West Virginia Contractors License Practice Exam

Is it true that a dwelling less than 500 square feet needs to have a shower?

1. True

2. False

3. Depends on local laws

4. Only if specified by owner

The correct answer is: False

The statement regarding whether a dwelling less than 500 square feet needs to have a shower is false because building codes and regulations governing the requirements for plumbing fixtures, including showers, are typically based on the nature of the occupancy and local ordinances rather than the size of the dwelling alone. Many local building codes do not mandate that a certain size of dwelling must have a shower; instead, they may outline general requirements for bathrooms based on occupancy type, occupancy load, and specific design criteria. In some cases, smaller dwellings may be classified differently, which can affect plumbing requirements. Moreover, local jurisdictions often establish their own regulations that can vary significantly. As such, there isn't a universal rule that dictates a shower must be included merely due to the square footage being under 500 square feet. This reliance on local laws underscores the importance of checking local requirements that may provide additional context or stipulations.