Need Help for Bathroom

13 years ago

We are considering our first remodel in our first home. We don't even know where to start. We have a contractor and a bath/kitchen store who we are going to seek quotes from. Is there anything I should be sure to consider when undertaking this? Anything I'm missing and should be sure to include? Or are some things too frivolous and/or not worth it.

I don't want the cost of this to get out of control. Our house is worth about $140,000 and I don't know what an appropriate amount to spend on a bathroom remodel would be. We probably won't be able to do any of the work ourselves, so I don't see us saving there.

These are pics of the current bathroom. The walls look okay from a distance, but are really lath/plaster with a "tile look" just grooved into them somehow. This goes to about 1 foot from the ceiling and it turns into a really unattractive textured wall and ceiling (almost popcorn ceiling-like). My husband and I both hate it. Is the best way to get rid of it to just take it all out and put up new walls or should we do something different?

Biggest Problems
- Tub is in terrible shape (I ruined the glaze with a scrub stone)
- Cold (we need to use a space heater)

Wish List
- Separate Tub & Shower
- New sink
- Remove ugly walls/ceiling (insulate?)
- Tile floor
- Heated floor
- Possible to add a stackable washer/dryer? (current laundry is in basement and is an annoyance, but not the end of the world)

Thanks!!

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Comments (6)

Calvin Simons
13 years ago
This color is to damm old!
Some big rectangle white tiles on the floor and the walls should do the trick.
A heated floor is also a good option (i don't know if it helps but i don't have floor heating)
By the tub/shouwer you can use some pool tiles in a color so you can decorate with the same color as the pool tiles.
I dont know if this helped you but its the best i can do
kimdee24
13 years ago
It looks like a good sized space. If it were mine, and I had the budget, I'd gut it and start over. What are the dimensions of the room?
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F L
13 years ago
You should be able to save money by demoing it yourselves. If you don't own a truck, rent one of the super large bags from, I think, Lowes. They pick them up. Heated floors are a luxury, would a beautiful rug suffice if it means getting great glass tile? Running electric and drain lines for washer and drier are expensive if you have to hire help. Focus on giving it the wow factor, yet budget friendly.
Do Dah
13 years ago
Definately do your own demo. You may find that your gold tiles were not individually set. It looks like it will come right off. We just did a remodel of a bath with travertine from a home builder discount store -$150 for the floor. We put it in ourselves and great instruction are online. Rent the tile saw. We did our bath for less than $2000. It looks great. We went with a coordinated rug instead of the heated floor, I agree with felecialongest.
groveraxle
13 years ago
One thing to consider when looking at costs: a tub can be resurfaced as can the tiles around it. It's much less expensive than replacing the whole thing. However, after resurfacing, you must use non-abrasive cleaners.

Also, if your walls are really lath and plaster, then your house is probably approaching the century mark. Be aware that demoing those walls is going to be a huge mess.
F L
13 years ago
FYI my mother had her tub resurfaced and it scratches easily. I agree that the lath and plaster will be dusty, but not hard. Tape off entrance with large plastic sheet and wear protective gear. A wheel barrel , shovel and sledge hammer should make fast work if you decide you dont want like it. It will give you opportunity to insulate and perhaps replace some of the old pipes. Be careful and mindful of pipes in the walls. Google should shed some light on how to.