The HH and I started on the upstairs bathroom remodel today so I thought I would share the before pictures with you and hopefully glean some ideas from you before I start picking out colors for everything. We plan on using 12×24 tile on both the floor and the counter tops. Right now the tile on the floor is 8×8 inches and the counter top is a pale pink/blue/cream laminate.
Just like the cabinets in our master bathroom, these ones are low {32″} and made of heavy duty oak. The reason I decided to refinish them instead of replacing them was because this is a child’s bathroom and so the low cabinets don’t matter as much. And of course there is the cost to consider as well. 😉
Chino and I went back and forth about replacing the cabinets and ultimately he was very confident that I could {and should} refinish them instead of buying new ones. The HH was totally neutral of course. I’ve decided to go for it and give it my best shot. I figure the worst thing that could happen is that I totally mess them up and have to replace them. I think I’ll be able to do it though.
Chino has an aunt and uncle who own a hotel in town, and when his aunt and uncle remodeled their hotel Chino and his brothers snatched up 20+ Kohler sinks with hardware for free. And guess what? Chino is giving us two of those sinks for free. YAY! Goodbye old outdated plastic sink knobs… hello chrome. 🙂
I like glamour lights just as much as the next guy {GAG} so those will have to go as well.
The shower unit is in great condition so we won’t be replacing it. {Lucy says hello!}
We will be installing a new comfort height toilet and a new toilet paper holder and towel racks too. Right now the room is painted a pale, dreary blue. I’m not sure what color I’ll be painting it yet. 
My budget breakdown for this project:
- Paint for the walls $30 {I should only need 1 gallon}
- Sandpaper, brush and stain for the cabinets $30
- 1 towel rack, 2 hand towel holders, 1 t.p. holder $60
- Tools to remove tile $19 {the HH already bought these and we will be using them for both bathrooms}
- Tile for floors and counter-top $250
- Tile installation $500 {?}
- New toilet $150
- Light fixture $60
- Light fixture installed FREE {the HH will install it}
- Sinks and faucet hardware FREE thanks to Chino
- Sinks installed by plumber $0-$100 {Maybe the Italian plumber who lives with his mother will install it in exchange for a delicious homemade casserole since he will already be here installing the master bath plumbing. We’ll see.
What do you think? Does this budget of $1,200 seem reasonable to you? Do you think I am way off on the price for the tile installation? I forgot to ask Chino how much his tile guy charges.
~Mavis
Sarah says
If this is a childrens bathroom–and especially if you have a 32″ vanity–I strongly advise against a “comfort height” toilet. I understand there are many who love them, but I’m 5’8″ and I hated ours. Also, standard height is easier for my kids. We’re finishing our new bathrooms and just bought a toilet yesterday, in fact. I spent way too much time researching for our renovation including the kids bath toilet; a Toto Eco Drake standard height 1.28 gpf with sanigloss.
Mavis Butterfield says
It never occurred to me. You are right, it should be a lower toilet. Thanks!
Rhonda says
I’m 5’2″ and I can’t put my feet down flat while going to the bathroom on a comfort height toilet. However, my 6’5″ husband loves it.
Teckla says
Sarah, I agree with you, since this is a children’s bathroom (especially for resale value), BUT I have to say, I love a higher toilet and I’m under 5’2.’ Maybe because I’m getting older, and maybe, too, because I once strained my back and found sitting anywhere to be painful, but especially the low toilet! For a while I had to use a urinal and stand. Not fun! Kids could always use a step stool, I suppose.
nicci says
We used rustoleum cabinet transformations for our bathroom remodel using our old cabinets. Completely satisfied with the results and super easy to use! Saved so much money that way and they look brand new!
Vanessa says
I am interested in seeing this project as it moves along. I am considering some renovations much like these. I also have that light fixture! I can’t even stand to have all of the bulbs in—way too bright! I have been pricing cabinets and counters and they sure aren’t cheap! I have heard that you can raise the height of an existing cabinet, but I’m not sure how to do that.
Robin Wright says
Two words, Chalk Paint. I love Annie Sloan’s, it’s non-toxic and the wax is great (no smell). Great colors too.
Cecily says
My DH is a concrete contractor and he says that the tile contractors that he knows would charge close to $1500 to remove and place the new tile. Maybe if you do all prep yourself, make the tile guy a gourmet dinner and pay cash you could get it down to a thousand. If he does it for only $500 send me his info, please!
sarah says
regarding tile, Mavis: Since this isn’t your forever home…if the tile is in good condition, have you considered just updating the grout? IMO the tile is not trendy, but it isn’t awful either. I guess it depends on your neighborhood and the ROI. I’d consider putting floor tile money toward a solid countertop (but I’m an anti-tile counter gal.)
Wynne says
I second the idea of a solid countertop. But then, I would get rid of all the tile in our house if it were in the budget, to escape the fussy cleaning and upkeep.
Teckla says
And I have to agree with the others! Definitely no tile on the counter top! Personally, not even on the floor, but I can handle that. However, it’s your home and you have to live there until such time as you sell it, so please yourself!
Mavis Butterfield says
What would you put on the floor besides tile?
Diana says
There is a product called Allure that is sold by Home Depot. It is a vinyl product – perfect for kitchens and baths, but there are selections that come in planks that look like wood. I’ve used it in my utility room, my upstairs and am going to put it down in my kitchen. SUPER easy care, easy on the feet and you have more of a selection than just tile – it looks like wood floor. I love the stuff…
Cari says
Definitely check out the Allure. I put that in my last house in the kitchen. We did a stone tile look. That was our most used entrance into the house and to the basement – it wore like iron. It was pretty low cost. We did the remodel to freshen up the kitchen for immediate resale, but ended up staying another 2 1/2 years.
sarah says
Since you’re planning to sell in a few years, you might check with a realtor regarding ROI in your particular neighborhood. We sold our house in a Portland suburb last summer and when asked about affordable ways to update the house, our realtor advised against any kind of vinyl, especially DIY types of plank vinyl. Our house value was a little below average for the Portland area, so we’re talking a fairly modest, mid-range home.
We’re finishing up remodeling our new, forever house only about two miles from our old house. Since we have two little kids and a long-term vision, my design style is defined as whatever is the most durable and cleanable 🙂 We had Mannington Luxury Sheet Vinyl in a Natural Maple pattern installed in the mudroom, kitchen and bathrooms. I absolutely love this stuff , however, “sheet vinyl” in an MLS listing would probably be considered a negative.
I think renovation choices for the long term are different than for the short term and it’s all dependent upon your local market.
Chris says
sorry, but I disagree on the short/tall toilet issue. Even though it is a kids’ bathroom, get the comfort height. Any little ones can use a kiddie step. We made this mistake in the boys’ bathroom when we moved in. After a few years of them growing, we had to shell out $$ for a comfort height. Plus, it makes it easier on any guests. Just my $0.02
Rosaleen says
Mavis-
Double-check the tile size for the floor application. Maybe it is larger tiles, say 18″, that can crack if the floor flexes. Just make sure that your substrate is OK for the tile you install.
Have you considered doing your tile work yourself? I did my kitchen and bath (probably 4″ tiles) myself. It isn’t that difficult. As handy as you are, it might be a good option for you.
Best of luck!
Libby says
I am so jealous! I would love to remodel our bathroom! It will have to wait because I have a 3 and 4 year old, two extremely old incontinent blind poodles (who will never die) and I’m 8 months pregnant, so I am lucky if I make it to the bathroom in time, let alone remodel it. I think you should come to California and do a bathroom remodel giveaway! (To me) I’ll throw in all the kale you can eat. Oh well maybe next year. I can’t wait to see the finished bathroom!
Janet says
How funny!! You have a full plate, my dear.
Daniele says
Libby, you had me in stitches. We too have an incontinent (but so lovable) poodle. My husband is always asking me, “How long do they live?”, then doing the math. She’s only 6…He’s got a looong wait!
suzanne says
Ooh yeah, we have our daughters standard poodle. She was her 4H dog for many, many years. She will be 19 this summer, dog not daughter. Blind and deaf but the nose gets her where we need her to be. She is so wobbly on her feet we can no longer have her professionally groomed. It ain’t pretty ;-). She’s not incontinent, thanks to the nose and we have the time to lead her out doors down a flight of steps 4 times day. The vet agrees that she’s happy and fairly pain free with the exception of old arthritic bones.
She weighs all of 40 lbs and I will carry her down those steps to her last breath if need be but dang , how long do they live.
Carmen says
Personally, I would keep the toilet assuming the condition is okay. I think it would be a waste of money.
Also, I think laminate counter tops are generally considered superior to tile. Limestone or similar would be ideal and in terms of house remodelling considered an ‘improvement’, but tile is very outdated so again a waste of money.
I’d also leave the tiled floors but redo the grout, update the door to the shower (outdated) and consider painting the vanity units (colour dependent on counter tops.) I would expect the tiling to be at least double your anticipated estimate, but have no idea of labour costs in your area.
The wall colour is perfect: neutral and soothing, but most rooms could always do with a freshen up.
suzanne says
I’d keep the tile too, freshen up the grout. If you really want a change, tile it yourself. $80 bucks for a tile saw at home depot. I promise it’s an easy peasy job. Have you looked at the new formica lately? They’re seamless with all kinds of edge options. My sis picked up some quartz in the leftover section of the slab yard. Enough for 2 bathrooms and only paid about 20 per square /including cut outs and install. I agree with the above comments about tile counters. I think Carmen might be right about the shower surround. Having stated all the negatives your bathroom is going to look great even with the tile counters. It will flow with the rest of the house. Finally how does the boy feel about the toilet?
Laura says
I just redid my kids’ bathroom last summer and I painted the old icky oak cabinets (I just dislike oak, it feels so 70s or 80s). I was doing it as a stop-gap measure, but after the paint job, I decided that I totally love it! Can’t afford to redo the tile countertops (even though I detest them) or the floor, so the whole shebang was about $100. Found awesome towel rods, etc. in a kit at Costco for a princely $30 and a matching shower rod for $20. Paint was free from that Ace Hardware promotion (went every Saturday morning for weeks to get it all!), but it all looks fantastic. Just a bunch of sweat equity on my part and viola! New bathroom for the kiddos!
Good luck!
Vickie says
Another thing that no one has mentioned is I would cut the mirror down into 2 smaller mirrors and frame them. I would also install 2 light fixtures, one over each sink. I agree with you on refinishing the cabinets. I think you would be much happier with a solid surface counter top rather than tile. It will look more updated and be easier to clean. You might be able to find a deal on a granite remnant or find something nice on craigslist or freecycle. Too bad nice countertops didn’t come with the sinks from the hotel.
suzanne says
Good call vickie. I thought it should at lest framed.
CathyB says
It is your bathroom, so go with what you like, but here are my comments for what they are worth.
1) If you like a darker stain, look into General Finishes Java Gel Stain. There are pics and how-to’s on pinterist.
2) Tiling is not that hard, you might even enjoy it. Just an idea if the labor cost is prohibitive.
3) If you don’t want to do the tile labor, keep in mind that a solid surface counter may end up being cheaper even tho the materials are more due to labor being less. Plus keep in mind that the actual cost of tile is usually quite a bit more than just the tiles themselves. Make sure you are factoring in costs for proper underlayment, adhesive, grout, and sealant.
4) on the toilet, I would say to go with the heights that you want, especially since your kids are adult sized. Even more so if this is the bathroom that guests use or you use from the main area. Little kids usually need a step stool even if the toilet is lower, plus changing to a lower toilet for kids is a pretty cheap fix to do later, if someone really cares about that.
Great job on all the remodeling. I can’t wait to see the results. Go with your gut, you have good taste and have done great so far!
Cari says
If those cabinets are in good shape and “sturdy” it is totally worth staining them. It should be fine, I have not done it myself, but a gel stain may be a good option. I agree on the toilet and counter height – keep ’em low for he kiddos and save a few bucks. I used to work for a high end tile company and I agree with the above comments. Any tile over 12×12 needs a sturdy substrate and a bit more patience. The good installers rates usually start at double the cost of the tile, then upcharge for special patterns (like staggered joints on 12x 24 for example), oversize, etc. You may be able to save on the install if you do the prep for them It is easier than laying the tile and won’t be seen (just has to be done correctly). I also agree with the no tile counter crowd. Laminate is not that pricey and has really improved in appearance. Kids can be tough on bathrooms with staining etc. so I would stay away from Corian for sure.
Janine vine says
Hey Mavis,
I think a great idea to kinda put a twist on the large wall mirror is to mount your new lights through it. I did it for a friend who had the movie star lights and same mirror and it looked great and was easy. You just need to drop the electrical boxes lower patch up old outlet and cut through mirror. I used te alight sconces and we even added a false frame inside the mirror if that makes sense. Here is an example from Pinterest http://pinterest.com/pin/338192253238316055/
Adding moulding around the mirror would also class it up. When my friend sold her condo, the buyers talked mostly about the guest bathroom we did on a weekend for hardly any money and no contractors!
Meg says
Do the tile yourself! If I can learn to tile, ANYONE can! Taking the old tile up sucks but putting the new tile down is FUN!
Edwin says
Hi Mavis,
We here in KC are fortunate to have Habitat for Humanity which recycles building materials and builds homes for people who contribute sweat equity if they are able. They have two, that I know of; stores where they sell salvaged and contributed materials.
They are like thrift stores. You never know what you will find.. I have seen 12″ by 12″ tile for as little as 35 cents a piece. We also, have a number of damaged freight outlets to look thru. Might be worth your while to investigate your area for similar sources.
Diana says
Just had a thought. Since this is not your forever house, for resale value, you may want to consider a solid surface or granite top for the vanity. I know it’s way out of the budget, but believe me, you’ll get it back when you sell the house. Most people see tile countertops and think “I have to redo this bathroom” and then they offer less thinking they’ll have to spend on remodeling…
Holly says
I agree with the other posters – you’re investing the time/$$ in the reno anyway, well worth it to get a solid counter. Try seeing if you can get something on sale/closeout or scrap from another project and then pick stain/floors to match it? Tile Counters make the whole room look old and you’re putting in too much to have it come out less than great. Agree that it might be worth investing in that over floor tile – again, see if you can find floor tile on sale or closeout or scraps from another project. It’s not that big a room so someone with a big house may have had extra from a kitchen or something. Sometimes the small hexagonal tile that comes in big pieces can look nice on bathroom floors, or some of the alternative products other mention. The alternatives don’t get as cold either, which is nice on bare feet in the winter.