Bathroom Renovation Follow Up
So a few weeks back I posted about doing a quick and dirty bathroom renovation, and many brownstoners recommended a more thorough job. Since then, I have priced out the work. I am going to list the work I want done and some of the quotes I’ve received. First off, our tub drains slowly. Apparently…
So a few weeks back I posted about doing a quick and dirty bathroom renovation, and many brownstoners recommended a more thorough job. Since then, I have priced out the work. I am going to list the work I want done and some of the quotes I’ve received.
First off, our tub drains slowly. Apparently the tub release valve was removed for some reason. So we want to replace the tub and fix that problem. If the problem can be fixed without doing the tub, we would be open to a simple tub reglazing along with the other work.
We want to put in inexpensive subway tile around the tub and walls. Or, if it is cheaper, we’ll put drywall up and ditch some of the tile.
We want to put down a new floor, and we are fine with laying it over the existing floor.
We have a wall opening for a hamper but no hamper. So we’d like to put one in. Or better yet, just turn it into a cabinet.
We want to replace a light fixture and move the outlet in the bathroom to a place next to the wall switch. If this is a major expense for the GC, we can have our friend who is an electrician do it separately.
We are going to replace the vanity and mirror ourselves.
The quote range has been INSANE. We have heard everything from 4-5k materials not included to 7k all inclusive to 13k without materials. That is a crazy range, and we are only even considering the lower range.
So I would love to hear other quotes and find out what others expect to pay. I am in a 3rd floor coop with an elevator. Permits and insurance are needed. I know there are contractors here and they are welcome to weigh in. The more opinions and experiences the better.
Great!
Want to thank everyone again. Every response has been instructive in some way or another. I appreciate it. And we’ve had a few contractors in this week with more reasonable quotes and a more definable range.
You live in a NORC? OK, I totally get that, as my mother lives in one. Retract everything I said previously…you are completely right in your approach for that sort of building…the resale economics are different from non-NORC buildings.
Here’s the bottom line, which we learned the hard way: If you have to open walls and floors, then you may as well go whole hog and do the whole thing all at once, because it will hardly cost you anything more and it won’t take much longer.
OP, moving or adding an outlet to the bathroom is a very minor matter that should not cost more than $200 — if the existing service to the bathroom is adequate and meets code.
Otherwise, you have to put in a new line from the bathroom to the box. And if the box needs to be upgraded, that’s a whole other matter. I got a quote once on adding a new line — I think it was $700 or something. I can’t remember. It depends on the location and your apartment layout. Also, you have to plaster over the hole.
Anyway, if you choose to do a full renovation of the bathroom, of course you should re-do the electric while the walls are open and you have the chance. In fact, you may be required to by law because new renovations have to meet current code.
If you re-do the floor and one wall of tile, you will probably have to remove all the fixtures. At that point, it’s already a partial gut, and you may as well go all the way. Also, if walls and floors are open, you should replace the plumbing under them.
Is this a one-bathroom apartment? If so, the best time to do this is before you move into it.
On the tub: it would be repaired by going into the pipes from the bedroom side, which would mean no messy demo in the bathroom, just the bedroom.
Bruce F – a patch job in what sense? Not ripping out the bathroom? There’s a difference between a small renovation and a big renovation, and neither has moral authority. An I suspect a 15k makeover of a bathroom that barely fits one person in it in a building with inventory will result in me taking a bath literally and figuratively.
Elm, your situation sounds exactly like mine, and I am inclined to follow your path. Rick Ladd, a contractor who posts here, sent me a very helpful email that laid out simple but effective fixes for my problems (even though he wasn’t available for the job).
Molar, I am also having individual workers come by. Yesterday, a plumber showed me how to fix the tub without destroying it. Most contractors and repairmen suggest glazing based on the complexity of removing the tub.
Thanks again. This is extremely helpful.
What is a tub release valve?
I think you should speak to a plumber, find out why the drain is slow, and get a quote on that.
Then I think you should speak to a tile person about replacing the tile, and get a quote on that. All separate.
Your other choices are to do a partial or full gut of the bathroom, which is what a contractor will do, and will cost $5,000 or $10,000 or more.
Alternatively, just regrout the existing tile and reglaze the bathtub. It is complete fiction that buyers “know quality.” They don’t know anything. They are completely fooled by a new coat of white paint.
Bruce,
It’s not a patch job. It’s a small renovation. I am also a contractor and would only touch a project like that if it was for an existing client.
The cost does go up due to the permits as well as the licensed plumber. I don’t think going with the cheapest is ever the answer. They are cheap for a reason