How to reduce height of bathroom floor level?

Question

in addition to my DIY European laundry Reno, I am undertaking a bathroom, ensuite & toilet renovation. This however is being done by a builder as I knew it was beyond my skill set.

The subfloor is yellow tongue, & due to the tiling, the current bathroom floors are approx 1.5cm higher than the adjoining bedroom & hall floors. I’ve just realised that the builder is installing a 50mm water stop angle at each of the bathroom doorways - which will mean a floor height difference of approximately 4cm.

I’m really concerned about this as not only does it seem like a significant trip hazard, but as I intend on this being my ‘forever’ home, I’m worried about accessibility as I age. I deliberately decided on stepless showers, & am having extra noggins installed so I can instal grab rails if ever necessary, to future proof my home - but having a 4 cm step into the bathrooms will limit accessibility if I ever have even minor mobility issues.

Is there a reason why they can’t use a lower waterstop angle to reduce the height difference? Is this usual? Is there anything I can do to minimise or manage this height difference?

Thanks

Nailbag · Answer

Hi @Scootergirl

Several months ago we bought a house where it has several 20mm floor transitions due to floor on floor finishes (see photo below). Other than some automatic awareness and the relatively small transitions, surprisingly neither my wife or I have not once tripped and only a couple of times I have stepped over and felt the lower level. And these are all transitions in/out of heavy traffic doorways ways.

However that said, I think 40mm+ definitely has a far great potential to be a trip hazard unless it can be ramped. But the length of the ramp to accommodate 40mm will be long and probably a hazard itself.

I would take @MitchellMc advice and get the builder back in to discuss the issue any work around options. If this is going to a be long term place of residence which, it sounds like it will be, then the extra work and expense will pay dividends. If lifting the floor tiles is the only option, then factoring in re-waterproofing to the cost as well as extending out the time frame.

Nailbag

MitchellMc · Answer

Hi @Scootergirl,

These are all excellent questions, and they're definitely worth discussing with your builder before the work progresses any further.

A 40mm step at the bathroom doorway does sound quite significant, particularly given you've already put a lot of thought into future accessibility with stepless showers and provisions for grab rails. If you're not happy with the proposed floor height, now is the time to raise your concerns.

Your builder should be able to explain why a 50mm waterstop angle has been specified. It may be required to comply with the relevant waterproofing standards or suit the particular floor build-up they've designed, but there may also be alternative methods depending on the construction.

If reducing the finished floor height is important to you, one option could be to lower the bathroom subfloor so the waterproofing, screed and tiles sit closer to the level of the adjoining rooms. This is a much more substantial alteration and would likely involve additional work and cost, but it's certainly something to discuss before the renovation gets any further along.

I'd encourage you to have an open conversation with your builder about your long-term accessibility goals. They should be able to explain the reasoning behind the current design and advise whether there are compliant alternatives that would reduce the step at the doorway.

Let me tag @Nailbag to see if he has any thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell