How would you renovate this bathroom for $15K?
http://cdn.brownstoner.com/4f0f422b95984-.jpg
Hi folks! We’re in the process of buying for the first time, and are making plans for renovations to the kitchen and bathroom in what, if all goes well, will soon be our new 2BR/2BA. There is a lot of wasted space in the master bath, I assume as a product of where all the plumbing hookups are (e.g., HUGE vanity, tiny shower crammed into the corner with the toilet). We want to renovate to maximize the space and functionality of the room. We have some ideas, but I am curious to hear what other renovation-minded folks think.
Depressing small shower and toilet: http://flickr.com/gp/figandplum/178rd1 Needlessly large vanity & single sink (it’s not just the wide angle lens) http://flickr.com/gp/figandplum/W8crd3 Floor plan for both bathrooms (Master is lower bathroom) http://flickr.com/gp/figandplum/yqM9By
One thought right off the bat is to install a pocket door. Other than that, we’re open to anything that’s not going to throw our budget totally out of line. What do you think?
jessicist
in Bath & Kitchen 13 years and 4 months ago
10
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10 replies
elbow | 13 years and 4 months ago
I’m guessing this is a 6 to 10 story building built in the 1940’s or so. I also think it’s concrete construction. I lived in a 6 story wood frame that was built in the mid-1930’s but having toured hundreds of apartments I’d think that would be more the exception than the rule. That’s why I don’t think you have much inexpensive play with toilet placement, plus in a larger building you may have trouble obtaining board approval.
elbow | 13 years and 4 months ago
In my opinion, the biggest thing wrong with this bathroom is the squashed looking shower. It’s a nice sized room. It has a window. And it will be your second bathroom! Do you like the configuration of the bathroom next door? If it were me I’d try to go back (?) to something similar fixture placement-wise but keep the former linen closet space open and inside the bath. Unless I’m really missing something, and I might be because the window in the new master bathroom appears larger than the other – but maybe it’s just a realtor’s drawing.. At any rate, I think you could make a pretty glam shower at the window wall, just be sure to tile the baby and if it’s a wood window paint it with exterior or marine paint. The room will still feel big and open and you’ll have enough space near the door for storage or a bench or both…. I’d recommend you replace the door and surround, because that looks like part of an underwhelming renovation, too and just use a pedestal sink (excellent price points for these!). I’d keep the toilet unless there’s something wrong with it.
daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 4 months ago
You’ll be able to move the toilet. How far will depend upon what the floor joists look like and where the stack is.
elbow | 13 years and 4 months ago
The idea of simply shortening the sink, moving the toilet to the left, increasing the length of the shower, closing the current door and adding a door at the new master bedroom side sounds like it would be the most cost efficient. You don’t say what kind of building you’re in. Is it a multi-floor, muti unit building? You’ll probably have stack problems to move the toilet if that’s the case. This looks to me like combined apartments in a prewar building. it looks to me like they added the shower where a linen closet used to be. The only caveat i’d add about putting a new door inside the bedroom is to make sure you’d like how you have to arrange furniture.
daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 4 months ago
Lots of REALLY sheap tile and bath places in Flushing.
daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 4 months ago
With my ensuite, the door opens into the bedroom and, to be quite honest, i rarely even close it.
elm_bk | 13 years and 4 months ago
I can’t speak to the layout, but ehre are a few things we did or considered in an incredibly cheap bathroom renovation in the past: can you use a pocket door? so it slides out of the way when not in use and doesn’t use up valuable floor space inside or outside the bathroom. -there are a couple of tile stores in harlem – 1st or 2nd ave and 125th if i am remembering correctly – they have stuff on sale that is incredibly cheap, and since you’re only talking about a small area, should be easy to get enough. by that same token some higher end tile stores will have small lots left over that will be cheap and enough for you – try ann sacks in particular in the east 50s design area. you can build inset shelves between the pipes et al – if the wall is popped out to accomodate the thickest pipes, it is mostly hollow (anywhere those pipes aren’t) – see what you can do in the shower – shelves for soap shampoo etc., or with an inset medicine cabinet. every square inch counts in my book! good luck.
daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 4 months ago
If it’s going to be permitted, you have to take into account the stack location; if not, you can move the sink and use a provent. Also, hinging the door on the opposite side will do a lot to make it feel bigger. is that a 2’8″ door? Most bathrooms use a 2’4″ door (not sure what NYC code is on this though).
daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 4 months ago
How about putting the sink on the opposite wall and moving the toilet all the way down to near the window and that would allow you to enlarge the shower. I have a shower that’s 42″ x 42″ with frameless glass, which makes a big difference in the feel of spaciousness, even though it’s only two walls of glass. Anything less than 3′ x 3′ is too tight but the frameless glass makes a huge difference. And get clear, not frosted.
jessicist | 13 years and 4 months ago
Sorry for the wonky formatting. Lesson learned for trying to get fancy on Brownstoner.