Do I need planning / building permit to add an additional bathroom | Houzz AU (2023)

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PlumbingRenovatingBathrooms

We are thinking to add an additional bathroom in our unit - see attached images for current floor plan and proposed. Bathroom would be small about 1m x 2.5m. Entry would be from the Study on the right.

We would move everything in the kitchen up by 1m, keeping the same footprint.

Will this need to be permitted, inspections etc?

This is in Sydney

• Kate

  2 years ago

  Structural changes need a building permit. Changes to the facade trigger amendment to an existing planning permit for unit development.
  You’ll need a plumber and electrician for those works.

  wendalls thanked Kate

• oklouise

  2 years ago

  last modified: 2 years ago

  what do you expect to include in the extra bathroom .. you would need a bigger space to include a toilet, shower and basin with room to move and a doorway to the study..can you use the laundry for the extra bathroom and put a washing machine in the kitchen? depends on the body corporate and/or local council, work out the best location and then ask a plumber if an extra toilet etc is possible ...post a more detailed plan with the measurements of every space including the study, laundry, original bathroom, kitchen, hall, dining and all other rooms and we may be able to suggest some other options

  wendalls thanked oklouise

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  Beach Bathrooms

  2 years ago

  (Video) Remodel Start to Finish: When Do You Need Building Permits?

  Our idea

  Laundry to new bathroom ( existing wet area, floor drainage etc ), construct a wall on an angle from end of laundry hob wall to bathroom wall,

  Could you supply all measurements, can come up with autocad options,

  wendalls thanked Beach Bathrooms

• oklouise

  2 years ago

  this might also work but subject to , approval and accurate dimensions
  

  

  wendalls thanked oklouise

• oklouise

  2 years ago

  thanks Beach Bathrooms it's good to see a professional offering to help, i hope wendall takes advantage of your offer and you get some more work

  wendalls thanked oklouise

• wendalls

  Original Author

  2 years ago

  last modified: 2 years ago

  @Beach Bathrooms and @oklouise - I am so sorry I just saw these responses!

  (Video) The Building Permit Process & Requirements --- Part 1 of 2

  I don't mind your thought OKlouise, I'm not sure I love the door of the main coming off the lounge though... but I guess with ensuite it could work.

  Here is the full floor plan! please note this is a long term idea, trying to get an idea of how bigger job it is.

  I realised that the waste outflow could be tricky, and possibly make this job impossible. This is a unit block by the way.

  Pink lines are drywalls, that are probs not load bearing. All others are solid brick thick walls.
  

  

• oklouise

  2 years ago

  you need to make a plan with more precise dimensions and hopefully it's not too late to take advantage of Beach bathrooms very generous offer

• Kate

  2 years ago

  Or this putting laundry to left of entry
  

  

  wendalls thanked Kate

• wendalls

  Original Author

  2 years ago

  @Beach Bathrooms @oklouise what do you think of this idea? Saves the current door to main bed. Uses a pocket door though into ensuite but this wall is solid brick, so not sure this would work.

  Trying to keep the loos in close to similar position.

  

  (Video) How do I add a bathroom/ en-suite to my house?

• wendalls

  Original Author

  2 years ago

  last modified: 2 years ago

  Here's another, I've moved the ensuite shower around, and made it 75 wide - we currently use shower over bath which is 75, so I figure it could work. This allows for a 72cm door. In the main bath I am thinking long bench with washer underneath and farmhouse style sink that could double for a laundry sink if needed. Dryer mounted up top, and storage below sink, and perhaps above.

  
  Lounge wall would need to be shortened a bit to allow wide enough entry into this area though..

  
  Thinking this might all work out actually!
  

  

• oklouise

  2 years ago

  but have you checked with the local council and other owners to find out about any restriction to your proposal ...you need to allow at least 80cm x 80cm for space for a toilet (including knee and elbow room) 820 wide and no smaller than 750wide for a doorway and pocket doors need the whole wall ie more than twice the width and taller than a door to be removed form the brick wall to allow for a new framed wall to enclose a pocket door, you may be able to find a tiny shower or have one custom made as a"wet room" but that means lowering the whole floor to allow for drainage and your plans don't allow any room for walking and standing to dress and attempting to keep the small entry hall uses too much space needed for the bathrooms ... i'd be surprised if a plumber would agree to do the work ..i think a variation of my original ideas is the best option but you need to check with the other owners, council and a plumber to find out what;s really possible as there are many practical and legal reasons that need to be considered

  wendalls thanked oklouise

• wendalls

  Original Author

  2 years ago

  Thanks @oklouise - we are yet to move in and just playing with ideas right now. I am busily googling standard sizes and clearances on everything to try and understand what's may be possible. Looking forward to working with the professionals to see what can be done when the time comes!