HELP with partial bathroom remodel

8 years ago

I eventually want to do a total remodel (replace whirlpool tub with free standing soaker, tear out decorator white tile in shower, etc) but money constraints have me limited to a partial remodel right now what I am planning on doing is...

1) change floor tile
Debating between rectangular light to med gray tiles or, small squares, white with gray middles

2). Change vanity top to granite or quartz

3). Change lights over vanity
Should there be one fixture with 4-6 lights or, two separate fixtures over each sink?

4). Mirror - would hate to tear out but could replace with two separate mirrors or, leave as is and put a frame around?

5). Change light over tub. Right now it’s just an in ceiling light.

My bedroom contemporary with colors of azure blue and grays.

Any advise, pics, etc. is greatly appreciated. I’ve included a pic of the shower floor tiles that I’d eventually Like to put in - so I don’t want the tile I choose now to clash.

Featured Answer

Beth H. :

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Cathy...check craigslist. If you could find a double vanity for 1K, that's better than spending 800 just for the granite! even if you did two42" vanities at say, 500 each, you could fabricate a little makeup spot in the middle, or find a storage tower.

as for flooring, look for small lot leftovers. great deals.

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Comments (9)

doubletrbl
8 years ago
If you’re looking to redo this in the near future, I’d wait to replace floor tiles until the whirlpool tub is out. I also wouldn’t spend the money on the counter top if your intention is to replace the cabinets.
We had a similar problem when we moved into our original 80’s home. So for the first 2 years, I painted the walls a brighter colour (BM collingwood) and cabinets, I also changed the door knobs and replaced the light fixture with a relatively cheap. Our tub tile was broken and there was obvious water damage so we never even used it. I put up a clean white and grey shower curtain to hide the ugly.
So my recommendation to get you to the reno stage is to paint the walls a nice light greige, change out the light fixtures and cabinets door knobs. Another inexpensive touch might be to update the trim around the window and put a nice blind up.
katinparadise
8 years ago
I agree with everything said above. No sense putting in new tiles if you're really planning on replacing the tub. It will mean having to re-cut some tiles and work in the new since the footprint of the tub area will most likely change. Paint, new hardware, pretty towels, maybe something decorative on the vanity like a tray with a soap pump and a vase of flowers, and new light fixtures-one over each sink, along with something pretty on the window. You'll feel much better about the space and won't have spent a lot of money for a temporary fix. My vanity is shorter than yours (72") and just the new granite top with integrated sinks was $1100. Definitely not something you want to do until you're ready for a full remodel.
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Melissa Gallagher
8 years ago
Agree with other posts. And that pebble tile would not be appropriate for the whole floor; I’ve seen it used for shower floors, but not a whole floor.
Beth H. :
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
wait for the flooring. once that tub comes out, you will have to match your tile and grout w/the older part. It will never look the same as being done at the same time.

as for the vanity portion,,,,what a great spot. right now it's a waste of space. If you have the money right now, I'd do a new vanity, (they come w/the countertops and sinks) and a large tower on the side (minor plumbing adjustment to move things over to the right), or put one in the middle and get two separate vanities.

This you can do now without having to worry about your flooring. do not waste your money putting a new granite top on those old, cheap cabinets. replace the entire thing.

if you're really on a budget, look on craigslist. people sell vanities on there all the time. look for granite remnants, left over tile, etc. as for the mirror, if you remove it, the wall behind will need some light repair work. Or, you can leave the big mirror and frame it with some nice wood. go to a lumber yard, buy some nice 1x3 oak, cut it to to fit (give them the measurements and they'll do it), stain it and attach. New mirror.

or get two separate mirrors like this, and use inexpensive tile for your backsplash. subways are .19 each. learn how to tile and put these on the wall.

you have a large space that could be very, very nice. do it right,,,once! no piecemeal.

look at pics showing 'large double vanities' to get ideas of what you want. do your make in there? then have a lower level countertop where you sit in the middle part.
Cathy
Original Author
8 years ago
I love all these ideas...thank you.
Yes, my cabinets are cheap... it’s what was put in 23 years ago when I built my house. The same cabinets are in my kitchen and other full bath as well. I am in my fifties and could be, I downsize in 5-8 years so... probably not going to spend the money on all new cabinets. Plus, don’t have that kind of cash right now anyway! Hence, saying I want to replace the tub... but may never get to do that so...l I’m looking for cheap ways to upgrade. New light fixtures, new tile ($500 to do myself). New granite estimate was $800. Yes, it’s slapping lipstick on a pig but right now all I can afford is lipstick! Hate hate hate my vinyl flooring so def going to change that.
Cathy
Original Author
8 years ago
Melissa,
He tile was an example of what I’d like to do for the shower... but can’t right now! I would never use for the floor but, would want a tile now that would compliment that - in case I can change the shower in the future
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Designer Drains
8 years ago
Do everything besides the floor, the lighting will be the best options to start with but only the ones over the vanity.
Cathy
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks Designer Drains...would you recommend one light fixture like I have now or two separate ones?