Designing the Perfect Bathroom For You - 6 Top Tips

Probably the greatest challenge in remodelling a bathroom is figuring out how to achieve the style and build in the features you want within the limits of what is possibly the smallest room in the house.With a bit of know how and common sense, remodelling a bathroom will be relatively easy.  For those with bathroom design software the job can be made that much easier.Follow these six steps and you could be on the way to the bathroom of your dreams

1) Think about the layout in your existing bathroom and decide which are the most serious problems that you should fix. 

2)  Electrical outlets and switches are usually easier to move than plumbing pipes, provided there is easy access to the wiring.  If your current layout is livable, leaving the mechanical systems as they are will mean you will have more budget for upgrading fixtures and fittings.

3) Consider the lighting arrangement.You will need to use strong lighting over any mirrors (a 60W strip bulb will usually suffice).For the rest of the bathroom you should require 3.3.5-4W of lighting per square foot of floor space.

4) Make a detailed diagram of your existing bathroom design.  Use a sheet of graph paper or CAD software if you have it.Include all wall details and don't forget to include the location of all doors and windows.Make note of the dimensions of your floor cabinets and bathtub as well as the distance from the nearest wall to the centre of the toilet.Note also the locations of all electrical outlets as well as all of the switches and fixtures.

5) Gather up some style ideas and make notes.Decide which major fixtures that you want in your new bathroom.Determine colours, finish materials, lighting, the storage details and accessories.Decide on a layout that meets local clearance requirements, fits you needs and will make efficient use of the space you have.

6) Draw a detailed floor plan of your proposed bathroom.  Again, if you have CAD bathroom design software available then make use of it.You may also need to have it checked by a professional designer in order to get any additional ideas.