Our master bathroom renovation included gutting and enlarging the existing bathroom to take in part of an adjoining, unused study, with the remainder of the room being converted into a walk-in closet that’s accessible from the bathroom.
Bathroom Subfloor Repair
During demolition of the old bathroom, water damaged wood was discovered in the subfloor under the bathtub and replaced with 3/4″ plywood. Since the old bathroom floor was several inches lower than the floor in the adjoining study, skids were ripped from 2x4s and nailed to the subfloor on top of the joists.
A second plywood subfloor was then installed on top of the skids to make the bathroom floor level with the higher floor in the adjoining study.
Bathroom Plumbing and Wiring
The plumbing was roughed in next, with vent pipes installed for each drain, hot and cold water lines run, and the shower valve mounted. The wiring for the light fixtures over the vanities, and the six recessed light fixtures and two bath vent fans were also roughed in at this time.
Bath fans vented to the outside are important to reduce both moisture and odor in the bathroom. Bathroom vent fans are rated by the number of cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air they move, with larger bathrooms requiring more powerful fans. Before purchasing a vent fan, use our Bathroom Vent Fan CFM Calculator to make sure the fan you buy is sized correctly for your bathroom.
Bathroom Insulation and Drywall
When the plumbing and wiring was complete, fiberglass insulation was installed in the ceiling and walls to keep heat and cold out and act as soundproofing between the bathroom and the rest of the house.
Next, green moisture resistant drywall was hung on the walls and ceiling, and finished with tape and joint compound.
Bathroom Cabinets and Trim
The bathroom door units, vanities, and trim molding went in next. Cement backer board was installed on the subfloor to provide a stable base for laying the tile floor. Read our article on Installing Tile Over a Wood Subfloor to find out more.
The walls were painted yellow and the trim white to provide contrast with the stained wood cabinets. After the painting was complete, the electrician installed all the switches, outlets, and light fixtures.
Bathroom Shower and Closet
A cultured marble drain pan and shower surround with built-in seat was installed, along with granite countertops with drop in sinks for the vanities. Watch our video on How to Install a Cultured Marble Shower Stall to find out more.
Hanging rods were installed in the adjoining walk-in closet to provide plenty of room for hanging clothes and other storage.
Other Tips from This Episode
Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
Nailing in Tight Spaces
When driving nails in corners and other tight spaces, it can be hard to hold the nail in position without hitting your fingers. To make holding the nail easier, grasp the nail with needle nosed pliers, then remove the pliers after the nail has been started. You can also push the nail through a small piece of cardboard to hold it, or cut a slit in a pencil eraser with a utility knife, and insert the nail in it. (Watch Video)
Best New Products with Danny Lipford:
Portable Workbench
The Husky X-Workhorse Workbench folds flat for easy storage, and snaps together in seconds to provide a stable 17” x 19” work surface that can support up to 750 pounds. Adjustable feet allow leveling of the bench on uneven surfaces, and the top easily locks in place to allow the bench to be moved around without coming apart. Husky X-Workhorse Workbench is available at The Home Depot for around $35.
Around the Yard with Tricia Craven Worley:
Organic Tea for Plants
Rather than just watering your plants, make your own nutrient rich, organic tea by mixing several handfuls of alfalfa spouts or alfalfa pellets and a shovelful of compost in a five-gallon bucket of water. Stir the organic tea mixture thoroughly and let it steep for several days, before using the nutrient rich liquid to water your plants. For an even richer plant tea, you can use manure mixed with water. (Watch Video)
