In an effort to provide some context to everyone on here wondering about bathroom renovations, I thought I’d detail my experience. We were able to complete the work in 8 business days for about $10k- this includes supplies and labor. Our bathroom was a typical crappy, yet functional, 5’x8’ unit common in the city. Tile was cheap white subway, and fixtures were the $30 specials (we bought a sponsor... [more]
In an effort to provide some context to everyone on here wondering about bathroom renovations, I thought I’d detail my experience. We were able to complete the work in 8 business days for about $10k- this includes supplies and labor.
Our bathroom was a typical crappy, yet functional, 5’x8’ unit common in the city. Tile was cheap white subway, and fixtures were the $30 specials (we bought a sponsor unit). The work we had done included: (1) retiling the entire floor, and up to the 5” mark on the wall; (2) Installation of new vanity, medicine cabinet, towel bar, etc; (3) new shower fixtures (this necessitated changing the shower body, which added to the total cost); (4) Installation of a sliding glass door on the tub and construction of a new wall (with storage niche) at the base of the tub to close it off. All three shower walls were tiled to almost the ceiling; (5) walls were re-plastered (since they weren’t straight) and painted; (6) the paint on the steam pipe that ran vertically though our bathroom was stripped and the pipe was repainted.
The tile we used was mostly porcelain, 12 x 24, with the back shower wall covered in a glass subway tile.
Most of the cost came for the labor since we used one of the more expensive contractors we spoke to. But this proved very much worth it, as they were very communicative and worked through problems.
Among the lessons learned were that it definitely pays to shop around for supplies. We bought the exact same tile we found in a boutique Manhattan store for about 40% less from a place out in the boonies of Brooklyn. Our vanity, which the contractor though cost around $1500, was only $400.
It would have been very easy to bring down the overall cost by $3-4k had we decided to tile less of the wall (and opted for paint), not closed off the tub, and avoided switching out the shower body. I think this would reduced the need for a skilled contractor, as well.
Many thanks to those on this board who offered very useful advice. Next step, sometime next year, is to tackle the kitchen.
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Response by kharby2
about 14 years ago
Posts: 279
Member since: Oct 2009
Thank you for this, I have renovations planned. Our bath is original, meaning 60+ years old, and needs all.
Questions:
1. You decided not to replace the tub? Did they tile around it without damaging the tub?
2. Do you have counter top material on your vanity? If so what kind? Or did you choose a sink to avoid it?
3. If this was in Manhattan, would you mind recommending your contractor? I would really appreciate the name, thank you.
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Response by seaver69
about 14 years ago
Posts: 40
Member since: Dec 2010
1) Yes and yes. Replacing the tub would've resulted in a few thousand in extra cost (and Mr Clean makes a product that makes it look as good as new anyway). The caulking looked like crap before the job. Tiling now looks great with no damage.
2) Not exactly sure of terminology, but the vanity was one piece (so no additional counter top). The sink was built in. Does that make sense?
3) UCE Renovation. It was Manhattan. If you wind up using them, please tell them about the post- they'll know exactly which job I'm referencing.
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Response by hofo
about 14 years ago
Posts: 453
Member since: Sep 2008
How did you managed to get the tub to look white or clean again? Or was it not that bad so you decided to keep the tub as it? Thanks
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Response by grunty
about 14 years ago
Posts: 311
Member since: Mar 2007
Wow. Am doing similar changes. Can you post pics?
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Response by seaver69
about 14 years ago
Posts: 40
Member since: Dec 2010
Mr Clean Magic Eraser Bath Scrubber. At the risk of sounding slightly overenthusiastic, this thing works miracles. There were a bunch of reddish stains no amount of bleach, etc could get out. Fiance' was insistent on, at a minimum, re-glazing, but this totally did the trick. I think it's safe to say that no heterosexual male will ever again be this excited about cleaning supplies.
I don't think you can post pics on the site, but I'd be happy to email.
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Response by uptowngal
about 14 years ago
Posts: 631
Member since: Sep 2006
Seaver, can you post the name of the tile place in Brooklyn, and where you found your vanity? thx!
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Response by switel
about 14 years ago
Posts: 303
Member since: Jan 2007
Hi Seaver, what was the price that you have received for only re-glazing?
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Response by kharby2
about 14 years ago
Posts: 279
Member since: Oct 2009
Wow. My tub is in great shape for its age, I love the idea of leaving it. Sounds like the new tile work doesn't have to destroy the old tub after all!
PS I just bought the Mr Clean, thanks so much for the tip
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Response by Primer05
about 14 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
Kfarby2,
The new tile work should not damage the tub. The demo of the existing tiles is another story. The tub needs to be protected. Make that clear to whoever you are hiring
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Response by seaver69
about 14 years ago
Posts: 40
Member since: Dec 2010
http://www.classictileny.com/ I used their Brooklyn showroom. While they have a great selection, we found the porcelain tile we wound up using in a much more expensive mid-townish location, and showed these guys a sample. They got us the exact same tile for a lot less.
The vanity came from here: http://www.decorplanet.com/locator-a/133.htm We found what we wanted at one of their showrooms, and then ordered via the website. I would definitely recommend seeing whatever you're going to get in person.
We weren't quoted an exact price for just re-glazing, but were told in the range of "a few hundred".
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Response by bramstar
about 14 years ago
Posts: 1909
Member since: May 2008
Reglazing a tub is generally in the range of $300 to $450 in my experience. Think twice before doing it, though, as it will generally need to be reglazed every few years depending on wear and tear.
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Response by Primer05
about 14 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
I think it is very important to know that there are many tiles that look the same. That does not mean they are the same quality.
You can find a marble tile at Home Depot that you can find on Park avenue. They look exactly the same but one is far better then the other.
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Response by FreebirdNYC
about 14 years ago
Posts: 337
Member since: Jun 2007
Primer - what's better about them? Durability?
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Response by Primer05
about 14 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
FreebirdNYC,
For the most part yes. Glass tile can pop after a while, if there is stress the tiles can crack
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Response by angray
about 14 years ago
Posts: 103
Member since: Sep 2011
Thanks seaver69 for this recap. I wanted to ask you what was the breakdown of the 10k (i.e. labor, tiles, shower fixture). Thanks
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Response by seaver69
about 14 years ago
Posts: 40
Member since: Dec 2010
Sure- all costs approximate (works out to slightly over 10k):
Labor (includes some supplies): $7,600
Tile: $1,500
Fixtures, Vanity: $800
Paint: $150
Labor would've been about $1,500 less had we not had to replace the shower body, and had them redo the walls (they weren't straight, so there would've been a gap between them and the top of the tile)
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Response by KeithB
about 14 years ago
Posts: 976
Member since: Aug 2009
seaver69: Congratulations and this is great that you demonstrated that you don't meed to spend $20,000+ to put an old bathroom into shape. I have another client that renovated an entire 2/2 at a price point many on this board were skeptical about. Where there's a will, there is usually a way.
Would love to put your project on my blog,if you would like to detail the reno with pics please email me.
There is putting something into shape, there is renovating with a very tight budget (which is fine) and then there are med-hi end renovations.
I have done some staging projects with brokers who I am friends with where the bathrooms only cost $5,000.00 to get it into shape.
We need to put everything into perspective.
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Response by Primer05
about 14 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
Keith,
Nice blog
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Response by angray
about 14 years ago
Posts: 103
Member since: Sep 2011
Is it normal to have labor be 76% of total renovation costs? Or if you discount the $1500 extra work 71% of total cost?
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Response by nyc10023
about 14 years ago
Posts: 7614
Member since: Nov 2008
Seaver: did your GC do all the plumbing? This is a murky area of city regulations which I don't understand.
I've been told that (if the building allows it) that licensed GCs are allowed to do plumbing w/o a licensed plumber or electrician. If that's the case, $7kish is a true bargain if it includes a licensed plumber.
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Response by KeithB
about 14 years ago
Posts: 976
Member since: Aug 2009
I agree Primer05. Send me some info on your company please. It's all relative as Einstein liked to say....
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Response by Primer05
about 14 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
NYC10023
In my 15 years of being a GC I have never heard of any building allowing plumbing work performed without a license unless it is very minor work.
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Response by Primer05
about 14 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
KeithB,
I am not sure how to get in touch with you but my info:
One of the guys the CG brought over had a plumbing license.
I agree with most of the thoughts about the price point: we saved a lot of money by (1) not buying custom fixtures;(2)not replacing the tub; (3) sticking with the original bathroom layout
Doing any of these would've (I think), pushed us into the "hi-end" category, and driven up costs dramatically.
As another quick note, I think one of the keys to the speed of the project was that we stayed out of their hair. No daily check-ins, endless questions, or change requests. We just hit the road, asked them to update us with any issues, questions, or changes to the timeline, and came home 5 days later (at which point we could use the bathroom- true completion took another three days)
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Response by angray
about 14 years ago
Posts: 103
Member since: Sep 2011
Thanks seaver69 - Took a trip to http://www.classictileny.com/ and was well worth it. Great selection and competitive prices. Bought some On Sale items at a steal.
Thank you for this, I have renovations planned. Our bath is original, meaning 60+ years old, and needs all.
Questions:
1. You decided not to replace the tub? Did they tile around it without damaging the tub?
2. Do you have counter top material on your vanity? If so what kind? Or did you choose a sink to avoid it?
3. If this was in Manhattan, would you mind recommending your contractor? I would really appreciate the name, thank you.
1) Yes and yes. Replacing the tub would've resulted in a few thousand in extra cost (and Mr Clean makes a product that makes it look as good as new anyway). The caulking looked like crap before the job. Tiling now looks great with no damage.
2) Not exactly sure of terminology, but the vanity was one piece (so no additional counter top). The sink was built in. Does that make sense?
3) UCE Renovation. It was Manhattan. If you wind up using them, please tell them about the post- they'll know exactly which job I'm referencing.
How did you managed to get the tub to look white or clean again? Or was it not that bad so you decided to keep the tub as it? Thanks
Wow. Am doing similar changes. Can you post pics?
Mr Clean Magic Eraser Bath Scrubber. At the risk of sounding slightly overenthusiastic, this thing works miracles. There were a bunch of reddish stains no amount of bleach, etc could get out. Fiance' was insistent on, at a minimum, re-glazing, but this totally did the trick. I think it's safe to say that no heterosexual male will ever again be this excited about cleaning supplies.
I don't think you can post pics on the site, but I'd be happy to email.
Seaver, can you post the name of the tile place in Brooklyn, and where you found your vanity? thx!
Hi Seaver, what was the price that you have received for only re-glazing?
Wow. My tub is in great shape for its age, I love the idea of leaving it. Sounds like the new tile work doesn't have to destroy the old tub after all!
PS I just bought the Mr Clean, thanks so much for the tip
Kfarby2,
The new tile work should not damage the tub. The demo of the existing tiles is another story. The tub needs to be protected. Make that clear to whoever you are hiring
http://www.classictileny.com/
I used their Brooklyn showroom. While they have a great selection, we found the porcelain tile we wound up using in a much more expensive mid-townish location, and showed these guys a sample. They got us the exact same tile for a lot less.
The vanity came from here: http://www.decorplanet.com/locator-a/133.htm
We found what we wanted at one of their showrooms, and then ordered via the website. I would definitely recommend seeing whatever you're going to get in person.
We weren't quoted an exact price for just re-glazing, but were told in the range of "a few hundred".
Reglazing a tub is generally in the range of $300 to $450 in my experience. Think twice before doing it, though, as it will generally need to be reglazed every few years depending on wear and tear.
I think it is very important to know that there are many tiles that look the same. That does not mean they are the same quality.
You can find a marble tile at Home Depot that you can find on Park avenue. They look exactly the same but one is far better then the other.
Primer - what's better about them? Durability?
FreebirdNYC,
For the most part yes. Glass tile can pop after a while, if there is stress the tiles can crack
Thanks seaver69 for this recap. I wanted to ask you what was the breakdown of the 10k (i.e. labor, tiles, shower fixture). Thanks
Sure- all costs approximate (works out to slightly over 10k):
Labor (includes some supplies): $7,600
Tile: $1,500
Fixtures, Vanity: $800
Paint: $150
Labor would've been about $1,500 less had we not had to replace the shower body, and had them redo the walls (they weren't straight, so there would've been a gap between them and the top of the tile)
seaver69: Congratulations and this is great that you demonstrated that you don't meed to spend $20,000+ to put an old bathroom into shape. I have another client that renovated an entire 2/2 at a price point many on this board were skeptical about. Where there's a will, there is usually a way.
Would love to put your project on my blog,if you would like to detail the reno with pics please email me.
Keith Burkhardt
The Burkhardt Group
http://ubivoletaudentunicornium.blogspot.com/
"need"
Keith,
There is putting something into shape, there is renovating with a very tight budget (which is fine) and then there are med-hi end renovations.
I have done some staging projects with brokers who I am friends with where the bathrooms only cost $5,000.00 to get it into shape.
We need to put everything into perspective.
Keith,
Nice blog
Is it normal to have labor be 76% of total renovation costs? Or if you discount the $1500 extra work 71% of total cost?
Seaver: did your GC do all the plumbing? This is a murky area of city regulations which I don't understand.
I've been told that (if the building allows it) that licensed GCs are allowed to do plumbing w/o a licensed plumber or electrician. If that's the case, $7kish is a true bargain if it includes a licensed plumber.
I agree Primer05. Send me some info on your company please. It's all relative as Einstein liked to say....
NYC10023
In my 15 years of being a GC I have never heard of any building allowing plumbing work performed without a license unless it is very minor work.
KeithB,
I am not sure how to get in touch with you but my info:
website: www.primerenovationsnyc.com
Email: primerenovations@mac.com
One of the guys the CG brought over had a plumbing license.
I agree with most of the thoughts about the price point: we saved a lot of money by (1) not buying custom fixtures;(2)not replacing the tub; (3) sticking with the original bathroom layout
Doing any of these would've (I think), pushed us into the "hi-end" category, and driven up costs dramatically.
As another quick note, I think one of the keys to the speed of the project was that we stayed out of their hair. No daily check-ins, endless questions, or change requests. We just hit the road, asked them to update us with any issues, questions, or changes to the timeline, and came home 5 days later (at which point we could use the bathroom- true completion took another three days)
Thanks seaver69 - Took a trip to http://www.classictileny.com/ and was well worth it. Great selection and competitive prices. Bought some On Sale items at a steal.