quick and dirty bathroom floor advice needed
Clients want to redo their small (64 ft2) bathroom, including rock repair, paint and flooring. They have only one bathroom therefore speed is of the essence. Though they are hardy folk and don’t mind the occasional trip to the woods, this project can’t last more than a weekend. Also this is s side job and I can’t afford to have it spill into my regular work week.
Current flooring is 12″ vinyl tile over, I believe, regular plywood (perhaps underlayment grade). Because of a profusely-sweating toilet, the tiles around that area are essentially just sitting there, no adhesion left, on badly-blackened (though apparently still sound) wood. I believe tiles are out of the question because of prohibitive expense and time involved (I’m a very occasional tile layer, read slow) which leaves only vinyl and laminate. I should add that my experience with the aforementioned is minimal, though I have replaced a vinyl tile or two. My flooring experience such as it is is primarily with hardwood and not yet have I done a laminate job.
A few things to consider:
-bathroom is windowless and replacement ceiling fan I just installed is vented, get this, into their soffet, a run of maybe four feet. Bathroom is located between the two floor levels, halfway up the stairs. Oh yeah.
-a clawfoot tub will have to be removed, as well as toilet and pedestal sink.
– preliminarily, I plan to insulate their toilet tank with a kit from Loew’s and let the floor dry out while bare of tile before any installation happens
Replies
Rent a Portapotty.
Expect that the plumbing will be recalcitrant. Particularly the water. Shutoffs won't work, nipples will refuse to budge, etc. And there's no telling what you'll find under the toilet -- likely just a lead pipe, maybe a flange if you're lucky.
The toilet was likely sweating so much because the flush valve was leaking continuously.
It will take several days for the floor to dry.
Unless you have five arms I'm doubting you can lay regular linoleum by yourself. Maybe the lightweight stuff.
Just Say "NO"
As in: no sidework!
The remodel you describe .... I have seen it performed many times in three days. You have a job - let the customer hire a real contractor!
There's really no short-cut. You need to completely remove everything, fix the joists, place the new sub-floor, put it all back together.. Pay particular attention to where joists have been carved by the plumber or rotted by moisture.
There's nothing 'wrong' with sheet vinyl in a bath- especially when you cover the ENTIRE floor with a single sheet, BEFORE placing the tub, shower, and toilet down. Covering the entire floor saves time and protects against leaks. Vinyl is a lot faster than tile.
Otherwise .... have them stay in a hotel. I mean, what's a couple hundred $$$ in a bath remodel? The toilet alone costs that much.