Introduction
There are many codes to follow when renovating a bathroom. Part of the process involves determining which parts of the bathroom can be replaced through grandfather clauses, and which parts have to be brought up to modern building codes. The rule of thumb is that if it met code at the time it was built, it can be maintained; new work has to meet new standards. For example, tempered window glass requirements in bathrooms were not always an absolute rule, but it is now — and code dictates window replacements meet certain standards.
Traditional Building Codes
In the past, building codes were far more relaxed than they are today. In some cases, the technology simply did not exist to make a house, especially the bathroom, as safe as it can be made today. Bathrooms are wet because of shower and bath steam, along with spilled water from the sink. In a most dire situation, a water leak can cause flood damage. Preventative safety codes are designed into bathroom requirements to minimize potential injuries and hazards in such scenarios. Building codes further provide demonstrable proof that the renovations were conducted at a professional level, and will meet the needs of most people.
New Codes and Expectations
Most people understand the need for GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interruption) electric outlets. They have an internal circuit breaker that prevents electrocution in bathrooms, as a space that mixes water and electricity can be dangerous. Glass types are another code requirement. The glass for bathroom windows and throughout the entire room must be tempered, because floor surfaces in a bathroom become slippery and are a potential falling hazard. Although a fall itself can cause injury, injury can also be caused if a shower window shatters. For this reason, windows in a shower can be exceptionally dangerous. This is just another reason why bathroom windows are based around safety precautions.
Design and Build a Beautiful Bathroom
No matter how nice a bathroom is upon initial home purchase, most people are going to want to remodel the room to their specific interior design tastes at some point — especially if they plan to live in the house into their retirement years. Alternatively, there might be a great deal available on a quaint older house that needs renovations to incorporate modern expectations. Either way, bathroom renovations are best done by professionals who are trained in the process and understand what works for most people, what looks the best in terms of luxury bathroom design, and what meets code.
Why You Must Follow Building Codes
Some people wonder why they have to follow a building code, when they can potentially conduct renovations themselves for the same cosmetic effect without the expense of hiring a licensed contractor.
- The first reason is that building codes are in place for a reason, which includes both the structural integrity of the home and how common accidents occur.
- Nobody thinks they might slip and fall, but it happens, and unfortunately it tends to happen with elderly people and children who can suffer the most harm from such a fall.
- Bathroom windows must be tempered to maintain safety
- Unpermitted work that isn’t up to code doesn’t add value to the home. Instead, it detracts value as a sale will require the work to be removed and the bathroom be rebuilt.
Conclusion
Fortunately, there are amazing bathroom window ideas and options available for further bathroom renovations at RWC. Contact us at RWC to discuss with one of our professional representatives what we can do to make your bathroom more comfortable and beautiful for your own use while you live there and to add value to the home should you decide to sell.