This explanation may help, Source: https://www.renovatorstore.com.au/blog/lighting-and-power-in-your-bathroom-the-simple-rules-to-be-safe/ REQUIREMENTS Zone 0: Inside the bath or shower. Any Lighting used here must have a minimum rating of IP67 (protected against immersion in water) Zone 1: Above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m. A minimum rating of IP44 is required Zone 2: The area stretching to 0.6m outside the bath or shower and above the bath or shower if over 2.25m. An IP rating of at least IP44 is required Outside Zone: Anywhere outside zones 0, 1 & 2. Where water jets are not to be used for cleaning purposes, the general rules of BS7671 apply In addition to the above, if there is a likelihood of water jets being used for cleaning purpose in zones 1 and 2 a fitting rated a minimum IP65 must be used. Now that this has been explained, always make sure to purchase bathroom lighting according to these standards to make sure that your bathroom is always safe. You should also have this principle applied when you purchase other electrical devices such as heated towel rails, or a guide to where you'd put sockets in your bath for razors and other devices. This may also fix the common misconception that LED lights are not rated for bathrooms. Typical LED lights have an IP rating of IP66 which is more than the needed IP rating standard that bathrooms should have. - Not to mention you'd be saving a whole lot from energy bills in the long run.

Thanks Kiwimills - Good suggestion but we are using the space in the garage to line with shelving and a freestanding freezer. Thanks again Oklouise - I will have to check on the actual type of dryer I have. Maybe I have the terminology wrong. Maybe I meant heat pump or...it’s been a while since I researched and bought it but it’s stacked over the washer. Doubt that’d be working if it was a condenser. That was a great tip about the toilet - can’t believe I hadn’t thought about that before!! We’re signing off on these plans on Monday so I’d better check if there’s time for a last minute change. Will affect slab and velux so will see but glad you mentioned it! And thank you Kate for your comment too. We had a regular door initially but at 1000mm width, the room wouldn’t allow room to lay down an ironing board easily with a door swung open. Removing the door swing will assist with that somewhat. And I’m used to entering my laundry door currently via a 720mm slider so it won’t bother me. Thanks again everyone! So helpful!

The gap is definitely driving me crazy, we’ve only moved in since March so been lots of pondering, including changing it all, but unfortunately the next room over is our third bedroom. But you have given me an idea there is a cupboard in the front of this bathroom and could knock down the wall so maybe the bathtub could actually get a bigger spot after all and get rid of the front cupboard / wall and then change where the door is.

The plumber advised that the only place for all the plumbing was underneath and I couldn't get a wider cabinet and stone bench without issues with the sliding door. Even considered removing the sliders and having a wall built with a normal door, but that was $5k. So slimmer cabinet it was, machines are pushed in as far as they can go. Laundry tub now in garage as partner regularly washes the cars and just as regularly leaves his chammis soaking in the tub. So this way he has a tub with easy access for the cars and the tub is also close to the mop bucket. Sink in the laundry is perfect for soaking the odd item that needs a presoak. Yes, it gives me a lot of joy, especially after living without a laundry at all during the reno and having to use launderette!