bathroom reno

I think you are ballpark at $25 if you leave existing tub. You'll have to replace all the drywall probably since removing old tiles will destroy it. Electrical work will up price. Just be sure that if you are making this investment the shower/tub truly is in great shape or it'll look awful surrounded by calcatta marble.

$25k sounds fine. You could prob. do it for $20K if you watch it a little.

I agree with KW about replacing the tub. You're not saving much by not doing the tub, and it might be good to replace the drain, etc.

It's all about the labor, and how fussy your co-op is.

Every person I know who's redone "part" of a bathroom end up doing the whole thing.
It's like chroming a Harley, you do one part, than your eye goes to the next part that needs chrome.
And you most certainly want to not take chances with older drywall,drains,etc. You'll end up really pissed if you put up a 10 year face of a bathroom that has bones to last 5.
You also remove excuses for things that "don't work" by the contractor blaming "older stuff" behind the "newer stuff."
Just my humble O.

Hi Siggy,

If you still need a great tile/bath guy, feel free to contact me at tracy5760@gmail.com. I just had 2 bathrooms renovated and they look great. My friend used the same person for her 3 bedroom/3 bathroom gut renovation. Glass tiles in 2 bathrooms (1 with a very, very complicated design) and coconut tiles on the other bathroom. Beautiful work..I'm sure he could show you photos.. Oh..did I mention that they showed up to work on time everyday? Ha!

Good luck!

I opted to refinish my tub. Didn't wanna have to deal with what was underneath, as well as getting it out. Paid $400 two years ago and still looks great. I gut renovated my bathroom nights and weekends sans tub and toilet for about 3k with pretty nice looking modern pieces and glass tiles. With alot of contractors out of work, depending on the size of your bathroom, I think you can get away with half your estimate. When I started knocking out the tiles, I knew nothing about bathrooms, only what I remember from shop class in HS. Pore through the forums at http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/ I learned a lot from that community and I think it will also help you from getting ripped off. Good luck! :)

diamond, who did you use for the tub refinishing, and what special precautions do you need (e.g. cleaning routine) to follow to keep it looking great?

My [bisque -- gag me] tub is a slightly shorter than standard size, and I don't want to deal with it, but I do want to retile. All white, as far as the eye can see, white and shiny for miles.

bisque, ugh. I'll look through my records and find them. I would definitely recommend them. I forgot the name of the white I chose but it is still very starck bright. There was a smudge that appeared the next day(I wanted it to be perfect if I were paying $400) and they came back and redid it no questions asked. Care - No bleach or chlorine products (I tell girls who sleep over shampoo ONLY, no exceptions) and I use scrubbing bubbles foam cleaner as they suggested.

http://www.customspraying.com/

someone should redo their site!

Thanks, diamond!

When people say it will cost around "25k" is that the all in cost including labor, raw materials and all of the others (toilet, sink, tile, etc)? Thanks.

We did two complete bath renovations UWS. Pulled out master tub, turned into a walk-in shower with obligatory rain head, Italian marble walls/floors, granite vanity top, flush med cabinet. Hall bath re-done with nice subway tiles, Kohler tub, American Standard pedestal sink and can. Parts for both ran $8K, labor around $45K including pocket door, raising ceilings, new kick heater, mirror, towel bars and low voltage lighting. Try Pro-Tone contractors in Roslyn NY, ask for George - he was very easy to work with and came back a year later for touch-ups.

25k would be cutting in very close and not high end.. check out quality tile in the bronx. huge savings and good selection

I have done hundreds of bathrooms, a typical bathroomin Manhattan costs 25-30k. Labor should be around 16k for a good contractor

that leaves about 10k for all the tiles and fixtures. I am partial to Nemo Tile. Very large selection and very good prices. I also like AF plumbing supply for all your fixtures

25K is close; it depends on materials and finishes. www.EastlandKitchenandBath.com