Overview

Redesigning your bathroom layout can solve daily frustrations and make the space work better for your needs. In this blog, Orland Builders Inc. breaks down what to consider before a remodel, including layout goals, common issues, budgeting, and design options.

Highlights

Introduction

A bathroom that’s poorly laid out can turn small tasks into daily frustrations. The door hits the vanity. The shower feels cramped. There’s not enough space where you need it most. These issues might seem minor at first, but they quickly wear on you over time.

If you’re planning a remodel, fixing the layout is one of the most important changes you can make. We’ll guide you through what to look for in your current setup and how to plan a bathroom that works better for the way you live.

Why Remodel Your Bathroom?

A bathroom remodel is rarely just about wanting something new. Most of the time, it’s about wanting something better. Maybe your current bathroom doesn’t fit the way your life has changed, or the layout never worked in the first place. Perhaps you’ve outgrown the space, and now it feels outdated, cramped, or hard to use.

Remodeling is your chance to fix what’s not working. It’s about creating a space that supports your routine, rather than slowing it down, a place that feels clean, comfortable, and easy to move through. Whether it’s storage that’s actually usable or lighting where you need it, small changes add up to something that feels right every time you walk in.

Minor vs. Major Bathroom Remodels

Before planning a change to your bathroom layout, it helps to understand the different scopes of work you can undertake.

Minor remodels focus on updating the look and feel of your existing bathroom without altering its structure. This often includes swapping out fixtures, repainting, or upgrading finishes while keeping the same general layout. It’s a good option when your bathroom functions but lacks style or looks outdated or worn.

Major remodels involve altering the layout, structure, or function of the space. This could mean relocating plumbing, reconfiguring walls, or designing an entirely new floor plan to better suit your needs. Remodeling is the better path when the space just isn’t working at all and needs a full reset.

Understanding the difference helps you set realistic goals and ensures your project delivers the results you’re actually looking for.

What Are the Benefits of Remodeling Your Bathroom?

The benefits of remodeling your bathroom go far beyond visual upgrades.

Here are five practical benefits:

  • Functionality: A better layout can improve flow, increase storage, and make the space easier to use.
  • Comfort: Upgrades like improved lighting, ventilation, and fixtures can make everyday routines more enjoyable.
  • Efficiency: New plumbing and lighting fixtures can lower water and energy usage, reducing utility costs over time.
  • Design: Modern finishes and updated materials help your bathroom match your style and current trends.
  • Value: A well-designed bathroom adds appeal for future buyers and can increase your home’s resale value.

Even small changes can lead to noticeable improvements in how your bathroom looks, feels, and works day to day.

What To Consider Before Redesigning Your Bathroom Layout

Redesigning your bathroom layout is a key step toward making the space more functional, efficient, and comfortable. Before finalizing any plans, it’s essential to consider how the room is currently used, identify areas that are not working in the current layout, and determine what kind of changes your space, timeline, and budget can realistically support.

What Are Your Primary Goals?

When adjusting your bathroom layout, the first step is to identify your primary goals. Are you trying to make the room feel more spacious, add better storage, or enhance its day-to-day functionality? Getting clear on your priorities will help guide every design decision moving forward.

Some homeowners want a layout that feels more open and efficient. Others may need to make space for accessibility upgrades or create better separation in a shared bathroom. Whatever the reason, having defined goals gives you a solid foundation for planning your bathroom layout with purpose.

What Isn’t Working in Your Current Layout?

Identifying what isn’t working in your current layout is a critical step in planning your bathroom layout. Take note of the small frustrations you run into every day, such as tight corners, awkward fixture placement, or a lack of usable storage. These issues may seem minor, but they often signal deeper problems with how the space is arranged.

When designing your bathroom layout, those daily pain points can help highlight exactly where improvements are needed. Maybe the vanity is too close to the door, or the shower blocks natural light. Perhaps there isn't enough room for more than one person to get ready at the same time. Pinpointing these trouble spots early will help you avoid repeating the same layout mistakes in the new design.

What’s Your Budget and Timeline?

Before sketching out your new bathroom layout, it’s important to consider how much you’re prepared to invest and how quickly you need the project completed. Layout changes often involve plumbing, electrical, or structural work, which can add time and cost. If you're working with a limited budget or a tight schedule, those factors will help determine what’s realistic. Setting clear expectations upfront keeps your remodel on track and aligned with your goals.

Choosing the Right Bathroom Layout

Once you’ve defined your goals and limitations, the next step in changing your bathroom layout is choosing a design that fits your space and lifestyle. A well-designed floor plan can improve flow, maximize function, and make the room feel more comfortable and efficient. There are various layout styles to explore, each offering distinct advantages depending on your needs, design preferences, and how you utilize the space.

When reviewing layout options, consider:

  • Maximizing the available space
  • Working with or relocating plumbing
  • Adding or improving storage areas
  • Supporting easy movement and access
  • Improving lighting and ventilation

Keeping these factors in mind will help you choose a layout that looks and feels good.

Open-Concept Layout

An open-concept bathroom layout focuses on creating a spacious, uncluttered feel by minimizing walls and barriers. In this design, the shower/bathtub and vanity often share the same open area, with few partitions separating each zone, usually achieved by using glass for the shower door. It’s a popular choice for modern bathrooms, especially when paired with clean lines and natural light.

This layout can make a small bathroom feel much larger and more inviting. It also allows for better flow and accessibility, especially when designed with a walk-in shower or floating fixtures. However, because everything is more exposed, proper waterproofing and ventilation are essential to keep moisture under control.

An open-concept layout is ideal for homeowners who value simplicity, visual space, and a clean, contemporary style.

Wet Room Layout

A wet room layout is a fully waterproofed bathroom where the shower area is level with the rest of the floor. Instead of a separate enclosure, the entire room is designed to handle moisture, with a central drain and seamless flooring that slopes gently for water flow.

This layout is ideal for maximizing space in small bathrooms and creating a modern, open look. It also improves accessibility, making it a strong choice for aging-in-place or mobility-friendly design. With fewer barriers and a streamlined appearance, wet rooms are both functional and visually striking.

That said, proper planning is essential. A wet room requires thorough waterproofing, professional drainage installation, and careful material selection to prevent issues with mold or water damage over time.

Split-Zone Layout

A split-zone bathroom layout divides the space into separate functional areas, typically by placing the toilet, shower, and vanity in their own zones. This can be done with partial walls, pocket doors, or strategic layout planning to create clear distinctions between each area without making the room feel closed off.

This type of layout works well in shared or high-traffic bathrooms, offering more privacy and better organization. For example, one person can use the sink while another uses the shower, without interrupting each other’s routines. It’s a smart option for households with busy mornings or limited bathroom access.

Split-zone layouts can also help you manage lighting, ventilation, and storage more effectively, especially in larger spaces where you want each zone to feel purposeful and efficient.

Why You Should Hire Bathroom Remodeling Contractors

When planning to remodel your bathroom layout, it’s important to get the details right. A licensed remodeling contractor brings the skills and experience needed to handle plumbing, electrical, and structural work safely. They can help you plan an efficient layout, manage permits, and coordinate the entire remodel from start to finish. Instead of juggling tasks yourself, you’ll have a professional making sure everything runs smoothly, stays on schedule, and meets code.

Design Your New Bathroom Layout With a Remodeling Contractor

If your bathroom feels like it’s working against you, it might be time for a change. A smart layout can solve everyday headaches, free up space, and turn a cramped room into one that actually works for how you live.

At Orland Builders Inc., we specialize in creating beautiful, functional bathrooms that match your space, style, and goals. Whether you know exactly what you want or need help figuring it out, our team can guide you through the process and bring your vision to life.

Call (708) 645-9915 today to start planning your remodel with us.