Draw what is already there
Measure the room between finished wall surfaces. Add the doorway, its opening direction, windows, ceiling changes and the position of each fixture. Mark projections such as pipes or boxed-in services rather than treating the room as an empty rectangle.
Photograph each wall and note which measurements are approximate. For our Wellington bathroom renovations, a clear sketch helps us understand the problems you want the new room to solve.
Small bathroom design in NZ: test three layouts
| Approach | What to test |
|---|---|
| Retain fixture positions | Can better storage and different fitting sizes improve daily use? |
| Change one problem area | Would a different vanity or shower arrangement solve the main obstruction? |
| Reconfigure the room | Does moving fixtures or a doorway create a useful improvement worth the extra work? |
Draw each option at the same scale. Compare the clear space people actually stand in, rather than choosing the plan with the largest individual shower or vanity.
Check doors, drawers and people together
Mark the arc of the room door and shower door. Add open vanity drawers, towel rails and any laundry basket. Now trace the route from the entrance to each fitting. An attractive empty plan can become awkward once these everyday objects are included.
Use removable tape to mark a proposed vanity and shower footprint. Practise reaching a towel and opening storage while someone else stands at the basin. Treat this as a comfort test to discuss with your designer, not a substitute for the project's technical design.
Make storage specific
- List the bottles and appliances that need to fit inside the vanity.
- Choose a reachable place for clean towels and another for used ones.
- Keep frequently used items close to the person using them.
- Test mirror and cabinet doors against nearby lights and walls.
- Consider how you will clean beside and beneath each fitting.
A shallower cabinet may improve circulation but reduce storage. Compare both effects before deciding. Product drawings are more reliable than judging dimensions from showroom photographs.
Bring a workable brief
Write down the single biggest layout problem, the features you want to keep and any access needs. Send both the existing plan and your preferred option, with dimensions and product details.
Our bathroom budget guide helps you account for the work a layout change adds. Check the renovation sequence before organising deliveries or temporary facilities, then talk to us about making your small bathroom work better.