That powder room is looking at its last days. I’m gearing up to start the demolition portion, and those old tiles better not give me any trouble. Because I WILL win. Hear that, tiles? Mwaaahaaahaaa.
Before I even take a trip to Home Depot, I need to know what’s under those little Pepto-colored squares. Since I don’t own a chisel, I just wacked the tile with a hammer to see what’s keeping them down. Looks like some crappy glue substance, and not mortar. I hope this means it will be a relatively easy job.
Anyway, there’s no turning back now. Two minutes later, and this:
I called my township to see if I needed a work permit and the rule of thumb around here is that if I am doing anything that needs to be “up to code”, such as rerouting electricity, or changing plumbing lines, then I need a permit. If I’m just doing tiling and changing out sinks and toilets that take the same plumbing, then I don’t. And it takes up to 3 weeks to get one.
I full well know I will need a permit. But I really want to start. The urge to take hammer to tile is too strong to deny. So I pretended I was only doing cosmetic work. They told me I could always apply for one if, in the process, I “discover” that I will need to do more than I thought. Like if there is an, old hidden leak discovered and the walls happen to be damaged.
Here’s a very uneducated estimate for work and materials, and hope this reflects a worst-case-scenario for each line item. Though I have a few tools kicking around, I will need to buy most of the stuff associated with this.
1. Demolition: 1-2 days
pry bar $10
plastic sheet to cover the door $5
work gloves $10
masonry hammer $25
masonry chisel $15
utility knife $5
hacksaw $20
Total estimate for demolition: $75, not bad considering a crew of guys coming in for a day could cost a few hundred.
2. Electrical routing and plumbing, 2 days
guesses are based on projects described on Angie’s List.
permit $50
electrician, needs to add GFCI outlet, and maybe reroute electricity for pendant lights/sconce $400
plumber, change plumbing to accommodate pedestal sink, rather than vanity $400
Total estimate for hired work: $850
4. Drywall, 3 days
T-square $15
drywall utility saw $15
drywall saw $20
screw gun $100
drywall hammer $20
corner bead $15
screws $15
drywall panels (moisture resistant) $70
trowel $10
joint compound $15
joint tape $7
drywall sanding respirator $6
taping knife $10
sandpaper $10
hand sanders $10
Total estimate for installing drywall: $338
4. Tiles, flooring, paint, 3 days
mosaic tiles, 32 sq. ft needed (with a little extra in case of mistakes): $16/sq. ft. $600
flooring: 20 sq. ft: $104, at $4/sq. ft.
level: $40
grout: $15
sealant: $7
grout float: $7
thin-set mortar: $20
notched trowel: $5
paint: $30
primer: $15
trim paint: $25
rollers, trays, paint brushes, tarp, tape: $40
Total estimate for walls and floor: $908
5. Large and small fixtures, installation, 2 days
pedestal sink $300
toilet $300
faucet $100
overhead light fixture $100
2 pendant lights $150
mirror $150
toilet roll holder: $40
Total estimate for fixtures: $1140
6. Accessories, 1 afternoon
Including window treatment, vase, wall art, shelf, garbage can, and other miscellaneous doo-dads: $250
7. Miscellaneous
Anything else I probably didn’t account for, and inevitable mistakes: $300
Total estimate: $3861
Now that I see it totaled, the number gives me a sinking feeling. Seems pretty high, and I’m hoping to ultimately land below $3ooo. Maybe even well below $3000. That may mean giving up on some of my wish list. Also some of the tools I plan to buy will be used in upcoming bathroom projects, so those will be amortized. And those that I don’t end up using, are, of course, going back.
Wish me luck.
By the way, here’s the mood board I put together that gives a rough idea of where I’m going.
Tags: bathroom demolition, budget, powder room, remodel
My bathroom is the same nasty pink and I’m jealous of your renovations! Good luck with the powder room!
i hate seeing the total after tallying up costs for renovations/supplies. with our new house, we decided to pay extra to have the plumbing moved ahead of time for a vanity will be adding way down the road in hopes to keep some of our costs down. it’s all so overwhelming!
i’m really excited to see the new look once you get there though. those pink tiles definitely needed to go!
Nicole — Scary how the costs add up. I’m already rethinking some of my choices just to shave some costs. It’s smart of you to think ahead. I’d like to do the same but I don’t even know what I’m thinking ahead for
. Ah, the evils of renovation ignorance.
Oooh you made a hole – it’s beginning!
Poke around on Craigslist for steals on some building materials. Also, check if there’s a Home Renovation outlet or a Contractor’s Best somewhere nearby; they might have special deals that’ll help you trim your budget!
Cheers
-Micha
Micha — Thank you so much for the tips. I’m looking now… There’s no way I’m spending $3800 on a powder room, so any way to save is a huge help.
I find that even if I double the time I think it will take, it’s usually longer! This is going to be a fun project… can’t wait to see how it goes.