Most people pay keen attention to the appearance and number of bedrooms when looking for a perfect house design. However, they forget about the bathroom, which is the most sensitive part of every house. Typically, the type of bathroom in your new house will determine the price of the home and the comfort it will offer.
A 2½ bathroom house has 2 full bathrooms and a ½ bathroom. A full bathroom has the 4 main elements (sink with running water, a toilet, a shower, and a bathtub). A ½ bathroom has only 2 of the 4 elements while a ¾ bathroom has a sink, toilet, and a stand-up shower but no tub. A ¼ only has the toilet.
Maybe it seems complicated, but you can select among the various types of this vital space. Let’s find out what the terms 2½, full, three-quarters, half, quarter, and 3.5 bathrooms precisely mean.
What is a 2½ Bathroom?
2½ bathrooms explain a house with two full bathrooms, each with a sink, toilet, and a tub/shower. The ½ represents a second bathroom which is a sink and a toilet. It is often termed a powder room or a half bath and is usually situated on the first floor for the family or guests to use. They are also located near bedrooms.
You might also come across lists with 3 ½ or 1 ½ bathrooms. Irrespective of the number, the ½ implies that there is a half bath (powder room) and the number of full bathrooms.
What is a Full Bathroom?
A full bathroom is a type that offers a full package that includes a sink with running water, a toilet, a shower, and a bathtub. As for a shower and bathtub, you can choose between two options which include:
- A full bathroom with a tub merged with the shower.
- A full bathroom with an individual shower cabin and tub.
There are always options where your bathroom may feature two toilets or sinks, for instance. Remember that such variations won’t affect the form of this space.
For example, your bathroom has a toilet, two sinks, and no shower. In such a case, you can say that your home doesn’t have a full bathroom since some elements are missing. The additional number of sinks won’t change that fact.
However, most houses don’t provide this comfortable option due to the ample space required. If there is, it is mainly available in the master bedroom. Every full bathroom should always meet the following specifics:
Size
A full bathroom requires elements to be arranged within 40 to 45 sq. ft (3.7 – 4 m2). However, a full bath’s average size should go up to 5.6 m2 (60 sq. ft), depending on the square footage and style of the house. Larger ones run up to 13.5 m2 (145 sq. ft) and beyond.
Arrangement of Elements
The shower and tub should always be close to each other as close as possible. They are always far from the door, and you’ll discover self-importance between them in most situations. The sink should be placed next to the toilet opposite a separate corner.
What is a Three-quarters (¾) Bathroom?
Sometimes, you may confuse a three-quarters bathroom for a full bathroom. This space contains a sink, toilet, and a stand-up shower but lacks a tub.
Some old designs combine a sink, toilet, and tub instead of a shower. But, you can add a shower above the bathtub in such a situation to acquire a full bath.
This type of bathroom is precisely smaller than the full bathroom. However, it can offer excellent functioning if you organize it well. In most cases, homeowners acquire this type by upgrading an existing half bathroom and adding a shower.
The main advantage of this option is that it allows you to acquire the benefits of all elements while saving space. This makes it an efficient design for small, mid-sized houses and flats. Every three-quarters bathroom should meet the following specifics:
Size
In most cases, you will require at least 3 m2 (35 sq. ft) for your three-quarters bathroom. However, it should have an average size of 3.7-4.6 m2 (40 to 50 sq. ft). Large-sized ¾ baths are close to the size of an average-size full bathroom.
Arrangement of Elements
A ¾ bath should have the shower next to the window or wall, while the toilet is next to it to save space. The sink is situated opposite the toilet bowl and close to the door.
What is a Half (½) Bathroom?
This type of bathroom contains two of the four main elements of a full bathroom. Typically, it includes a sink and a toilet. It serves as a perfect place for your guests and family members when the main bathroom is engaged.
It is also an excellent alternative for a ground floor lacking bedrooms. However, remember that multiple half bathrooms can’t serve as a full bathroom.
Size
A half bathroom has no specific dimensions, but you can organize it appropriately to serve your needs best. However, the smallest should range between 11 and 12 sq. ft (1- 1.1 m2), while the most common range is within the average size of 18 to 20 sq. ft (1.7-1.85m2). If your house has enough space, you can extend your half bathroom to 20-32 sq. ft.
Arrangement Requirements
Since this bathroom is small, you should position the toilet against the wall and the sink on the opposite side.
What is a Quarter (¼) Bathroom?
This tiny in-home bathroom is relatively uncommon in homes in the US, except for ancient ones. This space contains only the toilet in most cases, ignoring the other elements. It doesn’t offer great comfort since there is no space for washing your hands after using it.
In other cases, a quarter bathroom will have a shower cabin, which is not a standard solution. You may also find some equipped with a sink, making it a washroom. This space will be suitable for serving guests when you have a sink in your sitting room.
You may also find a quarter bathroom installed with a tub only, which sounds like a great way of acquiring privacy in your home.
Size
A quarter bathroom takes up little space. However, mounting a round toilet instead of an elongated bowl model can make it more spacious. This way, you can save at least 5 cm (2 inches).
What is a 3.5 Bathroom?
A 3.5 (3½)bathroom generally consists of 3 full bathrooms and one-half bathroom. Each of the three bathrooms should contain the four main elements: the sink, shower, tub, and toilet.
On the other hand, the half bathroom will have a toilet and a sink. The half bathroom will serve as a good place for guests and should be situated on the first floor of the building or the ground floor if it lacks bedrooms.
Summary
Various types of bathrooms can guarantee different levels of comfort and functions. As you have seen, a 2½, 3.5, a quarter, and a full bathroom are all bathrooms with unique elements, arrangements, and sizes. You can choose among these types of bathrooms for your house depending on your taste, preference, and budget. Hopely, this guide has enabled you to differentiate between the various types of bathrooms for your next house design.