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 little of common sense, remodelling a bathroom is relatively easy.  For those with bathroom design software the job can be made that much easier.Follow these 6 steps and you will 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 need to fix. 

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

3)  Think about the lighting arrangement.You should ideally use strong lighting over any mirrors (a 60W strip bulb will suffice).For the rest of the bathroom it is likely that you should require 3.5-4W of lighting per square foot of floor space.

4)  Make a detailed sketch 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 a note of the width and length 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, switches and fixtures.

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

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