Lessons Learned: Bathroom Reno

Here are some of the biggest lessons we learned when doing our bathroom renovation. Enjoy, Mari & Paul

Demo & Planning

• Turn off the water to the bathroom and be careful not to nick the pipes when demolishing
• Invest in a reciprocating saw (aka Sawzall), especially if you have a fiberglass tub/surround to cut up
• Wear long sleeves, a mask, and eye protection during demo, again, especially if you are dealing with fiberglass and/or popcorn texture
• Enlist the help of friends!

Installing Backerboard/Cementboard

• You don’t need to use that much thin set/mortar under your backerboard/cementboard
• Mix small batches of thin set/mortar at a time so you don’t waste it (that goes for grout, too) and use warm water to make it easier
• You don’t necessarily need thick board – opt for a 1/4 inch if you can to make install easier
• Predrill the holes in your board if you’re having trouble installing it
• If you are not using a waterproof barrier underneath the board then you should paint a waterproof membrane on top of it (the green stuff)

Tiling the Surround

• Plan out your tile pattern before starting and determine the best placement for your shower niche if you are including one
• If installing a niche – consider buying a plastic one instead of building it yourself and screw it directly into the studs
• Invest in a GOOD tile saw (ours was not and it caused many headaches)
• Keep your area clean and wipe down tiles as you install – don’t wait until later when the mortar hardens
• Wear gloves! I didn’t and my hands suffered for it

Grouting the Surround

• Wear gloves for this part, too!
• Sponge down the tiles as you are grouting, again, don’t wait until later when it will be much more difficult (we know from experience on this one)
• Cure the grout by spraying it with water twice a day for a few days
• Seal after curing – it might take a few passes with the sealer

Tiling the Floor

• Plan our your design and start with the most important/visible area – in our case we wanted to control the look of the tiles abutting the tub
• Clean as you go
• You can reuse spacers as each area dries
• Use knee pads – they really do help!
• Cure and seal as you see fit

Installing the Vanity & Fixtures

• Enlist the help of a professional – in our case we hired a plumber to install the tub and fixtures
• Make sure your vanity and toilet and tub are the correct distance from one another according to code in your area

Installing the Toilet

• Read the manual for installing your toilet ahead of time
• If you opt for an apron type toilet (see above) know that it will be a more challenging install
• Invest in a GOOD diamond bit to drill through your tile – we broke several economy diamond bits and would have been better served with buying the expensive one off the bat