A bathroom can be a sanctuary for any individual. While you can use the facilities in the same way in all types of bathrooms, there are many pros and cons of having a Jack and Jill bathroom, as well as for hall access bathrooms.
One and not the other bathroom may be better suited for your needs. If you are considering buying a home with these bathrooms or deciding on which one of the two to add to your renovation, this article is your guide to making the right choice for your family.
Hall access bathrooms are better for lodgers and guests and for homes with space for fewer. Jack and Jills are great for young siblings and provide more privacy than hall access. If you can’t afford two en-suites, Jack and Jills are second prize. One hall access is cheaper than one Jack and Jill.
Similarities Between Jack and Jill and Hall Access
Both Jack and Jill and hall access bathrooms provide the same functionality. You will be able to shower, use the toilet, and brush your teeth in both bathrooms.
Just like with a Jack and Jill, if a hall access bathroom is occupied, you will have to wait your turn for the hall bathroom if there is only one.
With a locked door, both bathrooms can provide privacy to the user. In Jack and Jill’s, you will need to make sure both entrances are locked, whereas, in hall access, you will just need to lock the one door.
Differences Between Jack and Jill and Hall Access
Where the Jack and Jill provides the convenience of having a bathroom right by your bedroom, the hall access requires a bit more effort. You will need to leave your bedroom and enter a communal space—the hallway—before entering the toilet. This means you may have to put on a gown or cover-up before you leave the bedroom, in case other guests are roaming the halls.
Hall access toilets are usually shared by a number of family members, housemates, or guests, so usually the design and styling of the bathroom cannot be very specific to one person’s taste. It will have to fit into the overall style of the house to ensure cohesion.
On the other hand, Jack and Jill bathrooms that are shared between two siblings allow for more creativity and individualism. The siblings can bring their unique touch to the space since they are the primary users of the bathroom.
“Better” Depends on Circumstances
Jack and Jill Is Great for Young Siblings
Although the idea of sharing a bathroom with your brother and sister when you are adults may seem less than appealing, Jack and Jill bathrooms can work really well for younger siblings.
Little kids are generally less shy and therefore require less privacy than adults—we have all had a toddler come and ask us to wipe their bottom for them at least once in our lives. Young siblings with adjacent rooms who share a Jack and Jill bathroom won’t really think twice about walking in on each other, and will usually not lock the door.
Having one bathroom for younger siblings might just be a blessing for parents. They can quickly round up the kids and get them into the bath in no time. Usually, these bathrooms also have two sinks, which means double the tooth-brushing in half the time.
Sharing a bathroom like this will not only strengthen (or test) the bond between the siblings, but it can also teach them priceless lessons that they will need throughout their lives. They will learn how to share, and how to compromise. They will have to learn how to take turns using the shower and bathtub and will need to become responsible for keeping their spaces clean.
If you are thinking in terms of a B&B or other lodging type, a hall access bathroom might be better suited.
With a Jack and Jill bathroom, there is a risk of uncomfortable situations. You could either find yourself locked out of the bathroom when you really need to go because another guest forgot to unlock the other entrance, or you could be faced with the awkwardness of another guest walking in on you while you shower or do your business.
Of course, if you are staying in adjacent rooms with people you know, it can be slightly less awkward.
With hall access bathrooms, there is only one entrance and exit point, so as long as you make sure you locked the door when you went it, you won’t need to worry about accidental walk-ins. Lodgers will know when the toilet is occupied because it will be locked from the one and only entrance point.
On the other hand, guests will also have to exit the bathroom into the hall after a shower. If they don’t take their clothes in there with them, or forget to bring a shirt, this could bring about its own awkward encounters. Late-night bathroom breaks also bring on the inconvenience of having to cover up before going into the hall.
Limited Space Situations
The space you have available to you will determine which bathroom style is better suited for you and your family.
If there is limited space in your home, and you cannot accommodate two en-suites, a Jack and Jill will be a worthy compromise. Both bedrooms will have direct access to a bathroom without having to leave their room.
On the other hand, if your space allows for only two bathrooms, then a hall access is better. You will be using your space efficiently as two people can use the bathrooms at the same time, meaning fewer fights for the shower in the morning.
Hall Access Over Jack and Jill for Guests
When you have guests over, you probably wouldn’t want them walking into your room to be able to use the toilet. What if you left out your dirty socks or forgot to pack away the month of laundry on your chair? There is also the chance of your guests getting confused about which bedroom to enter in order to go to the bathroom.
Hall access bathrooms allow your guests to use the facilities without entering your personal space.
If your guests are staying over, they won’t have to worry you with their late-night showers or early morning hair routines like would happen if you were to share a Jack and Jill. A hall bathroom allows the guests to do what they need to in their own time, without the added pressure of rushing to allow their hosts a turn.
Related article: Single Vs. Double Sinks in Guest Bathroom: Which is Better?
Alternatively, you can install a Jack and Jill bathroom for the residents and a powder room for the guests.
Jack and Jill Provides More Privacy
Jack and Jill’s allow their users a lot more privacy than hall bathrooms do.
Your guests won’t hear you walking down the hall at 2 am to use the toilet because you have access right from your bedroom. You won’t need to make sure you’re dressed decently before leaving your bedroom, or have to wait in the hall for use of the bathroom if it is occupied when you get there.
If you are leaning towards a jack and jill bathroom. Check out our ultimate jack and jill bathroom lock guide since a good lock is what makes or breaks a J&J bathroom.
If you have both hall access and Jack and Jill bathrooms at your house, your guests will most likely use the hall access bathroom. This means your Jack and Jill can be used solely by you and the adjacent room’s occupants.
Hall Access Is More Versatile
Whether you buy or renovate your home, you are constantly looking for ways to increase its value so you can get a return on your investment. Remodeling a bathroom can be costly, but you can expect to see a 60% return on your investment when you decide to sell.
Research indicates that the quality of the finishes in your bathroom will determine your home’s resale value. The higher the quality of the remodel, the more you can expect to see a return.
Having more than one bathroom can increase your house’s value by nearly 10%. If you only have one full bathroom and that bathroom is a Jack and Jill, the resale value of your home won’t be affected too much as long as there is still a separate washroom available.
Which Is Cheaper to Install?
With bathroom installations costing anywhere from $4000, it is wise to determine which bathroom will not only suit your family but also your budget.
The amount you spend on bathroom installation will depend on what you are looking for. If you are deciding between installing one Jack and Jill versus two hall access bathrooms, then your Jack and Jill will definitely be less costly. You will only be paying for one set of plumbing, one shower and/or bathtub, and one toilet.
However, if it is the simple case of deciding between one Jack and Jill versus one hall access bathroom, then a Jack and Jill might hurt your budget a bit more. You can expect to pay nearly $20 000 for a full jack and Jill installation, as opposed to an average of $8000 for a hall bathroom.
Some of these bathrooms have a separate compartment for the toilet, so that makes extra construction. You will also be adding in an extra door, as well as extra light switches, locks, and an additional sink. These little costs can add up quickly.
If you are remodeling your house, it will be easier to install a hall access bathroom as they are generally easier to fit in with the plans of the house. The complexity and generally larger size of the Jack and Jill design will bring an extra cost.
Source
https://www.crddesignbuild.com/blog/jack-and-jill-bathroom
https://houseplangallery.com/collections/jack-and-jill-bathroom
https://www.fixr.com/costs/bathroom-remodeling
https://www.homedit.com/jack-and-jill-bathroom/
https://www.homelight.com/blog/does-a-bathroom-remodel-increase-home-value/