Should You Combine the Bathroom in a Khrushchyovka?

Combining the bathroom is one of the simplest and most common types of renovation. However, before making this decision, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and understand all the nuances of coordination.

Ekateryna Salamantra: "A combined space looks spacious and allows for interesting design ideas"

"In some buildings, a combined bathroom is the only legal layout option: its area is extremely small and cannot be increased by using the corridor. This is especially common in Khrushchyovka-style homes. A combined space appears spacious and allows for creative spatial and design concepts. For example, you can create a storage area or use accent finishing materials to define zones in a large room."

Natalya Yanson: "A light partition can be left between the bathroom and toilet"

"A combined bathroom is a convenient solution: you don't have to make extra movements or walk between rooms. If you want to use the benefits of shared space and not give up the advantages of a separate bathroom, leave a partition between the bathroom and toilet."

Nadega Kapper: "A combined bathroom is economical"

"It's economical. Imagine a combined bathroom. Divide it into two separate spaces — a bathroom and a toilet. This requires finishing the dividing wall on both sides and purchasing another door. In budget renovations, every ruble counts, so savings can be a strong argument. Drawbacks: the bathroom and shower area are wet zones, which increases the risk of water splashing where it doesn't belong."

Svetlana Yurkova: "The biggest disadvantage is not being able to spend time alone, read a book while lying in the bathtub"

"The main advantage is financial savings during finishing. It also expands the living space. However, there are drawbacks, with the biggest one being the impossibility of spending time alone. If you don't live alone in the apartment, conflicts of taste and interest may arise. Someone might enjoy spending hours in the bathroom, for example, reading books."

How to Coordinate?

Maksim Dzhurayev — Expert on Renovation Coordination

This is a fairly common type of renovation, especially in small apartments and Khrushchyovka-style homes with small bathrooms. Before combining the bathroom, it's essential to consider all pros and cons to ensure that everyone in the apartment is satisfied with the decision. The project can be coordinated without much difficulty: you only need a renovation plan and a technical conclusion from any organization with SRO approval.

Natalya Preobrazhenskaya — Architect and Studio "Cozy Apartment" Director

Before gathering the necessary documents, clarify which types of work can be done without approval and which require a project and permit. The procedure for obtaining such permits is outlined in the "Regulation on the Procedure for Reconfiguration and Relocation of Living Spaces in Multi-Apartment Residential Buildings."

You need to contact the local housing and utilities department (ЖРЭО) in your district, which has the authority to prepare documents for approving independent renovations and developing project documentation for repair work.

On the cover: Design project by Maja Baklan