Making changes to my property

[halfmoonforever]

Was wondering if you guys could give some advice regarding this. I have 1 full bathroom. The kitchen is rather small and there is only space for a washing machine. I would like to rip out the bath/install a plug (which will be right behind the bathroom light switch) and have my washing machine and (need to buy) tumble-dryer there.

This then leaves the space open in the kitchen (open plan lounge) where I can install a dishwasher. The added benefit is that while I'm doing washing/tumble-dryer is on, it doesn't require me to put my TV at 200% volume or have visitors speak with raised voices as stuff is happening.

What impact would this have on my property value if I decide to do this?

 

[Goobie]

A drawing of the floorplan and changes will help here

 

[MickZA]

A drawing of the floorplan and changes will help here

^This

I rented a townhouse years ago where there was provision for the washing machine in the downstairs loo. Worked well with a front loader as it doubled up as a reading materials rack

 

[gimpex]

As far as I know ( as per code ) you cannot have 220V plugs or switches in the bathroom - only the ones for shavers with limited amps

If that's the code , then your house shouldn't pass electrical COC when selling .

I am sure an electrician will be along shortly to advise on this.

 

[Pitbull]

As far as I know ( as per code ) you cannot have 220V plugs or switches in the bathroom - only the ones for shavers with limited amps

If that's the code , then your house shouldn't pass electrical COC when selling .

I am sure an electrician will be along shortly to advise on this.

This ^^

 

[halfmoonforever]

This ^^

The use or installation of a sockets is not allowed in bathrooms or shower rooms, unless they can be fitted at least three metres from the bath or shower. The only exception to this is a shaver-supply unit.

Will confirm this, but the plug point for this will be shoulder height more than 3m away from any shower (and since the bath is removed, same thing)

But thanks for the advice

 

[Pitbull]

Will confirm this, but the plug point for this will be shoulder height more than 3m away from any shower (and since the bath is removed, same thing)

But thanks for the advice

Interim solution: Fix a lead to a plug in the adjacent room, put the cord through the wall and affix the plug to the cord. Out of sight, no one can trip over it. Will be easy to remove should you decide to sell and just plug the hole. But just double check that requirement with your local authority. The problem with plug I the bathroom is not so much the risk of being electrocuted by stuff falling in the tub. It's the moist in the room. It get's into the wiring and can cause a short on the breaker.

 

[halfmoonforever]

Interim solution: Fix a lead to a plug in the adjacent room, put the cord through the wall and affix the plug to the cord. Out of sight, no one can trip over it. Will be easy to remove should you decide to sell and just plug the hole. But just double check that requirement with your local authority. The problem with plug I the bathroom is not so much the risk of being electrocuted by stuff falling in the tub. It's the moist in the room. It get's into the wiring and can cause a short on the breaker.

Thanks. Yea I'm keeping that in mind. According to some stuff I've seen bathroom is separated into "zones" and you can put properly installed plugs in Zone 3. Guess I will have to get someone out for an assessment just to make sure.

My question though is, if taking out the bath entirely, will this affect my property value? as I would then just have a shower

 

[The_Ogre]

I think @savage is an electrician

 

[Billy]

As far as I know ( as per code ) you cannot have 220V plugs or switches in the bathroom - only the ones for shavers with limited amps

If that's the code , then your house shouldn't pass electrical COC when selling .

I am sure an electrician will be along shortly to advise on this.

No. You can have a socket in the bathroom as long as it is in the safe zone. A quick check with the Wiring Regulations will confirm.

My bathroom has the washing machine and a tumble dryer mounted above it.

In my experience Electricians often do not know or fully understand the Wiring Regulations.

Just to confirm. My installation was in a new build and singned of by the Municipality. I did however have long discussions with the Electrician and access to a copy of the code.

 

[MickZA]

My question though is, if taking out the bath entirely, will this affect my property value? as I would then just have a shower

Reckon so, certainly the potential pool of buyers will be diminished as most women can't live without a bath (can't soak in a foamy shower for half an hour ).

 

[Billy]

This ^^

WRONG!

 

[Pitbull]

Will confirm this, but the plug point for this will be shoulder height more than 3m away from any shower (and since the bath is removed, same thing)

But thanks for the advice

WRONG!

I think we have established that already thank you Billy. I still suggest he speaks to someone from his area who knows the requirements.

 

[Billy]

Zone 1 no sockets
Zone 2 Safety socket ie Shaver
Zone 3 normal provisions Zone 3 is from 600mm from bath or shower to 3000mm


Figure 7.1.1 shows a isometric sketch of the zones.

 

[Billy]

I think we have established that already thank you Billy. I still suggest he speaks to someone from his area who knows the requirements.

The Wiring Regulations are a National Standard SANS 10142