Fort Dodge, IA on Aug 16, 2011

Husband and I are preparing for a complete bathroom remodel.

Would love to hear any of your advise or help you may have to share before we get into the project!! Like "remember to..." and "don't forget to get..." With all of this planning I am sure we are forgetting SOMETHING!!:)

16 Comments

Yamini LEED AP at Urbanmo... Duluth, GA

Melissa, What ever the plan is, try and work with existing plumbing, shifting plumbing will add to your expense. The first and foremost thing is to get a permit. Are you doing the work yourself or will you be hiring a contractor? If the you are hiring out and the contractor requests you to get the permit, then he may not be licensed. Make sure you have referrals when you are hiring somebody to do the work, also make sure he is licensed and insured. ...»

Now is a good time add that extra exhaust you've always wanted.
Are you thinking of a walk-in shower? It may be a good idea since this is the trend now(not sure what your age group is) but you will be happy converting the tub/Jacuzzi into a walk-in shower in the future for sure.
Keep your budget in mind always, there will be a temptation to splurge on accessories but remind yourself, that you need to also get a good ROI in this remodel.
Here are a few links of bathroom remodels to kick start the your project - http://tinyurl.com/3pbprg2
ENJOY!

on Aug 16, 2011 · Like 1
James A Roswell, GA

I've seen many start a bath remodel and get tired and quit before finished. Resolve to complete all phases to the very end. If you leave one quarter round off, you'll see it every time you walk in the bathroom. I always admired Anthony's work, check it out, http://www.hometalk.com/member/pstvois3s8

on Aug 16, 2011 · Like 1
Melissa A Fort Dodge, IA

@YaminiM-Thanks so much for your input! We are planning on doing ALL of the work ourselves, besides the plumbing. We are going to have a plumber come in to replace the original waste pipe over to PVC while we have all of the walls open!!:) Plumbing is the only thing we don't have friends or family who can help with. We are going with the original look of our 1912 house and doing the whole black and white subway tile with pedestal sink, acrylic clawfoot tub and all of those beautiful ...»
fixtures:)
http://adayinthelifeofanayala.blogspot.com/
Check out my blog to see the sneak peek into what we've picked up for the bathroom:) We knew we were going to be remodeling, and so not have such sticker shock, we have been buying piece by piece for our bathroom(s). Our home is a 2 story and the bathrooms are in the same area so we're gutting both of them. We have a nice plan set out right now with a good schedule and we will be demo'ing the 7 days before our week off for vacation. We plan on demo being a weekend 2-3 days and we will have the plumber scheduled to be there the week before we go on vaca and so the week we're home, its all in on putting that bathroom back together!!! Do we need to get a permit if we are planning all of the work ourselves?? What are the pros/cons of getting a permit? I know my parents did their bathroom last year without a permit...

on Aug 16, 2011 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

A couple of simple things to keep in mind...with a home that is nearly 100 years old...
.
Plan for the unexpected
Keep an open mind and be willing to adjust your plan when unexpected things come up...they will.
. ...»

most important...keep a happy attitude...and have fun with it.

on Aug 16, 2011 · Like 0
Yamini LEED AP at Urbanmo... Duluth, GA

@Melissa, I love your blog and so happy to hear you are continuing with the same style, I'll follow and read more about your updates.
Good Luck with the project!

on Aug 16, 2011 · Like 0
Kelley M Swanquarter, NC

Completely agree with James' advice - our upstairs bathroom has not had a vanity for months! Be sure to have the time, money, planning (and energy!) to follow through completely! Good luck! I love the inspiration you've found so far!

on Aug 16, 2011 · Like 0
Melissa A Fort Dodge, IA

kelley-The blog not only is the inspiration but the actual photos of items we have already purchased. We started buying pieces for this bathroom remodel back in April!! We didnt want to be overwhelmed with the price of buying everything at once, so it's been piece by piece for the last few months:) Sure, we've got plywood and sheetrock in our dining room, vanities in our kitchen and spare bedroom, sinks in the spare room and tile in the stairwell...but we will hopefully be prepared when ...»
the actual project comes closer:) Calling today to schedule the plumber to come! Also scheduling for the dumpster!! I am very nervous/anxious! We've done projects before, but the one full bathroom is our only shower! So having a makeshift shower in the basement will be a pain for a little while!:) I am totally confident that with planning we can tackle this project in a short amount of time:)Then again I look at my parents who finished their bathroom TODAY after 7 years of no trim or finishing touches!! HAHA I can PROMISE that will NOT happen here!!:)At least, not if I can help it!!!

on Aug 16, 2011 · Like 0
Yamini LEED AP at Urbanmo... Duluth, GA

Melissa, don't forget to document your project in form of picture here on Hometalk as well. It will be a nice tutorial for all the members.

on Aug 16, 2011 · Like 0
Kevin M. Veler, Law Offic... Alpharetta, GA

From the paperwork side, be sure to pull permits as required and get inspections. Having those inspections will help assure future purchasers. Take lots of photos of all the open walls and pipes. You would be amazed how quickly you forget what is behind the wall and where and having photos can help you locate possible problems in the future or eliminate problems (especially if you have outside people who come in to do a "fix").

on Aug 16, 2011 · Like 0
Harold M Franklin, NC

Not only upgrade plumbing, but electric. Install GFI's unless the bathroom is on a GFI protected circuit breaker. I really like ceramic tile for bathroom floors also. If you do this, make sure you put cement board down and screw it well (every 6") in to the subfloor so it doesn;t move around. Post photos as you progress

on Aug 16, 2011 · Like 1
Kelley M Swanquarter, NC

That's even better than inspiration!! I love the tub...I dream of having one of those someday. It seems like you already have everything together, so I'm sure it will all come together. On the other hand, I started ripping out flooring and vanities without a plan of what to put back in!! Got a little ahead of myself...lesson learned though! Hopefully I'll find something soon. Can't wait to see how your project turns out!

on Aug 16, 2011 · Like 0
Terry Haas Charleston, SC

Just try to have fun. Also, search out your product choices ahead of time and see how you can do on the bargain end. Habitat for Humanity Re-stores are great for cool ideas.

on Aug 17, 2011 · Like 0
Melissa A Fort Dodge, IA

Terry-what a pleasure it is for me to see you commenting on my posts:) In my house, you're a celeb:) ReStores are amazing-although I find you have to visit often to find one of those "can't live without it" deals!! I am all about antiques, garage sales, 2nd hand stores, anywhere that allows me to save a buck or two:)

on Aug 17, 2011 · Like 0
Dan's of Central Florida,... Clermont, FL

I advise against using any sort of wood flooring in a bathroom, tile is a much better choice. Also, fix any small mistakes as soon as you notice them, even small cosmetic flaws. While most other people will never notice it, believe me, your attention will always seem to gravitate straight to the minor flaw every time you go in there...

on Aug 18, 2011 · Like 1
Terry Haas Charleston, SC

Melissa you are very sweet! I thank you for the kind words and I am glad I could help!
Please keep me posted.

on Aug 22, 2011 · Like 0
Melissa A Fort Dodge, IA

Check out the NEW photos of the faucet for our 2nd floor bathroom!!

on Aug 24, 2011 · Like 1