I want to start with a small remodel

12 years ago

last modified: 12 years ago

I have never attempted any remodel and want to begin with a small project to see if I can stick to a set budget. My under-stair 1/2 bath fits the bill. I would like to run my ideas by others that have experience. I have set a budget of $1000 for the project. I would like to replace sink with either a more attractive pedestal or a single sink vanity, paint the walls and/or add one wall of a statement wallpaper. (by statement wallpaper, I do not mean a mod or bizarre color or print)
Finally, I cannot decide on installing a pocket door or simply replacing current door with a solid wood door. Oh, and also, I need to determine the shape and size of a mirror and side lights. The bath is tiny, 38 1/2" wide by 81" long. I would appreciate any suggestions offered. Thank you.

Featured Answer

hayleydaniels

12 years ago

I assume you're a woman by the name, is that right? If so, are you going to be doing this yourself, or do you have someone else to pitch in and lend a hand. The reason I ask is because I know I don't know how to do the plumbing to disconnect and reconnect plumbing for changing out a sink. Nor am I strong enough to carry a door by myself, and I don't feel comfortable using a saw.

That being said, if I were you, I'd start costing out the items I'm going to need, and don't forget to add about 10% for sales tax plus another 10% for contingencies. I would think $1,000 would easily cover what you want to do if you don't go crazy.

To get an idea of what renovating is like, check out DIY Network's Renovation Realities. It should be on tomorrow and Saturday. Overall it's pretty a pretty accurate portrayal of the frustrations involved in renovating.

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Comments (7)

Katie Gooding
12 years ago
Unless you are thinking of doing the pocket door yourself I think you need to up the budget if you want to add one. Are you planning on doing the work yourself? Do you have experience with plumbing, carpentry ect?
reneebev thanked Katie Gooding
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PRO
Hal Braswell Consulting
12 years ago
Couple of thoughts.

1) when renovated my bath a few years ago, I wanted a pocket door to save space and provide better privacy. Couldn't . The wall on one side of the regular door opening wasn't wide enough--you need 30+ inches of wall for the pocket door to slide into when open. The other side of the door opening had a wall containing lots of wiring, etc., which would have blown budget.

2) my wife wanted a vessel sink. We got a vanity with shaker doors, black granite top, clear glass vessel sink and a single handle faucet. Decent price for the unit. But, the guts if the faucet was plastic, not brass. Replacement parts had to be ordered from Canada, took two weeks to arrive. In meantime had to keep water valve to sink turned off. Third time in 6 years, bought a nice looking quality faucet with brass guts. So whether you get a pedestal sink or whatever, invest in a good faucet from a company such as Kohler. Also make sure faucet doesn't have plastic knobs.
reneebev thanked Hal Braswell Consulting
PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
12 years ago
Be aware that you flooring might not run underneath your current fixtures. If you remove the sink/cabs, you may be in for a bit of a flooring shock. Add in $3 per square foot JUST IN CASE you need flooring for the new sink. Pedestal sinks are beautiful and sleek...but they need their flooring to run underneath their pedestal. If your floor does run underneath...it may be a completely different colour that the "exposed" bathroom floor right next to it. This too will cause flooring head aches.

Be prepared to find a cabinet/sink that has the same "foot print" as what you currently have. This contingency plan will keep you on budget. If you need to replace flooring, you need to add a few hundred dollar extra for the floor.
reneebev thanked Cancork Floor Inc.
PRO
Sue Rosenbaum
12 years ago
I think you should to a little price shopping for the items on your list and then re-evaluate your budget.
reneebev thanked Sue Rosenbaum
PRO
Sue Rosenbaum
12 years ago
If you are wanting to do this yourself, trying to tackle a pocket door is biting off more than you should. I always have my clients add in 20% "what if"
So that unexpected glitches can be overcome relatively easily. Good luck
reneebev thanked Sue Rosenbaum
reneebev
Original Author
12 years ago
I should have prefaced my remarks with the caveat that I plan to use a contractor. My objectives are to (obviously) redo the small bath but also to stay within in a reasonable budget. I want to start small and move on to other areas. The challenge is to renovate to my taste but stay within values of neighborhood. I will use a pro for the kitchen/living area design as that is way above my pay grade. Thank you for your tips.