BATHROOM REMODEL ADVICE

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SandyinMonterey

DIS Veteran
Joined
Feb 1, 2013
We recently moved into our dream home which has become a little bit of a nightmare. It's concerning our master bathroom. The first time I used the Jacuzzi tub resulted in a leak that caused water damage to the ceiling in the garage (our master bathroom is right above our garage). Had plumber out, turns out the tub is the problem whether it's the filter, jets...who knows...the plumber doesn't fix Jacuzzi tubs. Had to removed most of the sheet rock and insulation to garage ceiling because of leak and also the plumber had caused a flood on bathroom room after testing tub and water sprouted everywhere. That caused more leakage to garage ceiling. Fast forward a week or two and we now have another leak which is coming from the shower. Had a different plumber out because first one flooded the bathroom. He said the shower was installed incorrectly. Something about the tile, the base....he said he can also see where there are old water stains. Anyway, looks like it's a re-do. We don't use the master bathroom anymore. Where and how do you begin to fix all this? Should we go the contractor route or go to a remodel construction place? And how can I be sure that when it's redone, it's done correctly? I'm sorry for all the questions, but the more advice and information anyone can give would be greatly appreciated. Like I said, we just moved to the area. Really don't know anyone well. We reached out to our realtor but she said she uses a person who isn't licensed and since she's a realtor, doesn't feel right about giving a non-licensed referral. Looking on line doesn't seem to be of much help. No reviews or poor reviews seems to be the theme.
 
My husband is a contractor and often goes out to homes to fix problems like this and most of the time the customer had gone to one of those home improvement stores and hired them to do the job originally, the problem with that is they don't always have the best people working for them or sub contracted by them. I would suggest that you either look for a lumber yard near by and see if the can recommend a contractor or check with the BBB to find someone. Not sure where you live but we are in Westchster NY and for a job like this depending on the size my husband would charge labor only of about $7000-10,000.00 that would include all demo, new Sheetrock, tiling , grouting, trim, painting, installation of all fixtures Fixing the garage ceiling and fixing the shower pan so it does not leak. We always have the customer buy all the tile and fixtures so that way they can pick out what they like and what fits into they budget. Hope this helps. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
 
When I had my bathroom expanded a few inches so we could replace the single stall shower with a tub I got a referral from friends that owned the local Service Masters. They, and ServPro, clean up water damage and other stuff. They also have contractors on staff or one's they use as needed, at least that was the case with my friends. They referred me to a licensed contractor and he did a free estimate. I don't know if either of those companies would normally give a referral but it could be worth a phone call.

Otherwise, my mom has tried finding people through Lowe's or Home Depot, but it seems they either don't have anyone they can recommend or the person won't do what she wants done. Nothing crazy, just rip the carpet out because she wanted to use the hardwood underneath.

I would go with a contractor who then either has a plumber they use or you find one. I had a plumber I liked so the contractor I used worked with them. My contractor also let me buy stuff myself and do the priming and painting to save money.

I would make sure everything is dry and there's no chance of mold before you start closing everything up. And get a 2nd, 3rd, 4th opinion until you are happy with the answers and the estimate and what they are doing.

Oh and check if your home warranty (if you got one) or homeowners will cover if you haven't.
 
My suggestion...find a contractor who willingly works with permits.

We have been getting estimates and one contractor flat out told me 'we don't normally pull permits because it means I need to get plumbers and electricians involved, and it increases the time line'.

I know permits increase costs...because of the extra tradesmen involved. But its YOUR peace of mind that the job is being done correctly. If you're going to spend some serious coin fixing a bathroom you do not want to have to rip up new tile to fix a problem left behind.

Cheaper can be expensive.
 


How long have you been in the house? Does your state have laws requiring sellers to disclose issues like this?
 
Two experiences with the big box stores that I am familiar enough with to make me stay away:

1) My Dad had Lowe's build and install a replacement wooden gate for his privacy fence for him. When I opened it, the 4x4 post that the gate was attached to came off the side of the house. They didn't bother to put the post in concrete, but used plastic anchors to attach it to the brick.

2) A former supervisor had Home Depot put down 5 figures worth of hardwood floors. Within in a year, every stick had to be replaced at Home Depot's expense because they were put down incorrectly. My former supervisor wasn't out money, but him and his wife had to take off alternating days from work while they were putting the floors back down, as well as moving all their stuff out to the garage.

If you get recommendations for Contractors, when you talk to the Contractors, ask them if they can provide the names and phone numbers of people they have done work for. Good contractors will stand behind their work and let you talk to people they have done work for.
 
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I also look for contractors and trades people on Angie's list. I like the ones that have many responses, they seem more likely to be accurate.

We had to gut one bathroom, the kids hall bathroom. (they did not use green board or cement board behind the tile in shower/tub area!!) DH ripped it out, and we just got people to do each thing, plumber to put in new tub and hook up new sinks , DH sheet rocked it, and we hired a tile guy for floors and around tub. We had issues, mold behind that improperly installed original tile, uneven floors that had to be leveled. But it was really not too bad. Also put some insulation in the wall for sound so the BR next door did "not have to hear EVERYTHING" as my DD put it. (why aren't bathrooms insulated for sound ? lol)

We bought most items at Lowes or Home depot, often online where they have better quality stuff, but we did not use them for installation. One issue with this, we did ship to store, is that the items often come in damaged. And I mean often. Like vanities, and sink tops, over and over. I ordered the materials over time and collected them until we had them all and we were ready to go.

DH is in construction, so it is slightly different for us than others, but I still did not think it was TOO complicated, as we were not moving fixtures around, etc.

(In the master bath we DID use Lowes to install a frameless shower door, and had many issues including a complete replacement before being satisfied.)
 
msmayor said:
My suggestion...find a contractor who willingly works with permits.

We have been getting estimates and one contractor flat out told me 'we don't normally pull permits because it means I need to get plumbers and electricians involved, and it increases the time line'.

I know permits increase costs...because of the extra tradesmen involved. But its YOUR peace of mind that the job is being done correctly. If you're going to spend some serious coin fixing a bathroom you do not want to have to rip up new tile to fix a problem left behind.

Cheaper can be expensive.
Click to expand...

I guess my comment would be ........ not finding a contractor who works with permits.......but finding a licensed contractor. No licensed contractor in California is going to do anything without pulling a permit. And at least here, if the work exceeds $1,000 in value, you HAVE to use a licensed contractor.
We used a bathroom and kitchen remodeling firm to do our top to bottom remodel. Everything was permitted and inspected. They were licensed to do everything, plumbing electrical, etc. Only thing the did not do was install the Corian because they are not a Corian dealer. And they did sub-contract some of painting, sheet rock and texturing so they did not get behind on the project.
 
I've had good luck by calling my local homeowner's insurance agent. I've asked for recommendations on individual tradespeople as well as general contractors.
 
tvguy said:
I guess my comment would be ........ not finding a contractor who works with permits.......but finding a licensed contractor. No licensed contractor in California is going to do anything without pulling a permit. And at least here, if the work exceeds $1,000 in value, you HAVE to use a licensed contractor.
We used a bathroom and kitchen remodeling firm to do our top to bottom remodel. Everything was permitted and inspected. They were licensed to do everything, plumbing electrical, etc. Only thing the did not do was install the Corian because they are not a Corian dealer. And they did sub-contract some of painting, sheet rock and texturing so they did not get behind on the project.
Click to expand...
I agree 100%!
Any "contractor" who says they don't pull permits would never get my business. It tells me that his work is not good enough to pass inspection.
It's illegal here in NJ too.
We are in the process og converting our screened back porch into a home office. Permits are not expensive and insures that the work has been done properly. Why on Earth would anyone want to risk a home fire because of shoddy work done by someone who knows a little something but isnt't a licensed, insured electrician?
You get what you pay for sometimes.
Peace of mind is priceless.
 
dreiwhit said:
Two experiences with the big box stores that I am familiar enough with to make me stay away:

1) My Dad had Lowe's build and install a replacement wooden gate for his privacy fence for him. When I opened it, the 4x4 post that the gate was attached to came off the side of the house. They didn't bother to put the post in concrete, but used plastic anchors to attach it to the brick.

2) A former supervisor had Home Depot put down 5 figures worth of hardwood floors. Within in a year, every stick had to be replaced at Home Depot's expense because they were put down incorrectly. My former supervisor wasn't out money, but him and his wife had to take off alternating days from work while they were putting the floors back down, as well as moving all their stuff out to the garage.

If you get recommendations for Contractors, when you talk to the Contractors, ask them if they can provide the names and phone numbers of people they have done work for. Good contractors will stand behind their work and let you talk to people they have done work for.
Click to expand...
But Home Depot and Lowes will be in business next year and likely 5 years after that. They have a reputation to uphold so will stand by their contractors work, as they did in your supervisor's case by coming back to fix their mistakes. A local business may not have this assurance.
 
Did you get a home inspection? They should have tested the shower and tub and looked for water damage. Look back through your report and see if the problems were listed.

Anyway, when we remodeled our a 1/2 bath we went through a Kitchen/Bath company. We were brand new to FL so I used Angie's List, Yelp & Google Reviews to narrow down my search. The company we ended up choosing did demolition and installation of everything - cabinets & hardware, counter, sink, tile backsplash, faucet, toilet, lighting, bathroom fan, baseboard and even my toilet paper holder and towel ring. We didn't end up needing any new flooring, but if we had, they would have matched the existing marble and installed it. My DH doesn't have the time to mess around with projects like this and I don't have any desire to do it so we paid to have it done. All I had to do was drive myself to the showroom and pick out everything I wanted. Easy peasy, but it was not cheap.

Are you looking to just repair the damage or are you looking to put in a new bathroom? If it was me I would have a bathroom contractor out to the house to assess what could and could not be saved and go from there. If it's just plumbing repairs (including the jetted tub) and cosmetic work it would be much cheaper to do that than a complete bathroom remodel.
 
what you need to do is educate yourself on what you want done... New shower stall.. new tub... new tile etc. There are plenty of videos from this old house and other similar shows that will show the correct process... You do want a licensed contractor as they are licensed within your state and town to do work in that town which means there information is on file... permits that is up to you... while it is the right way in a lot of cases the inspector never comes out or will come out after the works is done as they simply do not have the time or desire to check your one pipe... however these permits will remain open and when you sell the house the inspector will need to come out and close them. Simply it happens a lot more than you think... an inspector will give you a date 2-3 weeks after a pipe is installed and you then need to wait to continue. I had an inspector say do you want me to come out it is not needed but we can make a date if you want???? while having the work inspected by the town is not a bad thing there are still problems as you never know of the inspector cares or does his job correct or is a friend of the contractor... KNOW HOW is the key educate yourself and look at the work...
Be aware shower stalls are not cheap... some will use a premade plastic pan as it is a lot cheaper however the right way is a concrete base (dry) a rubber liner another layer of concrete (dry) and then tile... it is a lot of labor which means a lot of money...but this will last for many many years if it is done right where as a plastic pan will likely crack overtime especially if it is not done right.
also note that an inspector is making sure what is done meets MINIMUM requirements not what is the best way of doing something... in other words you can buy an electric can opener for $10 that works and meets all requirements in the USA but if you want one that will last you more than 6 months you may want to invest a little more...
 
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How frustrating to have all this go wrong. Was the realtor any help in saying the seller's disclosure wasn't complete or accurate?

I have hired general contractors and I have also done the contracting myself, and for a bathroom, I would hire the subs again.

Although it seems like a lot of work, I've found it easier to hire the subs myself. The hardest person for me to find is the carpenter. I've used Angie's List a lot and usually had success. However, the best contacts I have made have been through the other trades. For instance, I hired a sheet rocker, and he recommended a painter. I hired a tile layer, and he recommended a glass company. The cabinet maker recommended a finish carpenter. Right now, we are working with a cement/foundation guy, and he is recommending an excavator.

Good luck!
 
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