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February 11, 2009
Planning for a Bathroom Reno
I wanted to get some advice on what a bathroom reno entails so I know about how much it'll cost and what to expect.
I live in a 1920's brocik row house. The bathroom has penny tiles on the floor, and the shower is tiled almost to the ceiling. The rest of the walls are tiled almost halfway up the walls. So, would the plaster walls have to come down when the tiles come down? Do you tile over the plaster? Tile the ceiling over the shower? I know I want to replace the pipes and fixtures. What else do I need to be thinking about? Any other resources to read?
Comments
Here's a useful bathroom planner: http://www.bathroom-guides-planner.com/planner/planner.htm It's not overly intricate, but maybe helpful in terms of layout and first thoughts. There are so many bathroom design sites online and how-to books. Do you plan to use wonderboard or greenboard (or not gotten to that question yet)? How much work will you be doing yourself, or jobbing out?
The height of the tile, for the most part, is up to you. I wouldn't choose a tiled ceiling, but you'll be the one living with it.
Posted by: vinca at February 11, 2009 4:18 PM
One thing to keep in mind is when shopping for bathroom items: tile, fixtures, etc., see how long it takes to get the items, especially if they are "special order." I made the mistake of having my contractor ready to go, and when I went to purchase the tile I wanted, found out it would take 3-4 weeks to get it! Same for certain bathroom fixtures. So best to consult with contractor, get all the materials before hand so that the job isn't held up.
Posted by: hoffster at February 11, 2009 5:07 PM
No idea. But do you have to destroy an original 1920s bath that goes with the building?
Posted by: mopar at February 12, 2009 12:12 AM
Nemo Tiles.
Pretty wide selection of ceramics and natural stone at descent prices.
Just bought a gang of tile from them, including penny tile. Bob in the Manhattan showroom is really helpful.
Sounds like you need to come up with a budget # for the reno and then work backwards. Do as much on your own as you can. Saves dough. Good luck
Posted by: friend_or_foe at February 12, 2009 3:15 PM
Mopar, I am trying to figure out how much would need to be done. But the bathroom is in really bad shape--mismatched tiles, all the glaze on the old tiles is cracked, the iron tub has been painted very badly and the rust is coming through. I guess I am wondering whether I just work on all of areas where tile and plumbing fixtures are and leave the ceiling and plaster wall or whether it is better to take everything out once you're at it.
Posted by: Cantaffordcarroll at February 12, 2009 4:47 PM
Oh! Hm....maybe reglaze tub again? Learn to love the crazing? (Is that what you mean by cracked glaze?) If someone patched with nonmatching tiles, you can totally fix that.
Hey! You could have a snazzy looking new bathroom for less than $2,000.
Also, I would guess that if you rip out tile, there's nothing much left behind the tile after that. Ripping out tile is pretty brutal (I did it in a shower). It could affect the ceiling and walls above, but not so badly that you would have to completely replace them.
Gotta run, but more specifics coming tomorrow.
Posted by: mopar at February 12, 2009 6:47 PM
Cantaffordcarroll,
1. Per Hoffster, you need to pick out your tile and fixtures ahead of time - possibly 4 but up to 8 weeks ahead depending upon how unique the tile, etc. Check with local suppliers.
2. Very likely when you remove tile you will have to remove all material down to studs if construction is that old. Everything can be made square, plumb, and true as well. This allows you to upgrade electrical as well.
3. Tub has no tile beneath it - if you replace tub you will likely need to replace floor. Reglazing can be done but will wear rather quickly.
4. If you don't move location of fixtures, particularly toilet, you'll save yourself good money.
5. As you can see, penny tiles tough to patch, grout width and color rarely match.
6. It is easier and cheaper to renovate all rather than try to save some areas - blending the two never very satisfying.
Feel free to call me if you have more questions - 917-547-1222
Posted by: wyattmarley at February 13, 2009 12:59 PM
Cantaffordcarroll,
If last renovation in 1920. Electrical wires “IS!!!” a hazard (really old).
Whoever is going to be doing make sure you will have at least Ground Fault Protected (GFCI) receptacle and if you can afford dedicated electrical line just for the bathroom.
Minimum code required: receptacle, light, switch, fan (if no window is available). Good luck.
Posted by: Electric_of_today at February 13, 2009 3:37 PM
American Restoration Tile in Arkansas will match any tile perfectly, including crazing.
http://www.restorationtile.com/
It's not true that patching tile and matching colors and grout width is so difficult. It's just that a contractor would rather re-do your whole bathroom using modern materials and methods because it's easier for him. Also, a complete re-do of a bathroom will be more money for the contractor.
I have the name of a really old Italian guy who does inexpensive, beautiful, traditional work and will happily do repairs. But it's at work so I'll have to get it Tuesday. He's hard to reach unless you speak Italian, however.
If you put in a new tub, you may have trouble finding one the right size, depending on how it's situated in your bathroom. The usual approach is to build a soffit to make up the difference. I have seen this done badly and also very well.
Does the tub have an outside drain? That's another issue.
Posted by: mopar at February 14, 2009 10:45 AM
Sounds like you are talking about a pretty comprehensive reno. I'd expect that taking down the walls would be cheaper than trying to save the plaster, from my experience. Contractors would rather square things off before tiling. You can find all those 1920's style tiles and fixtures online, including penny tile. Also think about the tub...if the glazing has worn off it will look shabby once everything is done. Nothing wrong with a soffit.
Posted by: Bolder at February 14, 2009 1:39 PM
If yo need a contractor to help with the renovations, please call Emerging Enterprises@ 917-548-4665. They have excellent carpenters and their prices are reasonable.
Posted by: josephcarl at February 14, 2009 2:34 PM
Ok, here's the rec for the tile guy. He re-did the grout in my shower in Queens, quoted me $100 to $200, I paid him $200. It's hard to get ahold of him. His wife answers the phone, she speaks only Italian. You might have to call several times. He is very experienced and can handle old-style tile. Nick, 718-497-8857.
Posted by: mopar at February 18, 2009 2:38 PM
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