Basic installation dimensions and rules, room by room (UK homes)

UK homes · for people starting out in construction

Basics for England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules. The design, the manufacturer and building control always come first.

Required = the regulations ask for it · Recommended = official or industry guidance · Typical = normal site practice

See also: Parts of a house

Kitchen

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1. 1Worktop ~900 mm high, 600 mm deepTypical · manufacturers
2. 2Wall units: 450–500 mm above the worktopTypical · manufacturers
3. 3Cooker hood: as the manufacturer says; if not stated, 650–750 mm above the hobApproved Document F
4. 4Sink
5. 5Hob
6. 6Socket ≥300 mm from the sinkRecommended · IET / Electrical Safety First
7. 7Socket ≥100 mm from the hob, never above itRecommended · Electrical Safety First
8. 8Isolator switches
9. 9Base units

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1. 1Sink
2. 2Hob / oven, with cooker hood above
3. 3Fridge
4. 4Worktop 600 mm deepTypical · manufacturers
5. 5Sockets ≥300 mm from the sinkRecommended · IET / Electrical Safety First
6. 6Appliance isolator switches above the worktopRecommended · Electrical Safety First
7. 7Work triangle: sink, hob and fridge close, nothing in the wayDesign practice
8. 8Door

• TypicalWorktop: ~900 mm high, 600 mm deep
• TypicalWall units: 450–500 mm above the worktop
• RequiredCooker hood: as the manufacturer says; if not stated, 650–750 mm above the hob
• RecommendedSockets ≥300 mm from the sink bowl edge (BS 7671 sets no distance)
• RecommendedSockets ≥100 mm from the hob and never above it
• RecommendedUnder-worktop appliances: reachable isolator switch above the worktop
• TypicalSink, hob and fridge close together, nothing in the way (work triangle)
• RequiredExtract: 30 l/s with a hood to outside; 60 l/s without one
• RecommendedHeat alarm in the kitchen, not a smoke alarm

Bathroom

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1. 1Zone 0: inside the bath — IPX7, safety extra-low voltage only (SELV ≤12 V AC)BS 7671 (701)
2. 2Zone 1: above the bath up to 2.25 m — IPX4BS 7671 (701)
3. 3Zone 2: 0.6 m around zone 1 — IPX4BS 7671 (701)
4. 4Outside the zones. 230 V sockets: ≥2.5 m from the edge of zone 1BS 7671 (701.512.3)
5. 5Pull-cord switch

• RequiredZone 0 (inside the bath): IPX7 and safety extra-low voltage (SELV) only
• RequiredZone 1 (above the bath up to 2.25 m): IPX4, fixed equipment only
• RequiredZone 2 (0.6 m around zone 1): IPX4
• Required230 V sockets ≥2.5 m from the edge of zone 1 (shaver unit excepted)
• RequiredAll bathroom circuits protected by a 30 mA RCD (residual current device)
• TypicalLight on a pull-cord switch or a switch outside: never touched with wet hands
• RequiredExtract fan: 15 l/s

Bedroom and living room

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1. 1450–1200 mm band: sockets and switches (new homes)Required · Approved Document M
2. 2Light switch ~1200 mmTypical
3. 3Socket ≥450 mmRequired · Approved Document M
4. 4Consumer unit: switches at 1350–1450 mmRequired · Approved Document M

• RequiredSockets and switches: centre 450–1200 mm above the floor (new homes)
• TypicalLight switch ~1200 mm, on the handle side of the door
• RequiredConsumer unit: switches at 1350–1450 mm
• RequiredSmoke alarms in hallways and landings on every floor, mains with battery back-up
• RequiredUpper-floor escape window: ≥0.33 m², ≥450 × 450 mm, bottom ≤1100 mm

Doors

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1. 1Door leaf: 762 × 1981 mm or 838 × 1981 mm (also 686 and 610 mm)Typical · manufacturers
2. 2Door lining / frame
3. 3Architrave
4. 4Handle ~1000 mm above the floorTypical (850–1000 mm required in wheelchair homes, Approved Document M)
5. 5About 2 mm gap between leaf and frame, at the sides and the topJELD-WEN and Premdor hanging guides (internal door)
6. 6Gap under the door: 10 mm above the floor finish (20 mm if the finish is not fitted yet)Approved Document F, vol. 1, para 1.21: lets air move between rooms
7. 7Clear opening ≥775 mm at the entrance doorApproved Document M

• TypicalLeaf sizes: 762 × 1981 mm and 838 × 1981 mm (also 686 and 610 mm)
• RequiredEntrance door: clear opening ≥775 mm
• RequiredEntrance-floor doors: clear opening 750–800 mm depending on the hallway
• TypicalHandle ~1000 mm (850–1000 mm required in wheelchair homes)
• RequiredHouse–integral garage door: 30-min fire door with self-closer (FD30S / E 30 Sa)
• RequiredLoft conversion or 3-storey house: fire doors onto the stair (min. FD20 / E 20)

Stairs

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1. 1Rise: 150–220 mmApproved Document K
2. 2Going: 220–300 mmApproved Document K
3. 3Handrail 900–1000 mm; both sides if the stair is ≥1000 mm wideApproved Document K
4. 4Headroom ≥2.0 m (less allowed in loft conversions)Approved Document K
5. 5Pitch ≤42°Approved Document K

• RequiredRise 150–220 mm; going 220–300 mm; pitch ≤42°
• RequiredHeadroom ≥2.0 m (less allowed in loft conversions)
• RequiredHandrail 900–1000 mm; both sides if the stair is ≥1000 mm wide

Safety glass

• RequiredDoors and panels within 300 mm of a door: safety glass up to 1500 mm
• RequiredWindows and walls: safety glass below 800 mm

See also: Parts of a house