I have a question whether or not building a floor on top of concrete is a viable option to insert plumbing underneath for a half bath.
I am looking to finish a small porch off of my kitchen and turn it into a small powder room and hallway/mud area with an exterior door to the back of the house.
I have had several contractors come out to quote. This porch is a concrete slab located directly over the basement and it is part of the main house footprint (not an addition and it has basement access underneath) the porch is one step DOWN from the kitchen.
One contractor came up with the idea of raising the floor to the level of where the kitchen is so it looks cohesive (an not an add on) and run the plumbing under the new floor level into the wall at the basement ceiling and then tie into the existing plumbing that way. He would add new steps/railing outside to the backyard because raising the floor would essentially add a step into the house from the exterior. The other contractors were just going to leave the step down into the porch and drill through the concrete floor.
Is this a viable option for the plumbing to be placed under a new floor instead of drilling deep down into the porch slab and entering the basement that way? I would love to not have to step down into the bathroom if possible, but i am just curious why no one else thought of this option…so that's why i am questioning if its a normal way to go.
Any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Lindsay
Best Answer
I generally prefer the same floor level too, but it sounds like this is separate from the plumbing. If either route would let you get the plumbing installed (to code), I don't see any reason not to. Also keep in mind that you can raise the floor and run the plumbing straight down through drilled holes.
As far as raising the floor goes, the main consideration there wouldn't be the plumbing but whether the ceiling is high enough after you raise your floor 6 inches or so. IBC Section 310.6.1 would require that there be at least 7' clearance to the lowest projection from the ceiling (i.e. the bottom of the light fixture). If space allows and you'd be happier with the result, I'd go for it.