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Accessible bathroom layout before rough-in checklist

A pre-rough-in bathroom checklist for confirming the intended user and assistance model, a workable route and door, toilet transfer and caregiver space, shower or tub access and seating, lavatory knee or approach space where desired, mirror and storage reach, controls, outlets, lighting and ventilation, grab-bar and seat backing zones, curbless drainage and waterproofing geometry, floor build-up, emergency access and a full-size mock-up before plumbing, framing, wiring or cabinet orders lock in the room.

6 items to check

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The approach, doorway and internal circulation work with the intended mobility device and assistance

Critical item

The bathroom must be reachable and usable as a sequence.

Toilet center, side and front transfer space, support and accessory locations suit the plan

Critical item

Fixtures and partitions should support the chosen transfer method.

Shower or tub entry, seat, controls, spray and transfer space are coordinated

Critical item

The user should reach controls without entering unsafe water flow.

Lavatory, mirror, storage and accessories have usable approach and reach

Critical item

Cabinet details should not negate the layout.

Drainage, waterproofing, floor slope and finish transitions support step-free use

Critical item

A curbless layout requires coordinated structural and waterproofing geometry.

Rough-in centers, backing, electrical, ventilation, products and user mock-up are approved

Critical item

Trades should receive one coordinated layout.

Use before trade rough-in. Accessibility dimensions should reflect the applicable project criteria and the person using the bathroom. Do not use a checklist to prescribe medical care, transfer technique or mobility equipment. Do not remove structural framing, build ramps or guards, alter stairs, bathrooms, electrical work or gas systems without required design and permits. ADA Standards do not automatically govern every private single-family home; applicable law, program requirements and the approved project control.

Reference standards

  • The occupant’s documented abilities and goals, applicable locally adopted residential and accessibility requirements, any funded-program or housing obligations, approved plans, structural and trade design, permits and inspections, product instructions, and recommendations from qualified occupational therapy, accessibility, medical, structural, plumbing, electrical and construction professionals
  • Approved bathroom plan, selected fixtures and products, accessibility program criteria where applicable and adopted plumbing, electrical, mechanical and building requirements

    • Tools

  • Current floor plans, site survey, occupant priorities, mobility-device dimensions, product data, permits, structural details and photographs
  • Tape measure, level, camera, mock-up materials and owner-safe functional checks; professional slope, force, lighting and structural measurements where needed
  • Qualified designer, occupational therapist or aging-in-place specialist plus licensed structural and trade professionals as applicable

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