Can you have a loo off the kitchen?

[alice]

I have a question about UK building codes.

Do the same set up regulations that govern building codes apply for the entire country? In the US they change according to municipality.

The kitchen in the house we just bought will be our first remodeling project. For some some odd reason the main sink was removed and when fitted cabinets and countertops were installed, no sink was put back in. The scullery was converted to a full bathroom, each of the bathroom fixtures (loo, bath, sink) are in their own little room, one off the other like a set of Russian nesting dolls. You go through a door to the sink area and there's a door to the bath area and another to the loo.

I want to remodel the kitchen entirely, bringing back the kitchen sink, etc and put in new units. I want to remove the bathtub in the scullery and replace it with shelving, etc to regain the pantry. I'll leave the hand sink and loo.

My problem? A relative of mine said that you can't have a loo right off the kitchen and that was probably why no sink was put in the kitchen area, so it wasn't "officially" a kitchen. Is this true?

Would the lavatory (being enclosed, with a door, and inside the scullery/pantry area) still qualify as direct entry into the kitchen?

I'd like to hear your thoughts on this.

alice

 

[Nemesis]

As far as I recall... you need a ventilated passageway between the loo and the kitchen.

 

[alice]

The loo has a window in it. Step out of it (there's a door) and you're into a chopped up scullery room and there's a window to the outside (next to the loo door). Would that window count as ventilation? Another step to the right and you're out the next door (the scullery main door) into the kitchen.

If it would count as a ventilated passageway, then it should be ok to put the kitchen back and keep the loo as is.

alice

 

[MdB]

I would like to know the answer to this too. I believe that it used to be the case that you had to have two doors between them but this rule is no longer in force. I was with building control this morning, its a pity I didn't think of it or I would have asked them.

I'll have a look in the regs now to see if I can find anything.

 

[NT]

The requirement you mention used to exist, but no longer. It is now known the transmission of infection from loo to kitchen is down to dirt on hands, not airborne spread.


NT

 

[Nemesis]

There's the pong factor of course to consider...

Building control is who to ask.

 

[MdB]

Found it here

Approved Document G Section 1.2

A space containing a closet or urinal should be separated by a door from a space used for the preparation of food (including a kitchen and anywhere space in which washing up is done)

So "a door", not "doors"

 

[alice]

Pong Factor?

What do the Chinese have to do with my loo?

I'm pretty fluent in both English and American, but I don't know that one.

alice

 

[alice]

Thanks MB! that answers my question. So I CAN keep my lavatory AND have a full kitchen (husband will be happy he can keep full WC access on all floors). I'll keep that link for any pesky building inspectors.

alice

 

[Nemesis]

Weeell... not sure I'd want the loo to lead directly to the kitchen, thankfully here neither do.

 

[CHRIS]

It changed a few years back from the 2 doors to one answer, You must have an extractor fan (good idea in all houses to stop condensation etc and save on damp issues)

 

[MdB]

You must have an extractor fan (good idea in all houses to stop condensation etc and save on damp issues)

I believe that goes for both the kitchen and the toilet though probably only applies to new builds / conversions. Good idea either way. Also, remember the air for any extraction fan has to come from somewhere. A house I used to live in had such good draft excluders around the bathroom door that the extractor fan did nothing at all until the door was opened. Either a gap or a vent was needed.

 

[Nemesis]

In a period property, I'm less than convinced about extractor fans.

They use electricity, and have intsallation issues. Electricity has to be supplied etc.

They either spoil a window or a wall.

We open the sash window slightly in the bathroom - lets in air and allows condensation to vanish rapidly.

 

[CHRIS]

whack an air brick in on the opposite wall and feel a nice cold draught on your feet whilst making morning tea!

 

[Gervase]

I'm a fan of the sash window, too. Doesn't seem to use any electricity, and the hole in the wall is already there!

 

[Nemesis]

An air brick wouldn't be very useful in our house - the walls are too thick and internal walls aren't very suitable.

Windows are far more efficient than anything more complex and mechanical in my experience - easy to open etc.

 

[NT]

A space containing a closet or urinal should be separated by a door from a space used for the preparation of food (including a kitchen and anywhere space in which washing up is done)

So "a door", not "doors"

what, I cant pee in the kitchen sink? damn.


NT

 

[Nemesis]

Not officially, no.

 

[chuckey]

Stayed in two different places in Germany (one a hotel second a flat) both had internal toilets both with well fitting doors, both with a louvred vent set low in toilet door. What is wrong with cutting the door so there is a 1/2" (sorry 12.7mm) gap under it?
Frank

 

[DaveBrigg]

I suppose a loo in the kitchen is fine if you don't mind convenience foods.

(I'll get my coat...)