Bathroom Remodel Demolition

by Donna
(NJ)

I'm looking to remodel my bathroom myself because the contractor I use says they have to gut my bathroom.
My house isn't that old, built in 1991, and I haven't had any problems.

I just want to update it. So why gut it?

Thanks,
Donna

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Answer by Joe Trometer

Welcome Donna, thanks for the question!

Here's a list of common bathroom updates.

Below is a checklist when to gut a bathroom.

Updating a bathroom examples:

• A new vanity, sink, mirrored cabinet, and faucets


• A new toilet


• New flooring


• Painting


• Replacing a tub surround kit


• Replacing the light fixtures


• New glazing on the bathtub


• A new towel bar set

These are relatively easy bathroom updates without disturbing the walls.

Gutting the bathroom would mean removing everything!

Remove:
All the bathroom fixtures,
the drywall or plaster,
the flooring,
down to the studs and sub-floor!

Bathroom Demolition When...

• There is visual damage to the wall, ceiling, and floor surfaces


• Relocation of the bathroom plumbing and electrical fixtures


• Alterations to the floor plan or size of the bathroom

This would be an expensive bathroom remodel...

In the bathroom demo photo above, you can see the studs and
the mess of removing the wall material.

In the bathroom plumbing photo you can see the

• Water supply lines


• Drain, waste, and vent pipe


• Notice the new stud frame around the bathtub.

Why Does Your Contractor Want To Gut or Demo Your Bathroom?

A thorough discussion with your home remodeling contractor about the
Scope of Work will identify the reasons for the type of work needed.

A Contractors Estimate:

An "Estimate or Bid Sheet" from a contractor can be vary vague and incomplete.

Example:

Demo and remodel bathroom.............. $6,432.00.

****end example***

No detailed explanation of the work to be performed!
The list of materials is not listed.

I have another example of a "Scope of Work" written here on Ask-The-Rehabber.com in the remodeling kitchens section.(opens in a new window)

Having a detailed Material and Labor list of:

1) Work to be performed
2) Materials purchased for the bathroom remodel
3) Total labor cost

Are the important details of the job!
I would also require a time table of the start and completion dates of the project.

I would insist on a hard copy of the estimate in my hands
and a day or two to think about it before I commit to contractor.

Three (3) Estimates

When a contractor leaves me puzzled or feeling uncomfortable,
I follow my "gut" feeling.
In this case, I wouldn't gut the bathroom, yet!

I would suggest getting two additional contractor estimates.

You may be surprised how different each contractor's bid will be!

Find out which projects you would like to change
that would require the bathroom to be gutted.
There may be several bathroom updates you can have installed
without disrupting the wall surfaces.

Without knowing specifically the nature of the bath projects you would like to update;
I hope I helped you a bit with the above.

Donna,

Please upload some pictures of the bathroom areas you'd like to update.
Our visitors and I may be able to give you better ideas...

Just click on the link below... Thanks