considering a complete make over in bath room but have a few questions I haven't found ansers for as yet.
First I have a modular home and I want to put a LARGE walk-in shower in it and that would have tile, plus want to have tile on floor. The little think about it voice said is this to much weight? do I need to to something special? also wanting to change foot print of the bathroom does this make weight problems for me ? Is it possible to take my ideas to someone and just have them drawn up so they are right, and then I could go and DIY it with assistance? I am ready to listen to ideas as I do not want to have whole bathroom fall to ground underneath ?!?!?!?!
If so...was that resolved?
tile will add some weight, but if the surfaces are properly prepared you should not be too concerned. ...»
If your older "foundation" issues was corrected and enhanced then there should be plenty of support.
These homes are built to withstand trucking on the road. Meaning they are typically very well made. With that in mind, if your planning to take down any walls to make the room larger, you may find it a bit difficult to do. They construct these types of homes with all sorts of bracing etc ...»
If however your planning to use the same foot-print in size for the new bath. The structural capacity should be more then enough to support any changes that you would want to do. Of course you need to keep in mind that if you decide to install a hot tub, that would be different. But a typical bath makeover with new tub, shower etc you should be OK.
As far as going it alone, sure it all depends on your personal ability to take on a task such as this. The demo process may be a bit harder then a stick built home as they tend to glue and screw everything in place. So removal of any finished surfaces may be a bit harder then normal
You really should consider the current locations of the appliances within the bath. Moving plumbing is oftentimes a difficult task for the DIY person as venting, drainage pitch all need to be done correctly in order for things to go away when needed. Modifying plumbing oftentimes can be overwhelming as you end up needing to tear out more areas just for access then your budget may allow. But once you begin you will have to finish or live without the current bath.
You do have the correct idea of getting it designed for you however. Its the best way to determine your budget not only to get a handle on what exactly you want to do is, but to help you get estimates on those areas in which you have no expertise on.
Ideally the typical homeowner can do the demo, to save a bunch of $$. I would find a contractor who would be willing to do the job and have you help by doing things you feel comfortable doing on your own. He or she can set you up show you what you need to do and let you do the current task at hand. Demo, tile, new walls etc
Be prepared to figure about 20% on overage for the job. The estimate is only a guideline. And any contractor will tell you. Be prepared for surprises and extra costs. Because when you try to do things on a budget you either run out of money, or you cut corners to keep the budget, or the job simply stops until you get more cash to finish the project.