Bathroom Remodeling Book

	About the Author	xii
	Introduction	xiii
Chapter 1	Planning Your Job	1
	A Plan	2
	Needs and Desires	2
	Building a Viable Budget	7
	Financing the Work	8
	Plans and Specifications	9
	Planning for Inconveniences	10
	Setting a Realistic Timetable	11
	Contractor Considerations	13
	The End Result	13
Chapter 2	Drawing Your Own Rough Plans	17
	Books with House Plans	18
	Sketching Your Own Plans	18
	Getting Professional Help	20
	How Accurate Do Preliminary Sketches Have to Be?	21
	Judging Sizes	22
	Code Requirements	24
	Extensive Remodeling	25
	When Do You Need Blueprints?	27
	Reading Blueprints	27
	Specifications	28
	The Key to Understanding Blueprints and Design Plans	30
Chapter 3	Solidifying Plans and Estimating Job Costs	31
	A Major Bathroom Remodel	32
	How Can You Avoid on-the-Job Problems?	39
	Solid Plans Make for Smooth Jobs	41
	Estimating Your Costs	42
	Estimating with the Help of Contractors	42
	Material Take-Offs	48
	Estimating with the Help of Material Suppliers	49
	Estimating with the Help of Cost-Estimating Guides	50
Chapter 4	Choosing Your Materials	53
	Subflooring	54
	Lumber	56
	Vinyl Flooring	56
	Base Cabinets	57
	Countertops	58
	Wall Cabinets	61
	Lavatories	61
	Toilets	62
	Bathtubs	62
	Showers	62
	Light Fixtures	65
	Windows	68
	Trim Materials	69
	The Key to Choosing the Right Materials	70
Chapter 5	Getting Your Best Price on Materials	71
	Circulate Your Plans and Specifications	72
	Going Over the Quotes	73
	Looking at the Bottom Line	74
	What's Included?	75
	Negotiating from Preliminary Prices	75
Chapter 6	Subcontractors	79
	Trash Contractors	80
	Rough Carpenters	84
	Trim Carpenters	84
	Cabinet Installers	84
	Insulation Contractors	84
	Drywall Hangers	85
	Drywall Finishers	85
	Wallpaper Hangers	85
	Painters	86
	Electricians	86
	Heating Mechanics	86
	Plumbers	88
	Flooring Installers	88
	Tile Contractors	88
	Siding Contractors	89
	Roofers	89
Chapter 7	Selecting Contractors and Subcontractors	91
	Where Should You Look for Subcontractors?	92
	What Qualities Should You Look for in Subcontractors?	93
	How Can You Verify Information Given to You by Subs?	97
	Choose Backup Subcontractors Right from the Start	98
	Beware of Sales Hype	98
	Satisfaction	100
Chapter 8	Dealing with Contractors	101
	Fill-In Work	102
	Reference Jobs	103
	New Companies	104
	Negotiate	104
	Remodel with the Seasons	105
Chapter 9	Code Considerations	109
	Does All Work Have to Be Inspected?	110
	What's Involved in Getting a Permit?	110
	What Types of Work Require Permits?	112
	Keep Your Contractors Honest	113
Chapter 10	Financing Your Project	117
	Does the Type of Financing You Choose Really Make a Difference?	117
	Fixed-Rate Loans	118
	Adjustable-Rate Loans	119
	In-Home Financing	120
	Finance Companies	121
	Consult Your Attorney	122
	Financing Fees	122
	How Much Will Borrowing Money Add to the Cost of Your Job?	123
	Making Loan Applications	124
	Loan Approval	127
Chapter 11	Ripping Out Baths	129
	Preparing for Demolition	130
	Ripping Out a Bathroom	134
Chapter 12	Unexpected Conditions	143
	Floors	144
	Walls and Ceilings	144
	Mechanical Systems	145
	Cabinets	146
	Countertops	146
	Under the House	147
	Create a Production Schedule	148
	Lay Your Production Schedule Out in Logical Order	149
Chapter 13	Flooring	155
	Floor Joists	157
	Subflooring	158
	Underlayment	158
	Vinyl Flooring	158
	Carpet	160
	Ceramic Tile	161
Chapter 14	Walls and Ceilings	165
	Framing	165
	Windows and Doors	168
	Framing Window and Door Openings	168
	Window Installation	169
	Door Installation	170
	Insulation	170
	Drywall	170
	Paint	174
Chapter 15	Mechanical Work	177
	Plumbing Pipes Used for Drains and Vents	178
	Plumbing Pipes for Potable Water	180
	Where Should You Put Your Pipes?	182
	Heating System Modifications	186
	Electrical Services	189
Chapter 16	Cabinets, Countertops, Fixtures, Trim, and Appliances	193
	Choosing Cabinets	194
	Choosing Wall Cabinets	195
	Cabinet Installation	196
	Countertop Installation	197
	Installation of Interior Trim	200
	Setting Plumbing Fixtures	201
	Tub and Shower Trim	209
	Installing Electrical Fixtures and Devices	211
Chapter 17	Finishing the Job	217
	Vinyl Floors	218
	Walls	218
	Windows	218
	Plumbing Fixtures	220
	Install Accessories	220
	Cleaning Up	220
	Final Inspection	222
	Index	225