Bathroom remodel for under $2000
Project Rundown
This house had a lot going for it back when I purchased it in 2018. The updated HVAC, vinyl siding, and a newer kitchen were items that I wouldn’t have to sink money into for a long time. But what’s the fun in buying a property that’s already updated and fully modern? I was looking forward to getting a place that needed some improvements; improvements that I could tackle by myself. What better place to start than the bathroom. This full bathroom looked to be last renovated in the early 90’s with its maroon fixtures and gold accents. While very nice in its day, it was one of the most dated parts of the house. It needed to be restyled but there wasn’t a big budget set aside for it.
The maroon toilet and sink had to go, so the plan was to replace those. The cast iron tub was also the same maroon color but in great condition with no chips or rusting. Cast iron tubs are quite solid and removing them is a hassle since they need to be smashed into pieces. Since the tub is in good shape, it made sense to refinish it in white.
For the flooring and tub surround, all existing tile was removed. Porcelain tiles were selected to add a modern color scheme.
Aesthetic changes to the lighting, sink, shelving and accessories all came together to finish off the space.
Budget
The goal for this project was to complete the bathroom for less than $2000. The biggest component to reaching this goal is to DIY. When doing any DIY project, it’s crucial to make sure you are using the right products and following the correct method. The work isn’t necessarily hard, but it’s important to do things the right way, in the right order, with the right tools. Practice tasks when possible and research online using reputable sources. YouTube videos from skilled accounts are a huge help.
The choice of materials also played a big role in meeting the required budget. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are less costly than real stone and marble. This is because it is tile formed by pressing and not stone found in the earth. Porcelain is more durable and harder than ceramic which makes it a great choice for floors and walls. Mortar and grout are not something to cut costs on though. Better quality mortar and grout will reduce loose tiles, prevent staining, and lower the likelihood of cracks in the tile. The costs to go from a low to high quality mortar and grout are not very significant.
With bathroom vanities, prices can range from $200 all the way up to $2000 or more. A cheaply made vanity will have laminated particle board and less sturdy hinges that may affect its lifespan significantly. A good option is a solid wood vanity with real stone or granite top. Spending a little more here will save the headache of having to replace it in just a few years. Some expensive brands that cost over a thousand may not be necessary since they offer comparable quality but with a significant higher cost.
The tub remains in its place but is refinished with a modern white color. This process can be time consuming and messy. It is worth having a tub specialist come in to do this job for the best results. It costs $250 to $500 to refinish a standard tub and many service providers offer a warranty of up to 3 years for the finish. The cost would have increased if we needed to replace the tub and rough in new plumbing for the drain. A refinished bathtub can last 10-15 years depending on how well it is cared for. Additionally, the smoked shower glass door was aged and leaking at the seams. A decorative shower curtain will be installed instead of a new door assembly.
Toilets are an essential component to any bathroom. The toilet should match the size and style of the room. Some cheaper toilets do not have quality internals and they can require fixing more often. Another downside to cheap toilets is their reduced flush power. A nice toilet is typically in the range of $200-$400 that offers nice technology and features while looking more appealing than an office unit. The high seat height and elongated bowls make for a more trendy choice.
The bathroom also requires a new toilet paper holder, towel rack, vanity wall mounted light, shower light, and other odds and ends. These can be found at any big box retailer or online for a great price. When painting the bathroom it’s good practice to use a quality paint that withstands humidity and water. The shower steam and any splashing can compromise low quality paint.
Work Entailed
Demolition involves carefully and tactfully dismantling the bathroom. There won’t be much sledgehammer swinging but rather chiseling tiles away one by one to avoid damaging the tub or walls. It’s good practice to protect all items you plan on saving with a shipping blanket or plastic sheathing. I protected the old toilet and sink since I planned to give them to someone. The tub was staying so it could not get scratched or chipped. Plumbing fixtures were removed and sold online to recuperate some cash.
In the tub & shower space, all tiles are removed from the surround and ceiling. Following the tile, the cement board is taken down from the wall studs. With the plumbing now exposed, it’s a good idea to check for leaks. Replace anything that looks questionable since the last thing anyone wants is a leak right after building a new tub surround. Shower mixing valves wear out over time and if the old one is being reused, it is recommended to rebuild the valve with a valve seal kit.
Once the plumbing is wrapped up, it is time to reinstall new cement board for the shower space walls. The cement board is attached with special screws and it’s important to use many screws so the board does not flex. Since the tile will be mortared to the cement board, it must be as flat as possible. The cement board will have the seams taped and mortared similar to the drywall method of filling the joints. A waterproof barrier is then painted onto the cement board using a roller or brush to prevent any leaks from water that gets behind the tile. Once the water barrier dries, the space is ready to have tile mounted.
A laser level and spacers help when mounting tiles, especially in a vertical application like a shower wall. Proper mortar spreading tools are a must when mixing and applying the cement so the tiles stick and cure properly. Grout is then applied after the tiles dry in place. After a sponge wash the tub surround is completed. Silicone sealer is used on all seams where the tiles meet the tub both inside and outside the tub space. Leaks should be prevented at all costs and proper silicone usage helps eliminate water leakage.
The floor tile is similar to the tub surround. When removing the old tile floor, typically there is a layer of ¼ inch plywood underneath. This layer goes above the subfloor and is what the tile mortar adheres to. If you do not put down a new ¼ inch layer of cement board or plywood above the subfloor, the tiles will be glued to the subfloor. This means that whenever the tile is replaced again in the future, it will require the mortar to be scraped off the subfloor. Always remove the ¼ inch layer of underlay material when removing old tile and install a new layer when laying new tile. Ice and water shield as well as paint-on water barrier can help the subfloor resist rotting near the tub and toilet.
Lessons Learned and Goal Achieved
For the amount of money spent, the bathroom had come a long way. Each and every component of the bathroom was updated or improved to make the space look entirely new.
