Figuring out bathroom terminology can be tricky, especially when you’re new to real estate and remodeling. The most common types of bathrooms are full, half, primary, and ensuite baths, among others.
Knowing the differences between these types helps you decide if a property fits your needs, spot renovation projects that can add value to your home, and plan upgrades that work with your budget.
Full Bathroom
When you hear full bathroom, picture a space that has everything you need to get ready for the day or relax after a long one. A full bathroom includes four key components: toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub. These baths usually range from 40 to 60 square feet, but in larger homes, they can be 100 square feet or more.
Some are more spacious and may feature extras such as double sinks or a separate shower stall. In smaller full bathrooms, you might find a shower and tub combo to save space, but they all must include those four key elements to earn the title of “full bathroom.”
Three-Quarter Bathroom
Three-quarter bathrooms have a toilet, a sink, and either a shower or a tub with a shower attachment. They can be anywhere from 36 to 40 square feet, and you’ll often find them in smaller homes, apartments, or as secondary bathrooms in larger houses.
Half Bathroom
The half bath is a very common type of bathroom you’ve probably seen in real estate listings or homes you’ve visited. Half-bathrooms are equipped with just a toilet and a sink, which is why they’re also known as powder rooms. In other words, a space where you go to freshen up quickly.
On average, half bathrooms are around 20 to 30 square feet, but they can be as small as 15 square feet.
Quarter Bathroom
A quarter bathroom is the simplest type of bathroom you’ll come across. It has just a toilet. These bathrooms are typically between 9 and 15 square feet, and you’ll find them tucked away near living rooms, in hallways, or even in basements.
Primary Bathroom
A primary bathroom is the largest and most important bathroom in a home. Also known as the master or en suite when it connects to the main bedroom, it could also be a shared bathroom near the main bedroom, living room, or hallway. The primary bathroom typically has everything you need, such as a toilet, sink, and a shower or bathtub. Most of the time, it’s either a full bathroom or a three-quarter bathroom.
Hollywood Bathroom
Also known as Jack-and-Jill bathrooms, Hollywood bathrooms have two doors that connect to two bedrooms, so you can access the shared bath from either side. Depending on how you want to set them up, they can be any size. However, you’ll most often find them designed as full bathrooms in larger luxury homes.
En Suite Bathroom
An en suite bathroom is a private bath attached to a bedroom that is accessible only from that room. If it connects to the master bedroom, it’s considered the master bathroom — and if it’s the most used bath in the house, it’s also the primary bathroom.
Handicap Accessible Bathroom
An ADA-compliant or handicap-accessible bathroom is designed to help people with disabilities or mobility challenges. While there isn’t a strict size requirement, there are some key features they must include:
- A 60-inch wide space for the toilet, with the flush lever on an open side so it’s easy to reach.
- Grab bars placed 36 inches on the back wall and 42 inches on one side wall.
- A sink no higher than 34 inches off the ground.
More About Bathrooms
From full to Hollywood baths, each type of bathroom impacts your routine, comfort, and budget in its own way. Consider their differences before buying a home or starting a renovation.
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Main Photo Credit: alexandre zveiger / Adobe Stock Free / License
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