AW: Bathroom remodel.

als1982 · June 2015

This past weekend, we put a deposit down to start the remodel of our one and only bathroom. As we go through this process, I'd love to get everyone's opinions, related to both design and ways we can be as MM as possible.

I'm embarrassed to post it and admit that this is where I've been showering and getting ready for the last six years, but here is a "before" photo. Our house is small right at 1,000 square feet not including an unfinished basement or 2/3s of the attic space (but in a unique desirable area where price per square foot is high), was built in 1951 and maintains many of the details of the era and the cape cod style of the neighborhood.

We've been saving since last fall to pay for this remodel in cash. We were hoping to spend $12,000, but the estimate came in at $13,500, so we'll likely land at around $15,000.

Over the weekend, we started talking layout and design. We are definitely getting rid of the despised pedestal for a vanity, and may end up flip-flopping that with the toilet. Later, I'll post the tile we have in mind. We hope to stay here 3-5 more years, so will want to keep resale in mind as we make our selections.

Xstatic3333 · June 2015

How fun! Nothing to be embarrassed about, but man you must be craving storage space! Do you have a color scheme in mind?

als1982 · June 2015

Xstatic3333 said:
How fun! Nothing to be embarrassed about, but man you must be craving storage space! Do you have a color scheme in mind?

This is the last thing on our pre-baby bucket list. It was either get rid of the rotting window and dingy tub or move before we have kids that need to bathe there.

Yes, we definitely need storage. Right now everything is in a hall closet. Fortunately, we're pretty low maintenance, but even having a medicine cabinet instead of just a mirror is going to be life changing!

And color scheme is white and grey. TN is blocked at work, so I'll have to post swatches from home later.

AprilZ81 · June 2015

WOOHOO!!! We just met with our contractor today to talk about our master bath remodel as well. The rough numbers are more than I wanted but way cheaper than most remodels.

I would strongly suggest switching the layout so the toilet is next to the tub. Having the sink vanity next to the wall allows room for mounted hand towel bar or open shelving. Plus another option for electrical outlets for hair dryers and shavers. That layout also has the added benefit of "hiding" the toilet a little bit so it isn't the first thing you see when you enter.

vlagrl29 · June 2015

How exciting! I remember you posting photos of what it could look like and I'm sure it will be amazing. I am jealous of all of you doing remodels - wish we had the cash now to get hardwood floors in our main level. I want them so bad! I told DH this summer we need to get someone to come out and give us a quote so I know how much we need to save - I'm fine with saving half and financing the other half.

als1982 · June 2015

AprilZ81 said:
WOOHOO!!! We just met with our contractor today to talk about our master bath remodel as well. The rough numbers are more than I wanted but way cheaper than most remodels.

I would strongly suggest switching the layout so the toilet is next to the tub. Having the sink vanity next to the wall allows room for mounted hand towel bar or open shelving. Plus another option for electrical outlets for hair dryers and shavers. That layout also has the added benefit of "hiding" the toilet a little bit so it isn't the first thing you see when you enter.

Great suggestions - thank you!! One thing our contractor suggested was a 'tankless' toilet. I think in theory it sounds like a good idea, but worry about having issues down the road and having to tear out and replace the new drywall should we have any issues.

AprilZ81 · June 2015

By switching the toilet and sink that also gives you a good option of hanging a cabinet above the toilet for clean towels and linens so they are in easy reach of the shower.

jessica490 · June 2015

AprilZ81 said:

By switching the toilet and sink that also gives you a good option of hanging a cabinet above the toilet for clean towels and linens so they are in easy reach of the shower.

**SITB**Agreed. In our condo we had an over the toilet cabinet (floor to ceiling) which help to store washcloths, t.brushes,qtips and some meds. It had glass doors which help to keep everything clean inside

hoffse · June 2015

Another vote for switching the toilet and sink.

Not a huge fan of tankless toilets. It's a particular look, and I personally don't care for it. You're right that it can also cause issues if you need to make a repair. Sheetrock repairs aren't a huge deal, but they make a big dusty mess, and it's just another thing to have to deal with on top of a toilet repair.

I would also go around the room with a stud finder and see if you can mark where the studs are located. Often there is space in between them where you could add a recessed niche. That can add a ton of space for shelving, towels, baskets, etc. without taking up any additional floor space. It looks like all of your plumbing runs along one wall, so you may be able to do that on the opposite wall.

Examples:

http://www.houzz.com/photos/2016136/Napa-Wine-Country-rustic-bathroom-san-francisco

http://www.houzz.com/photos/100368/Thornhill-Reno-traditional-bathroom-other-metro

Same, but built into the shower:

http://www.houzz.com/photos/2370667/Brentwood-Sullivan-Canyon-midcentury-bathroom-los-angeles

als1982 · June 2015

hoffse said:
Another vote for switching the toilet and sink.

Not a huge fan of tankless toilets. It's a particular look, and I personally don't care for it. You're right that it can also cause issues if you need to make a repair. Sheetrock repairs aren't a huge deal, but they make a big dusty mess, and it's just another thing to have to deal with on top of a toilet repair.

I would also go around the room with a stud finder and see if you can mark where the studs are located. Often there is space in between them where you could add a recessed niche. That can add a ton of space for shelving, towels, baskets, etc. without taking up any additional floor space. It looks like all of your plumbing runs along one wall, so you may be able to do that on the opposite wall.

Examples:
http://www.houzz.com/photos/2016136/Napa-Wine-Country-rustic-bathroom-san-francisco

http://www.houzz.com/photos/100368/Thornhill-Reno-traditional-bathroom-other-metro

Same, but built into the shower:
http://www.houzz.com/photos/2370667/Brentwood-Sullivan-Canyon-midcentury-bathroom-los-angeles

We do plan to do a three cube niche in the shower and wanted to do another elsewhere, but that was one thing we cut to save money as the depth of the wall would only really allow for the shelving to be decorative (i.e. not deep enough for towels, only small canisters, etc.)

FirstMate06 · June 2015

Congrats on the renovation!

I agree with switching the toilet and sink as well. Our bathroom looks almost identical to yours (pedestal sink and all) except the toilet is adjacent to the shower. We have a wall cabinet above the toilet, towel bar on the wall next to the sink, and a double towel bar on the blank wall opposite everything. H and I keep whichever towels we're using on the back towel rod and decorative towels on the front rod to keep it looking coordinated.

Please post pics along the way!

short+sassy · June 2015

My one and only bathroom is about the same size as yours, so I feel your pain! I'm looking forward to following your progress. I hope it gives me some inspiration, lol.

I really wanted to put in a pocket door for our bathroom. It's so small the door itself really gets in the way. But, alas, we don't have enough room for a pocket door on either side of the wall.

als1982 · June 2015

short+sassy said:
My one and only bathroom is about the same size as yours, so I feel your pain! I'm looking forward to following your progress. I hope it gives me some inspiration, lol.
I really wanted to put in a pocket door for our bathroom. It's so small the door itself really gets in the way. But, alas, we don't have enough room for a pocket door on either side of the wall.

That is a great idea!! I may have to inquire about that as a possibility.

Erikan73 · June 2015

I would get rid of a having a traditional window there. If you just replace the window you'll continue to have issues with the wood rotting as time goes on. I'm guessing you probably want to keep it for some light in the bathroom. Consider replacing the full size window with maybe two rows of glass block where the top of the window currently is. This way you still get light and privacy. This will add to your cost with the amount of tile you will need though. But in the long run it could actually save you money since you won't have to worry about a rotting window again in a few years. If fenting an an issue consider having a venting fan installed during the process or with the glass block, you can actually have small window that can actually be opened. My parents had that done to allow air in basement. The windows are about 6 inches long & 2-3 inches high & frosted so you still get privacy.

als1982 · June 2015

Erikan73 said:
I would get rid of a having a traditional window there. If you just replace the window you'll continue to have issues with the wood rotting as time goes on. I'm guessing you probably want to keep it for some light in the bathroom. Consider replacing the full size window with maybe two rows of glass block where the top of the window currently is. This way you still get light and privacy. This will add to your cost with the amount of tile you will need though. But in the long run it could actually save you money since you won't have to worry about a rotting window again in a few years. If fenting an an issue consider having a venting fan installed during the process or with the glass block, you can actually have small window that can actually be opened. My parents had that done to allow air in basement. The windows are about 6 inches long & 2-3 inches high & frosted so you still get privacy.

We are definitely getting rid of the window. The plan is to put a long skinny one about six feet up.

lifeonthehill · June 2015

You will be so happy to see that window go. How awkward!

Good luck!

dragonstarjk · June 2015

short+sassy said:

My one and only bathroom is about the same size as yours, so I feel your pain! I'm looking forward to following your progress. I hope it gives me some inspiration, lol.
I really wanted to put in a pocket door for our bathroom. It's so small the door itself really gets in the way. But, alas, we don't have enough room for a pocket door on either side of the wall.

We put a pocket door in when we remodeled our tiny bathroom, and it really has made a HUGE difference having the entire floor space dedicated to the room! I would definitely recommend it to anybody with a small bathroom if you have enough wall space for the door to slide into.

als1982 · June 2015

Here is the tile we're considering. We're leaning toward the white hex on the floor with a dark grout and the grey subway in the shower with a light grout. Walls will be the lightest grey swatch and the vanity will be a few shades lighter than the darkest swatch with a cararra marble top.

AprilZ81 · June 2015

Those colors are so nice @als1982 !!! Make sure that grout gets multiple coats of sealer to protect it from staining and mildew. Scrubbing grout isn't fun!

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