To arrive at the new layout, Nightingale took into account the existing confines of the space, such as the ceiling height and window location, and design requirements such as points of egress, walkway widths and minimum shower requirements. He also factored in the separate vanities. (The mirror above the second vanity is reflected in this mirror.) By the time those points were considered, this new configuration emerged as the most functional and efficient solution.

While keeping plumbing in the same spots is often cited as a way to keep costs down, Nightingale cautions that function and layout should always be the top priorities. “If you need to save, save on the finishes, because those are easy to fix or replace later. Not having a good layout is not something you can surmount cost-effectively,” he says.

Plus, moving all the plumbing versus leaving it as is might not be as expensive as you think, Nightingale says. For his company, $1,000 to $1,500 is typical. “On top of that, now you also have brand-new shutoff valves and you have new drains,” he says. “And you can get a lot of extra benefits besides just increasing function and making it more aesthetically pleasing. You also now have the peace of mind that you just put all this money and finishes into a bathroom and it’s going to last.”