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 is relatively easy.  For those with bathroom design software the job can be made that much easier.Follow these six steps and you should 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 much easier to move than plumbing pipes, provided there is easy access to the wiring.If you think that your current layout will be livable, leaving the mechanical systems as they are will mean you will have more budget for upgrading fixtures and fittings.

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

4) Make a detailed drawing 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 dimensions of your floor cabinets and bathtub as well as the distance from the nearest wall to the middle of the toilet.Note also the locations of all of the electrical outlets, switches and fixtures.

5) Gather up some style ideas and make notes.Decide which major fixtures you will want in your new bathroom.Determine colours, materials, 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 a detailed and accurate 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 to get any additional ideas.