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 almost certainly the smallest room in your 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 you need to fix. 

2) Electrical outlets and switches are usually easier to move than 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) Consider the lighting arrangement.You should ideally use strong lighting over any mirrors (a 60W strip bulb will suffice).For the rest of the bathroom you may require 3.3.5-4W of lighting per square foot of space.

4) Make a detailed drawing of your existing bathroom layout and design.  Use a sheet of graph paper or CAD software if you have it.  Include all wall details plus the location of doors and windows.Make 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 as well as all of the switches and fixtures.

5) Gather up some style ideas so that you can make notes.Decide which major fixtures that you will 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 makes efficient use of the space you have.

6) Draw an accurate 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 need to have it checked by a professional designer in order to get any additional ideas.