Bathroom Remodel Feb 2018

[Huntn]

Day 16- Drywalling the Toilet stall.

3" foam insulation sealed with spray foam.
White vent pipe in middle comes up from
concrete floor.


Drywall​

 

[Huntn]

Two items a must for carrying drywall, especially if you have a bad back and working alone.

Vestil PLDL-LD-2-4PP Lightweight Door and Panel Dolly with Poly on Poly Wheel, 350-lb.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003R7UJFO/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

QLT by Marshalltown Drywall Panel Carrier
https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=marshall+drywall+panel+carrier

​

 

[hayc]

It has begun!! Bathroom messy state is pre-construction prep.
Link to my 2013 Kitchen remodel: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/kitchen-remodel.1579283/

Before:

View attachment 752679

View attachment 752677

View attachment 752680
​

Day 1: Destroy

View attachment 752678
Testing the waters​

Day 2: Destroy

View attachment 752681
Committed​

Maybe this info will be useful for you. Just found a great idea for the washing sink at ( https://homus.org/live-edge-wood-slabs/ ) - it's on the wood slab. There is a part with ideas for bathroom counters - looks cool.

 

[Huntn]

Update on progress soon!
[doublepost=1524070667][/doublepost]

Maybe this info will be useful for you. Just found a great idea for the washing sink at ( https://homus.org/live-edge-wood-slabs/ ) - it's on the wood slab. There is a part with ideas for bathroom counters - looks cool.

Thanks, it looks cool, but my wife would never go for this, she wants granite and under mount sinks.

 

[Huntn]

Day 17-19- Yes by most accounts slow progress. Normally I would not do the toilet stall first, but would do the tile on entire floor, but this was a request from the wife, so I took care to make sure the tile aligned properly to tie in with the tile rug out in the main portion of the bathroom.

Because the tub is a fixed size, I've decided to install it before the shower on the left because I can't change the size of the tub, but I can alter the shower as needed. So I'll do the plumbing, put the drywall and tiling around the tub, and then install it.

Old Stall


New Tile + New Flange


New Toilet


Measuring tile rug (planning stage)


Scoping out how new tub fits into space​

 

[Huntn]

Koehler 331-4M-BN
​

This faucet weighs about 15lb. It’s heavy duty and feels well made. I like it, but I’m not thrilled with Koehler marketing at the moment. Despite having a quality high end product, I don’t like that they sell a $900 tub wall mount faucet, don’t include the two tubes and a bracket that consists of a wall mount kit, that they charge an additional $200 for. This seems to be price gouging. Take a look at what you get for $200:

https://www.us.kohler.com/us/Antique-Wall-mount-adapter-kit/productDetail/product:415833/415833.htm
​

Also I’m not happy when I called them, and asked why the top bracket does not connect snugly with the faucet to support it, then asked what about this small threaded hole in the hole in the back of the faucet where this bracket fits in to? It looks like there should be a set screw to connect it. Their customer service told me there was no set screw for this threaded hole. Since then I went to my local hardware store, and purchased a set screw, and oddly it facilitates connecting these two items together. I’m writing a letter to Kohler describing my displeasure, that I know will have a huge impact.

Separate topic tile and tub- based on the tub pictured in the previous post, I’ve assumed that for a free standing tub, that the floor tile would be run underneath it and it would be sitting on top of the tile, just like the toilet does. Seeking confirmation. I’m not trying to avoid running the tile underneath, but I could butt the tile into this tub fairly easy and make it look good. Just wondering if there would be ramifications? The obvious one would be that if something ever happened to this tub and it had to be replaced, it might be good to have a solid floor of tile underneath.
[doublepost=1524411114][/doublepost]Regarding the old drain to the new drain- Those are about 2’ apart. It was mentioned that the slope between new and old drain should be a minimum of 1/4” per foot. The original drain is pvc. Do they make pvc joints that facilitate such a gradual angle, or would you have to rely on a flexible pipe connection? The pipe comes out of the tub vertically down. A 90 degree joint would not have a slope, so instead, you’d need something like a 110 or 120 degree angle for a junction piece. I don’t remember seeing anything like that at Lowe’s or Home Depot for a rigid pvc junction. But there is always the plumbing supply house to check.

 

[0388631]

We had a contractor order most of our fittings. What's offered to a consumer and a contractor make look identical, but they're different in build quality. If you bought it from a small store or plumbing supply, it'll be the good stuff. More metal inside than junk.

We either had Moen or Kohler prior to our remodel, which I (actually some specialist) had put in during the first remodel. I don't remember the brand we went with on the last remodel but it was an import and expensive. Metal through and through. Could probably club a bear to death with them.

Which reminds me, if you plan on painting, too, go to an individual retailer and buy their premium paint there and not a big box. It's the same price and same model, but they're vastly different, IMO.

 

[Huntn]

We had friends visit for a week, and they infected us. Both the wife and I are sick, taking it easy for the last two days.

 

[Huntn]

View attachment 759280
Koehler 331-4M-BN
​

This faucet weighs about 15lb. It’s heavy duty and feels well made. I like it, but I’m not thrilled with Koehler marketing at the moment. Despite having a quality high end product, I don’t like that they sell a $900 tub wall mount faucet, don’t include the two tubes and a bracket that consists of a wall mount kit, that they charge an additional $200 for. This seems to be price gouging. Take a look at what you get for $200:

View attachment 759278
https://www.us.kohler.com/us/Antique-Wall-mount-adapter-kit/productDetail/product:415833/415833.htm
​

Also I’m not happy when I called them, and asked why the top bracket does not connect snugly with the faucet to support it, then asked what about this small threaded hole in the hole in the back of the faucet where this bracket fits in to? It looks like there should be a set screw to connect it. Their customer service told me there was no set screw for this threaded hole. Since then I went to my local hardware store, and purchased a set screw, and oddly it facilitates connecting these two items together. I’m writing a letter to Kohler describing my displeasure, that I know will have a huge impact.

Separate topic tile and tub- based on the tub pictured in the previous post, I’ve assumed that for a free standing tub, that the floor tile would be run underneath it and it would be sitting on top of the tile, just like the toilet does. Seeking confirmation. I’m not trying to avoid running the tile underneath, but I could butt the tile into this tub fairly easy and make it look good. Just wondering if there would be ramifications? The obvious one would be that if something ever happened to this tub and it had to be replaced, it might be good to have a solid floor of tile underneath.
[doublepost=1524411114][/doublepost]Regarding the old drain to the new drain- Those are about 2’ apart. It was mentioned that the slope between new and old drain should be a minimum of 1/4” per foot. The original drain is pvc. Do they make pvc joints that facilitate such a gradual angle, or would you have to rely on a flexible pipe connection? The pipe comes out of the tub vertically down. A 90 degree joint would not have a slope, so instead, you’d need something like a 110 or 120 degree angle for a junction piece. I don’t remember seeing anything like that at Lowe’s or Home Depot for a rigid pvc junction. But there is always the plumbing supply house to check.

​

My plans for doing a wall mount for the tub faucet have been altered because there is a window next to the tub and there is not enough place to place the faucet above the edge of the tub and still have any wall to mount the top bracket, that it needs for this type of install. I did not figure this out until I had the parts in hand. So I am going to return the $200+ wall mount kit and do a deck mount which does not require a top bracket.

If you look at the picture of the tub above (post 80), you might see how the current ledge sits next to the tub and it’s slightly lower than the tub rim. This was the height of the old tub. I was going to remove the ledge and build the wall up to the window sill level and have a large sill there. But if I do a deck mount, the faucet will set way to high. So instead, I’m going to do a deck mount using the old ledge but raise the faucet high enough so the on/off handles will be above the edge of the tub. Going out today in search of 1/2” NPT threaded (on the ends) riser pipes with a brushed nickel finish. I know the plumbing supply house has them, but I’ll check Lowe’s and Home Depot too. But here is a case where I want heavy duty pipes that can support the weight of this faucet long term.

So, has anyone drilled a hole in marble or tile? This will be the deck material. I’ll need a hole slightly larger than 1/2”. I’m looking at diamond hole saw bits. One video they used a plastic template to hold the drill still while starting the hole. The other question is if the hole is oversized, what would you put in the hole to stabilize the pipes coming through them? Thanks!

 

[Huntn]

A Tip. My wife was looking at Van Gogh Wallpaper at Houzz.com, $189.99 a roll, a real bargain at $159.99. ( 6 rolls = ($959.94)
https://www.houzz.com/product/38393551-17141-van-gogh-wallpaper-roll-transitional-wallpaper

​

...except:
WallPaperWebStore.UK to the rescue!
https://www.wallpaperwebstore.co.uk/van-gogh-2015-17141 currently listed at $43 a roll, I paid $35 a roll + $49 for shipping from the Netherlands to the U.S. via UPS. (6 rolls= $259) Ka-ching!

Admittedly I was a little nervous purchashing from a "web store" based in Europe, not that there is anything wrong with that, just that I don't normally order from Europe, and this paid off big!

Note: this paper is not pre-pasted. I'll have to read up about that, but I assume it's apply paste to wall with a roller before hanging it. But I wonder if the paper itself should be wetted?
[doublepost=1527638559][/doublepost]Progress on Bathroom 29May18:
Finishing up the wall by the tub, new faucet installed. Before placing the rock board on the wall next to the tub, I wanted to make sure the mosaic tile I will install there will fit without too much trouble. I could have put this tile on regular drywall, but the danger is that if you ever spring a leak, the drywall would absorb water and milldew. I'm going to leave a small access panel under the faucet in case it ever had to be replaced, also covered with tile in the pattern, so the tile in the vicinity of the tub will not have to be ripped up to get at it.

​

 

[jeyf]

over time moisture will creep into EVERYTHING in the bathroom. Get an IR motion detector ceiling fan.
If your doing your own tile you might consider getting a small medium size grinder and mount a 3-4" diamond cut wheel on it. They are affordable; $20 at homeDepot and are more versatile than a old fashion wet saw when doing small rooms.

 

[bopajuice]

Love this thread. I too am contemplating a bathroom remodel. I really enjoy walk-in showers. We have the shower with the tub next to it combo as well. We never use the tub.

I have been reluctant to start a new project, I know how this works. A bathroom remodel would lead to a cabinet replacement which would lead to an entire new freestanding cabinet from restoration hardware with a countertop sink and new faucets, which would lead to flooring replacement, which means I might as well replace the entire upstairs flooring and baseboards.

I know how I am. Once I get started there is no turning back. No Rush. Our house is newer, but these projects are always fun, right?

 

[Huntn]

over time moisture will creep into EVERYTHING in the bathroom. Get an IR motion detector ceiling fan.
If your doing your own tile you might consider getting a small medium size grinder and mount a 3-4" diamond cut wheel on it. They are affordable; $20 at homeDepot and are more versatile than a old fashion wet saw when doing small rooms.

I do have a tile saw. I assume you are referencing something hand held?

 

[jeyf]

yes. A wet saw works well for a large project and or may contain toxic dust more better.

 

[old mac]

over time moisture will creep into EVERYTHING in the bathroom. Get an IR motion detector ceiling fan.
If your doing your own tile you might consider getting a small medium size grinder and mount a 3-4" diamond cut wheel on it. They are affordable; $20 at homeDepot and are more versatile than a old fashion wet saw when doing small rooms.

The best diamond wheel, is the Dewalt 4". It usually
cost about $35-$40. A small grinder has its disadvantages. They are loud and very dusty, and not recommended for the limp-wristed.

 

[juanm]

I love remodel threads. https://www.reddit.com/r/DIY/ might have some pointers for you

 

[CPTmom2wp]

Love this thread. I too am contemplating a bathroom remodel. I really enjoy walk-in showers. We have the shower with the tub next to it combo as well. We never use the tub.
I have been reluctant to start a new project, I know how this works. A bathroom remodel would lead to a cabinet replacement which would lead to an entire new freestanding cabinet from restoration hardware with a countertop sink and new faucets, which would lead to flooring replacement, which means I might as well replace the entire upstairs flooring and baseboards.
I know how I am. Once I get started there is no turning back. No Rush. Our house is newer, but these projects are always fun, right?

We always purchased new homes when we moved (10x) our first 15 years of marriage, but just had to buy an historic home (1811) on the river when we moved to our permanent location over 20 years ago. I made the ill informed comment that we could just do one room at a time and that the river view was more than worth a little inconvenience. Yes.....well........

The last remodel of the house had been in 1920 and the house is solid brick (23" thick) with lath and horsehair plaster for walls, so there were steam pipes running up all the first floor walls to the radiators on the second floor, huge radiators in all the rooms, and electrical conduit on the walls with outlets sticking out with multiple extension cords. The kitchen and bathrooms were, well, 1920 vintage (7 layers of linoleum on the kitchen floor). There were 7 closed off fireplaces that had to be redone. There were many, many other challenges and we are still working on the last guest room/fireplace/bathroom and starting over with some updates for previous remodels. It is never ending and a labor of love.
But your words should be carefully considered by anyone undertaking any remodeling project. Any "little" upgrades, like replacing flooring, always lead to the "might as well while we're doing this..." decisions that can easily expand and expand the budget concurrently. These projects are always fun........after they're finished and looking back.......not necessarily in the middle of the mess

 

[jeyf]

... not recommended for the limp-wristed.

well a grinder setup is somewhat un safe from a obvious cut your hand off situation but also the dust... lots of tile is imported from say China. Bet these countries dont have the same EPA requirements.


i got a bathroom project as well
installing a 3/4 size claw foot tub in a 1955 house. doing the drywall today, ug. Keeping the rest of the bathroom tho. 3 layers of flooring in the bathroom.


gets kinda old after a while:
bought this 1955 city house 6yr ago and rented it out. continued living in a rural area but recently sold the farm, excused the tenant and moved into the 1955 house. a buy lo & sell hi scheme, dont think i could have afforded it otherwise. nice to live in the city with some walk-ability. a tank of gas lasts me 2 weeks.

 

[old mac]

well they are somewhat un safe from a obvious cut your hand off situation but also the dust... lots of tile is imported from say China. Bet these countries dont have the same EPA requirements.

You could get a burn from the high RPM grinder, but the diamond blade will not cut you. A wet saw with its low RPM can't hurt you.

 

[jeyf]

very true but either way the tip of the blade is turning very fast. late in the day, your worn out, i have managed to cut myself more than planned.
be careful
guess it depends how much you love your self?

holding both grinder & tile has an odd feel, have you tried it

 

[Huntn]

4 June update- Today taping and spackling the walls in the vicinity of the tub and cabinet/sink wall. I have 6 tasks left.

• Move the tub drain.
• Install the new in-wall valve for and build the shower enclosure.
• Install the cabinets.
• Tile the floor and walls.
• Place the tub.
• Paint and wall paper.

Love this thread. I too am contemplating a bathroom remodel. I really enjoy walk-in showers. We have the shower with the tub next to it combo as well. We never use the tub.

I have been reluctant to start a new project, I know how this works. A bathroom remodel would lead to a cabinet replacement which would lead to an entire new freestanding cabinet from restoration hardware with a countertop sink and new faucets, which would lead to flooring replacement, which means I might as well replace the entire upstairs flooring and baseboards.

I know how I am. Once I get started there is no turning back. No Rush. Our house is newer, but these projects are always fun, right?

They are more fun when no time limits are forced and on you.

 

[0388631]

Another +1 on not working with power tools when you're very tired. I've made that mistake too many times. I'm not sure how common wallpaper is in a bathroom. The common wallpaper I see these days in expensive remodels or homes (even those in the eight figure range) is those unique patterns on solid colors or that weird cloth like one.

I have a small aversion to wallpaper because of how it ages without the upkeep and because I never liked it. The cloth like one is the "in" thing now and it looks decent. It's supposedly a pain in the butt to keep clean and picks up odors fast. I'd rather pay $40-60 a gallon on quality paint and use that. Easier to repaint without spending a week prepping.

I'd look into a matte protection coat if one exists for wallpaper.

I love remodel threads. https://www.reddit.com/r/DIY/ might have some pointers for you

Oh, that's interesting. And here I thought Reddit was a useless pit of idiocy.

 

[juanm]

Another +1 on not working with power tools when you're very tired. I've made that mistake too many times. I'm not sure how common wallpaper is in a bathroom. The common wallpaper I see these days in expensive remodels or homes (even those in the eight figure range) is those unique patterns on solid colors or that weird cloth like one.

I have a small aversion to wallpaper because of how it ages without the upkeep and because I never liked it. The cloth like one is the "in" thing now and it looks decent. It's supposedly a pain in the butt to keep clean and picks up odors fast. I'd rather pay $40-60 a gallon on quality paint and use that. Easier to repaint without spending a week prepping.

I'd look into a matte protection coat if one exists for wallpaper.


Oh, that's interesting. And here I thought Reddit was a useless pit of idiocy.

Well, I once saw a comment that explained Reddit very well. Imagine a building with an infinite amount of rooms, and each room was created to discuss a specific subject.
Some rooms, however, do reek of idiocy such as www.reddit.com/r/the_donald

Pretty much any subject is covered, and if it’s not, you can just create a subreddit for it.

 

[0388631]

Well, I once saw a comment that explained Reddit very well. Imagine a building with an infinite amount of rooms, and each room was created to discuss a specific subject.
Some rooms, however, do reek of idiocy such as www.reddit.com/r/the_donald

Pretty much any subject is covered, and if it’s not, you can just create a subreddit for it.

I used Reddit briefly as a reader back in 2007 or 2008 but didn't like the format. Seemed to stay under the radar until the last few years. I tried it out last year, again, but found it to be awful. Anything that gets too popular for its own good isn't very good.

I was a longtime poster on Gardenweb from the time it started out until it got bought out. I stopped posting once the site attracted ever person under the sun who didn't care to do any research and changed how the site looked.

 

[jeyf]

say you sell your home in 15years
its rough to see the new owner ripping out all your improvements