[GBlist] minimum clearances

["Lewis J. Matt PhD" <lmatt@alltel.net>]

John Salmen TERRAIN E.D.S. said:  "I'm always amused at the recommended
minimum clearances for toilets - generally enough to have a few people join
you."

Those minimum clearances are there for a very good reason.  Some people are
larger than others and some people need canes, walkers and wheelchairs to
survive.  I have a 58 inch chest and always test fit myself in the bathrooms
and closets before I buy a house.  I have turned down some houses because of
the tight clearances.  I have to go through substandard doors sideways to
fit my shoulders, and sometimes I have to duck!  Considering that the
average American gets larger every generation - I don't mean fat, I mean
taller and proportionately wider - we should not skimp too much on those
recommended minimum clearances if we are building for future generations.  I
personally prefer a larger scale house than some people, higher ceilings,
bigger rooms and larger scale furniture, but that's my opinion.

I am reminded of a trip to White Tower in the Tower of London when I saw
many suits of armor about 3 1/2 to 4 feet tall.  I asked one of the
"Beefeaters" why they had children's armor on display.  He responded by
saying that was how tall everyone was at that time.  We sure have grown!

Lew


Synergistic Solutions: Alternative Septic and Energy Systems
Lewis J. Matt III, Ph.D., C.S.E.O.



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