When an architect draws up plans for your home, he will usually work with you to determine the number and location of bathrooms, and the approximate location of all standard fixtures.

His mechanical specifications will identify each sink, faucet or hose bib, the location, size and type of the water heater. He will specify the location and capacities of all electric, plumbing and sewage lines.

Be sure to let him know if you have decided a particular brand of fixture or appliance. Different manufacturers use different specifications that may affect the drawing of your plans.

You will need to discuss all the items on this list with him, because they may require alterations in your plans.

• type and location
  
• type of faucets needed, and location
  (deck-mount / wall-mount / built-in to fixture)
  
• are handheld sprayheads to be included?
  
• location of valves and controls
  
• location of whirlpool pump
  

Whirlpools are very heavy, especially if you select a cast iron model, so floor joists may need to be reinforced. They also use a lot of hot water, and if you pick an oversized model, the water heater may need to be enlarged to supply it. It's also a good idea to beef up the size of water supply lines to the whirlpool if you want it to fill quickly, and don't forget the electric line for the pump. (see also: Tubs & Shower Enclosures)

• type of shower
  
• type of shower valves including handheld sprayers
  
• location of valves and controls
  

If you will want a full body spray shower, it must be provided for in the plans. The water heater will likely need to be enlarged to meet the demand, as will the drain lines. Walls that include valves should be specified for 2x6 studs to accommodate the equipment.

Steam Unit
If you want a steam unit, remind him to include it on the blueprints and to include a drainpipe for the steam generator, (assuming you want the automatic back-flush feature), and also a 220-volt electric line.

Sauna
If your plans include a Sauna, space must be provided, and he will need to add a 220-volt line for that too.

Pedestal or above the counter vessel bowls
The type and location of any pedestal lavatories or above-counter vessel bowls; both have specific requirements for the location of either drainpipes or rough-ins for wall-mounted faucets. (see: Sinks/Lavatories)

Toilets and Bidets
The locations of toilets and bidets, making sure rough-in measurements are stipulated correctly. If the toilet will be closeted, make sure the proper clearances are provided for.

Below Grade Bathrooms and Sinks
If you're planning a basement (below grade) bathroom, you will need additional piping and a sewage ejector pump

Medicine Cabinets
Whether medicine cabinets will be recessed, where, and at what height. Do they have built-in lighting, or will you require additional lighting fixtures or outlets.

Other Accessories
Depending on the model chosen, you will need an additional electrical outlet, or hot water line if towel warmers are to be installed.

Laundry Room
The location of washer boxes (where the hose connections go) , as well as the laundry tray (tub) and any additional equipment such as a shower, small work sink, mop sink, or a whirlpool sink for hand washables.

Family Room, Office/Den, etc.
Consider putting a bar sink in other rooms for entertaining, hobbies, or quick clean-up.

Outdoors
Consider hot and cold mixing valves (hose bibs) outside the house or in the garage (at least near the garage or driveway) so that you can wash the car in winter with warm water. Make sure adequate hose bibs are provided so that a single hose can reach all lawn areas. Place a hose bibb at your deck or patio for easy clean up. Freezeless Faucets will help prevent water damage during the winter months.

Poolside
Putting in a swimming pool? Put a raised hose bibb close to the pool for easier filling and cleanup of the pool decking. An outdoor shower by the pool is great for rinsing off. All it takes is a second hose bibb connected to a hose or pipe with a shower valve.

If you're thinking of building a 'pool house' with storage for lawn chairs, floats, pool equipment, etc., consider adding a changing room and indoor shower. A point-of-use hot water heater will take the chill off showering.

The 'pool house' can be tuned into a poolside 'bath house' by adding a sink or lavatory and a toilet (in areas subjected to freezing temperatures in the winter, the bath house must be winterized to prevent broken piping.)

If a pool/bath house is not in the budget, plan a first/ground floor bathroom with an oversized shower stall (minumum 4'x4'), and an exterior door to the backyard. This will prevent the inevitable parade of wet feet and dripping suits through the house from the backyard. To minimize piles of wet towels, place this bathroom next to a laundry area.

Any poolside bathroom should be designed so that more than one person can use it at the same time. Place the toilet, shower, and sink areas in individual 'compartments'. Also provide an area where wet bathing suits can be hung to dry after hand washing.

Make safety a part of your pool design.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers offers several free publications consumers can use to help incorporate safety in pool, spa, hot tub design :
Safety Barrier Guidelines for Pools (PDF), How to Plan for the Unexpected (PDF), and Guidelines for Entrapment Hazards: Making Pools and Spas Safer (PDF). In addition, they offer advice on how to avoid Electrocutions in Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas (PDF).

Kitchen
Consult your kitchen planner for any unusual mechanical requirements in that part of the house.

Hot Water on Demand
All it takes is a little planning, a closed-loop hot water line and a recirculating pump. You'll never wait for hot water again!

Private Water Supply
If your new house, or bathroom, relies on a well, cistern, or septic tank, you may not be able to accommodate a whirlpool, full body shower or other high water use fixture. Make sure your architect is aware that you will be using a private water system and/or a private sewage system when drawing your plans.

See Also:
Bath Design Tips
ADA and Bath Design
Efficient Laundry Design Tips
A Look at Things to Come - Design Trends
Making Your Selections - How to Choose Faucets, Fixtures, Countertops
Living With Your Selections - Care & Maintenance Considerations

Links to Related Websites:

Design Tips:
Bathroom Tips - From Europe, Fresh Ideas for the Bath
Interior Decorating-Bathroom Index - A wealth of bath design articles by About.com
Mastering the Bath - Design suggestions from House & Home online.

Color:
Color Your World - The art of Feng Shui and the use of color
Interior Decorating -Color Index - Numerous articles on the use of color by About.com

Floor Plans:
Home plan finder - Home Design plans and blueprints
Eplans.com - The Houseplan Superstore

Software:
2020 Bathroom Designer - Bathroom design software on-line
Plumber Software - Downloadable software for plumbers
Elite plumbing software - Plumbing system software

Forms:
A Fixture Checklist for your Project  (PDF)

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