4) is moved.

It is possible to legalize the work performed on the basis of a technical opinion on their admissibility and safety.

In Moscow, the coordination of the planned and completed repairs with the displacement of the wet zone, as well as other redevelopment works, is carried out by the Moscow Housing Inspectorate, and in the Moscow Region by local administrative authorities.

If the whole house is one large non-residential building, and in them wet areas can be moved anywhere.

The specifics of coordinating the redevelopment of wet areas is that measures for their waterproofing and soundproofing must be formalized by an act of hidden work from a contractor with SRO approval.

Consequences of moving a wet spot in an apartment

Unauthorized enlargement or relocation of rooms belonging to the wet zones of baths and lavatories, most often does not go unnoticed by neighbors or employees of the management company. If an uncoordinated redevelopment or transfer of a wet point is found, in addition to a fine, it leads to the need to fulfill the order of the supervisory authority to restore the original state of the apartment or legalize the work performed in the prescribed manner. In case of failure to comply with the order, the law provides for legal proceedings against the owner of the apartment.

In case of preliminary approval of repair work, the stage of development of project documentation allows you to avoid activities that cannot be agreed upon later.

Waterproofing of wet areas

Waterproofing of wet areas, which include bathrooms and toilets, serves to prevent water from a sudden leak from penetrating to the lower floors within a specified time.

For example, when expanding these premises, the floors on the attached area do not protect against water in any way. Another option is the dismantling of bathrooms or partitions between the bathroom and the toilet: water seeps into poorly sealed grooves in place of the former partitions.

That is, if an unauthorized redevelopment of a bathroom or toilet was carried out in your apartment, then with a high probability it can be said that the installation of waterproofing of wet areas in the bathrooms was carried out incorrectly, or even completely absent.

Suppose you have combined a bathroom and a bathroom, and in addition you want to attach a part of the corridor to it and move the plumbing. According to all the rules, the first thing you had to do was prepare the relevant documents, order a redevelopment project from a specialized organization, and only then proceed with waterproofing wet rooms. But this is not always the case. And if you decide to do the work at your own peril and risk, inviting a team to redevelop the bathroom according to an ad in the newspaper, then the consequences of such work can be the most unpleasant for both you and your neighbors.

When redevelopment is legally agreed upon, laying waterproofing of floors in bathrooms refers to the so-called hidden works, and the correctness of its implementation is controlled by drawing up a certificate of examination of hidden works and field supervision. To be more precise, paragraph 4 of Appendix 7 of PPM 508 refers to works requiring activation, waterproofing of toilets, bathrooms, balconies and showers.

Checking the waterproofing of wet areas and its quality is carried out as follows: a layer of water about 5 cm thick is poured into the bathroom and left for 2 hours. If during this time no leaks were found on the floor below, then the waterproofing of the bathroom was done correctly.

However, in self-planned renovations, hired builders usually don't bother laying, much less checking waterproofing layers. And, as a rule, they do not have the right to draw up acts (for this you need to have an SRO permit). Therefore, even with a small accident, the water does not remain in your bathroom on the floor, but immediately “leaves” to the neighbors on the lower floor. For those who are planning to carry out redevelopment on their own, it will be useful to know that in most cases it is the occurrence of an emergency that causes the housing inspectorate to find out about your redevelopment.

Subsequently, you will not only pay a fine, but you will also have to repair the consequences of leaks in your neighbors' apartment. And, of course, if the work was carried out in violation of building codes, then there can be no question of coordinating redevelopment "backdating", and all expensive repairs will have to be redone.

Therefore, in order to avoid possible troubles, especially if the work is related to the laying of waterproofing of wet areas, it is best to take care of obtaining permits in advance and coordinate the redevelopment in advance with the Housing Inspectorate.

Relocation of the wet zone in the apartment. All features in 2022.

Relocation of wet areas, as well as other types of repair work on the redevelopment and / or reorganization of the apartment, must comply with the current building and sanitary standards for multi-apartment buildings, providing comfortable living conditions and safe living for all residents of the house.

Therefore, the first thing to do at the stage of redevelopment planning is to find out how, according to the current legislation, it is possible and how not to carry out the transfer of a wet spot in an apartment building. And the second - how and where to issue permits for the legal implementation of such redevelopment.

You can find answers to all these questions in our article.

Premises with wet processes

However, before moving on to the essence of the issue under consideration, let's define which rooms in the apartment belong to wet zones.

Real estate wet spot: what is it?

A wet zone or a wet point is a room with high humidity (because there is a source of water), in which floor waterproofing is mandatory. These include: bathrooms, latrines, toilets, showers and shared bathrooms.

Is the kitchen a wet area or not?

FAQ: Is the kitchen a wet area? No, the kitchen area is not considered a wet spot. If you need detailed information on how to legally carry out a kitchen relocation in an apartment, go here.

Redevelopment with the transfer of wet spots

Before the owner, who has set himself such a task, there will be two sides of the issue: technical and legal. We'll take it apart from both sides. And let's start with a review of the technical nuances of this procedure.

Is it possible to move the wet area in the apartment?

From a technical point of view, it is not so difficult to carry out such a redevelopment. First of all, when transferring a bathroom, it is necessary to bring under the place of the future restroom communication, in simple words - a drain riser and cold water for draining. A drain riser with a diameter of 100 mm is allowed under a slope of 2 mm, and with a diameter of 50 mm - under a slope of 3 mm. Cold water can be supplied using any available materials, be it metal, polypropylene or metal-plastic.

Of course, no one wants to enjoy the sight of open pipes in their apartment, and therefore the desire to somehow hide them in the wall is understandable. In this case, you can arrange a plumbing box, but a mandatory item in this case will be the installation of an inspection hatch on it, with the help of which access to those pipes will be provided.

This scheme works only if the bathroom is planned to move at a distance of no more than 5 meters. Otherwise, it would not make sense to implement such a project due to the fact that the natural slope of the drain pipe will raise the toilet bowl to a height unacceptable by the layout of an average apartment, and a half-meter podium will turn your toilet into a throne room.

But even in this situation there is a solution: a forced sewage system. If you do not go into the nuances, then it is a pump with a grinder.

The forced sewerage system has two significant advantages: the discharge takes place through pipes of smaller diameter (20 and 32 mm) and can be carried out not only horizontally, but also vertically up to seven meters high. Currently, there are many models of forced sewage systems with different designs and from different manufacturers.

However, the technical side is not the only thing that should worry you. In addition, there are a number of sanitary and construction rules that must be followed when moving a wet zone to the territory of a former kitchen or a corridor in an apartment.

Wet areas in the room and kitchen

According to SP 54.13330.2016, it is strictly forbidden to place wet areas above living rooms and kitchens (including kitchen-dining rooms and kitchen niches).

Basically, apartment buildings are built in such a way that one riser on all floors of the apartment has the same layout. That is, toilets are above toilets, bathrooms are above bathrooms, kitchens are above kitchens, rooms are above rooms.

During the redevelopment, the location of the premises in the apartment where renovation work is being carried out relative to other apartments will be changed. It is not prohibited by law to change the planning solution of an apartment, but at the same time it is impossible to worsen the living conditions of neighbors.

If, for example, a toilet is moved to a part of the area of ​​the living room of your apartment, then it will be above the living room of the apartment located on the floor below. And clause 9.22 of SP 54.13330.2016 prohibits doing this, so this option for redevelopment of the apartment cannot be agreed upon.

The same applies to moving the toilet to a part of the kitchen area. The existing rules do not allow the location of wet spots directly above the kitchens.

Therefore, in most apartments it is impossible to coordinate the redevelopment with the transfer of wet areas to the territory of the room or kitchen. However, there are several exceptions that allow this event to be carried out without violating the above-mentioned norms:

Let's briefly comment on the listed exceptions, in which the wet spots in the apartment can be moved/expanded to the area of ​​the kitchen or living room.

The owner's apartment is located on the first floor of a residential building. In this case, there are no obstacles in coordinating the redevelopment project, since there can be no residential premises below. And even if there is a basement under this apartment, this will not affect the approval process in any way.

The floor below is completely occupied by non-residential premises. As a rule, this applies to apartments on the second floor. Or when the first floor was originally non-residential. Or when the ground floor apartment was transferred to a non-residential fund to be converted into a shop, boutique, service center, etc.

In this case, it will be necessary to additionally attach to the set of documents submitted for consideration any document proving that a non-residential premises is located below. There is no clear regulation on the form. This can be like a certificate from the management company that there is a non-residential premises under your apartment on the ground floor, a BTI certificate, photographs of the facade with a clear link between your apartment and the premises on the lower floor, etc.

Under the area of ​​expansion / transfer of a bathroom or a bathroom to a kitchen or a room, there is a non-residential premises of apartment , for example, a dressing room, pantry or hallway. This option is possible if the owner of the apartment below has completed and officially agreed on the redevelopment of the transfer or increase in the area of ​​the above premises at the expense of the kitchen / room.

That is, in this case, we are not located above the area of ​​the kitchen / room, but above the area of ​​​​another room, which, before the redevelopment was agreed, belonged to the kitchen / room of the neighbors below.

Second floor of a duplex apartment. In practice, such a case is extremely rare. However, it is also an exception in which the owner has the right to place his wet area above his own kitchen.

If the bathroom (toilet) in the apartment on the floor below is already enlarged by part of the kitchen (room) area. In practice, we have not seen such a case, but theoretically it is possible. Here, again, there must be non-residential premises under your neighbor’s apartment below, otherwise he would not be able to agree on this redevelopment. And then, within the same boundaries as that of a neighbor, you can transfer or enlarge the bathroom at the expense of the kitchen (living room).

This option looks something like this.

Suppose there is an apartment on the ground floor. The owner can safely enlarge the bathroom at the expense of the kitchen. He did and agreed. Further, the owner on the second floor can make exactly the same extension, and so on. We also note that if any of the owners, for example, on the fourth floor does not want to do such a redevelopment, then on the fifth floor the homeowner will no longer be able to agree on this, despite the fact that on the first, second and third it is already agreed.

Redevelopment project with the transfer of the wet area to the kitchen.

Comments on the approved redevelopment project. The apartment is located on the second floor. During the redevelopment, the kitchen (4) was moved to room (3). This became possible because the neighbors downstairs also have a kitchen in this place. And a bathroom (6) with a toilet (5) in the form of a combined bathroom (4) was transferred to the former kitchen. Such redevelopment became possible because below, under the new bathroom, there is not an apartment, but a landing.

Transfer of the wet spot to the corridor

If there are serious restrictions when moving the premises of the wet zones to the living room and kitchen, which have already been mentioned, then the transfer of the wet zone to the corridor or storage room / built-in wardrobe / dressing room is almost always possible to agree, although carrying out such redevelopment also has some nuances.

As already mentioned, SP 54.13330.2016 prohibits the location of bathrooms and toilets above living rooms and kitchens.

Therefore, if a neighbor living in the apartment below officially made a redevelopment with the extension of the room (kitchen) to the corridor, then this fact will make it impossible to agree on the transfer of the toilet or bathroom to the corridor in your apartment, since your toilet / bathroom in this case will be above the extended part of the neighbor's room (kitchen), which would be a violation of current regulations.

If the downstairs neighbor did not make redevelopment with the addition of the corridor or part of its area to the kitchen or living quarters, then you can agree on expanding the wet zone through the corridor or arranging the wet zone in the corridor by moving it in your apartment.

Redevelopment project with the transfer of the wet spot (toilet) to the corridor.

Comments on the redevelopment. In this case, the toilet (6) was moved to the corridor (8). As a result, the passage to the kitchen (5) was blocked. To create a new entrance in the load-bearing wall between the kitchen and the room (4), a doorway was cut out and reinforced with metal structures. The former toilet room was combined with an adjacent bathroom (7) and thus arranged a combined bathroom (7).

Relocation of the wet area to a closet with access from a hallway, hallway or hallway is a permitted renovation measure. But if the entrance to the pantry leads from the kitchen or room, then the transfer of the toilet or bathroom to the pantry is carried out according to the same rules as the transfer of a wet point to the room or kitchen.

An example of moving a toilet to a storage area.

Comments on redevelopment. The toilet (2) in the apartment was moved to the closet (7), the entrance to which was originally arranged from the corridor (6). As a result, a combined bathroom (7) with an entrance from the bedroom (5) was arranged on the site of the pantry and part of the corridor area. It turned out to be possible to arrange an entrance to the bathroom from the living room, because the apartment has one more combined bathroom (8) with an entrance from the corridor (10).

In general, the transfer or increase of the wet area due to the corridor, pantry or built-in wardrobe does not cause problems in coordination. To agree on this redevelopment, design documentation is required as part of the redevelopment project and a technical report. In general, such work can be coordinated both by the owner independently and with the help of an organization that specializes in redevelopment design.

Can the wet zone be reduced?

Since usually in residential buildings wet spots are rooms that have a small area, the goals of redevelopment, as a rule, are:

But in rare cases, the owners ask if it is possible to reduce the wet zone in the apartment?

Redevelopment of the wet zone in the apartment, when it is required to reduce its area, is allowed, but only the norms mentioned above must be observed. That is, it is of fundamental importance how the area freed from the bathroom or bathroom will be used in the future.

An increase due to the wet zone of the corridor, pantry or utility rooms is quite feasible. But using a wet point to expand a room or kitchen is allowed only on the top floor, because in other cases the kitchen / room will be under the wet zone of the neighbors from above, which will not be agreed upon.

What must not be done when moving wet areas?

Speaking about prohibitions when moving a toilet, it is worth noting that when carrying out this type of redevelopment, it is prohibited:

  1. Use a balcony or loggia to accommodate a room equipped with a toilet. It is forbidden to transfer a bathroom, as well as a bathroom, to a balcony (loggia), regardless of which building and on which floor the re-planned apartment is located.
  2. Arrange the floor in the toilet / bathroom without waterproofing, drawing up acts for hidden work. That is, floors in wet rooms must be lined with waterproofing material .
  3. Attach plumbing and plumbing fixtures to walls and partitions that separate the toilet from living rooms.
  4. Violate the requirements of the Code of Rules "Floors" (SP 29.13330.2011), according to which the floor in the toilet and bathroom must be 15-20 mm lower than in the adjacent corridor, or separated by a threshold also 15-20 mm high.

Continuation of the topic of prohibitions in our article "Do's and Don'ts when redevelopment of an apartment", for reading which you need to click the link.

Coordination of wet areas in an apartment

As for the process of coordinating redevelopment with the transfer of wet areas, it is not much different from other types of apartment renovations. You can learn more about the procedure by clicking on this link. In short, you will need:

It should be added that in some cases an atypical set of documents is required. All the details about the documents for redevelopment here.

Our organization has all SRO approvals. If necessary, we are ready to develop a project for the redevelopment of wet points.

In the event that it is required to legalize the redevelopment of the wet zone, carried out without approval, you will need a floor plan with an explication before the redevelopment and a technical opinion on the admissibility of the repair measures carried out, which you can also order from us.

You can entrust us with the preparation of project documents for independent approval of redevelopment with the supervisory authority.

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