DEAR TIM: A bathroom remodeling project is at the top of my
list for things to be done in a home I just purchased. I would like to change
the layout of the plumbing fixtures. Is this possible, or am I forced to stay
with the current layout? I plan to install granite wall tiles and flooring. How
long will I be without a bathroom? Is there a way to speed up the remodeling
process? Wendy D., Norcross, GA
DEAR WENDY: Bathroom remodeling is a popular project for
people who buy existing homes. I think one of the reasons rests in the fact that
people want to pamper themselves, and feel very comfortable while they are
concentrating on personal hygiene. Remodeling bathrooms also makes good
financial sense. Installing high-quality products in a bathroom will produce a
handsome return on investment as buyers of homes desire well-appointed bathrooms
that sport natural stone, gleaming tile, decorative faucets and sleek plumbing
fixtures.
You can almost always change the layout of plumbing fixtures within a
bathroom. Often the biggest obstacle is the doorway into the bathroom. If you
are able to relocate the doorway or even move it slightly left or right from its
current position, your new floor plan options increase dramatically. There are
many highly-trained bathroom designers that can help you explore all of your
possibilities.
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| This bathroom has been stripped to the studs. Plumbing pipes must be moved and new electric wires installed because the sink and tub are being relocated within the room. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter |
Once you determine that it is possible from the design
perspective to move the fixtures, you then need to study the physical and
building code barriers that hinder the movement of plumbing drain and water
supply lines. The plumbing code is very strict, and both the drainage and
venting pipes must be installed so your plumbing system meets minimum code
requirements.
There are structural issues to address and the building code speaks to these
important structural challenges. Within the text of the building code you will
discover very strict guidelines with respect to notching, drilling, boring
through and altering wooden floor joists. If your bathroom is built on top of a
wooden floor system, you must pay very close attention to these code issues. If
your bathroom is built on a concrete slab that rests directly on soil, these
issues do not apply as you can remove the slab and place piping wherever you
like.
If you are able to move your plumbing fixtures to the places you desire, this
tells me that your bathroom remodeling job is one that requires the most time
and resources. Since every job is different, you might expect the job to
breakdown in this fashion:
- Demolition - Two Days
- Rough Carpentry Modifications - One Day
- Rough Plumbing - Two Days
- Electrical Work - One Day
- Insulation and Hang Drywall - One Day
- Finish Drywall - Two Days
- Install Granite on Walls and Floors and Grout - Three Days
- Install Cabinets, Tops, Toilet, Faucet - Two Days
- Painting and Wallpapering - Two Days
- Miscellaneous Contingency - Two Days
The above schedule shows your bathroom may be out of service for about 18
work days. The schedule can be significantly reduced if you hire a
multi-talented individual or company that can multi-task and work ten-hour days.
You can shave a day or two off the drywall phase if you use rapid-setting joint
compound, and tape the drywall seams moments after the drywall is fastened to
the walls and ceilings.
The key to getting your new bathroom completed as fast as possible is to
stage all of the materials at your home before the job starts. Make sure every
item is free of defects, the right size and you have every single piece of
material you need. The only challenge at that point will be the labor to install
the materials and fixtures, and getting timely building inspections.
Before hiring a contractor to remodel a bathroom, be sure to discuss all of
the temporary arrangements so you can still live in your home as the remodeling
work progresses. It is not hard to set up temporary showers in basements or
garages. I know as I have done it for customers.
The biggest concern is always toilet facilities, as some smaller homes only
have one toilet in the entire house. If this is the case at your home, you may
have to rely on a portable toilet that sits outside. Be sure your local zoning
codes allow this before you order one to be delivered.
Make sure that you know how to operate the primary water shut-off valve in
your home and that it works. Accidents happen and a leak may develop in a water
supply line at the end of a work day. You need to monitor the water supply lines
after modifications have been made to ensure they are leakproof. If you see a
leak, you must shut off the water immediately.
