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I Survived My Own Bathroom Renovation

I Survived My Own Bathroom Renovation, But I was Grouchy I did it! I lived in my apartment in NYC while I renovated the bathrooms. Could a pro manage it better than the average well-informed homeowner? Hum.... As you might expect, being on site made things move along faster. I left the tubs in place, as they we re replaced in the first renovation, and removed the other fixtures to be re-installed later. The Demo Phase--Demo for each bathroom lasted half a day. As expected, even friendly neighbors complained about the noise. I confess that demolishing tile is pretty ear-splitting, no escaping it, but we are talking 1 day! The same neighbor's demo six months earlier went on so long that I planned a vacation to get away from it. My view, therefore—the neighbors will survive the one day of inconvenience. Just as I advise my clients to do, I overcame the contractor’s usual reluctance to remove not only the old tile floor but the old thinset! If you’ve ever seen a bathroom with a saddle at the entry, it is hiding the 1-3 layers of tile beneath it. Clearly someone took a shortcut, followed by the next short cut, and then yet another shortcut. Tile floors are generally very stable as subfloors, but that is no excuse. You shouldn't need a stepstool to get into your bathroom, and the tile should be level with any flooring it abuts. The Construction Phase--The bathroom will look like the worst slum following demo. Picture scarred and torn walls, pitted concrete floors, drain pipes with rags in them. The key at this point is to see that all holes in the walls are filled. Here is your chance to protect your home from unwanted pests that enter through these openings. Let them go elsewhere, perhaps to a neighbor who complained about your noise. ;D The Retiling Phase--Meet with your tiler before the work begins. I always advise starting with the first wall tile aligned with the center of the tub or shower, then working out from that middle tile. The key is to determine in advance where the last tile will finish, as it could be 1-3" on top or at the entry, and that will be unsightly. Make adjustments to the plan before you start. Also, buy rectified tile and overcome the tiler’s resistance to butting them, unless you like scrubbing grout. Remember my blog on how to clean grout? This is your chance to join my "I hate grout club." The Decorating Phase--Don't wait until the tile is finished to buy the paint. You will hold up the whole process. And don't let anyone talk you into high gloss finishes. Eggshell is enough sheen for the walls, and satin is enough for the doors and mouldings. So the downside not yet mentioned-- 1) Constant sneezing and coughing from your significant other. 2) Dry throat, eyes, nose throughout the process, even with constant vacuuming. 3) Dust somehow finding its way under the drop cloths or tarps. 4) Heading for the demolished bathroom at night by accident. 5) Sharing the completed bath with another person who is always in it at the exact moment you need it. Otherwise, it wasn't all that bad.


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