Bathroom Remodel

<p>Has anyone remodeled a hall bath? From what I can gather its going to run between 11k-15k? That seems really high to me. We will not be doing any of the work ourselves, and this would not require a reconfiguration. We just want new double vanity, floor, tile,toilet and tub.</p>

<p>Several years ago I got an estimate for my hall bath. My contractor - who has done all the work on my house - estimated $15K without replacing the tub. No reconfiguration, either. </p>

<p>We are doing a remodel of the master bath in the condo that we just purchased. We are removing the tub, enlarging the shower into a dream shower, replacing the vanity and all tile and lighting–and it is a lot more money than we had hoped. </p>

<p>But our thought is that if we don’t do it the way we want it, it is not something that we can just change up a year from now–and as it is something we use every day, we want to do it the way we want it without making too many compromises.</p>

<p>Doing our master bath right now (day 7) and I’m appalled at the MESS! The dust from the drywall is covering every horizontal surface at my house. I should have wrapped all my clothes in plastic before they started - I will need to wash every piece of clothing in the master closet after it’s over! If I could start over I would cover things myself - the mess is MUCH worse than I expected.</p>

<p>A friend remodeled her mini bath (it’s a full bath, but measures out at 8’ x 6’), and ordered all of her tile online, saving a small fortune (most places will send samples and she got free shipping and no tax) - she also purchased and had shipped (no shipping charges) her new toilet, sink, and fixtures. The initial estimate from her contractor was $13.7k but because she had done all this the final bill was just over $10k - her contractor built in a premium for ordering/picking up those other items. She pulled the tub completely opting for a walk in shower with a bench - she was thinking of the “future” when stepping into a bath might be too difficult (she intends to be there forever) - the remodel took 3 weeks but is really lovely. </p>

<p>Partyof5, you are getting new EVERYTHING in that bathroom, and someone else is doing the work. Not only do they need to get and put in the new stuff, they also need to demolish and get rid of the old stuff. Your estimate sounds about right to me.</p>

<p>We are redoing our powder room…half bath. What I have learned from awful experience. Have EVERY THINGin your home before demo. This includes flooring, vanity, faucets, paint, moldings, lights…mirrors…everything. . We live in an area where the upcharges are always figured into remodeling. Let me tell you people…your contractors are REALLY expensive. We did the master bath, keeping the tub but nothing else (most of it custom) for 6500. We used a regular contractor for the latter We didn’t move anything. I will say upfront that our powder room is being done by family friends who are contractorsn who don’t do small jobs…The workers are being paid their full time wages…cost of vanity (custom, marble top) and marble floors…vanity is $699…retail is 2500. Know your prices and don’t be afraid of open box samples. (oh, check every tile first to make sure you don’t have lots of chipped pieces. This powerroom will come in at !600…including everything. </p>

<p>Thanks everyone. Ive had two contractors come out today, the first quoted me 14k, which of course would vary depending on the vanity, tub, etc. I guess I should try to order some things myself, which would cut down on the cost. With two kids in college, I need this to be as reasonable as possible. The problem is, I have absolutely no vision, artistic ability…I am a number cruncher. So I know once I start relying on their designers, etc, the cost goes up.</p>

<p>Also, what type of tile is normally used for bathroom flooring? Or should I say, whats the trend today?</p>

<p>I started looking for ideas on the HGTV web site. There is a section called “Rate My Space”.
<a href=“http://www.roomzaar.com/rate-my-space/multigallery.esi”>http://www.roomzaar.com/rate-my-space/multigallery.esi&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>It has lots of ideas you can copy. I bought my own fixtures and tile and did my own painting once everything was installed. While my bathroom was only a half bath, I’m sure I didn’t spend more than $5,000. *</p>

<ul>
<li>I do live in an inexpensive area.</li>
</ul>

<p>^^Anything that would not be slippery when wet! </p>

<p>Honed marble, tile, slate…I wouldn’t use wood or carpet. I would however buy a few magazines…and remember to factor in where you live. (ex: we don’t need floor heaters you may.</p>

<p>If you like the look of wood, they now make “wood plank” tiles. They were on display last time I was at Home Depot and were quite reasonably priced.</p>

<p>I would go with stone tiles for a bathroom. Go to a tile store and look around. The sales people would be happy to help you figure out what you need and they are usually knowledgeable. I have no design sense and I found the folks at tile stores were really good at colors/mixing and matching, etc. There are also specialty stores (not Home Depot of Lowes) that have vanities and toilets and other bathroom/plumbing fixtures. That would be a great place to go for ideas if there is one in your area. </p>

<p>Hmm…I know I’m not spelling this right…but is it traveline? Something like that. It’s a tile sort of. I’ve seen it in more than one bathroom, and it will be my next bathroom floor!</p>

<p>travertine </p>

<p>Yes! That’s it! And it will be my next flooring. I will replace all the current ceramic tile with it.</p>

<p>Partyof5, where are you located? I’ll come help. :)</p>

<p>OK, I’m going to chime in here. I do renovations for a living and there is no way that a powder room remodel should be $14,000. </p>

<p>Go to Home Depot and look at the vanities that are in stock. There are some very cute small vanities (assuming you need small). If you are going for a modern look in the bathroom, choose 12 x 24 rectangular floor tiles. Another favorite is the 20x20 Silk Road porcelain tile at Lowe’s. This tile has a gorgeous texture and people just rave when I install it in kitchens and baths.</p>

<p>It’s not clear if you are doing a shower also.<br>
If you need shower tile, look at Lowe’s also for 12 x 24 and some gorgeous glass inset tiles. Look at their displays and see if there is anything that you love. </p>

<p>You can save money by getting your own vanity, your own fixtures and lighting and your own tile </p>

<p>Then you need to change your approach to the contractors. You say… here is the vanity, fixtures and tile I want (even better if you have it all in your garage)… how much to install all this? </p>

<p>You may not be able to purchase your tile until the contractor gives you the measurements and amount of square feet you need.</p>

<p>I would never depend on a contractor to select design items for you… the majority have the worst taste in the world and they will just go get something that is easy for them to install and they are familiar with.</p>

<p>Look through Houzz.com for powder room and note the styles you like, then go to Home Depot and see if you can get a vanity that is the same style.</p>

<p>Lowe’s is better for lighting choices. Also, you can find gorgeous lighting at Overstock.com.</p>