Thinking about renovating your bathroom can feel like a big step, and you’re not alone. Many homeowners walk into a design consultation unsure of what’s required, what questions to ask, or how to make the most of the meeting. That’s exactly why we wrote this guide. We want you to feel confident, prepared and inspired when you visit us at Rouse Bathrooms. 

Whether you’re planning a simple shower upgrade or a complete bathroom redesign, coming prepared means your consultation will be far more productive. If you need help or want to book a consultation, just give us a call on 0203 935 7605 or drop us an email at info@rousebathrooms.co.uk. 

A little preparation goes a long way, and at Rouse Bathrooms, it means we can design a bathroom that truly reflects your home and lifestyle.

 

Why Preparing For A Bathroom Design Consultation Matters 

Starting with a clear plan helps you make the most of your time at our showroom. At Rouse Bathrooms, our showroom offers over 250 m² of space and more than 30 displays of high‑quality fixtures, fittings, tiles, brassware and accessories. 

When you come prepared with measurements, ideas, and a budget in mind, we can work together to create a layout that not only fits your room but also aligns with your style and budget. 

 

What To Bring With You 

To help us hit the ground running, here’s a checklist of items that make a real difference during your bathroom design consultation: 

 

Measurements And Layout Details 

  • The length, width and height of the room (including ceiling height). 
  • Positions of doors, windows, soil pipes and waste/drainage points. 
  • Any fixed structural features (e.g. chimney breasts, sloping ceilings, soil pipe runs). 

These details are vital because they determine what will fit and where. Even approximately accurate measurements are helpful. Designers often emphasise that without accurate dimensions, it can be hard to visualise how your bathroom will flow. 

 

Photos Or A Quick Video Of The Existing Bathroom 

Take a few photos from different angles (doorway view, inside the shower/bath area, window/door positions). If possible, a quick 360° video on your phone is even better. This gives us context where light comes in, where the soil/waste pipes run, and any awkward corners. 

 

A Wish List With Ideas & Inspiration 

Bring along anything that inspires you, whether it’s a Pinterest board, Instagram screenshots, magazine cut‑outs, or a rough sketch. Having a clear idea of what you like (modern, traditional, spa‑style, compact, family‑friendly, etc.) helps us suggest fixtures, tiles and layouts that match your taste. This step is widely recommended by design‑planning guides for maximising the value of a bathroom consultation. 

 

A Budget Range In Mind 

Even a rough budget gives us a realistic starting point. Bathrooms vary widely in cost depending on fittings, plumbing changes, tiling, labour and specification. Asking about the budget early also helps avoid unexpected costs later, for example, relocating plumbing or reinforcing subfloors. 

 

A List Of Questions Or Requirements 

Think about what you want to know or what’s important to you: 

  • Do you want a bath, shower, or both? 
  • Need storage or vanity space? 
  • Prioritise accessibility or future‑proofing (for family, elderly, etc.)? 
  • Interested in eco‑friendly / water‑saving fittings? 

Having your questions ready ensures nothing is overlooked and helps us guide you more effectively. 

 

What Happens During The Consultation At Rouse Bathrooms 

When you arrive at our showroom in West Wickham, here’s a typical flow of what happens during your bathroom design consultation: 

  1. Initial discussion — We talk about your goals, style preferences, budget and any must‑haves. 
  2. Review of space details — Using your measurements, photos or layout details, we assess what’s possible and note any structural constraints. 
  3. Exploration of displays & ideas — With over 30 thoughtfully curated displays, you can see fixtures, tiles, baths, showers, brassware and accessories in real life. This helps visualise how different elements look together. 
  4. Design draft (2D / CAD layout) — We produce a basic 2D layout and, if desired, a detailed 3D CAD design (for a fee). This helps ensure everything fits pipes, doors, and free space before you commit. 
  5. Refinement & decision-making — Based on the draft design, we discuss finishes for tiles, sanitaryware, brassware, storage, lighting, ventilation, and budget. 
  6. Quote preparation — Once you’re happy with the plan, we prepare a quote covering the supply (and, if needed, recommend trusted installers for fittings). 

 

Smart Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Consultation 

  • Be realistic about space & use: Whether it’s a family bathroom, ensuite, or guest loo, consider how you actually use it. Do you need a full bath, or is a walk-in shower more practical? 
  • Consider lighting & ventilation early: Good lighting and ventilation are often overlooked until late; they affect both the look and longevity of your bathroom. Plan extractor fans or windows, and lighting for mirrors, the shower area, and the overall ambience. 
  • Think about storage: Many bathrooms look elegant in showrooms but miss practical storage drawers, shelves, niches, and vanity units. Don’t wait till the build stage to realise you need storage. 
  • Plan for the future: If you expect different needs later, perhaps mobility requirements, children, or resale, consider solutions like walk‑in showers, accent‑free taps, easily maintainable tiles, or wall‑hung sanitaryware. 
  • Be open to expert advice: Sometimes the “obvious” layout won’t work, and our experience (over 40 years combined) often helps spot issues before they arise. 

 

Conclusion 

Preparing for a bathroom design consultation doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a few simple steps, measurements, ideas, a budget and openness, you can make the most of the process and ensure the results match both your vision and your space. 

At Rouse Bathrooms, we pride ourselves on combining decades of experience with a personalised service and carefully curated showroom displays, giving you the best foundation for your dream bathroom.  

If you’re ready to get started, contact us on 0203 935 7605 or email info@rousebathrooms.co.uk. We’d love to meet you, discuss your project and bring your ideas to life.