looking for a book/advice

17 years ago

Hi, I'm new to this forum, but I was hoping for some advice. I have a bathroom that needs redone. The bathroom is very small and everything needs ripped out to the studs and replaced - the bathroom is just worn out. I plan on everything being very basic, nothing custom, as I have an older home. Does anyone know of a book that gives all the minute details of a bathroom remodel? I would like to hire someone, but my family has offered to rebuild it. (There is a plumber and tile setter included in family) I'm not sure which way I will go, but either way I have to know the details.

As I type this, I have roofers repairing my skylights. I spent $$$ on a new roof, and within two years, I have leaks. I had several bids, all close to one another, and I had references on the roofer. I did everything you're "supposed" to do when hiring a contractor. The contractor does not take responsibility for this, and it is clear that he did not know what he was doing. I am now paying to have his work repaired.

From where I sit now, I doesn't matter who remodels my bathroom. Either way, I need to know the proper way that it should be done to be sure it gets done right and up to code. (I am very respectful of the damage water can do, and electricity just scares me)

I know this project needs done within the year, but I feel totally unable to move. I'm thinking a little knowledge (a good book) will get me over this hangup. Thoughts?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

User
17 years ago
It's going to be hard to find a book that offers all the minute details about renovations because each home is different and especially in older homes, it's normal to have unexpected surprises. I'm sorry you had that experience with the roofer. Yes unfortunately, there are a lot of bad construction people out there, but there are a lot of good ones too. As hard as it may be, try not to let the experience paralize you. Your interest in learning the in's and out's of what's taking place is a very good first step towards protecting yourself in the future. When hiring help, I believe in letting the professional do his job but I too learned the hard way TO ALWAYS UNDERSTAND WHAT HE'S DOING to the point that you'll know when it's wrong. Right now, our bathroom is also ripped down to the studs and it's a first for us too. At first it was very overwhelming, but once I had a plan of what we wanted asthetically, it was just a matter of splitting the bathroom into sections and reading as much information as possible about each section in the forum. I started with something simple like the tile, then the vanities, once I knew what we were doing there, I learned about building in the shower and got quotes from the contractors. Now I've just ordered the fixtures and am researching the lighting, shower doors, vents and finish work. As I started to interview contractors, I posed questions to the forum for feedback about pricing, as well as the process. I search endlessly through the different sites looking at styles and prices of things, and when I find something I like I check the forum to see if anyone has information to offer about that particular product and it's been a hugh help. Thanks to posts and advise from Bill Vincent, Mongo and a few others, I have been able to question the process and products my contractor wants to use to build in our shower and he honestly believes I know what I'm talking about! In regards to the book idea, I can honestly say SAVE YOUR MONEY! You have LIVE people, some who are professionals in the industry here that can and will help you through the process HTH -- Lukki
jjaazzy
17 years ago
What lukkirish said I 2nd.. I too am down to studs and this forum has been a blessing. I have been living here the month of January and now February. I just read read read and you will learn so much. If you have a question on something, just put it in search and click search entire forum. If you don't find what your looking for then ask. There is always someone that will benifit from your Q&A. Good luck and have fun with it and it's great if you have family helping cause then you have more time to make decisions and not be on someones clock.
Related Professionals
Washington Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Manhattan Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Elkton Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Wheeling Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Saint George Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Cambridge Bathroom Remodelers · Mansfield Bathroom Remodelers · Portland Bathroom Remodelers · Aberdeen Tile and Stone Contractors · Anderson Tile and Stone Contractors · Manchester Tile and Stone Contractors · Burlington Tile and Stone Contractors · Pocatello Tile and Stone Contractors · Kahului Tile and Stone Contractors · Cornwall Tile and Stone Contractors
debbie_2008
17 years ago
Sorry no suggestions on a book, but me and Mr. Roofing Contractor would be going to small claims court for the return of my money paid to contractor #2
weedyacres
17 years ago
Black & Decker has a book called "The Complete Guide to Bathrooms" that I found very useful.

And these forums...got some good plumbing advice over in plumbing, and they'll keep you straight on the codes.
spanky67
17 years ago
Ruffian, get yourself to a Barnes & Noble and head back to the home renovation section. Look for any of the books put out by Taunton publishing. They're the guys that do FineHombuilding and FineWoodworking magazines. The books are extremely well done, clear pictures (not artist renderings), and easy to follow language. They've got several different subjects...bath renovations, electric, plumbing, framing, finish carpentry, etc.

I've probably got 20 different books on all different home building/renovating subjects. I've also got about 9 years of back issues of This Old House mag and Finehomebuilding. I've completely gutted 4 different baths and a kitchen just using them and a couple of different websites including this one.

I'm not a pro...just a bored golfer who lives in the northeast and hates snow.
alina_1
17 years ago
Ditto Black & Decker suggestion. Best books about remodeling IMO: very detailed, pictures of every step. We are DIYers. I have 5 Black & Decker books and each of them is excellent.
sonepi
17 years ago
I also like Black and Decker books. The Taunton books are generally good, but there are some titles that just aren't up to par, even for a beginner like me. You might want to check Amazon and search for remodeling and read reviews and ratings on various books. Another option is to check the library and see if there are books that might be helpful. Good luck.