I really appreciate all of the input, suggestions and questions. The room is a big, ugly shell right now so now is the time for all major design issues to be addressed! John, thanks for the info on the drains and the flood test. Waterproofing is definitely a priority since our project has been complicated by uncovering evidence of water leaks that were previously unknown. We're in Michigan, unfortunately, too far away to take you up on your kind offer! I know that our door situation isn't ideal but it's one that we feel we can live with. We had considered using a pocket door but we're not able to relocate electrical switches to allow for it. I didn't try too hard to work around that issue though because I'm not a big fan of pocket doors personally. I'm definitely going to plan for niches right away, before the framing and plumbing is done. Emknc, thanks for posting a photo... You have a very spa-like room and I love your accent tile! Jglassdude, thanks for your input. I know that a 3rd sink would seem to be overkill but we (ok, mostly my micro-biologist husband!) prefer to wash our hands inside the lav area, before opening a door to come out and use a sink. Originally, the water closet fit within the square outline of the room and once we realized that we could bump it out and orient the toilet in the new space, we then added the sink where the toilet was planned to go. It's funny that you mention a bidet because we just tore one out... I used to use it for in-home pedicures and as a mop-sink for the floor! Lol! I should have mentioned that the shower head and control were shown on our drawing prior to the decision to hinge the door on the right. She correctly put the showerhead on the little corner piece because we can't run plumbing on an exterior wall but, as you pointed out, it angles straight at the door. We were thinking of instead having the NE corner of the shower built to accommodate a shower head that could angle more straight across the shower, especially since the door would swing away from it. It would seem that our controls then would be best on the south wall of the shower. Could you explain what you mean by "double acting door intent"? I'm not planning to hang towels in the tub area but there are raised areas on each end of the tub where towels can be placed while we are bathing. We've designed towel niches on either end of the tub step for extra rolled towels. We're planning to put a Runtal Solea towel warmer on the wall between the water closet and the shower. This is pretty much what the room looks like now... You can look right down into my kitchen and my dining room(!) The bifold door to the left of the ladder is my old linen closet door and will be walled off.

ttn Congrats on your new home & remodel Have you read through the below link? Lots of great advice there. How many in the household? ages, how many cook? Do you entertain? Have you considered the proposed layout and is it structurally possible to be removing the walls? As with all designs something gained/something lost measurements must be weighed. In yours -you gain wide open floor plan You lose pantry, more formal dinning, landing space coming in from garage (more of a barrier in orig plan), wet bar ?'s - I only see one window - at sink area, are there other windows? Considerations - -Is the garage entry the most frequently used? Do you have a mud room/area - If not, where will coats/hats, shoes etc be placed? - Are the walls in orig plaster? - Are you effected by noise? Opening the proposed walls will increase the noise on that whole level, especially if the walls are plaster. - Will you be able to enjoy dinning, enjoy guests while being able to view the kitchen mess? Here is a link that might be useful: Read me

I had not considered the cooktop next to the sink but I like the idea. We are definitely living in the house before making changes to the kitchen. We are focusing on the bathrooms and flooring. The kitchen will be last. I had a double oven and it’s so helpful because i cook and bake a lot. That’s the reason why I want a large island and a prep sink as well. Where would you suggest I place the microwave oven if I move the cooktop to the left? You are all so helpful! Thank you

Hi :) I am still here. After some drawn-out negotiations that didn't go very far, we decided it wasn't a good fit. House ended up needing a lot of work in addition to the roof - sewer leaking, termite damage, attic insulation needs replacement, tree removal, etc.