Bathroom Reno: Reality Check
A recent leak from the shower located on the 2nd floor of my wood frame Victorian is forcing me to face the reality of a full gut bathroom renovation (trust me it needs it). My question is, can this be done with a budget of $15k using a proper Architect, filing with the city and…
A recent leak from the shower located on the 2nd floor of my wood frame Victorian is forcing me to face the reality of a full gut bathroom renovation (trust me it needs it). My question is, can this be done with a budget of $15k using a proper Architect, filing with the city and working with a honest/responsible contractor? If so, do any of you have any suggestions or recommendations for such a person who is proven and professional? My poor house has suffered so much from the hands of previous owners who would of done more by doing nothing. I would like to begin this project as soon as respectfully possible.
TIA
DON’T USE DON PERRONE based in Brooklyn. His company did a bathroom renovation mid-January which he said would take 6-8 days to finish. He even listed on his website that it’s done, which it clearly is not. 2 months later and I’m still waiting for his plumber Doug to come replace the shower body that he broke. I call and text and email and they either don’t return my calls or they don’t show up when they say they’re coming or they keep saying tomorrow, tomorrow. Not to mention, Doug put in my new tub not knowing how to install the trip lever (which stops the drainage), and I wound up with a really cheap push drainer because the trip lever will not function unless he removes the tub. They say they can do small to large jobs and you don’t have to pay upfront, but that’s not the case, they still ask you for the money even if the job is not done. STAY AWAY from these guys.
one2one,
Three family, gutted. all new waste, water lines, heating (hot water), three seperate boilers, plumbing fixtures installed. Inspection. Licensed plumber. 32K. 15K is tight for a 5 x7 bath? wow…
I’m a kitchen and bath designer. NYCBuilder is right. $15K is a very tight budget for the work you are describing, which is extensive. Even very low-end tile and fixture costs for a typical 5×7 bathroom will easily run $6K, which means you are asking for labor, building materials and all incidentals to come in at $9K. Maybe you can find someone to work with that number in this economy, but what are the chances they will be a licensed, experienced craftsperson?
You may NOT have to file, but you really SHOULD use a licensed plumber and GC, and those people typically charge $15K for labor alone. Please be careful to choose the right person based on value, not just price. Since you know what you want in terms of design, let me know if you can increase your budget and I’ll be happy to refer a qualified contractor.
Good luck with everything either way.
I would like to discuss this project with you, please call me at your convenience at (917) 573-3304. Thank You.
Al Rosario
ACR GC
(917) 573-3304
(718) 975-4730
Do not need and architect for this even if you want to move fixtures. There have been changes to code and the plumber can file a form without architectural drawings. 15K is more than enough to do a great bathroom.
We’d be happy to give you an estimate for your bathroom renovation, we are very affordable I’m sure we can work with your budget.
We are available all next week for appointments. We’re working on a bathroom renovation next week which we can arrange for you to see as well.
Our contact info is: 774-955-3804 or willianprates68@hotmail.com
Also here is our website for pictures:
http://www.pratesplastering.web.officelive.com
Look forward to hear from you.
Thanks!
I used (and highly recommend) PHDesign architects for my bathroom renovation. They are a husband and wife team, easy to work with (came to my house at nites/weekends to review and were always available), had lots of good ideas, were affordable, AND Anthony has hands on experience in construction (he speaks the language and is great with contractors). Give them a call: 646-660-1654.
I can provide more info if requested.
I am an architect, doing lots of residential bath and kitchen renos in PS and have done work in Victorians too. (and I am recommended on Angie’s list.) I think this is a good time to do work as it is quiet out there for the small guys. $15 is a fine budget for a regular, nice bathroom.
If you want to ask me questions about filing etc, please contact me, I would be happy to talk to you.
pjazz1@arthlink.net
A complete gut renovation (nothing left but joist and studs), with an architect (providing design services); filing and permiting, and the use of a licensed and insured responsible contractor with a $15k budget will be a hardpressed task to accomplish.
Although a quality bathroom can be completed for $15k, relocating plumbing and lighting fixtures (which I assume is the reason for the need of a design professional)will chew into that budget real fast. As will new fixtures, tiles and accessories.
I suggest you gather your ideas, vet and select a responsible general contractor, and work closely with them as a team to design build your bathroom within a set budget.
Lastly, make sure to set aside an amount within your budget for unseen conditions (rotten/water damage joist, pipe replacement, etc.). This is common in buildings that suffered in the hands of previous owners.
Good Luck