Is it possible to renovate a 6 by 8 bathroom for $12,000?
Someone from New York Kitchen & Bathroom (NYKB) just told me that I will be “miserable” and “Good Luck!” when I told him my budget was $12,000 for a small bathroom reno. Is this budget so low it warrants being treated like such a worthless pauper by these companies? What I need to have done…
Someone from New York Kitchen & Bathroom (NYKB) just told me that I will be “miserable” and “Good Luck!” when I told him my budget was $12,000 for a small bathroom reno. Is this budget so low it warrants being treated like such a worthless pauper by these companies?
What I need to have done is:
1. Redo the ceiling and install overhead lighting
2. Replace iron tub
3. Replace tile on walls and floor
4. Install new vanity
5. Install 3 feet of cabinetry
6. Install a new radiator cover
I’ve already called a few contractors I have found here on this forum. But so far, no one has called me back. Can you give me some good opinions on whether I will be able to do this within a budget? Also, can you give me some more recommendations for contractors?
We did a similar sized bath for slightly unde 10, but we didn’t gut it and kept the original tub. New fixtures and tile all around, but we went high mid-range on fixtures. We lived in an elevator co-op so it probably cost a bit more than it should have. So yes, I’d say 12k is doable, especially in this economy. Also, agree with sourcing your own fixtures. And don’t roll with things. You’re goign to have to sweat the details yourself for that price.
I would definitely pick the fixtures yourself and pay separate for labor. If not, you will get run of the mill lower quality fixtures and it won’t really save you any money anyway.
sdrubbins
If people roll with things that is asking for trouble. Your living situation is serious and you are spending hard earned cash to get what you want.
Contractors can barely manage money on a job. It is their worst subject.
Most contractors do not have a formal business set-up.
You can absolutely do this. I’m doing my smallish (about 6’x8′) bathroom for about 10k. None of the super high-end stuff, but who needs it? A shower stall or tub with sliding doors; a simple, small toilet; a sink and vanity; and simple, bright subway tiles all around.
I think the trick is finding a contractor first and letting them ghet materials, rather than starting with fancy fixtures from a retail place like NYKB and trying to find someone to install them. A good local contractor will know the best and cheapest places to get materials… e.g. I always use Mondial Tile, which is here in Brooklyn.
Don’t have too specific an idea of what you want – i.e. these particular tiles or this particular sink. Don’t try to control the process too much. For 12k your bathroom isn’t going to be in any magazines. Let the contractor know what you generally want, and let them sweat the details. Quality of the installation matters more than the particular fixtures. If you just roll with things you can have a cheap, stress-free and beautiful result.
NYKB is fairly expensive and high end. When I came in with my reno budget (40 for total kitchen and bath) I could see the pity in their eyes. Just go to a local kitchen and bath store or contractor. 12k should be fine – tub and electric will likely be the most expensive.
i just recommended someone yesterday who would probably be able to do if for that price, and he is really great – a perfectionist who is AMAZING at tiling. His name is Greg Jiritano – you can reach him through his wife’s cell phone or email: brooklynflat@gmail.com and 646-460-0100 (her name is Anais).
Yes it can be done, maybe for less if you are cautious with your spending.
Please call Gilson Dias. He wil be happy to take a look and give a free estimate. His prices are reasonable and negotiable. His work is clean and he is reliable and easy to get along with.
He did some work for me.
Tell him the wife of the writer jacques Stern referred him.
If you want more info from me send an email to bebop.bentley@yahoo.com and I will be happy to get back to you.
Ask me anything you like.
Gilson Dias 347-743-9206
We just finished a 4×8 reno. We hired a plumber to install a new tub and shower body, and a tile contractor to retile the walls, floor and shower. We had replaced fixtures, toilet and vanity in the past. If I add all that into the mix the total was around $6000 for materials and labor. I did the demo myself and am doing finish work, like painting, patching, lighting, etc.
We built an entire bathroom out of a walk in closet for 6K.
It was a mixture of home depot for the tiles, ikea for vanity, mirrors, sink etc. We splurged on the shower, toilet and backslash to achieve a more high end look. I think it cam out great.
Both electricity and plummbing had to be moved.
However, we hired just one guy and worked side by side with him, doing the tiling, grouting and a lot of other work ourselves.