Half a century ago, panel houses were considered the most comfortable housing in the country. Their construction made it possible to provide shelter for many millions of Soviet citizens. However, now the attitude towards them has become different. Such apartments have rather modest dimensions. In addition, the deterioration of panel houses is accelerated due to savings on their construction.
However, in Soviet times, having such an apartment was much more prestigious than housing in a communal apartment. Today, many owners of such apartments are trying to make living in them more comfortable. It is worth understanding what options exist for finishing a bathroom in a panel house.
Features of room arrangement
The main distinguishing feature of a bathroom in panel-type houses is its small area. If to expand the kitchen it is enough to remove the partition and make something like a studio, then you can expand the bathroom only by combining it with the toilet.
Combining a bathroom in a panel house
A combined bathroom in an apartment in a panel house is a popular solution that has several advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantages of this solution include:
- When several people live in an apartment in a panel house, using a shared bathroom is not very convenient. One family member may want to relax in the bath, while another will need to use the restroom. In the morning, a queue forms in the shared bathroom.
- Any demolition of walls, even non-load-bearing ones, affects the stability of a panel house. Such redevelopments require legalization.
- Removing a partition is a quick but troublesome procedure. The work process creates a lot of noise and dirt.
Before making a decision, you should familiarize yourself with the photo of a combined bathroom in a panel house.
However, combining a bathroom and a restroom has several undeniable advantages:
- When combining two rooms in a panel house, you can get a lot of usable space. It will be very convenient to move around it.
- It will be possible to correctly distribute space using the zoning method. To do this, install temporary partitions in the bathroom and experiment with lighting.
- It is much easier to install plumbing equipment. It becomes possible to install large household appliances in the bathroom. In such a bathroom it is easier to place an additional shelving unit.
It is better to combine a bathroom when one or two people live in an apartment. If there is space in the bathroom for installing a corner sink, and after installing the bath itself there will be space for a washing machine, it is better to leave the partition.
Selection of plumbing equipment
The main condition is that the plumbing fixtures must match the dimensions of the bathroom. If a massive hot tub is installed, it will look out of place. In addition, it will not be possible to install the necessary equipment in a small bathroom. In small rooms it is better to install small equipment. When installing a shower and corner sinks, a lot of space is freed up in the center of the room.
When choosing between a shower stall and a bathtub in a panel house, you should pay attention to the first option. Modern shower designs have more functionality than a standard bathtub. You can choose different types of water jets, listen to music, and call friends. Many cabins are equipped in such a way that water procedures can be performed in a sitting position.
Washing machine location
A washing machine is an integral element of the household. However, it is difficult to place a large device in a small bathroom of a panel house. There are several ways to solve the problem:
- Install a washing machine under the bathroom sink of a panel house. This arrangement of equipment will allow an extra meter. To do this, you will have to equip a hanging sink.
- Place the machine sideways to one of the walls of the bathroom of the panel house. Place a partition on the other side and place a cabinet above it.
- Place the machine close to the shower stall. This option is convenient when choosing devices with a vertical hatch.
These tips will help you equip a comfortable bathroom in a panel house.
Bathroom ceiling design
A ceiling with whitewash or plain paint, often installed in panel houses, can cause melancholy. For this reason, it is worth making slatted ceilings. Using these elements you can create an original bathroom design in a panel house.
The advantages of such designs:
- attract attention and do not get boring;
- there is a wide selection of textures and shades on the market;
- they last longer and are much easier to care for;
- It is very convenient to place original lighting fixtures in them;
- you can equip a mirrored ceiling that can visually expand the bathroom space in a panel house.
When choosing the color of the bathroom ceiling in a panel house, you should remember that it should be several tones lighter than the wall surfaces (as in the photo).
Bathroom wall decoration
The standard choice is to tile the bathroom. In small spaces this is really the right choice. However, you shouldn’t settle on a certain type of tile. It is better to choose products with a pattern or pattern. If you have experience, you can choose tiles of different shades that will harmoniously combine with each other. The surface with a mosaic pattern looks interesting.
To make your work easier, you can equip your bathroom walls with PVC panels. In this case there will be many color solutions, but less than in the case of tiles. It is better to make the walls in light colors. If the surfaces are too dark or bright, the visual space of the bathroom will be reduced.
Floor arrangement
It is also better to equip the bathroom floor in a panel house with ceramic tiles. You should choose less slippery products. To prevent slipping, additional panels are laid on it. They are made from durable wood. You can safely stand on such products with bare feet.
Another optimal option for equipping a bathroom floor is self-leveling technology. However, it will take a lot of money. In a small bathroom, they usually don’t skimp on materials. To maintain heat in the bathroom, a heated floor system is installed.
Illumination and lighting
Spotlights are installed in the bathrooms. To create the desired level of lighting, there must be a lot of them. If possible, the light intensity is adjusted with a special dimmer.
Another option is to install lamps in the bathroom that have light bulbs with a cold and warm spectrum. The first will allow you to relax, and the second will speed up awakening.
Bathroom interior design
A bathroom in a 9-story panel house can become a cozy room if you approach the interior design correctly. When doing this, several points are taken into account:
By arranging the room taking into account these tips, you will not only visually expand the space, but also create a favorable atmosphere for taking water procedures.
Conclusions
The best option when decorating a bathroom is gluing ceramic tiles to the floor and walls. This material is easy to clean, it is not affected by moisture and temperature changes. Using tiles will allow you to make long-lasting bathroom renovations. An interesting interior is created using decorative plaster, self-leveling floors, and a suspended ceiling. Delimit the bath space with curtains or partitions. You should use the free space of the bathroom very sparingly - install additional shelves, a hanging sink and a shower stall.
The first panel houses began to be built in the 40s of the last century, and before that, for a very long time, the materials for construction were monotonous - wood and brick. Having solved the problem of quickly moving Soviet citizens into apartments, they did not think at all about whether it was comfortable to live in such small apartments. But since there is an apartment, it means that it must correspond to the latest fashion.
When starting to decorate your bathroom, you should approach this issue creatively. Firstly: we decide what kind of bathroom we will have - separate or combined? In panel houses, it is more economical to use a combination of toilet and bath, thus we save significantly on building materials, and we only need one entrance door. And this, by the way, is just for low-income families and elderly people. But, if the bathroom is separate, and the walls between them are brick, then the repair will take much more time and money - leveling the walls and slopes, removing old plaster, tiling work, lighting design and replacing plumbing.
Secondly: based on the size of the bathroom in a panel house, we select and install a shower stall or corner bathtub in it, the use of which will significantly increase the space for a washing machine and various cabinets, shelves and bathroom accessories.
The best, more economical option is still a modern shower stall, equipped with all the amenities, including a place to sit.
The next point is determining the color scheme in the bathroom design. Since ours is miniature, we will use light, cool colors that visually increase the space of our room. Based on 3D technology, let's imagine the final result of our work.
Bathroom ceiling design
- We refuse whitewashing.
- We refuse to paint.
- We select and install, according to desire and means, either plastic panels (they line the walls well), or a slatted ceiling, or the most expensive type of design - a suspended ceiling.
At the same time, we are thinking about lighting the ceiling: recessed ceiling lamps are well suited for this purpose. Mirror surfaces will help make the bathroom more voluminous: several mirrors on one side, a large mirror above the sink, wall mirror cabinets.
Design solution for wall decoration in the bathroom
We are used to the fact that the walls in the bathroom are most often tiled, but now this is irrelevant. Designers recommend moving away from the classics and trying to mix different styles, different materials, color contrasts in the design of walls and floors. And it's really beautiful. If you are on a budget, you can choose ceramic tiles or panels with a marine, urban theme, stripes or flowers.
Mirrors on two adjacent sides significantly expand the size of the bathroom.
Selection of furniture and accessories
Their choice should also be taken seriously, because humidity greatly affects the condition and appearance of accessories: various cabinets, shelves and even the podium. Therefore, it is advisable to choose them from the highest quality and durable materials, this could be glass or plastic. Don’t get carried away, in a small-sized bath, there should also be few of them. The main one is the mirror. Don't forget - the appearance with smudges, even on the most expensive accessories, does not attract attention. If possible, purchase wall-hung furniture and a toilet, thereby visually expanding the area of your bath.
The use of a heated towel rail, an original cup for brushes, or a flower soap dish will add comfort. The main thing is to use design ideas correctly, and then even a small bathroom in a panel house will turn into a cozy place for privacy.
Setting up the floor
An integral part of the entire design in the bathroom is the arrangement of the floor. We don’t have to rack our brains to set the task of visually expanding the area here too. We use classic ceramic tiles in different color combinations and options. But the most important thing is that the floor should be warm, dry, and at the same time, do not forget about the aesthetic side of the design. The mosaic floor looks beautiful.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the placement of plumbing metering devices in the bathroom; try to place them so that it is convenient to approach them, they are “disguised” and closed with an original door, located in a cabinet under the sink, or designed as a corner stand for accessories .
Any bathroom, no matter what size it is, has the function of relaxation, which means it leaves an imprint on human health. Therefore, if you fill it with your favorite souvenirs and interesting little things, it will be a place not only of comfort, but also of relaxation.
Design of a bathroom and toilet in a panel house (video)
Your bathroom, made with love, taking into account new fashion trends, claims to become the best, and perhaps the most favorite place in your apartment. And it doesn’t matter that you live in a panel house, if you have a great desire to create an unusual, interesting design for your bathroom, feel free to get down to business. Well, for those who dare to take on the design of their bathroom on their own, here are some important tips that should not be neglected:
- We use monochromatic interior decoration of walls and floors, choosing light, cool colors.
- To visually enlarge the room, install a suspended ceiling
- For rational use of the bathroom, we install a shower cabin or corner bath
- The use of adjacent mirrors makes the bathroom not only elegant, but also spacious
- The correct selection of interior and built-in plumbing will make the room more open
- Thinking through several types of lighting in the bathroom
- We use a door that opens outward, or even better, a sliding door
- We provide free access to all interior items and metering devices
Listen to the advice of professional designers, put their suggestions and advice into practice and your bathroom in a panel house will not only be comfortable, beautiful and spacious, but also individually original.
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OUR BATHROOM RENOVATION SERVICES
Dismantling works. Dismantling of old structures without dust methods
Plumbing work - installation of pipes of any complexity
Electrical installation, dust-free wall slitting, selection of the optimal type of electrical wiring cross-section Installation of doors. selection and installation of doors
Preparing the floor. performing waterproofing works Self-leveling floor installations
Rough wall finishing. Use of modern materials. Reducing drying time to 5 days. Plaster of any complexity
Finishing the walls. Careful preparation of surfaces for laying tiles. Uniform and high-quality application of tile adhesive to eliminate the formation of voids
Ceiling finishing Selection of optimal materials. Eco-friendly materials for suspended ceilings
Installation of plumbing. Selection and installation of plumbing. (Bathtubs, Showers. Sinks. Toilets. Faucets. Heated towel rails.)
Finishing with PVC panels. Reduces time and cost compared to tiles by up to 3 times. Selection and installation of PVC panels
Bathroom renovation in a panel house in Moscow
Bathroom wall repair prices
| 0 | Name | count | unit change | price |
| 1 | Removing tiles (floor, walls) without saving | 1 | m/2 | 250 RUR |
| 2 | Primer of walls (2 layers and all subsequent ones) | 1 | m/2 | 80 RUR |
| 3 | Plastering walls (under tiles) | 1 | m/2 | 450 RUR |
| 4 | Laying wall tiles | 1 | m/2 | 690 RUR |
| 5 | Laying 10x10 or 15x15 wall tiles | 1 | m/2 | 900 RUR |
| 6 | Laying clinker tiles (under stone, brick) | 1 | m/2 | 1400 RUR |
| 7 | Mosaic laying | 1 | m/2 | 1800 RUR |
| 8 | Installation of PVC panels | 1 | m/2 | 300 RUR |
| 9 | Laying borders and tile plinths | 1 | p/m | 450 RUR |
| 10 | Trimming tiles. | 1 | p/m | 390 RUR |
| 11 | Laying decor (drawing panel) | 1 | sh/t | 220 RUR |
A useful structural element is a false wall made of gypsum plasterboard with niches. Behind it you can hide ventilation, water pipes, electrical wiring, an installation system for the toilet and sink, the hidden part of built-in faucets, and so on.
Bathroom floor repair prices
| 1 | Floor primer | 1 | m/2 | 65 RUR |
| 2 | Floor waterproofing | 1 | m/2 | 210 RUR |
| 3 | Self-leveling floors | 1 | m/2 | 270 RUR |
| 4 | Laying floor tiles | 1 | m/2 | 590 RUR |
| 5 | Laying floor tiles diagonally | 1 | m/2 | 900 RUR |
| 6 | Trimming tiles | 1 | p/m | 390rub |
Waterproofing the floor is mandatory when renovating a bathroom, toilet and other wet areas.
Bathroom ceiling repair prices
Modern materials for the ceiling in the bathroom - PVC stretch fabric or metal slats - look stylish and do not lose their good appearance for many years.
Plumbing work in the bathroom and toilet
| 1 | Mixer installation | 1 | sh/t | 1100 RUR |
| 2 | Installation of faucet with shower for bathroom | 1 | sh/t | 1400 RUR |
| 3 | Siphon installation | 1 | sh/t | 500 RUR |
| 4 |
Sink installation |
1 | sh/t | 1800 RUR |
| 5 |
Bathroom installation |
1 | sh/t | 3800 RUR |
| 6 |
Pipe installation (oventrop) |
1 | p/m | 900 RUR |
| 7 |
Laying fitting elements (oventrop) |
1 | sh/t | 500 RUR |
| 8 |
Mirror mounting |
1 | sh/t | 2100 RUR |
Bathroom renovation in a panel house
Most people are overconfident about the need for repairs and do not turn to specialists. As a result of such neglect, it takes a long time to correct errors. In order not to make mistakes and to do everything really well the first time, you need to contact the qualified specialists of the Stroy-Moscom company. We cooperate only with teams of professional craftsmen who can perform truly high-quality repairs in a panel house.
photo of bathroom renovation in a panel house
BEFORE AND AFTER
Our specialists are perfectly aware of the design and layout features of each type of house, so difficulties never arise. If you want to combine a bathroom with a bathroom, then we will do everything possible to make your idea come true. It will be much more convenient to order turnkey services, which include:
Dismantling of old equipment and materials;
Arrangement of communications;
Finishing;
Removal of construction waste.
As a result, the client receives a completely finished bathroom, which can already be used for its intended purpose.
How to order a bathroom renovation service ?
You need to contact the phone number listed on the website and discuss the details of cooperation with the manager. A specialist will visit the site at the specified time, take the necessary measurements and help you choose building materials. Describe your desired outcome in detail so that it can be accurately translated into reality. If you want to save as much as possible without losing quality, then there are excellent options for standard projects to suit every taste and financial capabilities.
Finishing materials are selected based on the specific need for resistance to moisture and fumes. The surface will be resistant to deformation and mold after prolonged use and washing.
Bathroom renovation PHOTO and PRICES:
EXAMPLES OF COMPLETED OBJECTS
Bathroom renovation: 2.6 sq.m.
A high-quality and inexpensive solution for updating your bathroom. Replacement of plumbing fixtures, modern tiles on the floor and walls, perfectly flat floor. Everything you need to maintain the comfort of home.
Moscow, Nametkina street. The total cost of work is 61,600 rubles
Bathroom renovation 3 sq. m
Optimal use of space in a small bathroom was the main goal of this project. Our specialists were able to energy-efficiently place the necessary bathroom components without compromising the family budget
Moscow, Vavilova street Total cost of work 65,600 rubles
Bathroom renovation 3.5 sq.m
We recently bought an apartment where our elderly grandmother used to live. Our craftsmen, in an extremely short time, replaced all the plumbing and the interior of the bathroom, which had not been updated since the construction of the house.
Moscow. Ostrovityanova street. The total cost of work is 81,600 rubles
Bathroom renovation 4.2 sq.m.
The project to transform this bathroom became a dream come true. Our craftsmen implemented the customer’s ideas as accurately as possible and carried out all the technical work with high quality.
Moscow. Garibaldi st. The total cost of work is 93,600 rubles
Don't know where to start renovating your bathroom?
Order a free visit from a measuring engineer!
Our specialist will arrive at any time convenient for you
A measuring engineer will take accurate measurements of the room and offer optimal bathroom layout options
Thanks to measurements and drawing up an estimate, you will find out the exact cost of renovating your bathroom
Remodeling small bathrooms usually takes a lot of time and effort. The whole complexity of this process lies in the specific features of such buildings. The small space of a usually combined bathroom requires increased attention when designing the interior of these houses.
In a modest area it is often quite problematic to place all the necessary interior items and plumbing fixtures. However, there are no impossible tasks. In this case, the goal of any designer will be to competently redesign the space to increase the comfort of staying in the bathroom. The presented photos of a bathroom renovation in a panel house confirm the need to use comprehensive measures to ensure convenience and a harmonious interior of the bathroom.
The use of comprehensive measures to transform space will change the design of the room for the better
As you plan your actions, remember that the process usually goes like this:
- dismantling worn out equipment and finishes;
- leveling walls and communications;
- finishing finishing all planes;
- accommodation lighting fixtures;
- equipment bathroom with plumbing and necessary furniture.
To begin with, it is worth deciding on the nature of the restructuring. Sometimes cosmetic finishing of the room will be enough. However, if the water supply or sewer system fails, the optimal solution would be a complete restoration of the bathroom.
The redevelopment project will help specify the tasks
It is necessary to draw up a floor plan with a detailed diagram of communications and lighting. It would be advisable to have color sketches in order to determine the design of the cladding and the placement of plumbing fixtures. This stage of work will greatly simplify your task in the future.
We make an estimate
It is very important to determine the amount of materials needed for restoration and draw up a budget for the event. You should know that about a quarter of the required amount should be included in this estimate for unforeseen expenses. If your financial situation does not allow you to completely replace all objects, it would be advisable to choose what will be a priority and where you can save.
Find out in advance about the types of finishing materials, as well as their quality and cost. In a small room, the best solution would be to use really high-quality products. However, this does not mean that you will have to choose the most expensive materials. You can always find the optimal match of both quality and price.
If you plan to replace plumbing fixtures, look for non-standard solutions that can visually increase size of a bathroom in a panel house. The same rule applies to the choice of furniture and other decorative elements.
It makes sense to choose non-standard models of plumbing fixtures
In most cases, hiring professional craftsmen to carry out repair work becomes a separate expense item. To reduce your budget, think about at which stage you can save money without compromising quality, and where you can’t do without the help of specialists.
No matter how paradoxical it may sound, renovating a bathroom and toilet in a panel house, photos of samples of which are presented in this article, takes much more time and effort than decorating large rooms. Not every owner of a modest living space can boast of a successfully completed bathroom remodel. However, a careful study of modern trends in the design of such premises will help you get a very impressive result. A competent design of a bathroom in a panel house, photos of the options which clearly demonstrate the advisability of taking into account all the nuances, will transform the room.
A reasonable combination of bright colors will create a spectacular interior
There are several simple techniques that help visually increase the space of the bathroom. It is known that use of light shades When decorating walls it will help to visually expand the space. A good solution would be use of bright contrasting colors.
Mirror placement will enhance the aesthetics of the interior and add depth to it. A particularly impressive effect can be achieved if the mirror is not a separate decorative element, but an entire plane against which other objects will be placed.
Use large mirrors - they will create the illusion of larger space
Properly installed lighting fixtures will help to visually delimit the space, as well as create an optical illusion of its expansion. The main thing is not to overdo it with the number of lamps. For a tiny bathroom in a panel building, one main device and several spotlights will be enough.
Think about efficient use of space. The floor and walls, freed as much as possible from unnecessary objects, will not give the impression of clutter. The optimal solution would be to purchase hanging compact models.
It's better to choose asymmetrical bath or replace it shower cabin. Renovating a bathroom in a panel house in this way, photos of samples of which you will see in the gallery of this article, will pleasantly surprise your family and guests with its results.
Replacing a bulky bathtub with a compact shower cabin will help you make more efficient use of a small area
Ceiling finishing
In small bathrooms, ceiling design should be taken very seriously. Constant humidity and rising hot steam in a relatively short period of time can render an unsuitable coating completely unusable. That is why experts do not recommend using wallpaper in this case or whitewashing the ceiling with lime. A more practical option would be ceiling painting waterproof emulsion. Although any of the above materials will most likely not last more than seven years.
Plastic slatted structures have a rather attractive appearance and are easy to install
The optimal solution could be suspended rack or modular structures made of plastic. Their cost is affordable for everyone, and even a non-professional can perform installation. Such systems, in addition to their functionality, will help to mask some ceiling defects or hide unsightly pipes. The main thing is to remember the small size of the room and not try to create a multi-level structure.
Installation of glossy tension structures visually compensates for the loss of room height during their installation
Today they are in high demand suspended ceilings. There is no doubt that such coatings meet all the requirements of bathrooms. They practically do not limit design possibilities in any way, while remaining a very practical material. However, these systems require the construction of a frame, which will slightly reduce the already tiny room. Although, by choosing a glossy surface of tension structures, you can visually compensate for the loss. If you are interested in how original it can be designed bathroom, design, photo in a panel house such premises will prompt unusual ideas for restoration.
Decoration of walls
Of course, the first thing the eye stops at is the walls. Here, perhaps, the best solution would be to veneer them with ceramics. This is the most practical and win-win option from a design point of view. This coating will last a long time without losing its aesthetic properties. The only disadvantage of this type of finishing will be the fairly high cost and the need to call an experienced tile-maker. However, the resulting result will be impressive.
The best finishing material for the walls of such a bathroom would be tiles.
Examples of bathroom renovations in a panel house using other materials will only confirm the correct choice of tiles. Painted and wallpapered walls require periodic restoration, although the range of possible colors is superior to ceramics. Wall panels cannot withstand significant loads and are subject to mechanical damage, but their low cost and ease of installation captivate many.
If you still need to save on wall finishing, you can use a combined option, where the areas adjacent to the bath or shower will be finished with tiles, and the rest of the walls - in any other way. This technique often only enhances the aesthetics of the room.
It would be useful to use mirrors in such an interior. Even a large number of them can only improve the design of the bathroom, since the ability of such surfaces to reflect surrounding objects will create the illusion of increased space.
Flooring
Materials for finishing the floors of restrooms and bathrooms in panel buildings must simultaneously meet several criteria. They must be durable and not afraid of exposure to moisture, and also not be subject to deformation due to the combined influence of the specific microclimate of small bathrooms.
Today, floor finishing with natural wood or waterproof laminate is very popular. However, in tiny rooms it is better to refrain from such a decision. Firstly, these coatings, despite their characteristics, are still not suitable for rooms with a high content of wet steam. Secondly, often the cost of these quality materials is too high and is comparable to the price of floor tiles.
Laying tiles diagonally in a checkerboard pattern creates the illusion of expanding space
An inexpensive and fairly simple solution would be to lay linoleum. However, such a coating is highly susceptible to mechanical stress and will lose its aesthetic characteristics over time.
Given the modest area, the best option would be to cover the floor with tiles or porcelain stoneware. Only this material guarantees long-term use while maintaining its original appearance.
In general, repairing a toilet in a panel house, photographs of examples of which you will see below, should be done as functionally and simply as possible.
We equip the bathroom with sanitary ware and other objects
The final stage of the renovation will be the installation of the necessary plumbing items and furniture. Usually in small rooms this is a bath or shower box, toilet and washbasin. In this case, installing a bidet is often practically impossible; it can be replaced by purchasing a hygienic shower.
It is better to choose non-standard small-sized products. The main criterion should be only personal comfort during their operation. The modern range of these products can please even the most demanding consumer. The best option may be hanging models or products of a combined type.
The choice of furniture also plays an important role. It is better to abandon bulky, but not very functional items, such as pencil cases. It is advisable to replace them with a set of wall cabinets with a mirror door and a chest of drawers for the sink. For small rooms, the best option would be to manufacture furniture according to an individual project. This way you can use the bathroom space more efficiently.
Custom-made furniture will help rationally use the space of the room
Carrying out a major renovation of a bathroom in standard panel buildings can qualitatively change the design of such a room for the better. By following simple recommendations and taking into account all the nuances, you will transform the interior of the bathroom.
Proper use of design techniques will help you create even an interior in an antique style, which usually requires sufficient space. Choose compact and functional modern models of plumbing fixtures. Try to free up space as much as possible from unnecessary things and accessories. Small bathrooms require bright lighting. Custom-made furniture will help to rationally use the space of the room. Laying tiles diagonally staggered creates the illusion of expanding space
The legacy of the construction of the 80-90s of the last century were panel houses. They were assembled like construction kits, quickly and economically. Their distinctive feature is the small size of bathrooms and toilets. At the age of several decades, a home requires some transformations. That's why bathroom renovation in a panel house today has become a task that requires careful attention.
Features of renovation of bathrooms in panel buildings
Most panel houses of the 80s are representatives of the popular P-44T or KOPE series. What is typical for the bathrooms of these buildings:
- equipped with separate bathrooms (except for one-room apartments). The area of the toilet is a little more than 1.5-2 square meters. A bathroom rarely exceeds 3 square meters in size. Therefore, many apartment owners prefer to combine the bathroom into a single whole. This option is convenient for a small family. For more than three people, it is recommended to leave the toilet separate;
- the presence of a plumbing cabin - a “box”-shaped structure made of plaster or asbestos cement. It has its own walls, floor and ceiling. During the construction of the house, the plumbing cabin was delivered by crane in finished form. This saved time and money on installing a bathroom;
- outdated communications wiring. Metal pipes quickly lose their safety margin. Doing bathroom renovation in a panel house, it's worth replacing them.
Repair of a bathtub and toilet in a panel house: combine or divide
It is worth starting renovation work in the bathroom by making an important decision. Combine the bathroom and toilet or leave them as independent rooms. What does the union give? The appearance of more space as the dividing wall is demolished. Removing the extra door will make it possible to use this part of the wall more optimally.
The placement of plumbing fixtures in a combined bathroom will be more flexible. It will be possible to change the location of the toilet. You can install a bathroom in a different way without giving up on it. Another option is to choose a shower stall. This will allow you to accommodate an additional washing machine, closet, and laundry basket. A shower cabin will help save useful meters in an unseparated bathroom. Despite its compactness, it is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. If there is a deep tray, the cabin will become a full-fledged alternative to a bathtub. This is a smart purchase even for families with small children.
Deciding on a large-scale remodel involves some nuances. Repair of bathtub and toilet in a panel house with the merger must be documented. It refers to the redevelopment of premises that requires approval. Some options cannot be agreed upon. In particular, it is prohibited to install a bathroom above residential areas. Regarding redevelopment issues, it is worth consulting with specialists in advance.
Dismantling a plumbing cabin: what is the result?
The plumbing cabin is not part of the overall structure of the house. Its walls and ceiling are not load-bearing. Therefore, many owners decide to demolish it. This gives an additional 10-15 centimeters of space on each wall. Even with partial demolition of the walls, care should be taken to dismantle the ceiling. If there are no support points, it may tilt or collapse. Removing the ceiling and base will significantly increase the height of the bathroom. If necessary, demolished gypsum-asbestos partitions can be erected from other materials. These can be tongue-and-groove blocks or foam blocks. The advantage of demolishing the plumbing cabin will be the adjustment of the ventilation system. Without additional obstacles to air movement, it operates more efficiently.
When it's a pipe...
Old communications, even if they are functional, are a time bomb. Their replacement when renovating a bathroom and toilet is necessary. It is advisable to carry out work to change pipes throughout the riser. But this is not always possible: refusal of neighbors is a common occurrence. It would be good if during the renovation it was possible to “go through the overlap” of the floor and ceiling. Then, during subsequent repairs, the owner’s neighbors are unlikely to be disturbed. Otherwise, you will have to provide access to your pipe sections.
When replacing pipes, it is better to choose metal-polymer (metal-plastic). Its service life is more than 50 years. Increased corrosion resistance and good sound insulation are undoubted advantages. Choosing an experienced and qualified plumber will also increase the owner's peace of mind. Most often, employees of a local service organization are involved. They know house communications well. The assigned plumbers have access to the basement to shut off the water. Third-party specialists act only in agreement with the building management body.
Not every renovation is global in nature. Often the owner only conducts bathtub renovation in a panel house. Restoring its coating will update the main piece of bathroom furniture. This will extend its service life and refresh the bathroom, which does not require repairs.
Whatever the scale of the repair, it is better to plan the costs in advance. It is worth making a list of works, assessing the need and cost of purchases. If you have such calculations on hand, repair costs will become predictable. Then the option of stopping work due to an unscheduled lack of funding is unlikely. Purchasing plumbing fixtures and finishing materials during sales will help you save money. This way, renovating a bathroom in a panel house will not be stressful.