Replies

1. 
   obeeswax | Apr 05, 2023 08:55am | #1

   We bought a new house and ended up with a total remodel of the master bath. The shower was very small, think RV size, the old jacuzzi tub leaked and we knew that had to be replaced. We didn’t know the toilet wasn’t properly plumbed for the tile and it had leaked between the subfloor and the tile. We didn’t know the shower had leaked and not only rotted out part of the subfloor but it wasn’t even framed correctly underneath. It was a mess and really overwhelming.

   The first thing we did was consider our age and that this is the last home we will live in. We tried to prepare for any issues that may arise when we reach our 70’s and 80’s by basing what we needed on what our parents needed when they were in that age range.

   We knew there were a couple of things we wanted from the beginning - a new soaking tub no frills, just a deep tub and it fit the same footprint of the old tub. We also knew we wanted a full skirted toilet so we didn’t have the hassle of cleaning around the sides and bottom. It also has a bidet and needed to have an outlet for it to work. Our contractor was trying to get us the regular type and we suggested he wasn’t the one who cleaned toilets at home😂. His wife loves it btw!

   The toilet was relocated to where the little shower was, the shower was relocated to the other side where the toilet was. This meant tearing out the small closet inside the bathroom. The two existing sinks remained in place but with new sinks and granite countertops. The fixtures went from shiny brass to satin nickel. We had a new tile floor installed as well.

   I would start with a floor layout. Do you need to keep the same footprint or are you expanding it thus the need to tear out walls? Are you keeping the plumbing fixtures in the same place or relocating them as we did? We were fortunate that our new house is part crawlspace where the master bath is, our old house was on a slab and everything had to be kept where the plumbing was already existing. You can use templates of your plumbing fixtures and move them around in the square foot dimensions of your bath.

   Once you determine where the toilet, sink, etc will be, then decide on what type of fixtures you want in shower heads, faucets. Move from the plumbing to the electrical - size of bathroom fan, different lighting, timer switch, etc. Decide what type of flooring you want and if you want it heated. Make a list of everything and stick to it whether you hire someone or diy. An important consideration is if you are going to install grab bars and where those will be located as they require bracing behind them usually. My biggest mistake was not asking for different wall enclosure for the shower. It came with this little spit of a handrail which works but not what I wanted. Apparently it cannot have a bigger handrail installed inside due to the way it is made. Also be clear on location of where you want a handrail or the towel bar, etc. Our contractor was going to put our safety rail up near the controls for the shower head, we wanted it to the back where we would exit to grab a towel. This meant he had to tear out the back of the closet to put in bracing. He didn’t want to use wing its. This all could have been done more easily and less expensive if we had a plan on paper. It also would/should have included bracing for the master closet as he had to tear out the drywall that had been hit by the shower water and was nothing but crumbly black mold. The studs aren’t where I need them for the closet rod supports and my stud finder isn’t doing a good job of locating them apparently. The previous owner had the same problem as none of their supports were in a stud.

   So have a plan and a budget. Give yourself an extra 20% for those things you didn’t know had to be done. Stick to both. Get a full skirted toilet, yes they do cost more, but I promise you, you’re gong to be a happy toilet cleaner!

   Speaking of toilets, make sure you get the right height for yours. Our contractor decided we wanted a comfort height in a certain brand. It would have meant that we wouldn’t have been able to touch the floor with feet flat on it. You need your feet to be flat to help defecate. Do your homework on the height of the toilet and whose going to be using it. Different manufacturers use the same name i.e. comfort height or even ADA compliant but they have different heights for each between them all. It’s a headache all to itself.

2. 
   user-7683413 | Apr 06, 2023 11:27am | #2

   It sounds to me that they had one of those pre made showers fitted stay away from then have a contractor build you a tiled shower or if you are handy enough do it yourself there are many You Tube instuction videos

3. 
   calvin | Apr 07, 2023 04:04pm | #3

   Don’t bother using the original poster’s link.
   Worthless crap.