Software
Houzz Logo Print
webuser_586621899

Small bathroom reno advice

3 years ago

I'm looking to completely redo my bathroom...on a budget. I know, I know. I had worked with a design/build firm to renovate my kitchen, but found the process frustrating and stressful and ended up doing the whole "design" part myself anyway, so my partner and I are planning to hire someone to replace the bathtub and toilet and do the rest ourselves. He has some contracting experience and I think we will have fun coming up with the room's aesthetics, so I feel fairly confident in our ability to DIY most of it. But I would love some advice!


The room is quite small, 59" by 77". No windows, although there was at some point a skylight that I hope to open up again down the road. I've attached a rough rendering of the current floor plan below: bathtub on one side, toilet in the middle, and then a vanity and a fairly hideous tall cabinet on the other side.


We want to have a bathtub, and my understanding is that a 60" alcove tub should fit where the current one is just fine. We were thinking of this one from Kohler. I was also thinking of moving the toilet to be next to the vanity, the help the room feel more open, and maybe we would put some shelves in that middle area.




Does that seem reasonable, or should we leave the toilet where it is? Is a 60x30" bathtub too big? Do you have a single vanity that you absolutely love? Any thoughts or small bathroom inspiration would be awesome.


Thanks!


Comments (8)

  • 3 years ago

    Is this the only bathroom in the house?

  • 3 years ago

    Do you already have all those fixtures in the existing room, or is this what you want to fit in the new bathroom?

    A bathroom isn't really the first DIY someone should tackle.

    ... I know the saying is 'just remember s#!& always run downhil' But there is an art to plumbing.

    I'd leave all the plumbing where it is and just make cosmetic improvements.

    That is difficult enough.

  • 3 years ago

    @sheloveslayouts yes and no. We share a townhouse with family, so there's a communal bathroom on the bottom (shared) floor, but this is the only one on our floor, if that makes sense.


    @Lyn Nielson there is a toilet, bathtub, and sink all in the positions on the first rendering. So definitely planning to leave the plumbing as is for the sink and bathtub and just replace fixtures; if we moved the toilet, we would have that done by a professional for sure!

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Below is a drawing of our en suite bathroom. I suspect its just as frustrating as your current layout. Theres really no room for shelves unless you put some above the toilet (where we have a window).

    Moving a toilet waste line is a pretty major project and i dont think the cost is worth any perceptible benefit.

    I’d consider investing my money in opening up the skylight and replacing the tall cabinet with an extended countertop that has shelving below.


  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    ^^ i agree and would leave the toilet location alone, it will REALLY simplify the project


  • 3 years ago

    I have remodeled four full bathrooms and two powder rooms. We only moved the toilet once, and that was just nine inches from one joist compartment to the next. So one thing I will say is that if you don't have an open ceiling under the bath so you can't see the way the joists are laid out, you won't know if you can move the waste pipe until the bathroom is demolished and you can open up the floor. Even a professional plumber can't put a waste pipe where there is a joist. Or to put it another way - they shouldn't. I do think moving the toilet would make the layout better, but maybe there is a reason it is where it is now.


    As for the tub size, you know what you have now. How does it compare to the one you're looking at? Are they the same size? I put a slightly larger tub into a small bath in our previous house and wished I hadn't. Every inch matters when you're short on space. Also think about the depth. Deeper tubs are great for a nice soak, but if you have children they might be too deep (for reaching in to help a child wash) and if you're mostly using it for showers you have to step over the additional height all the time. Only you know what is most suitable for you.


    As for the DIY, the last bathroom DH did partially on his own because he's retired now and has above average DIY skills. He still had a plumber move the pipes that had to be moved and a tile setter come in. He did the drywall work, electrical and installed the fixtures (plumbing hook ups, vanity and medicine cabinets installation). The most important thing in DIY is being realistic about your own abilities and time available. If your husband has a day job you could be waiting a long time for this bathroom to be finished. If he has never done tile work before ask yourself if you want him to learn on this bathroom. You might be able to save yourself some disagreements if you have a professional do the tiling.

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    You need to look at the building code for your area. There are minimum requirements for width space for toilets and space in front of a toilet. These codes are in place for many reasons including safety. If you start rearranging a room you may end up with issues as you will be responsible to bring it to current code. Just food for thought.

  • PRO
    3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    IMO if you have 4'11' you do not have space for a 60" tub simple measuring will confirm that. Do you plan to have a shower with the tub or jsta tub? I know lots of people here hate the toilet on view It is not ideal where it is but moving a toilet is big deal. I have no clue as to the style of house and if you hav access to the plumbing from below? I like very simple stuff in a bathroom. I like 12 x24 porcelai tile for both bathroon floors and showrs or tub surrounds a plain color ar ver litle veining all in the same paettern wehn islaled, I like one piece toilet, low profile in white like the tub shoud be , A good vanity that gives you good storage I love Godmorgon high gloss white with sink from IKEA then you can choose a nice wall color some accessories you need in a color and I usually like a stack of white fluffy towels I use a train type towel rack and it goes above my toilet in a tiny bathroom.